The 8 Best Fishing Lakes in South Carolina

Discover the best fishing lakes in South Carolina! This guide will provide you with information on the top fishing lakes in the state, including the types of fish that can be found, the best times to visit, and tips to help ensure a successful fishing trip.

Lake Greenwood

Lake Greenwood is one of the largest lakes in South Carolina with over 11,400 acres of surface water. It is located in the Piedmont region of the state and offers many opportunities for recreational activities.

• Types of fish: Bass, Bream, Crappie, Catfish
• Types of fishing: bank, boat, wading
• Fishing equipment rental: Yes
• Fishing guide service: Yes
• Closest hotels: Holiday Inn Express (Abbeville), Quality Inn Greenwood, Hampton Inn Greenwood
• Nearest fishing store: Greenwood Outfitters (7 miles away)
• Basic fishing regulations: Follow SCDNR & USCG rules
• Amenities of the lake: Boating, swimming, camping, skiing, picnicking, and wildlife viewing
• Nearest gas station: Shell (6 miles away)

Lake Moultrie

Lake Moultrie is located in Berkeley County, South Carolina and covers over 60,400 acres of surface water. It is fed by the Cooper River and is well known for its excellent fishing opportunities.

• Types of fish: Bass, Bream, Crappie, Catfish
• Types of fishing: bank, boat, wading
• Fishing equipment rental: Yes
• Fishing guide service: Yes
• Closest hotels: Comfort Inn (Moncks Corner), Fairfield Inn (Moncks Corner), Holiday Inn Express (Moncks Corner)
• Nearest fishing store: Moultrie Outfitters (6 miles away)
• Basic fishing regulations: Follow SCDNR & USCG rules
• Amenities of the lake: Boating, swimming, camping, skiing, picnicking, and wildlife viewing
• Nearest gas station: Murphy USA (7 miles away)

Lake Marion

Lake Marion is the largest lake in South Carolina, covering over 110,600 acres of surface water. It is located in the Lowcountry region of the state and provides excellent fishing opportunities for anglers.

• Types of fish: Bass, Bream, Crappie, Catfish
• Types of fishing: bank, boat, wading
• Fishing equipment rental: Yes
• Fishing guide service: Yes
• Closest hotels: Rodeway Inn (Sumter), Comfort Suites Lake Marion (Santee), Holiday Inn Express (Orangeburg)
• Nearest fishing store: Santee Outfitters (7 miles away)
• Basic fishing regulations: Follow SCDNR & USCG rules
• Amenities of the lake: Boating, swimming, camping, skiing, picnicking, and wildlife viewing
• Nearest gas station: Shell (4 miles away)

Lake Jocassee

Lake Jocassee is located in the mountainous Upstate region of South Carolina and is one of the state’s most pristine natural lakes. It covers over 7,500 acres of surface water and is known for its excellent fishing opportunities.

• Types of fish: Bass, Bream, Crappie, Catfish
• Types of fishing: bank, boat, wading
• Fishing equipment rental: Yes
• Fishing guide service: Yes
• Closest hotels: Hampton Inn (Pickens), Quality Inn (Pickens), Holiday Inn Express (Pickens)
• Nearest fishing store: West Jocassee Outfitters (4 miles away)
• Basic fishing regulations: Follow SCDNR & USCG rules
• Amenities of the lake: Boating, swimming, camping, skiing, picnicking, and wildlife viewing
• Nearest gas station: BP (3 miles away)

Saluda Lake

Saluda Lake is a popular lake in South Carolina, located in the Midlands region of the state. It covers over 1,400 acres of surface water and is known for its excellent fishing opportunities.

• Types of fish: Bass, Bream, Crappie, Catfish
• Types of fishing: bank, boat, wading
• Fishing equipment rental: Yes
• Fishing guide service: Yes
• Closest hotels: Best Western Plus (Lexington), Comfort Inn (Lexington), Holiday Inn Express (Lexington)
• Nearest fishing store: Saluda Tackle (5 miles away)
• Basic fishing regulations: Follow SCDNR & USCG rules
• Amenities of the lake: Boating, swimming, camping, skiing, picnicking, and wildlife viewing
• Nearest gas station: Circle K (4 miles away)

Lake Hartwell

Lake Hartwell is a large lake in South Carolina, stretching over nearly 56,000 acres of surface water. It is located in the Upstate region of the state and is well known for its excellent fishing opportunities.

