Best Fishing Lakes In South Carolina

Top places to fish for bass, catfish, crappie and more in SC.

Clarks Hill Lake, Lake Greenwood, Lake Hartwell, Lake Marion, Lake Moultrie, Lake Murray, Lake Wylie and Wateree Lake are the most popular places for fishing in South Carolina, offering anglers the chance to pursue a variety of fish species. The Marinas Page offers a list of popular marinas on some of these lakes. The Fishing Boat Rental Page lists options for fishing boat rentals at some of these lakes.

Bass Lakes
Catfish Lakes
Crappie Lakes
Sunfish & Perch Lakes
Walleye Lakes
Trout Lakes
Striped Bass Lakes

South Carolina is blessed with a variety of fishing lakes, each offering a unique angling experience. The state is home to both warm water and cold water lakes, providing opportunities to target a diverse range of fish species. <p>The purpose of this page is to share basic information about the best fishing lakes in the state, and the species found in each lake.</p>

Warm water lakes in South Carolina are known for their abundant populations of bass, crappie, catfish, and bream. Lakes such as Lake Marion, Lake Murray, and Lake Wateree are renowned for their warm water fisheries. Anglers can target largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, and striped bass in these lakes, using various techniques such as topwater lures, soft plastics, and crankbaits. Crappie enthusiasts can enjoy productive fishing for black crappie and white crappie, often using jigs or live minnows. Catfish and bream are also plentiful, providing anglers with opportunities to catch these popular panfish using a variety of baits and techniques.

In contrast, South Carolina is also home to cold water lakes, which provide excellent opportunities for trout fishing. Lakes such as Lake Jocassee and Lake Hartwell are known for their cold water fisheries. These lakes receive regular stockings of rainbow trout and brown trout, attracting anglers seeking a challenging and rewarding trout fishing experience. Fly fishing, spin casting, and trolling are popular techniques used to target trout in these lakes. Anglers can enjoy the scenic beauty of the mountains while casting their lines for these prized cold water species.

Overall, South Carolina's fishing lakes offer a rich diversity of species and fishing experiences. Whether you prefer warm water fishing for bass, crappie, catfish, and bream, or cold water fishing for trout, the state has a lake to suit your angling preferences. From large reservoirs to mountain lakes, South Carolina's fishing lakes provide ample opportunities for anglers of all levels to enjoy the thrill of the catch and create lasting fishing memories.

Walleye Lakes

Lake Hartwell and Lake Wylie are the best lakes for walleye fishing. More...

Trout Lakes

Lake Jocassee and Lake Tugalo are options for rainbow and brown trout. More...

Striped Bass Lakes

Clarks Hill Lake, Fishing Creek Lake, Lake Greenwood, Lake Hartwell, Lake Marion, Lake Moultrie, Lake Murray and Wateree Lake are the best options for striped bass and hybrid striped bass. More...

Visit the South Carolina fishing page for links to information covering a wide variety of fish species and destinations in the state. Visit the South Carolina map to identify your best route to these top fishing locations. Look to our sister site for additional information about boating in SC at many of the most popular destinations in the state.