Fishing Lake Marion
AKA: Marion Reservoir
Popular Fish Species Lake Marion, SC
Black Crappie
Black crappie reside in good numbers throughout Lake Marion, and they are running big this year. Crappie fishing is excellent, and they are running in sizeable schools. Crappie always like cover and structure, so locate wood, brush and brush piles at appropriate depths for the season. Using a fish finder can help locate schools of crappie, which tend to stack vertically around cover. In spring and fall focus on the 8 to 12 foot range. As the crappie move deep in summer and winter, follow points out deep, as well as find ledges near channels in deeper water.
Blue Catfish Fishing
This year blue catfish are running in the big, to monster size, in Lake Marion. Fishing for blue catfish is most often productive summer around any kind of structure. Road beds, creek channels and rocky points are all good places to begin. Use a slip sinker or Carolina rig with cut bait, shiners or other popular catfish baits. Other catfish in the lake include channel and flathead catfish.
Striped Bass Fishing
Striped bass are a favorite of many locals and fishing guides at Lake Marion, as they 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 are likely to be nearby. Fish finders are a big help in locating these roaming schools of both. Live bait is very effective here, and stripers can be caught year round.
Lake Marion Fishing Video
Fish species to fish for...
Guide to fishing for largemouth bass, channel catfish, flathead catfish, blue catfish, black crappie, white crappie, bluegill, pumpkinseed sunfish, redbreast sunfish, redear sunfish, warmouth, white bass, white perch, yellow perch, striped bass and chain pickerel at Lake Marion in South Carolina.
The largest lake in South Carolina, Lake Marion is the upper lake in the Santee Cooper Reservoir System. Excellent fishing opportunities abound at this 110,000-acre lake in the central part of the state, at Santee. Over 300 miles of shoreline entice fishing enthusiasts to wet a line most every where you look.
Lake Marion, located in the Lowcountry of South Carolina, is a premier destination for fishing enthusiasts. As one of the largest lakes in the state, spanning over 110,000 acres, it offers abundant fishing opportunities for anglers of all skill levels. The lake is renowned for its diverse fish population, including largemouth bass, striped bass, crappie, catfish, and bream, making it a haven for those seeking a variety of catches.
Fishing on Lake Marion is a year-round affair, with different seasons presenting unique angling experiences. Anglers can explore the lake's numerous coves, channels, and submerged structures to find their preferred fishing spots. Whether you prefer fishing from the shoreline, casting from a boat, or trying your luck at night fishing, Lake Marion provides ample opportunities to reel in trophy-sized catches and enjoy the thrill of the chase.
In summary, Lake Marion in South Carolina is a true gem for fishing, boating, and camping enthusiasts. Its vast size, diverse fish species, and scenic beauty make it an ideal destination for outdoor adventures. Whether you're casting your line for bass, cruising on a boat, or camping under the starry night sky, Lake Marion offers a memorable experience filled with relaxation, excitement, and the joy of being surrounded by nature's wonders.
Major fishing access areas for fishing from the bank include C. Alex Harvin Landing Pier, Rimini Landing Pier, Taw Caw Creek Park Pier and Taw Caw Creek Park Bank. Sixteen boat launch ramps provide easy access for pleasure boats, pontoons, fishing boats and sailboats. Canoes and kayaks can be portaged from landings and fishing access areas. Over a dozen fish attractors are located around the lake. Also some of the best fish cover in the lake, submerged stumps, standing cypress trees and aquatic vegetation, can also be a major hazard to boat navigation. Big bass, monster catfish and healthy shellcrackers are the main draw here. The lake also has very good fishing for crappie, perch, stripers, white bass, numerous sunfish species and chain pickerel. Marinas, stores, camping, lodging and other amenities are at the ready to enhance your family vacation or fishing trip to Lake Marion.
Primary fish species residing in Lake Marion
Click images for fishing tips and details about each species.
Lake Marion 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
Boating enthusiasts will find Lake Marion equally enticing. The vast expanse of the lake allows for leisurely boating adventures, water sports, and even sailing. Anglers can access different parts of the lake with ease, exploring its hidden gems and finding the perfect fishing grounds. The lake's boat ramps and marinas offer convenient access for boaters, making it hassle-free to launch your boat and embark on a day of aquatic exploration.
