FRESH Water Fishing

South Carolina's collection of magnificent lakes and rivers attract fishing enthusiasts from around the world.

Vast Lakes Marion and Moultrie located just outside of Santee (near I-26 and I-95) are famous for their landlocked striped bass and huge catfish populations. These man-made lakes cover about 110,000 acres of land in five South Carolina counties: Berkeley, Calhoun, Clarendon, Orangeburg, and Sumter.

With the Blue Ridge Mountains as a backdrop, scenic Lake Jocassee holds the distinction of being South Carolina's only lake with both trophy smallmouth bass, rainbow, and brown trout as well as largemouth bass crappie and bluegill.

In the west, Lakes Russell and Thurmond are popular largemouth bass and crappie fishing destinations, and rivers and lakes all across the Palmetto state are abundant with pan fish, bream, and redbreast.

Go to the South Carolina Fishing Report to find out what's biting in our lakes and rivers.

Resorts, Guided Trips and Rentals

Rent a boat or launch your own. Outfitters and resorts all across the state offer guided fishing trips by fishing pros who know where the fish are baiting. Bait and tackle shops can rent you all the gear you need for a successful South Carolina clear water fishing trip.

License Information

License information and fishing regulations, including size and quantity limits are available online through the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources.

Fishing Tourneys and Vacation Packages

Check out our Calendar of Events for upcoming fishing tournaments and our Hot Deals section for great fishing vacation deals on South Carolina's record breaking waterways.