South Carolina offers a diverse range of fishing opportunities from the Blue Ridge mountain trout streams to the world-renowned Santee Cooper reservoir system and extensive coastal salt marshes. Anglers can target trophy catfish and striped bass in large inland lakes or pursue red drum and seatrout along the Atlantic coast.
Buy a Fishing License
South Carolina Department of Natural Resources
Fishing Regulations
Current season guide
Species & Seasons
Largemouth Bass
Open year-round; statewide daily bag limit of 5 fish with various length limits depending on the specific water body.
Striped Bass
Seasons vary by location; in the Santee Cooper system, the season is closed from June 16 through September 30 to protect fish from heat stress.
Red Drum (Spotted Bass)
Year-round inshore fishing; legal slot limit is 15 to 23 inches with a daily limit of 2 fish per person.
Spotted Seatrout
Available year-round in coastal waters; minimum size limit of 14 inches and a daily bag limit of 10 fish per person.
Brook, Brown, and Rainbow Trout
Year-round in most mountain streams; daily limit of 5 trout for all species combined in most state-managed waters.
Crappie
Best in spring and fall; minimum size of 8 inches in most major reservoirs with a daily limit of 20 fish per person.
Catfish (Blue, Channel, Flathead)
Year-round; specifically noted for trophy potential in the Santee Cooper lakes where special limits apply to fish over 36 inches.
Black Sea Bass
Found in offshore reefs; minimum size of 13 inches and a daily limit of 7 fish per person.
Top Waters
Lake Murray
A massive reservoir near Columbia famous for its aggressive striped bass population and major bass tournaments.
Lake Marion
Part of the Santee Cooper system, known worldwide for producing record-breaking catfish and expansive cypress forests.
Lake Hartwell
A premier destination for largemouth and spotted bass situated on the border of South Carolina and Georgia.
Charleston Harbor
A legendary coastal spot for catching red drum, trout, and seasonal tarpon where the Ashley and Cooper rivers meet.
Lake Jocassee
A deep, crystal-clear mountain reservoir that holds the state records for both rainbow and brown trout.
Chattooga River
A designated Wild and Scenic River providing some of the best fly fishing for wild trout in the Southeast.
Winyah Bay
A diverse estuary in Georgetown offering access to massive redfish schools and productive flounder flats.
Lake Moultrie
The second half of the Santee Cooper system, featuring deep open water ideal for trophy blue catfish.
Local Charters, Bait Shops & More
Support South Carolina's local fishing businesses — guides, tackle shops, marinas, fly shops, and more.
Charleston Fishing Service
Charter/GuideCharleston, SC
Specializing in inshore and nearshore light tackle fishing around the historic Charleston area.
Redfin Charters
Charter/GuideFolly Beach, SC
Professional fishing guides offering inshore and nearshore excursions out of Folly Beach and Charleston.
Captain Smiley Fishing Charters
Charter/GuideLittle River, SC
Family-friendly fishing charters targeting redfish, flounder, and trout in the Little River area.
Fish-N-Tales Charters
Charter/GuideMurrells Inlet, SC
Offers a variety of saltwater fishing experiences from backwater creeks to the deep blue Gulf Stream.
Palmetto Lagoon Charters
Charter/GuideHilton Head Island, SC
Expert-led kayak and boat fishing trips through the scenic lagoons of Hilton Head Island.
Haddrell's Point Tackle
Bait & Tackle ShopMount Pleasant, SC
A premier fishing outfitter since 1970 providing top-tier tackle for both salt and freshwater anglers.
The Charleston Angler
Bait & Tackle ShopCharleston, SC
Full-service tackle shop offering expert local knowledge and high-quality gear for Charleston anglers.
Barron's Fishing & Hunting Center
Bait & Tackle ShopColumbia, SC
A historic Columbia landmark providing a massive selection of gear for hunters and fishers in the Midlands.
Southern Reel Bait and Tackle
Bait & Tackle ShopLittle River, SC
Supplying the Grand Strand with fresh live bait and a wide array of coastal fishing tackle.
72 Marine Supply
Bait & Tackle ShopGreenwood, SC
Dedicated marine supply and tackle shop serving the Lake Greenwood fishing community.
Ripley Light Marina
MarinaCharleston, SC
A premier Charleston marina offering wet slips, dry storage, and easy access to the harbor.
Isle of Palms Marina
MarinaIsle of Palms, SC
Full-service marina providing boat rentals, fuel, and a launching point for coastal exploration.
Harbourgate Marina
MarinaNorth Myrtle Beach, SC
Located on the Intracoastal Waterway, providing transient slips and full amenities for boaters.
Lighthouse Marina
MarinaChapin, SC
The centerpiece of Lake Murray boating, offering fuel, slips, and a popular lakeside restaurant.
Eutaw Springs Marina
MarinaEutawville, SC
A key access point on Lake Marion known for its campground and fishing-friendly amenities.
Rivers and Glen Trading Co.
Fly ShopMount Pleasant, SC
Specialized retailer offering premium fly fishing equipment, clothing, and expert local advice.
Chasing Tales
Fly ShopGreenville, SC
Upstate fly fishing experts offering guided trips and a well-stocked shop for trout enthusiasts.
Bay Street Outfitters
Fly ShopBeaufort, SC
A destination fly shop in Beaufort specializing in lowcountry saltwater fly fishing gear and trips.
Lowcountry Fly Shop
Fly ShopMount Pleasant, SC
Mount Pleasant's dedicated fly fishing shop featuring high-end rods, reels, and custom flies.
Marshall's Marine
Boat DealerLake City, SC
One of the largest boat dealers in the Carolinas featuring a wide variety of fishing vessels.
Mid-Carolina Marine
Boat DealerWest Columbia, SC
Serving the Midlands for over 40 years with a large inventory of saltwater and freshwater boats.
Butler Marine
Boat DealerBeaufort, SC
Lowcountry boat dealer specializing in reputable brands for offshore and inshore fishing.
Tailwalker Marine
Boat DealerGeorgetown, SC
Georgetown's source for new boats, outboard service, and offshore fishing equipment.
MarineMax Charleston
Boat DealerCharleston, SC
A major retailer in Charleston offering sales, service, and lifestyle events for the boating community.
Angler's Envy
Rod BuilderSummerville, SC
Crafting high-performance custom fishing rods tailored to specific angling techniques and aesthetics.
Bulls Bay Rods
Rod BuilderAwendaw, SC
Manufacturers of specialized fishing rods designed specifically for the demands of South Carolina's coast.
Carolina Custom Rods
Rod BuilderNorth Augusta, SC
Building custom, handcrafted fishing rods for serious tournament anglers and recreational fishers alike.
Southern Custom Rods
Rod BuilderAynor, SC
Dedicated to creating custom rods with precision components for both fresh and saltwater applications.
Catch more South Carolina fish — free
Create a free account and unlock the full angling toolkit:
Resource details are gathered from public sources and may change. Always confirm licenses, limits, and season dates with the official state agency before you fish.