 | |  | |  | |  | |  | |  |
South Carolina Fishing Reports
| Fishing Reports for South Carolina. If you have a report for your area send it to us at reports@bobberstop.com. Please put "Fishing Report" in the subject line of your e-mail and please don't forget to include the location. |
** Last Update was made on 5 - 12 - 08 ***
SOUTH CAROLINA FISHING REPORTS - LICENSES - REGULATIONS - MAPS.
MOUNTAIN REGION - Lake Jocassee - Trout: Fair. Trout are in a transitional stage right now
between spring and summer patterns. They have not moved very deep yet but are going that
direction. Try trolling in 60 - 65 feet of water using trolling spoons or large plugs. Also pull large live
shiners in the same zone. Night fishing continues to be productive with large fish and good numbers
being caught; troll the rivers for best success.
Largemouth and Redeye Bass: Excellent. Some fish are starting to spawn and others are moving
onto the banks to feed. The hot lure remains dark swamp crawler green pumpkin Zoom worms. Also
try topwater plugs and Texas rigged worms fished on the bottom.
Smallmouth Bass: Excellent. Smallmouth bass are spawning and very nice fish in the 5 to 7 pound
range are being caught. Use plastics and Texas rigged worms.
Lake Keowee - Largemouth Bass: Very good. Warmer weather has moved fish shallower and fish
are spawning in the backs of coves. For spawning fish flip a Lake Fork Crawdad to entice them to
hit. For other fish target shallow coves using Lake Fork Twitch Worms around Cane Creek, Crooked
Creek, Mile Creek, and High Falls.
Spotted Bass: Very good. Fish the upper part of the lake around Mile Creek and High Falls. Early in
the morning throw a buzzbait or a topwater jerkbait. Later in the day fish shallow running
chartreuse-colored crankbaits with an orange belly in 5-20 feet of water around main points and
coves. Live baiting with medium shiners is also productive fishing vertically over structure.
Crappie: Very good. Crappie are in spawning mode up against the banks and some very nice fish
are being caught.
Lake Hartwell - Striped and Hybrid Bass: Good to very good. The fish are coming back down the
Keowee River, and good sizes and numbers of fish are being caught. Fish shallow early around
points, and move deeper - out to 35 feet of water - as the sun rises. Fish bucktails and live herring,
and look for topwater schooling activity when fish are pushing bait towards the banks. Try from
Holders Landing down to where the first power line crosses going up the river. Check out Buoy 20 at
Sadlers Creek area just off the island points, and watch for action around Broyles landing on the left
side of the island.
Largemouth Bass: Excellent. The largemouth bass bite remains red hot and fish are on the banks
and feeding aggressively. Some fish are on the beds, some have already spawned, and a few have
yet to spawn. Target shallow fish using soft plastics; red shad color has been deadly. In a recent
club tournament anglers caught multiple limits both days and were culling 2 and 3 pound fish.
Crappie: Excellent. The crappie bite is very good and fish are feeding aggressively in 2 to 8 feet of
water. Look for large fish, not numbers of crappie, and try trolling small minnows or small white jigs.
Also fish brushpiles with small to medium minnows, Alibis and curly tail grubs. Good action is also
being reported fishing under a bridge with lights at night.
PIEDMONT REGION - Lake Russell - Striped and Hybrid Bass: Fair. Fish early morning with
bucktails and cut and live herring. Fish are still fairly deep.
Largemouth and Spotted Bass: Good. Some bass are spawning while many have already moved
back out to slightly deeper water. Try fishing spinnerbaits in the trees, and also try Carolina Rigging
in 10 to 15 feet of water. Green pumpkinseed and purple worms are most productive, and floating
worm action is improving. For spotted bass fish finesse worms in the back half of coves in the
Beaverdam area.
Crappie: Very good. Lake Russell anglers continue to catch lots of crappie. Fish in 12 - 18 feet of
water around treetops using small minnows. Catfish: Good, using cut bait and nightcrawlers along
the bottom.
Lake Thurmond - Water levels have risen nearly 4 feet in the last few weeks but they remain
substantially down.
Striped and Hybrid Bass: Fair. In a recent club tournament the largest striped bass that was caught
weighed 5 pounds. The striper bite has unexpectedly slowed but should pick up again soon. Try live
herring on planer boards, free lines, or down rods.
Largemouth Bass: Very good. Most bass have completed spawning but many are still hanging
around shallow water and feeding aggressively. Black and purple soft plastics are very productive.