Fishing Boat Rentals
Carolina King Retreat & Marina
Rentals: Pontoon boats
803 478-2800
Santee Boat Rentals
Rentals: Fishing boats, jon boats and pontoons
803 974-0865
Public Boat Launch Ramps & Landings
C Alex Harvin III Landing Boat Ramp
Located in the northeast section of the lake, at the north end of the State Road 260 Bridge, this is a three-lane, concrete ramp with docks and paved parking.
Calhoun Subdivision Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the northwest section of the lake, off State Road S-9-204, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.
Cypress Landing Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the northwest section of the lake, off State Park Road, this is a one-lane, concrete ramp with docks and paved parking.
Cathead Landing Boat Launch Ramp
Located mid lake, on the south side of the lake, off Lakeview Drive, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and gravel parking.
John C Land Boat Landing
Located mid lake, on the north side of the lake, off Greenall Road, this is a three-lane, concrete ramp with docks and paved parking.
Pack's Landing Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the northwest section of the lake, east side, off State Road S-43-51, this is a four-lane, concrete ramp with docks and paved parking.
Polly's Landing Boat Launch Ramp
Located mid lake, on the northeast side of the lake, off Gordon Road, this is a one-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and gravel parking.
Santee State Park Boat Ramp #2
Located mid lake, west side, off Boyscout Camp Road, this is a one-lane, concrete ramp with gravel parking.
Sparkleberry Landing Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the northwest section of the lake, east side, off Sparkleberry Landing Road, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.
Spiers Landing Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the southeast section of the lake, south side, off State Road S-8-536, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.
Marinas
Bells Marina & Restaurant
12907 Old Number Six Highway
Eutawville, SC 29048
803 492-7924
Carolina King Retreat & Marina
2498 Belser Rd
Summerton, SC 29148
803 478-2800
Lake Marion Resort and Marina
510 Ragtime Trail
Santee, SC 29142
803 854-2136
Marker 79 Marina
216 Pine Bluff St
Vance, SC 29163
803 598-0790
Mill Creek Marina
216 Lake Marion Ln.
Vance, SC 29163
803 492-7746
Rocks Pond Campground & Marina
108 Campground Rd
Eutawville, SC 29048
803 492-7711
Fishing Guides On Lake Marion
S & S Guide Service - catfish, crappie, bream
Santee Cooper Charters - stripers, crappie, bass
Santee Pro Guide Service - crappie, catfish
If you offer fishing guide services on Lake Marion, please contact us for a free listing to be posted here.
Fishing License
Click here for a South Carolina Fishing License.
For those seeking a complete outdoor experience, Lake Marion offers camping facilities in its surrounding parks and campgrounds. Campers can enjoy the tranquility of nature, wake up to stunning lake views, and spend their days fishing or engaging in other recreational activities. With designated camping areas, picnic spots, and amenities such as restrooms and fire pits, Lake Marion provides a comfortable and enjoyable camping experience for visitors.
Campgrounds & RV Parks Nearby
Mac's Landing Campground - 843 351-4452
Rocks Pond Campground & Marina - 803 492-7711
Lake Marion Resort & Marina Campground - 803 854-2136
Poplar Creek Landing Campground - 803 897-2811
Stumphole Landing Campground - 803 826-6111
Elliott's Landing Campground - 803 452-5336
Santee - Santee Lakes KOA Campground - 803 478-2262
Taw Caw Campground & Marina - 803 478-2171
Camp Robinson Campground - 803 478-2342
Lighthouse Pointe Family RV Park - 803 478-2138
Lake Marion SC Map - Fishing & Camping Areas
Contact Information
Lake Marion
Taw Caw Campground & Marina
1328 Joyner Dr
Summerton, SC 29148
803 478-2171
Fishing lakes in each state.
022924
Lake Marion in South Carolina.
SOUTH CAROLINA
Information about fishing lakes in SC
Go fishing at Lake Marion to catch bass, catfish, shellcrackers, crappie, perch, stripers, white bass, sunfish and chain pickerel in central South Carolina.