Navigation Home - AA-Fishing Lakes Fish

Fishing At Clarks Hill Lake In 2024

AKA: Lake J. Strom Thurmond

Pick A LakePick A SpeciesPick A State

By AA-Fishing Staff Writers

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, SC

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.

The purpose of this page is to deliver an overview of this lake, the fishing options, and area amenities. Our goal is to provide info to first time visitors, as well as beginner and novice anglers. We gathered details from personal experience, numerous trusted websites that each offer select bits of information, and videos of fishing activity on the lake. These websites include the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources, marinas at the lake, campgrounds, boat rental agencies and others. By consolidating this information to one page it allows visitors to see the entire picture, all in one place.

Lake Video

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.

Fishing Boats For Rent In South Carolina

Primary fish species residing in Clarks Hill Lake

Click images for fishing tips and details about each species.

Largemouth bass Channel catfish Flathead catfish Black crappie White crappie Rainbow trout Brown trout Bluegill Pumpkinseed Sunfish Redbreast Sunfish Redear Sunfish Warmouth Sunfish White Bass White Perch Yellow Perch Striped bass Hybrid Striped Bass Chain pickerel

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

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.

AL Fishing Lakes AR Fishing Lakes AZ Fishing Lakes CA Fishing Lakes CO Fishing Lakes CT Fishing Lakes DC Fishing Lakes DE Fishing Lakes FL Fishing Lakes GA Fishing Lakes HI Fishing Lakes IA Fishing Lakes ID Fishing Lakes
IL Fishing Lakes IN Fishing Lakes KS Fishing Lakes KY Fishing Lakes LA Fishing Lakes MA Fishing Lakes MD Fishing Lakes ME Fishing Lakes MI Fishing Lakes MN Fishing Lakes MO Fishing Lakes MS Fishing Lakes MT Fishing Lakes
NC Fishing Lakes ND Fishing Lakes NE Fishing Lakes NH Fishing Lakes NJ Fishing Lakes NM Fishing Lakes NV Fishing Lakes NY Fishing Lakes OH Fishing Lakes OK Fishing Lakes OR Fishing Lakes PA Fishing Lakes
RI Fishing Lakes SC Fishing Lakes SD Fishing Lakes TN Fishing Lakes TX Fishing Lakes UT Fishing Lakes VA Fishing Lakes VT Fishing Lakes WA Fishing Lakes WI Fishing Lakes WV Fishing Lakes WY Fishing Lakes