Guide To Striped Bass & Hybrid Striper Fishing In South Carolina

South Carolina offers thrilling opportunities for striped bass fishing, with its lakes and rivers attracting anglers in pursuit of this prized species. In addition to purebred striped bass, the state is known for its abundant populations of hybrid stripers, a crossbreed between striped bass and white bass. These hybrid stripers exhibit the best traits of both species, including their fighting strength and aggressive feeding habits, making them a favorite target for anglers seeking an exhilarating fishing experience.

Several major lakes in South Carolina are renowned for their striped bass fisheries. Lake Murray, located in the central part of the state, is particularly popular among anglers. With its deep waters and ample forage, Lake Murray boasts a healthy population of striped bass and hybrid stripers. The lake has produced numerous trophy-sized fish, providing anglers with the opportunity to hook into impressive catches.

Lake Marion, one of South Carolina's largest lakes, is another prime destination for striped bass fishing. This expansive reservoir offers plenty of room for anglers to search for striped bass in its deep channels and submerged structures. Lake Marion has a reputation for producing both quality-sized striped bass and hybrid stripers, attracting anglers from far and wide.

South Carolina has a history of impressive striped bass catches, with several state records showcasing the potential of its fisheries. The current state record for striped bass stands at a remarkable weight, with the fish being caught in Lake Murray. The record serves as a testament to the quality of striped bass fishing that can be found in the state.

In addition to Lake Murray and Lake Marion, other lakes such as Lake Hartwell and Lake Wateree also provide excellent opportunities for striped bass fishing. These lakes have thriving populations of striped bass and hybrid stripers, with anglers having success using various techniques such as trolling, casting with artificial lures, or live bait fishing.

Overall, South Carolina offers a rewarding striped bass fishing experience for anglers. With its major lakes known for their healthy populations of striped bass and hybrid stripers, the state provides ample opportunities to reel in trophy-sized fish. Whether targeting purebred striped bass or hybrid stripers, anglers in South Carolina can enjoy the thrill of hooking into these powerful and hard-fighting species while taking in the scenic beauty of the state's waterways.

Striped Bass Lakes

South Carolina is notorious for good striper fishing and lots of big stripers come out of major lakes including Clarks Hill Lake, Fishing Creek Lake, Lake Blalock, Lake Bowen, Lake Greenwood, Lake Hartwell, Lake Jocassee, Lake Keowee, Lake Marion, Lake Monticello, Lake Moultrie, Lake Murray, Parr Reservoir, Lake Russell and Wateree Lake.

Click the images and links above for species details.

South Carolina State Record Striped Bass

The state record striped bass was caught from Lake Russell.

The state record hybrid striped bass came from the Savannah River.

Fishing for Stripers in South Carolina

When fishing for stripers concentrate on the deeper waters in the lake. If you can locate schools of shad, stripers are often close by. When the baitfish are shallow over the deep water, you can catch stripers on crankbaits or by swimming spoons at appropriate depths. Check South Carolina fishing reports for current striper information. And for the ultimate thrill try large topwater baits if you see any surface feeding action. When the stripers are deep, jigs and jigging spoons work well. Live and cut bait will also take striped bass when they are in medium to deeper water. Fish nearby or in the river channel if it is a defined depth change. Trolling is also an excellent way to fish for stripers. Use flashy lures in bigger sizes.

While stripers are native to salt water, they naturally migrate into fresh water streams to spawn. Their eggs must remain in motion in order to hatch so the fresh water rivers and streams become the ideal spawning grounds for stripers. Landlocked stripers then populate the lakes.

Striper Fishing Video

Learn the basics for catching striped bass.

Striped bass fishing information, by state.