Bass Fishing In South Carolina

Guide To The Best Bass Fishing Lakes In SC

By AA-Fishing Staff Writers

South Carolina Bass Fishing

Fish for spotted, redeye, smallmouth and largemouth bass

Bass fishing in South Carolina is a beloved pursuit, cherished by anglers of all ages, backgrounds, and skill levels. Few experiences rival the thrill of hooking into a largemouth or smallmouth bass, making it a timeless pastime that transcends cultural boundaries. Whether you're a seasoned pro or a novice angler eager to learn the ropes, mastering the art of bass fishing can be immensely rewarding. That's why this page is dedicated to offering invaluable insights and tips on bass fishing, providing a comprehensive guide on everything from bass fishing techniques to essential bass-catching strategies. Whether you're seeking advice on selecting the perfect lure or honing your casting skills, we're here to equip you with the knowledge and expertise needed to excel on the water. Dive into our wealth of information to discover the secrets of successful bass fishing and unlock the full potential of your angling endeavors.

Bass fishing basics video.

Bass Fishing In The State

Largemouth Bass Fishing In South Carolina

Largemouth bass are the most abundant, and most pursued bass in South Carolina. They are available in most warm-water lakes in the state, they tend to thrive in most water conditions and grow to bragging size in relative short order. Often called big mouth bass, or wide mouth bass, they are savvy predators that feed on most things that live in their territory. Bass in the 6 to 10-pound range are common in South Carolina. The state record largemouth bass is over 16 pounds.

Finding & Catching Bigmouth Bass

Anglers can target big mouth bass in various lakes, reservoirs, and rivers. Spring and early summer are typically the best seasons for targeting largemouth bass as they are more active and feeding in the shallows near shoreline cover. Start with topwater baits, as they cover the water most efficiently. Reaction baits like crankbaits and spinnerbaits are the next choice. For finicky bass, plastic worms and jigs may entice a bite as you can move them very slowly around cover. In the heat of summer and the cold of winter bass move to deeper water, usually following the baitfish. Jigs, drop shot rigs and spoons are a good approach for bass holding in deep water. Vary your retrieve speed and action to find what the bass like today!

Popular fisheries include Lake Murray, Lake Hartwell, and Lake Marion. These bass are known for their aggressive strikes and can reach impressive sizes, providing anglers with thrilling battles on the water.

Smallmouth Bass Fishing In South Carolina

While smallmouth bass don't grow as large as their cousin the largemouth, they make up the difference with tenacious fights. Known for long battles and spectacular jumps, smallies grow fat and strong but rarely exceed ten pounds. Their range and locations are often with or nearby the largemouths. The state record smallmouth bass is over 9 pounds.

Smallmouth bass can be found in various rivers and streams across the state, including the Broad River and the Saluda River. Anglers who enjoy fishing in flowing waters will appreciate the challenge of targeting smallmouth bass, known for their hard-fighting nature and their preference for rocky habitats.

Spotted Bass Fishing In South Carolina

Another bass species found in South Carolina is the spotted bass, also known as Kentucky bass. Spotted bass thrive in reservoirs such as Lake Keowee and Lake Russell, where they can be caught alongside largemouth and smallmouth bass. Spotted bass are known for their aggressive feeding behavior and their ability to adapt to a range of habitats. Anglers who target spotted bass will be rewarded with their spirited fights and impressive jumps.

Redeye Bass Fishing In South Carolina

For a unique bass fishing experience, anglers can also pursue redeye bass, a species native to South Carolina's rivers and streams. These colorful and feisty fish, also known as "Coosa bass," are found in rivers such as the Chattooga River and the Broad River. Redeye bass are known for their striking appearance and their willingness to strike a variety of lures. Anglers who appreciate the beauty of these native bass species will enjoy the challenge of targeting redeye bass in South Carolina's scenic waterways.

Best Bass Fishing Lakes In South Carolina

You can find excellent bass fishing all across South Carolina. Ponds, rivers, small lakes and stream are likely to have bass in them. Visit the Bass Knowledge Center for additional, valuable information about bass and bass fishing. The major lakes in SC with healthy populations of bass include Fishing Creek Lake, Clarks Hill Lake, Lake Blalock, Lake Bowen, Lake Greenwood, Lake Hartwell, Lake Jocassee, Lake Keowee, Lake Marion, Lake Monticello, Lake Moultrie, Lake Murray, Lake Tugalo, Lake Wylie, Parr Reservoir, Lake Russell and Wateree Lake.

In summary, South Carolina offers a rich bass fishing experience with a variety of bass species to target. Whether you're after the trophy-sized largemouth bass, the tenacious smallmouth bass, the aggressive spotted bass, or the colorful redeye bass, the state's lakes, rivers, and reservoirs provide ample opportunities for anglers to test their skills and enjoy the thrill of bass fishing. With its diverse bass population and picturesque fishing locations, South Carolina is a top destination for bass fishing enthusiasts.

Click the images and links above for species details.

Top 5 bass fishing lures for South Carolina this year

When bass are shallow, spinnerbaits, crankbaits and top water lures are the most productive. As they move deeper, worms and jigs are among the top producers.

South Carolina State Record Bass

Two state record largemouth bass (tie), one caught from Lake Marion, the other from a private pond.

The state record smallmouth bass came from Lake Jocassee.

The state record redeye bass came out of Lake Jocassee.

The state record spotted bass was caught out of Lake Jocassee.

Bass are one of the most sought after of all the game fish. Its appeal spans cultures, age groups and genders to tap on the heart strings of anglers everywhere. Join us in our endeavor to offer information about bass fishing on your favorite bass lake in South Carolina.

Understanding the primary seasonal movements of smallmouth bass and largemouth bass is key to locating them on local lakes in the Palmetto State.

Catch big bass!

Bass fishing information by state.

082024*