Catfish Fishing in South Carolina

There are many species of catfish and even more ways to catch them. Adults range in size from less than a pound to hundreds of pounds. They can be found in all types of water including ponds, streams, lakes and rivers. There are even species which spend a limited amount of time on dry land. Big giant catfish put up a very noble fight once hooked.

Catfish Fishing Lakes In South Carolina

Most waters in SC have catfish of one or more species. All the major lakes including Hartwell Lake, Lake Greenwood, Lake J. Strom Thurmond, Lake Jocassee, Lake Keowee, Lake Marion, Lake Moultrie, Lake Murray, Lake Wylie, Monticello Reservoir, Richard B Russell Lake and Wateree Lake have significant populations of catfish. Major rivers, ponds and creeks across the state are also populated with catfish.

Tailrace Canal produced the South Carolina state record blue catfish and the state record channel catfish was taken from Lake Moultrie. Santee Cooper served up the SC state record flathead catfish and Lake Murray served up the state record white catfish.

Bill Monteith's daughter shows off this 78 pound blue catfish caught by her father from Lake Wateree in 2007.

Most catfish are considered bottom feeders to one extent or another. They will generally eat anything that can get in their mouth. Their strongest sense is smell which they use to locate potential food sources. Capitalizing on this sense is the primary weapon in your search for these creatures. Aggressive catfish have been caught on most types of fast moving bass lures so don't under estimate their ability to catch live bait.

Fishing for Channel Catfish
Ictalurus punctatus

Channel cats can be caught most any time of year except in extreme cold water conditions. The best time of year tends to be spring and fall followed by summer and lastly winter. Channel catfish favor crawfish and small fish, so look for them at varying depths where there is rock or gravel that attracts the crawfish or other forms of cover that attracts baitfish and other small fish. In the warmer summer months catfish can be found in areas with moss, which they feed on.

Fishing For Flathead Catfish
Pylodictis olivaris

Flatheads are caught primarily on bait like live shiners and chubs and only occasionally on cut or prepared baits. They are the second largest of the catfishes and lie in cover of submerged logs or other large structures. Prime fishing time for catching flathead catfish is after dark.

Fishing For Blue Catfish
Ictalurus furcatus

Look for these big blue catfish on major rivers or in impoundments fed by large tributaries. They feed on fish frogs, mollusks, crayfish and large invertebrates. They find food more by use of their keen sense of smell. Look for them to be hiding in hollowed out logs or undercuts in structures. Use anything from live shiners to cut bait and stink baits to catch these big blue catfish.

Fishing For White Catfish
Ameiurus catus

White catfish will typically found in slower meandering creeks, streams, canals and small rivers. They are occasionally found in brackish waters which drain into and mix with saltwater. Their primary diet is fish, however they also feed on aquatic insects, fish eggs, small crustaceans and even aquatic plants. Try live minnows or worms and focus on daylight hours as these are not as nocturnal as some of their other catfish relatives.

Catfish Baits

If it resembles food in any way and emits scent or an odor it is likely to attract the interest of catfish. Every ardent catfish expert has their own secret recipe. The ingredients range from natural prey of fish and fowl to non-food items like soap and chemicals. Chicken, shrimp, liver and stink baits are the most common ingredients. The long whiskers of the catfish are always in search of an easy meal.

Catfish Organizations & Resources

Catfish Conservation Group
Catfish Conservation
U.S. Catfish Anglers Tournaments
Planet Catfish

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Check out catfish information in other areas using the list of states to the left.

All About Fishing for Catfish in South Carolina.

58 lbs - 0 oz

58 lbs - 0 oz

65 - 90 Degrees

Prefers slightly stained to murky water with mild current and sand or rock bottom.

123 lbs - 0 oz

79 lbs - 4 oz

75 - 84 Degrees

Prefers streams or large bodies of slightly stained to murky water with moderate current and hard bottom.

121 lbs - 5 oz

109 lbs - 4 oz

68 - 80 Degrees

Found primarily in large river systems with deep current and swift channels.

22 lbs - 0 oz

9 lbs - 15 oz

70 - 85 Degrees

Prefers rivers and streams with slow moving current over muddy, sandy or even slightly silted bottoms.