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South Carolina · Fishing
Columbia sits in the middle of South Carolina's Midlands, and while it's not the first city people think of for fishing, the lakes around it give anglers a solid range of options without long drives.
5 spotsUpdated dailyFree to access
View on mapFishing · 5 spots
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Columbia sits in the middle of South Carolina's Midlands, and while it's not the first city people think of for fishing, the lakes around it give anglers a solid range of options without long drives. Lake Murray is the anchor — a large reservoir west of the city where largemouth bass, striped bass, crappie, and catfish are the main targets. The stripers in particular draw dedicated fishermen, especially in cooler months when the fish are more active near the surface. Closer to town, smaller stillwaters like Adams Pond, Pinewood Lake, Caughmans Pond, Stevensons Lake, and Lake Carolina offer lower-pressure fishing that's well-suited to beginners, families, or anyone who just wants a few hours on the water without renting a boat. All five listings in this area are lake or pond fishing, so you won't need waders or fly-casting experience — a basic spinning setup covers most situations. Access difficulty across the board is easy, meaning you're not hiking to reach the water. South Carolina requires a freshwater fishing license for anyone 16 and older, and you'll want to check current SCDNR regulations before you go, particularly for striped bass size and creel limits on Lake Murray.
Lake Murray holds largemouth bass, striped bass, crappie, and catfish. Crappie and catfish are the most consistent producers for casual anglers, while largemouth bass fishing picks up in spring around structure and coves. Striped bass are present but tend to require more targeted effort, particularly trolling or fishing deeper water during warmer months.
Both work, but a boat opens up significantly more of the lake. Bank fishing is possible at public access points and some park areas around the reservoir, and it's productive for catfish and crappie. If you don't own a boat, kayak rentals and fishing guide services operate on Lake Murray and are worth looking into for a first visit.
Windsor Lake
~6 min drive
A worthwhile stop near SC.
Lake Murray
~24 min drive
Easy
Saluda River (Below Lake Murray Dam)
~28 min drive
Moderate
Orangeburg National Fish Hatchery
~1h 8m drive
A worthwhile stop near SC.
Enoree Ranger District
~1h 13m drive
A worthwhile stop near SC.
Stevensons Lake
~10 min drive
A worthwhile stop near SC.
Congaree National Park (Congaree River)
~37 min drive
Moderate
Pinewood Lake / Caughmans Pond
~13 min drive
A worthwhile stop near SC.
Adams Pond
~16 min drive
A worthwhile stop near SC.
Rotureau
~17 min drive
A worthwhile stop near SC.
Barnnets Pond
~17 min drive
A worthwhile stop near SC.
Lake Carolina
~18 min drive
A worthwhile stop near SC.
Adams Pond, Pinewood Lake, Caughmans Pond, Stevensons Lake, and Lake Carolina are all listed as lake fishing spots and are generally lower-pressure than Lake Murray. These are practical options for beginners, kids, or anyone who wants a short outing close to the city. Expect panfish and bass as the likely catch at most of these waters.
Spring (March through May) is the most productive season overall, when bass are spawning in the shallows and crappie move toward structure. Fall is a close second, particularly for striped bass on Lake Murray as water temperatures drop. Summer fishing is best done early morning or in the evening to avoid midday heat, which pushes fish deeper.
Yes, South Carolina requires a freshwater fishing license for anyone 16 and older. You can purchase one online through the SCDNR website, at most Walmart stores, or at local tackle shops. Check the SCDNR site for current size and creel limits before fishing Lake Murray, especially for striped bass, as these regulations are updated periodically.
