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Fishing in South Carolina

Click a region to explore top fishing spots, species, and local tips.

South Carolina offers outstanding fishing from the Blue Ridge Mountains to the Atlantic coast. The Santee Cooper Lakes (Lake Marion and Lake Moultrie) are famous for giant catfish and crappie, the Lowcountry offers exceptional inshore saltwater fishing for red drum and speckled trout, and the mountain trout streams of the Upstate provide excellent coldwater fishing. Charleston is one of the best fishing destinations on the East Coast.

Topographic map — click to view full size

Upstate & Mountains

Lake Jocassee, Lake Keowee, Chattooga River -- Rainbow Trout, Brown Trout, Brook Trout, Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass

Midlands & Santee

Lake Marion, Lake Moultrie, Congaree River -- Blue Catfish, Crappie, Largemouth Bass, Striped Bass, Channel Catfish

Lowcountry & Coast

Charleston Harbor, Hilton Head, Beaufort -- Red Drum, Speckled Trout, Flounder, Sheepshead, Bluefish

Grand Strand & Myrtle Beach

Myrtle Beach, Murrells Inlet, Georgetown -- King Mackerel, Spanish Mackerel, Flounder, Red Drum, Black Drum

Savannah River & CSRA

Savannah River, Lake Thurmond, Lake Hartwell -- Largemouth Bass, Striped Bass, Crappie, Channel Catfish, Bluegill