• Types of fish: Bass, Bream, Crappie, Catfish
• Types of fishing: bank, boat, wading
• Fishing equipment rental: Yes
• Fishing guide service: Yes
• Closest hotels: LaQuinta (Anderson), Country Inn & Suites (Anderson), Hampton Inn (Anderson)
• Nearest fishing store: Anderson Bait & Tackle (7 miles away)
• Basic fishing regulations: Follow SCDNR & USCG rules
• Amenities of the lake: Boating, swimming, camping, skiing, picnicking, and wildlife viewing
• Nearest gas station: Buzzy’s (4 miles away)

Lake Thurmond

Lake Thurmond is a popular lake in South Carolina, located in the Upstate region of the state. It covers over 71,000 acres of surface water and is known for its excellent fishing opportunities.

• Types of fish: Bass, Bream, Crappie, Catfish
• Types of fishing: bank, boat, wading
• Fishing equipment rental: Yes
• Fishing guide service: Yes
• Closest hotels: Holiday Inn Express (Augusta), Quality Inn (Augusta), Hampton Inn (Augusta)
• Nearest fishing store: Lake Thurmond Outfitters (6 miles away)
• Basic fishing regulations: Follow SCDNR & USCG rules
• Amenities of the lake: Boating, swimming, camping, skiing, picnicking, and wildlife viewing
• Nearest gas station: Shell (4 miles away)

Lake Wylie

Lake Wylie is a popular lake in South Carolina, located in the Piedmont region of the state. It covers over 13,400 acres of surface water and is known for its excellent fishing opportunities.

• Types of fish: Bass, Bream, Crappie, Catfish
• Types of fishing: bank, boat, wading
• Fishing equipment rental: Yes
• Fishing guide service: Yes
• Closest hotels: Quality Inn (Rock Hill), Comfort Suites (Rock Hill), Hampton Inn (Rock Hill)
• Nearest fishing store: Wylie Outfitters (6 miles away)
• Basic fishing regulations: Follow SCDNR & USCG rules
• Amenities of the lake: Boating, swimming, camping, skiing, picnicking, and wildlife viewing
• Nearest gas station: BP (4 miles away)

Lake Keowee

Lake Keowee is located in the mountainous Upstate region of South Carolina and is one of the state’s most desirable natural lakes. It covers over 18,800 acres of surface water and is known for its excellent fishing opportunities.

• Types of fish: Bass, Bream, Crappie, Catfish
• Types of fishing: bank, boat, wading
• Fishing equipment rental: Yes
• Fishing guide service: Yes
• Closest hotels: Hampton Inn (Seneca), Holiday Inn Express (Seneca), Comfort Suites (Seneca)
• Nearest fishing store: Seneca Tackle (7 miles away)
• Basic fishing regulations: Follow SCDNR & USCG rules
• Amenities of the lake: Boating, swimming, camping, skiing, picnicking, and wildlife viewing
• Nearest gas station: BP (4 miles away)

Find Good Fishing Spots in South Carolina and Other Nearby Lakes on The Map

Welcome to South Carolina! If you’re an avid fisherman looking for your next fishing spot, then you’ve come to the right place! With the Google map below, you can explore some of the best lakes and fishing locations in South Carolina. From the lush mountains of the Upstate to the sunny shores of the Lowcountry, there’s something for everyone. So take a look, cast your line, and enjoy the great outdoors!

Check the Weather Forecast for Your Next Fishing Trip to South Carolina

The weather in South Carolina is generally mild and pleasant throughout the year, making it an ideal destination for sport fishing. During the summer months, temperatures can reach into the high 80s, while during the winter months temperatures rarely drop below 40 degrees. The state typically experiences mild and humid conditions all year round, allowing for plenty of opportunities to enjoy a day out on the water.