Crappie: Excellent. Crappie are still shallow and most are being caught 10 to 15 feet off the bank,
with lots of fish over two pounds being taken. Some fish are still hanging in deeper water - troll in 10
to 12 feet of water to target these crappie.
Shellcracker: Fair. The shellcracker bite is improving and fish are being caught on pink worms
fished around shell-covered points. The bite should get hot within the next week.
Lake Wylie - Largemouth Bass: Very good. Many fish are still on the beds while others have already
spawned. Post-spawn fish are beginning to move onto the drops. Floating worms, crankbaits, and
spinnerbaits are all producing. Night fishing is also productive, and anglers fishing the Thursday
Night Tournament Trail each Thursday out of Buster Boyd Landing are catching nice sacks.
Crappie: Slow to fair. Crappie are in a transitional phase and most anglers are having trouble
finding them. A few people, however, are catching large numbers. Try a 2 inch chartreuse jig tipped
with a minnow, or a plain minnow.
White Perch: Very good. White perch are moving into 15 foot deep water to spawn. Look for sandy
bottoms. Other fish remain in 20-25 feet of water next to river channels. Use a minnow or small
spoon lowered to the bottom and then bumped slowly. Small and medium sized perch are making up
the bulk of the catch right now.
Catfish: Very good. White perch and crappie fishermen are picking up lots of catfish mixed in with
the panfish when using minnows.
MIDLANDS REGION - Lake Greenwood - Striped Bass: Fair. Some striped bass are being caught
up the river but fishing in the main lake is slow. No schooling activity is being reported.
Largemouth Bass: Very good. Many bass are still on the beds and being caught by anglers sight
fishing with jigs or worms. Other bass have already bedded and moved back onto secondary points.
Topwater lures including buzzbaits and floating worms are both productive, and swim baits and
Texas Rigged worms are also catching fish.
Crappie: Good. Crappie have generally finished spawning and moved back out to 6-8 feet of water.
A few can still be caught shallow but best action is on deeper brushpiles or trolling with minnows and
chartreuse and black jigs. Bream and
Shellcracker: Good. Fish are moving onto the banks and trying to bed. Fish 2-5 feet of water using
crickets and red worms.
Catfish: Very good. Fish on the bottom using cut bait or worms, and try fishing at night.
Lake Wateree - Striped Bass: Fair. Fish in the lower part of the lake using topwaters, shiners, or live
herring.
Crappie: Fair. Crappie are almost finished spawning and are moving back out to deeper water.
Trolling with jigs and minnows is most effective.
Catfish: Very good. Multiple 40 pounders are still being taken as well as lots of smaller fish. Target
big blue cats using cut bait fished on the edges of holes. Other fish have started to move into
shallower water to spawn. 8 to 10 pound fish are being caught on stinkbaits, worms, cut bait, and
live bait fished on the bottom; fish are feeding so aggressively artificial lure fishermen are even
catching some.
Bream: Very good. Bream are beginning to move shallow and onto beds. Fish 1 to 5 feet of water
using worms and crickets.
Lake Murray - Striped Bass: Fair. Striped bass are scattered around the lake and best action is
coming drifting or trolling free lined herring early and then switching to cut bait in 10-40 feet of water
in the middle of the day. Some action is also being reported trolling bucktails and Road Runners.
Largemouth Bass: Excellent. Most bass have already spawned, although a few remain on the beds,
but the fish have skipped the traditional post-spawn slowdown and continue to feed aggressively.
Fish Carolina or Texas Rigged worms in 2 to 15 feet of water; the best colors are watermelon candy
and green pumpkinseed, or anything green. Spot removers are also working very well in the same
colors. Also try topwater lures early and late and floating worms throughout the day.
Crappie: Fair. Crappie have generally finished spawning and moved back out to deeper water and
the bite has been slow with the irregular weather patterns. Best action is coming fishing down rods
on deeper brushpiles or trolling with minnows and jigs in 6 to 15 feet of water around creek mouths.
Bream and Shellcracker: Excellent. Fish are coming onto the beds and will continue to spawn for the
next month or two, especially around full moons. Fish in 6 inches down to 8 feet of water using
redworms, baby nightcrawlers, and crickets.
