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South Carolina · Fishing
Awendaw sits at the edge of the Francis Marion National Forest, and the fishing here reflects that setting — quiet, unhurried, and mostly off the radar of the weekend crowds that hit the coast.
3 spotsUpdated dailyFree to access
View on mapFishing · 3 spots
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Awendaw sits at the edge of the Francis Marion National Forest, and the fishing here reflects that setting — quiet, unhurried, and mostly off the radar of the weekend crowds that hit the coast. The three ponds covered on this page, Upper Nebo Pond, Lower Nebo Pond, and Moccasin Pond, are all lake fishing spots suited to anglers who prefer still water and a slower pace over chasing tides. These are pond-scale fisheries, which means light tackle works well, access is generally straightforward, and you don't need a boat to have a productive day. The area around Awendaw gets warm fast in late spring and stays that way through September, so water temperature plays a real role in where fish hold and when they feed. Early mornings are consistently the most productive window in summer. If you're coming from Charleston, the drive is short enough to make a half-day trip realistic without rushing. None of these spots require a guide, but knowing which end of the pond holds structure or shade can make a noticeable difference, especially midday.
These are warmwater pond fisheries typical of the South Carolina Lowcountry, so largemouth bass and bream species like bluegill and redear sunfish are the most common targets. Catfish are also present in ponds of this type throughout the Francis Marion area. Check with the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources for any stocking history specific to these ponds before your trip.
Yes. Any angler 16 or older needs a valid South Carolina freshwater fishing license. Licenses are available online through the SCDNR website or at local retailers. If the ponds fall within National Forest land, there are no additional federal permits required for freshwater fishing, but confirm current access rules with the Francis Marion National Forest office since conditions can change.
Upper Nebo Pond
~3 min drive
A worthwhile stop near SC.
Buck Hall Recreation Area
~13 min drive
A worthwhile stop near SC.
Francis Marion Ranger District
~24 min drive
A worthwhile stop near SC.
Santee Cooper Lakes (Lake Moultrie)
~1h 2m drive
Easy
Lower Nebo Pond
~3 min drive
A worthwhile stop near SC.
Moccasin Pond
~7 min drive
A worthwhile stop near SC.
Old Georgetown Road Pond
~22 min drive
A worthwhile stop near SC.
Bluebird Pond
~23 min drive
A worthwhile stop near SC.
Francis Marion National Forest
~24 min drive
A worthwhile stop near SC.
John
~32 min drive
A worthwhile stop near SC.
Mill Bay
~35 min drive
A worthwhile stop near SC.
Bread and Butter Creek
~1h 4m drive
A worthwhile stop near SC.
Light to medium spinning tackle handles most situations at ponds this size. A 6- to 7-foot rod with 8- to 12-pound monofilament or light braid covers bass and panfish without overcomplicating things. Soft plastics, small spinners, and live bait like nightcrawlers or crickets all work well. Bring polarized sunglasses — sight fishing along the shallows is a real option in clearer conditions.
Spring, from roughly March through May, is the most productive season as bass move shallow to spawn and panfish are actively feeding. Fall, September through November, is a close second once water temperatures drop from their summer peak. Summer fishing is doable but concentrate your effort in the first two hours after sunrise before heat pushes fish deeper or into shaded cover.
Pond fishing is about as beginner-friendly as freshwater fishing gets, and all three of these spots fit that description. Panfish like bluegill are cooperative biters and don't require precise technique, which makes them ideal for younger or newer anglers. Bring simple rigs, keep expectations realistic about fish size, and focus on the experience rather than numbers.
