Fishing Clarks Hill Lake
AKA: Lake J. Strom Thurmond
Popular Fish Species Clarks Hill Lake, SC
Largemouth Bass Fishing
Largemouth bass are thriving in Clarks Hill Lake due to excellent fisheries management and plenty of cover for both baitfish and bass. Fishing for largemouth bass is good virtually any time they are shallow - in spring, mornings in summer, and during warm fall afternoons. Use shallow crankbaits around rip rap. Around grass use worms, jigs, topwater and spinnerbaits. In deeper water, big worms, jigs and spoons are three good weapons. In winter, spend your time on deeper structure.
Striped Bass Fishing
This year, striped bass are again a favorite of many locals and fishing guides at Clarks Hill Lake. Striped bass are plentiful and grow to bragging size. Being successful at fishing for stripers is a matter of locating schools of bait, and the wolf packs of stripers which are likely to be nearby. Fish finders are a big help in locating these roaming schools. Live bait is very effective here, and stripers can be caught year round.
Bluegill/Shellcracker
Fishing for bluegill is a time-honored tradition at Clarks Hill Lake. Young and old, beginners and seasoned anglers alike, all enjoy catching a bunch of fat bluegill. This year, much like recent years, the shellcracker population is healthy and always looking for something to eat. Bluegill fishing is as basic as fishing gets. Any pole, reasonably small line and small hooks baited with anything edible, creates the ideal setup. Add a bobber and you can set the depth you prefer the bait to position. Bluegill hang around brush, rocks, vegetation or any cover available.
Fish species to fish for...
Guide to fishing for largemouth bass, channel catfish, flathead catfish, black crappie, white crappie, rainbow trout, brown trout, bluegill, pumpkinseed sunfish, redbreast sunfish, redear sunfish, warmouth, white bass, white perch, yellow perch, striped bass, hybrid striped bass and chain pickerel at Clarks Hill Lake in South Carolina.
Clarks Hill Lake Fishing Video
Known nationally for excellent largemouth bass and striped bass fishing, Clarks Hill Lake, aka Lake J. Strom Thurmond also serves up quality fishing for many other species. The lake has populations of bass, stripers, hybrid striped bass, catfish, crappie, bluegill, sunfish and chain pickerel.
Located on the border of South Carolina and Georgia, Clarks Hill Lake, also known as J. Strom Thurmond Lake, is a haven for fishing enthusiasts. Spanning over 71,000 acres, this sprawling reservoir offers a diverse range of fish species, making it a popular destination for anglers of all skill levels. Fishermen can expect to find largemouth bass, striped bass, crappie, catfish, and bream among the plentiful waters of Clarks Hill Lake.
The lake's reputation as a top fishing spot is well-deserved, with numerous fishing tournaments hosted throughout the year. Anglers can test their skills against the trophy-sized bass that inhabit these waters or try their hand at catching the elusive striped bass. With plenty of coves, points, and submerged structures, Clarks Hill Lake provides ample opportunities for anglers to explore and find their preferred fishing spots.
Clarks Hill Lake in South Carolina is a paradise for fishing, boating, and camping enthusiasts. With its diverse range of fish species, expansive water surface, and nearby camping facilities, it provides an ideal setting for outdoor adventures. Whether you're casting your line for trophy bass, cruising on a boat, or spending a night under the stars, Clarks Hill Lake offers a memorable experience for all who visit.
Sprawling over 71,000 surface acres with 1,200 miles of shoreline, the reservoir is located in both Georgia and South Carolina. It sets on the eastern border of SC, at Clarks Hill, with about 800 miles of shoreline in SC. Around 20 boat launch ramps serve the public for launch of personal watercraft. Pontoon boats, fishing boats and family boats rentals are available at marinas on the lake. Much of the shoreline is accessible only by boat, however, there are places with access for fishing from the bank or portage of a canoe or kayak. Some of these access points are via parks, campgrounds, the fishing pier and nearby some of the boat landings. Bait and tackle, lodging, dining, camping, RV hookups, restaurants, shopping and marinas are all located with easy access around the lake.
Primary fish species residing in Clarks Hill Lake
Click images for fishing tips and details about each species.
Clarks Hill Lake Amenities
Marina: YES
Boat Rental: YES
Boat Launch Ramp: YES
Campgrounds: YES
RV Hookups: YES
Lodging: YES
Convenience Store: YES
Bait & Tackle: YES
Restaurant: YES
Today's Weather & Forecast
Clarks Hill Lake is also a popular destination for boating enthusiasts. With its expansive surface area, boaters can enjoy leisurely cruises, waterskiing, and tubing adventures. The lake features multiple boat ramps and marinas, ensuring easy access for boaters and providing opportunities for fishing enthusiasts to cover more ground.
Fishing Boat Rentals
Savannah Lakes Marina
Rentals: Pontoon boats
864 391-3477
Public Boat Launch Ramps & Landings
Bakers Creek Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the northeast section of the lake, at the north end of the US Highway 378 Bridge, this is a one-lane, concrete ramp with paved parking.
Clarks Hill Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the southeast corner of the lake, off Clarks Hill Park Road, this is a one-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.
Dordon Creek Boat Launch Ramp
Located mid lake, east side, off State Road S-33-68, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.
Dorn Fishing Facility Boat Launch Ramp
Located mid lake, east side, off Dorn Facility Road, this is a six-lane, concrete ramp with docks and lots of paved parking.
Little River Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the northeast section of the lake, at the west end of the 81 Road Bridge, this is a one-lane, concrete ramp with gravel parking.
Modoc Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the southeast section of the lake, off Gilcrest Ferry Road, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.
Parksville Wayside Park Boat Launch Ramp
Located mid lake, east side, off State Road S33-89, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.
Scott's Ferry Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the southeast section of the lake, off Highway 28 S, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.
Marinas
Savannah Lakes Marina
99 Village Dr
McCormick, SC 29835
864 391-3477
Fishing Guides On Clarks Hill Lake
Reel N Time Fishing Charters - crappies, stripers, catfish
If you offer fishing guide services on this lake, please contact us for a free listing, to be posted here.
Fishing License
Click here for a South Carolina Fishing License.
For those seeking to extend their stay, camping options are available near Clarks Hill Lake. Several campgrounds and RV parks offer scenic views of the lake, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the tranquil surroundings. Whether it's setting up a tent under the stars or enjoying the comforts of a camper, campers can enjoy the serenity of nature while being close to the water and fishing opportunities.
Campgrounds & RV Parks Nearby
Hamilton Branch State Park Campground - 864 333-2223
Clarks Hill Campground - 800 533-3478
US Army Corps of Engineers Campground - 864 333-2272
Plum Branch Yacht Club Campground - 864 443-3000
Hawe Creek Campground - 864 443-5441
Baker Creek State Park Campground - 864 443-2457
Below Dam Recreation Area Campground - 800 533-3478
Clarks Hill Lake SC Map - Fishing & Camping Areas
Contact Information
Clarks Hill Lake
Hamilton Branch State Park
111 Campground RD
Plum Branch, SC 29845
864 333-2223
Fishing lakes in each state.
082624
Clarks Hill Lake in South Carolina.
SOUTH CAROLINA
Information about fishing lakes in SC
Go fishing at Clarks Hill Lake to catch bass, stripers, hybrid striped bass, catfish, crappie, bluegill, sunfish and chain pickerel in eastern South Carolina.