SANTEE COOPER REGION - Lake Marion - Fishing on the upper and lower ends of the lake is very
strong, and boat ramps such as Pack's Landing are open again with the rising water. Striped Bass:
Slow. Use cut bait and live herring; occasional striped bass are being caught.
Largemouth Bass: Good to very good. Reports of 6 to 10 pound fish are fairly common and bass
are being caught around shallow structure and submerged cover. Fish soft plastics or try topwater
lures as the water continues to warm. In the recent Everstart tournament records catches were
made.
Catfish: Very good. Catfish are feeding aggressively but unpredictable weather is keeping them
moving around. Anglers on the upper end of the lake are catching catfish very shallow; fish up to 50
pounds or bigger can be caught in 2 to 6 feet of water using cut bait on the bottom. Catfishing has
been great in 2 to 3 feet of water between Billups and Jacks Creek using cut herring. Around the
dam area anglers are also catching coolers full of fish, but having to change locations from day to
day. Generally the fish in this area are somewhere between deep and shallow, and many guides are
drifting about 100 yards offshore.
Crappie: Very good. Most crappie have already completed spawning but are still feeding very well.
Fish in the Jack's Creek area and around Santee State Park up towards Stump Hole Landing.
Target bridges and piers for fish that have moved back into deeper water.
Bream and Shellcracker: Very Good. Fish shallow water along the banks near Santee Park and
Stump Hole. Fish have moved shallow and will spawn and feed aggressively for the next 4 to 6
weeks.
Lake Moultrie - Moultrie is within one foot of full pool and water temperatures are around 75
degrees; baitfish are feeding in shallow areas where grass grow during low water and drawing
predators shallow, too. Black's Camp has recently dredged its cove and now has deepwater access.
Striped Bass: Slow to fair. The striper bite is not good enough to plan a trip around it but there is
some schooling activity in the Bonneau area and at the mouth of the Diversion Canal. Anglers
should have a rod ready with a bucktail in case a school hits the surface while they are pursuing
another species.
Largemouth Bass: Very good. Most bass have already completed spawning but there is probably
still one more wave of spawning left - target these fish with Horny Toads. For post-spawn fish use
plastic lures in watermelon colors on overcast days and bright colors on bright days. Also look for lily
pads and primrose plants and fish shallow where the bait is concentrated. Topwaters like buzzbaits
and Zara Spooks have been effective as well as floating worms.
Catfish: Good. As in the upper lake catfish are unpredictable right now. Some days big fish are
being caught in 5-6 feet of water around submerged islands, or in 8-10 feet over stump fields and
flats. Other days fish are backing up into 40 or 45 feet of water. Fish cut shad, herring and white
perch on the bottom. Crappie: Slow. Crappie are in between spring and summer patterns right now
and fishermen are having trouble finding them. Fish in 8 to 12 feet of water around major creek
mouths and over medium depth brush until they move over deeper brush for the summer.
Shellcracker: Good. There has already been one wave of spawning but the next full moon will bring
another. Fish shallow with red worms, pink worms, or baby nightcrawlers.
Bream: Fair. Bream are still staging around deeper brushpiles but can be caught.
RIVERS - Chattooga River - Trout: Excellent. Water levels and temperatures are both ideal.
Fly Fishing report: The March Brown Mayflies have hatched, bringing with them the dry fly season
which should last from 4 to 6 weeks. Fish Addam's, Blue Winged Olives, or March Brown flies in
sizes 14, 16, or 18. Fish are feeding aggressively and nice sized trout are being caught.
Conventional tackle report: Fishermen continue to take large numbers of trout on rooster tails and
other spinners. White and pearl colors are strong.
Congaree River - Striped Bass: Good. Some very large striped bass have already moved into the
Congaree and made their way up towards the rocks around the Gervais Street Bridge - 20 to 25
pound fish are being caught. Anglers need to cover a lot of water early in the year and best success
is coming throwing Bomber Long As, 5 inch Yozuris, and Swimbaits. Live bait fishing is not yet
productive. Best fishing is coming on days when water is running - other days may not even be
worth fishing yet.
Cooper River - Shad: Excellent. The shad run is still hot in the Tailrace and the females are making
their way from the ocean up the river towards the Lake Moultrie Dam Tailrace to spawn. Some really
nice roe shad are being taken, ranging from 3 to 5 pounds. Conventional fishermen should use a
small green grub and fly anglers should use a chartreuse Clauser on a #4 hook.
Great Pee Dee - Fish the main river for catfish and target bass and panfish in the surrounding
oxbow lakes.
