South Carolina’s Top 17 Fishing Lakes and Rivers You’ve Probably Overlooked 🎣
South Carolina, renowned for its pristine coastal waters and charming Lowcountry charm, also boasts an incredible wealth of freshwater fishing opportunities that many anglers overlook. From world-class bass tournaments to trophy trout fishing in mountain lakes, the Palmetto State offers diverse angling experiences that rival any destination in the Southeast.
We’re counting down South Carolina’s premier fishing destinations, revealing their unique features, record-breaking potential, and the impressive species that await your line!
Jump to a Lake
- #17 Waccamaw River
- #16 Lake Wateree
- #15 Lake Keowee
- #14 Lake Thurmond
- #13 Lake Wylie
- #12 Pee Dee River
- #11 Lake Greenwood
Source: Pixabay
17. Waccamaw River
Primary Target Species: Longnose Gar, Bowfin, Largemouth Bass, Channel Catfish, Bluegill, Chain Pickerel, American Shad.
Highlights: The Waccamaw River offers exceptional fishing for anglers seeking diverse species in a scenic natural setting. This historic waterway provides excellent opportunities for gar, bowfin, bass, and catfish, making it a hidden gem for those looking to escape the crowds of larger lakes.
It is a scenic river system perfect for kayak fishing and exploring diverse habitats, excellent for targeting unique species like gar and bowfin that thrive in these waters.
- 🎣 Top 10 Bass Fishing Lures That Actually Work: Proven lures anglers swear by in lakes across the U.S.
Source: Pixabay
16. Lake Wateree
Primary Target Species: Black Crappie, White Crappie, Largemouth Bass, Striped Bass, Bluegill, Channel Catfish, Chain Pickerel.
Highlights: Lake Wateree stands out as one of South Carolina’s most productive fishing destinations, particularly famous for its exceptional crappie fishing. This 13,025-acre reservoir consistently produces 2-pound black crappie year-round, making it a favorite among panfish enthusiasts and families seeking reliable action.
It is known for producing 2-pound crappie consistently, and is an excellent family fishing destination with multiple boat ramps and camping facilities. The thermocline creates ideal summer fishing conditions.
- 📋 U.S. Fishing License & Regulation Guide: Everything you need to know before casting your line.
Source: Pixabay
15. Lake Keowee
Primary Target Species: Largemouth Bass, Spotted Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Walleye, Striped Bass, Blue Catfish, White Bass.
Highlights: Lake Keowee offers crystal-clear mountain waters and diverse fishing opportunities in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. This scenic reservoir provides excellent fishing for multiple bass species while offering stunning natural beauty that makes every fishing trip memorable.
It is a crystal-clear mountain lake with excellent visibility, popular for both tournament fishing and recreational angling. Multiple species of bass provide year-round opportunities.
- 🧭 Best Times of Year to Fish in Every State: Seasonal tips to help you plan the perfect fishing trip.
Source: Pixabay
14. Lake Thurmond
Primary Target Species: Largemouth Bass, Spotted Bass, Striped Bass, Hybrid Striped Bass, Crappie, Channel Catfish, White Bass.
Highlights: Also known as Clarks Hill Lake, Lake Thurmond spans the Georgia-South Carolina border and offers world-class fishing for multiple species. This massive reservoir provides excellent fishing pressure relief due to its size, ensuring productive fishing even during peak seasons.
It is one of the largest lakes in the Southeast, excellent for both tournament and recreational fishing, and its interstate access makes it convenient for anglers from multiple states.
- 🏆 America’s 25 Most Legendary Fishing Spots: Bucket-list destinations for serious anglers.
Source: Pixabay
13. Lake Wylie
Primary Target Species: Largemouth Bass, White Bass, Striped Bass, White Crappie, Channel Catfish, Blue Catfish, Bluegill.
Highlights: Lake Wylie provides excellent fishing opportunities just minutes from Charlotte, making it one of the most accessible quality fisheries in the region. This Catawba River impoundment offers consistent action for bass, crappie, and catfish while maintaining good water quality and fish populations.
It is conveniently located near Charlotte, excellent for both bank and boat fishing, and known for good numbers of keeper-sized fish across multiple species.
- 🧰 Essential Gear Checklist for Lake Fishing: Don’t leave home without these lake-tested essentials.
Source: Pixabay
12. Pee Dee River
Primary Target Species: Blue Catfish, Flathead Catfish, Channel Catfish, Largemouth Bass, Striped Bass, American Shad.
Highlights: The Great Pee Dee River is designated as a South Carolina wild and scenic waterway, offering abundant recreational opportunities and exceptional catfish fishing. This scenic river system provides excellent fishing for those seeking trophy catfish in moving water.
It is a state scenic river with excellent current breaks for catfish. Moving water concentrates fish behind structures, and fresh bait from the river produces best results.
- 🎣 Top 10 Bass Fishing Lures That Actually Work: Proven lures anglers swear by in lakes across the U.S.
Source: Pixabay
11. Lake Greenwood
Primary Target Species: Largemouth Bass, Channel Catfish, White Perch, White Bass, Striped Bass, Bluegill, Crappie, Chain Pickerel.
Highlights: Lake Greenwood stands out as one of South Carolina’s most treasured fishing destinations, known for its stable water levels and diverse fish populations. Unlike many area lakes, Greenwood remains at full pool year-round, ensuring consistent fishing conditions regardless of weather patterns.
It maintains full water levels year-round, with the State DNR focusing special attention on fish population management and water quality. It features excellent shoreline access and camping facilities.