Fishing Lake Wateree

AKA: Wateree Reservoir

By AA-Fishing Staff Writers

Popular Fish Species Lake Wateree, SC

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Black Crappie Fishing

Local anglers are catching nice baskets of crappie on Lake Wateree, and they are running in good sizes this year. Black crappie are the main target here, but white crappie, in smaller numbers, also make this lake their home. Crappie fishing is easy and requires simple, basic gear. Any fishing pole, reasonably small line and crappie jigs or small hooks baited with live bait, creates the ideal setup. Add a bobber and you can set the depth you prefer the bait to maintain.The best time to catch crappie tends to be at dawn and dusk. Live bait and small jigs are the most common method for crappie here. Because crappie always like cover and structure, so locate brush and vegetation. 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.

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Striped Bass Fishing

Due to their large size, and an on-going stocking program by the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources, striped bass are a favorite of many locals and fishing guides at Lake Wateree. They are plentiful, run in schools and can grow to bragging size. In Spring and Fall work the upper end of the lake where water is flowing into the lake. Look for deeper water in the river channel, as a holding place for stripers. In Summer and Winter, stripers hang out in deeper water during the day Morning often draws the stripers to much shallower water, look for them from the surface down to around the 20-foot range as they feed on shallow-running schools of bait. The lake is filled with plenty of baitfish and sunfish to to keep the fishery thriving. 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, and forward facing sonar, are a big help in locating these roaming schools. Live bait is very effective here, and stripers can be caught year round.

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Blue Catfish Fishing

Catfish anglers are enjoying some very good blue catfish fishing, including some very large blues on Lake Wateree. Most of the local guides offer catfish trips, and these big blues are the favorite target. The state record blue catfish is over 110 pounds. Fishing for blue catfish is most often productive during spring through summer around any kind of structure. Blue catfish are primarily found in large rivers, along the main channels, in and around tributaries flowing into impoundments of major river systems. They tend to move upstream in the summer in search of cooler temperatures, and downstream in the winter in order to find warmer water.The river end of the lake is often the area where the bigger catfish are caught. Road beds, creek channels and rocky points are all good places to begin. Use a slip sinker or Carolina rig with cut bait or other popular catfish baits. Other catfish in the lake include channel and flathead catfish.

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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 perch, yellow perch, striped bass and chain pickerel at Lake Wateree in South Carolina.

Lake Wateree Fishing Video

A highly desirable recreation getaway, Lake Wateree is an ideal destination for camping, boating and fishing. This 13,000-acre lake is located in the north-central part of the state, at Great Falls, SC. Outdoor enthusiasts will find 216 miles of shoreline to explore for fishing, hiking and picnicking.

Lake Wateree, situated in the heart of South Carolina, is a beloved destination for fishing enthusiasts. Spanning over 13,000 acres, this scenic reservoir offers excellent fishing opportunities for anglers of all levels. The lake is known for its abundant fish population, including largemouth bass, striped bass, crappie, catfish, and bream, making it a haven for those seeking a diverse range of catches.

Fishing on Lake Wateree is a year-round affair, with each season offering unique angling experiences. Anglers can explore the lake's various coves, points, and submerged structures to find their preferred fishing spots. Whether you prefer casting from the shoreline, trolling from a boat, or fishing from a kayak, there are plenty of opportunities to reel in a trophy-sized catch. The calm waters of Lake Wateree and its healthy fish population ensure an exciting and rewarding fishing experience.

In summary, Lake Wateree in South Carolina is a paradise for fishing, boating, and camping enthusiasts. Its diverse fish species, expansive water surface, and camping facilities make it an ideal destination for outdoor adventures.

Over a dozen access points, including 8 boat launch ramp areas, are scattered around the lake. Fish for your favorite species by bank fishing or fishing from a boat. The delightful array of fish species in Wateree Lake includes bass, striped bass, perch, crappie, catfish, chain pickerel and numerous species of sunfish. Lake Wateree State Recreation Area offers easy boating and bank fishing access, including portage of canoes and kayaks. Restaurants, stores, fishing tackle, campgrounds, lodging, marinas and boat rentals are all handy to enhance your fishing trip or family vacation.

Primary fish species residing in Lake Wateree

Click images for fishing tips and details about each species.

Wateree Lake Amenities

Marina: YES
Boat Rental: YES
Boat Launch Ramp: YES
Campgrounds: YES
RV Hookups: YES
Lodging: NEARBY
Convenience Store: YES
Bait & Tackle: YES
Restaurant: YES

Today's Weather & Forecast

In addition to its excellent fishing prospects, Lake Wateree is a popular destination for boating enthusiasts. The expansive surface area of the lake provides ample space for boaters to explore and enjoy various water activities. Whether it's a leisurely cruise, water skiing, or pontoon adventures with family and friends, the lake offers a picturesque setting for boating enjoyment. The lake's boat ramps and marinas make it easy for boaters to access the water and make the most of their time on Lake Wateree.

Fishing Boat Rentals

Wateree Marina
Rentals: Kayaks, canoes and pontoon boats
803 475-1224

Public Boat Launch Ramps & Landings

Buck Hill Landing Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the southwest corner of the lake, off Buck Hill Landing Road, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.

June Creek Landing Boat Launch Ramp
Located mid lake, west side, off River Road, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.

Lake Wateree State Park Boat Launch Ramp
Located mid lake, west side, off State Park Road, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.

Molly Creek Landing Boat Launch Ramp
Located mid lake, west side, off Island Road, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and gravel parking.

Taylor Creek Boat Launch Ramp
Located mid lake, west side, off River Road, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.

Watertree Creek Landing Boat Ramp
Located in the northwest section of the lake, off Shangri-La Drive, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.

Watertree Marina Boat Launch Ramp
Located mid lake, east side, off Becca Lane, this is a one-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.

White Oak Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the southeast section of the lake, off Baron Dekalb Road, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with docks and paved parking.

Marinas

Dutchman Creek Marina
5546 River Rd
Winnsboro, SC 29180
803 482-3067

Wateree Marina
Lake Wateree, South Carolina
Camden, SC 29020
803 475-1224

Fishing Guides On Lake Wateree

Rush Guide Service - crappie, 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 a complete outdoor experience, Lake Wateree offers camping facilities in nearby parks and campgrounds. Campers can immerse themselves in the natural beauty of the lake's surroundings, waking up to stunning views and enjoying the tranquility of the outdoors. Whether you prefer tent camping or RV camping, there are designated camping areas with amenities such as picnic tables, fire pits, and restrooms. Camping near Lake Wateree allows visitors to fully appreciate the serenity of the lake and enjoy a range of recreational activities such as fishing, boating, hiking, and bird-watching.

Campgrounds & RV Parks Nearby

Lake Wateree State Park Campground - 803 482-6401

Wateree Lake RV Park & Marina - 803 273-3013

Nosoca Pines Ranch Campground - 803 273-8200

Carolina Adventure World Campground - 803 482-3534

Wateree Recreation Area Military Campground - 877 928-8373

Lake Wateree SC Map - Fishing & Camping Areas

Contact Information

Wateree Lake
Lake Wateree State Park
881 State Park Rd
Winnsboro, SC 29180
803 482-6401

Fishing lakes in each state.

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