Catfish: Good to very good. Catches of catfish are picking up in the main river using eels, large
minnows, and goldfish. Fish on the bottom in holes and around channel breaks.
Crappie: Fair. Anglers fishing ox bow lakes off the main channel are starting to report improved
catches. Use minnows.
Lynches River - Bream: Good. Anglers are doing well fishing worms, wax worms, and crickets on the
bottom.
Wateree River - Catfish: Good. Anglers are catching nice fish using cut bait, worms, and live shiners
on the bottom. Crappie: Good. Crappie are on the banks and anglers are doing well fishing jigs and
minnows.
Saluda River - Trout: Very good. Fly fishermen should cast Wooly Buggers or similar flies; several
hatches have already taken place. Lots of stock fish are being caught, and spinners are also
effective. The trout fishery will remain strong until large numbers of striped bass move into the river
and clean them out.
Striped Bass: Slow to fair. Some striped bass have made their way into the Saluda, but anglers need
to cover a lot of water early in the year and best success is coming throwing Bomber Long As, 5
inch Yozuris, and Swimbaits. Best fishing is coming on days when water is running - other days may
not even be worth fishing yet. Expect another down year for striper bass until the fishery improves.
Santee Diversion Canal - Shellcracker: Good. Shellcracker are being caught on the Moultrie end of
the canal but the largest numbers of bream and shellcracker are in the shallow water of the main
lakes. Catfish: Very good. Flathead catfish up to 50 and 60 pounds are being caught in the canal at
night. Anchor or slowly drift cut bait.
Savannah River - Striped/ Hybrid Bass: Hit or miss. When the correct gates are open on the Lake
Thurmond Dam action can be fast, but at other times fish are not feeding. Further down the
Savannah River, below the New Savannah River Bluff Lock and Dam, action is slow right now. Mullet
are starting to come up the river, however, and the striper will not be far behind them.
Yellow Perch: No report. Huge yellow perch are still in the Savannah River below Lake Thurmond
but no one seems to be targeting them.
Waccamaw River - Crappie: Good. Fishermen in the Waccamaw are beginning to report nice
catches of crappies. Use minnows around structure.
Catfish: Good. Use large goldfish or shiners to target big catfish. Anglers are having success using
set hooks and trotlines but the same baits will work rod and reel fishing.
Report By: SCDNR
SOUTH CAROLINA FISHING REPORTS - LICENSES - REGULATIONS - MAPS.
MOUNTAIN REGION - Lake Jocassee - Trout: Fair. Trout are in a transitional stage right now
between spring and summer patterns. They have not moved very deep yet but are going that
direction. Try trolling in 60 - 65 feet of water using trolling spoons or large plugs. Also pull large live
shiners in the same zone. Night fishing continues to be productive with large fish and good numbers
being caught; troll the rivers for best success.
Largemouth and Redeye Bass: Excellent. Some fish are starting to spawn and others are moving
onto the banks to feed. The hot lure remains dark swamp crawler green pumpkin Zoom worms. Also
try topwater plugs and Texas rigged worms fished on the bottom.
Smallmouth Bass: Excellent. Smallmouth bass are spawning and very nice fish in the 5 to 7 pound
range are being caught. Use plastics and Texas rigged worms.
Lake Keowee - Largemouth Bass: Very good. Warmer weather has moved fish shallower and fish
are spawning in the backs of coves. For spawning fish flip a Lake Fork Crawdad to entice them to
hit. For other fish target shallow coves using Lake Fork Twitch Worms around Cane Creek, Crooked
Creek, Mile Creek, and High Falls.
Spotted Bass: Very good. Fish the upper part of the lake around Mile Creek and High Falls. Early in
the morning throw a buzzbait or a topwater jerkbait. Later in the day fish shallow running
chartreuse-colored crankbaits with an orange belly in 5-20 feet of water around main points and
coves. Live baiting with medium shiners is also productive fishing vertically over structure.
Crappie: Very good. Crappie are in spawning mode up against the banks and some very nice fish
are being caught.
Lake Hartwell - Striped and Hybrid Bass: Good to very good. The fish are coming back down the
Keowee River, and good sizes and numbers of fish are being caught. Fish shallow early around
points, and move deeper - out to 35 feet of water - as the sun rises. Fish bucktails and live herring,
and look for topwater schooling activity when fish are pushing bait towards the banks. Try from
Holders Landing down to where the first power line crosses going up the river. Check out Buoy 20 at
Sadlers Creek area just off the island points, and watch for action around Broyles landing on the left
side of the island.
