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South Carolina · Fishing
Lexington sits at the edge of Lake Murray country, and the fishing options here range from quiet neighborhood ponds to a tailwater river that draws fly anglers from across the Southeast.
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Lexington sits at the edge of Lake Murray country, and the fishing options here range from quiet neighborhood ponds to a tailwater river that draws fly anglers from across the Southeast. Oswald Pond and Moragne Pond are the kind of low-key lake fishing spots that work well for a half-day outing — no boat required, easy bank access, and a good fit for families or anyone who wants to wet a line without a lot of logistics. The Saluda River below Lake Murray Dam is a different proposition entirely. Cold water released from the dam keeps temperatures low enough year-round to support a self-sustaining brown trout and rainbow trout fishery, which is genuinely uncommon this far south in South Carolina. The river section sits at around 330 feet elevation and fishes at a moderate difficulty level, meaning you'll want some fly fishing experience before wading in — the current and footing can be tricky depending on dam releases. Between the stillwater options and the tailwater, Lexington gives you a reasonable variety of fishing without driving far.
The Saluda River tailwater below Lake Murray Dam holds brown trout and rainbow trout. Cold water discharged from the dam creates conditions that allow these species to survive year-round, which is unusual for the South Carolina Piedmont.
The ponds — Oswald Pond and Moragne Pond — are accessible from the bank and don't require a boat. The Saluda River below the dam is waded on foot, so a boat isn't necessary there either, though wading staff and felt or studded soles are worth having given the moderate current.
Oswald Pond
~2 min drive
A worthwhile stop near SC.
Saluda River (Below Lake Murray Dam)
~9 min drive
Moderate
Lake Murray
~12 min drive
Easy
Enoree Ranger District
~1h 2m drive
A worthwhile stop near SC.
Orangeburg National Fish Hatchery
~1h 10m drive
A worthwhile stop near SC.
Lick Fork Lake
~1h 21m drive
A worthwhile stop near SC.
Lake Durham
~10 min drive
A worthwhile stop near SC.
Congaree National Park (Congaree River)
~53 min drive
Moderate
Long Cane Ranger District
~1h 8m drive
A worthwhile stop near SC.
Moragne Pond
~11 min drive
A worthwhile stop near SC.
Broad River (Sumter National Forest Section)
~1h 23m drive
Moderate
Collum Pond
~19 min drive
A worthwhile stop near SC.
A 9-foot, 5-weight fly rod is a standard setup for this stretch. Because you're targeting trout in a tailwater, nymphing rigs and small streamers tend to outperform dry flies on most days. Check current dam release schedules before you go — water levels can rise quickly and affect both wading safety and fish behavior.
On the Saluda River tailwater, early morning before dam releases pick up tends to offer calmer wading conditions and more active trout. For the ponds, early morning and the last hour before sunset are generally the most productive windows for most warm-water species.
Yes, a valid South Carolina fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older fishing any of these locations. For the Saluda River trout fishery, check the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources regulations for any additional trout stamp or special rules that apply to that tailwater section before your trip.