Largemouth Bass: Excellent. The largemouth bass bite remains red hot and fish are on the banks
and feeding aggressively. Some fish are on the beds, some have already spawned, and a few have
yet to spawn. Target shallow fish using soft plastics; red shad color has been deadly. In a recent
club tournament anglers caught multiple limits both days and were culling 2 and 3 pound fish.
Crappie: Excellent. The crappie bite is very good and fish are feeding aggressively in 2 to 8 feet of
water. Look for large fish, not numbers of crappie, and try trolling small minnows or small white jigs.
Also fish brushpiles with small to medium minnows, Alibis and curly tail grubs. Good action is also
being reported fishing under a bridge with lights at night.
PIEDMONT REGION - Lake Russell - Striped and Hybrid Bass: Fair. Fish early morning with
bucktails and cut and live herring. Fish are still fairly deep.
Largemouth and Spotted Bass: Good. Some bass are spawning while many have already moved
back out to slightly deeper water. Try fishing spinnerbaits in the trees, and also try Carolina Rigging
in 10 to 15 feet of water. Green pumpkinseed and purple worms are most productive, and floating
worm action is improving. For spotted bass fish finesse worms in the back half of coves in the
Beaverdam area.
Crappie: Very good. Lake Russell anglers continue to catch lots of crappie. Fish in 12 - 18 feet of
water around treetops using small minnows. Catfish: Good, using cut bait and nightcrawlers along
the bottom.
Lake Thurmond - Water levels have risen nearly 4 feet in the last few weeks but they remain
substantially down.
Striped and Hybrid Bass: Fair. In a recent club tournament the largest striped bass that was caught
weighed 5 pounds. The striper bite has unexpectedly slowed but should pick up again soon. Try live
herring on planer boards, free lines, or down rods.
Largemouth Bass: Very good. Most bass have completed spawning but many are still hanging
around shallow water and feeding aggressively. Black and purple soft plastics are very productive.
Crappie: Excellent. Crappie are still shallow and most are being caught 10 to 15 feet off the bank,
with lots of fish over two pounds being taken. Some fish are still hanging in deeper water - troll in 10
to 12 feet of water to target these crappie.
Shellcracker: Fair. The shellcracker bite is improving and fish are being caught on pink worms
fished around shell-covered points. The bite should get hot within the next week.
Lake Wylie - Largemouth Bass: Very good. Many fish are still on the beds while others have already
spawned. Post-spawn fish are beginning to move onto the drops. Floating worms, crankbaits, and
spinnerbaits are all producing. Night fishing is also productive, and anglers fishing the Thursday
Night Tournament Trail each Thursday out of Buster Boyd Landing are catching nice sacks.
Crappie: Slow to fair. Crappie are in a transitional phase and most anglers are having trouble
finding them. A few people, however, are catching large numbers. Try a 2 inch chartreuse jig tipped
with a minnow, or a plain minnow.
White Perch: Very good. White perch are moving into 15 foot deep water to spawn. Look for sandy
bottoms. Other fish remain in 20-25 feet of water next to river channels. Use a minnow or small
spoon lowered to the bottom and then bumped slowly. Small and medium sized perch are making up
the bulk of the catch right now.
Catfish: Very good. White perch and crappie fishermen are picking up lots of catfish mixed in with
the panfish when using minnows.
MIDLANDS REGION - Lake Greenwood - Striped Bass: Fair. Some striped bass are being caught
up the river but fishing in the main lake is slow. No schooling activity is being reported.
Largemouth Bass: Very good. Many bass are still on the beds and being caught by anglers sight
fishing with jigs or worms. Other bass have already bedded and moved back onto secondary points.
Topwater lures including buzzbaits and floating worms are both productive, and swim baits and
Texas Rigged worms are also catching fish.
Crappie: Good. Crappie have generally finished spawning and moved back out to 6-8 feet of water.
A few can still be caught shallow but best action is on deeper brushpiles or trolling with minnows and
chartreuse and black jigs. Bream and
Shellcracker: Good. Fish are moving onto the banks and trying to bed. Fish 2-5 feet of water using
crickets and red worms.
Catfish: Very good. Fish on the bottom using cut bait or worms, and try fishing at night.
Lake Wateree - Striped Bass: Fair. Fish in the lower part of the lake using topwaters, shiners, or live
herring.
Crappie: Fair. Crappie are almost finished spawning and are moving back out to deeper water.
Trolling with jigs and minnows is most effective.
Catfish: Very good. Multiple 40 pounders are still being taken as well as lots of smaller fish. Target
big blue cats using cut bait fished on the edges of holes. Other fish have started to move into
shallower water to spawn. 8 to 10 pound fish are being caught on stinkbaits, worms, cut bait, and
live bait fished on the bottom; fish are feeding so aggressively artificial lure fishermen are even
catching some.
Bream: Very good. Bream are beginning to move shallow and onto beds. Fish 1 to 5 feet of water
using worms and crickets.
Lake Murray - Striped Bass: Fair. Striped bass are scattered around the lake and best action is
coming drifting or trolling free lined herring early and then switching to cut bait in 10-40 feet of water
in the middle of the day. Some action is also being reported trolling bucktails and Road Runners.
Largemouth Bass: Excellent. Most bass have already spawned, although a few remain on the beds,
but the fish have skipped the traditional post-spawn slowdown and continue to feed aggressively.
Fish Carolina or Texas Rigged worms in 2 to 15 feet of water; the best colors are watermelon candy
and green pumpkinseed, or anything green. Spot removers are also working very well in the same
colors. Also try topwater lures early and late and floating worms throughout the day.
Crappie: Fair. Crappie have generally finished spawning and moved back out to deeper water and
the bite has been slow with the irregular weather patterns. Best action is coming fishing down rods
on deeper brushpiles or trolling with minnows and jigs in 6 to 15 feet of water around creek mouths.
Bream and Shellcracker: Excellent. Fish are coming onto the beds and will continue to spawn for the
next month or two, especially around full moons. Fish in 6 inches down to 8 feet of water using
redworms, baby nightcrawlers, and crickets.
SANTEE COOPER REGION - Lake Marion - Fishing on the upper and lower ends of the lake is very
strong, and boat ramps such as Pack's Landing are open again with the rising water. Striped Bass:
Slow. Use cut bait and live herring; occasional striped bass are being caught.
Largemouth Bass: Good to very good. Reports of 6 to 10 pound fish are fairly common and bass
are being caught around shallow structure and submerged cover. Fish soft plastics or try topwater
lures as the water continues to warm. In the recent Everstart tournament records catches were
made.
Catfish: Very good. Catfish are feeding aggressively but unpredictable weather is keeping them
moving around. Anglers on the upper end of the lake are catching catfish very shallow; fish up to 50
pounds or bigger can be caught in 2 to 6 feet of water using cut bait on the bottom. Catfishing has
been great in 2 to 3 feet of water between Billups and Jacks Creek using cut herring. Around the
dam area anglers are also catching coolers full of fish, but having to change locations from day to
day. Generally the fish in this area are somewhere between deep and shallow, and many guides are
drifting about 100 yards offshore.
Crappie: Very good. Most crappie have already completed spawning but are still feeding very well.
Fish in the Jack's Creek area and around Santee State Park up towards Stump Hole Landing.
Target bridges and piers for fish that have moved back into deeper water.
Bream and Shellcracker: Very Good. Fish shallow water along the banks near Santee Park and
Stump Hole. Fish have moved shallow and will spawn and feed aggressively for the next 4 to 6
weeks.
Lake Moultrie - Moultrie is within one foot of full pool and water temperatures are around 75
degrees; baitfish are feeding in shallow areas where grass grow during low water and drawing
predators shallow, too. Black's Camp has recently dredged its cove and now has deepwater access.
Striped Bass: Slow to fair. The striper bite is not good enough to plan a trip around it but there is
some schooling activity in the Bonneau area and at the mouth of the Diversion Canal. Anglers
should have a rod ready with a bucktail in case a school hits the surface while they are pursuing
another species.
Largemouth Bass: Very good. Most bass have already completed spawning but there is probably
still one more wave of spawning left - target these fish with Horny Toads. For post-spawn fish use
plastic lures in watermelon colors on overcast days and bright colors on bright days. Also look for lily
pads and primrose plants and fish shallow where the bait is concentrated. Topwaters like buzzbaits
and Zara Spooks have been effective as well as floating worms.
Catfish: Good. As in the upper lake catfish are unpredictable right now. Some days big fish are
being caught in 5-6 feet of water around submerged islands, or in 8-10 feet over stump fields and
flats. Other days fish are backing up into 40 or 45 feet of water. Fish cut shad, herring and white
perch on the bottom. Crappie: Slow. Crappie are in between spring and summer patterns right now
and fishermen are having trouble finding them. Fish in 8 to 12 feet of water around major creek
mouths and over medium depth brush until they move over deeper brush for the summer.
Shellcracker: Good. There has already been one wave of spawning but the next full moon will bring
another. Fish shallow with red worms, pink worms, or baby nightcrawlers.
Bream: Fair. Bream are still staging around deeper brushpiles but can be caught.
RIVERS - Chattooga River - Trout: Excellent. Water levels and temperatures are both ideal.
Fly Fishing report: The March Brown Mayflies have hatched, bringing with them the dry fly season
which should last from 4 to 6 weeks. Fish Addam's, Blue Winged Olives, or March Brown flies in
sizes 14, 16, or 18. Fish are feeding aggressively and nice sized trout are being caught.
Conventional tackle report: Fishermen continue to take large numbers of trout on rooster tails and
other spinners. White and pearl colors are strong.
Congaree River - Striped Bass: Good. Some very large striped bass have already moved into the
Congaree and made their way up towards the rocks around the Gervais Street Bridge - 20 to 25
pound fish are being caught. Anglers need to cover a lot of water early in the year and best success
is coming throwing Bomber Long As, 5 inch Yozuris, and Swimbaits. Live bait fishing is not yet
productive. Best fishing is coming on days when water is running - other days may not even be
worth fishing yet.
Cooper River - Shad: Excellent. The shad run is still hot in the Tailrace and the females are making
their way from the ocean up the river towards the Lake Moultrie Dam Tailrace to spawn. Some really
nice roe shad are being taken, ranging from 3 to 5 pounds. Conventional fishermen should use a
small green grub and fly anglers should use a chartreuse Clauser on a #4 hook.
Great Pee Dee - Fish the main river for catfish and target bass and panfish in the surrounding
oxbow lakes.
Catfish: Good to very good. Catches of catfish are picking up in the main river using eels, large
minnows, and goldfish. Fish on the bottom in holes and around channel breaks.
Crappie: Fair. Anglers fishing ox bow lakes off the main channel are starting to report improved
catches. Use minnows.
Lynches River - Bream: Good. Anglers are doing well fishing worms, wax worms, and crickets on the
bottom.
Wateree River - Catfish: Good. Anglers are catching nice fish using cut bait, worms, and live shiners
on the bottom. Crappie: Good. Crappie are on the banks and anglers are doing well fishing jigs and
minnows.
Saluda River - Trout: Very good. Fly fishermen should cast Wooly Buggers or similar flies; several
hatches have already taken place. Lots of stock fish are being caught, and spinners are also
effective. The trout fishery will remain strong until large numbers of striped bass move into the river
and clean them out.
Striped Bass: Slow to fair. Some striped bass have made their way into the Saluda, but anglers need
to cover a lot of water early in the year and best success is coming throwing Bomber Long As, 5
inch Yozuris, and Swimbaits. Best fishing is coming on days when water is running - other days may
not even be worth fishing yet. Expect another down year for striper bass until the fishery improves.
Santee Diversion Canal - Shellcracker: Good. Shellcracker are being caught on the Moultrie end of
the canal but the largest numbers of bream and shellcracker are in the shallow water of the main
lakes. Catfish: Very good. Flathead catfish up to 50 and 60 pounds are being caught in the canal at
night. Anchor or slowly drift cut bait.
Savannah River - Striped/ Hybrid Bass: Hit or miss. When the correct gates are open on the Lake
Thurmond Dam action can be fast, but at other times fish are not feeding. Further down the
Savannah River, below the New Savannah River Bluff Lock and Dam, action is slow right now. Mullet
are starting to come up the river, however, and the striper will not be far behind them.
Yellow Perch: No report. Huge yellow perch are still in the Savannah River below Lake Thurmond
but no one seems to be targeting them.
Waccamaw River - Crappie: Good. Fishermen in the Waccamaw are beginning to report nice
catches of crappies. Use minnows around structure.
Catfish: Good. Use large goldfish or shiners to target big catfish. Anglers are having success using
set hooks and trotlines but the same baits will work rod and reel fishing.
Report By: SCDNR
