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Fishing At Lake Murray In 2024

AKA: Murray Reservoir, Columbia Lake

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By AA-Fishing Staff Writers

Lake Murray, SC

Most Popular Fish Species In Lake Murray, SC


Lake Murray Popular Fish - Largemouth Bass

Largemouth Bass

This year largemouth bass are again showing up in good numbers at Lake Murray. The lake offers fertile water, an abundant food source, and plenty of cover for both baitfish and bass. Fishing for largemouth bass is good virtually any time they are shallow - in spring, mornings in summer, and during warm Fall afternoons. Use shallow crankbaits around rip rap. Around grass use worms, jigs, topwater and spinnerbaits. In deeper water, big worms, jigs and spoons are three good weapons. In winter, spend your time on deeper structure. Other bass to be caught here include smallmouth bass and spotted bass.


Lake Murray Popular Fish - Striped Bass

Striped Bass

After years of a plentiful food supply, including blueback herring, the stripers at Lake Murray are running in sizable schools. Now that they have been established in the lake for a couple decades, many are growing to bragging size. Striped bass are a favorite of many locals and fishing guides at Lake Murray. Spring and early Summer are the best time to catch the big ones, but quality stripers can be caught year round. Being successful at fishing for stripers is a matter of locating schools of bait, and the wolf packs of stripers which are likely to be nearby. Fish finders, and forward facing sonar, are a big help in locating these roaming schools.


Lake Murray Popular Fish - Black Crappie

Black Crappie

Black crappie, as well as white crappie, are plentiful throughout Lake Murray, and they are again averaging a very good size this year. Catching lots of crappie over three pounds is very common. Crappie fishing is fun for anglers of all ages and skill levels. These schooling fish always like cover and structure, so locate brush and vegetation. Using a fish finder can help locate schools of crappie, which tend to stack vertically around cover. In spring and fall focus on the 8 to 12 foot range. As the crappie move deep in summer and winter, follow points out deep, as well as find ledges near channels in deeper water.


Fish species to fish for...

Guide to fishing for largemouth bass, channel catfish, flathead catfish, black crappie, white crappie, bluegill, pumpkinseed sunfish, redbreast sunfish, redear sunfish, warmouth, white perch, yellow perch, striped bass and chain pickerel at Lake Murray in South Carolina.

Right in the center of South Caroline lies Lake Murray, a 50,000-reservoir loaded with multiple fish species. This vacation paradise sits on the outskirts of Columbia, SC, and offers 620 miles of shoreline for campers, boaters and anglers to enjoy. Fishing enthusiasts enjoy fishing for bass, crappie, stripers, perch, sunfish and chain pickerel.

Lake Murray, located in central South Carolina, is a renowned destination for fishing enthusiasts. Spanning over 50,000 acres, this expansive reservoir offers exceptional fishing opportunities for anglers of all levels. The lake is known for its diverse fish species, including largemouth bass, striped bass, crappie, catfish, and bream, making it a haven for those seeking a variety of catches.

Fishing on Lake Murray is a year-round activity, with different seasons presenting unique angling experiences. Anglers can explore the lake's various fishing spots, such as points, coves, and brush piles, where fish tend to congregate. Whether you prefer fishing from the shoreline, casting from a boat, or utilizing one of the lake's fishing piers, there are plenty of options to accommodate different fishing styles and preferences. The lake's fertile waters and thriving fish population ensure an exciting and rewarding fishing experience.

In conclusion, Lake Murray in South Carolina is a perfect destination for fishing, boating, and camping enthusiasts. Its diverse fish species, expansive water surface, and camping facilities make it an ideal location for outdoor adventures. Whether you're casting your line for bass, cruising on a boat, or camping beneath the stars, Lake Murray offers a serene and picturesque escape where you can connect with nature and indulge in your favorite outdoor activities.

There are approximately twenty places to access the lake, with half of them providing boat launch ramps. These access points also allow access to the shoreline for fishing from the bank. Popular boats here include all types of pleasure boats, fishing boats, pontoons, canoes, kayaks, jon boats and others. Numerous marinas, plenty of campgrounds and RV parks, lodging, bait and tackle, restaurants and shopping are scattered all around the lake.

Fishing Boats For Rent In South Carolina

Primary fish species residing in Lake Murray

Click images for fishing tips and details about each species.

Largemouth bass Channel catfish Flathead catfish Black crappie White crappie Bluegill Pumpkinseed Sunfish Redbreast Sunfish Redear Sunfish Warmouth Sunfish White Perch Yellow Perch Striped bass Chain pickerel

The purpose of this page is to deliver an overview of this lake, the fishing options, and area amenities. Our goal is to provide info to first time visitors, as well as beginner and novice anglers. We gathered details from personal experience, numerous trusted websites that each offer select bits of information, and videos of fishing activity on the lake. These websites include the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources, marinas at the lake, campgrounds, boat rental agencies and others. By consolidating this information to one page it allows visitors to see the entire picture, all in one place.

Lake Murray Amenities

Marina: YES
Boat Rental: YES
Boat Launch Ramp: YES
Campgrounds: YES
RV Hookups: YES
Lodging: YES
Convenience Store: YES
Bait & Tackle: YES
Restaurant: YES

Today's Weather & Forecast

Beyond its excellent fishing prospects, Lake Murray is also a popular destination for boating enthusiasts. With its expansive surface area and calm waters, the lake provides ample opportunities for boating adventures. Boaters can enjoy leisurely cruises, water skiing, wakeboarding, and tubing while taking in the beautiful scenery that surrounds the lake. The lake's numerous boat ramps and marinas offer convenient access for boaters, making it easy to launch and enjoy a day of boating on Lake Murray.

Fishing Boat Rentals

Fifty - Fifty Water Sports
Rentals: Pontoon boats
803 731-4000

Lake Murray Boat Rentals
Rentals: Fishing boats and pontoon boats
803 462-5292

Lighthouse Marina
Rentals: Pontoon boats
803 749-1554

RiverWinds Landing Marina
Rentals: Pontoons and fishing boats
803 364-0036

Public Boat Launch Ramps & Landings

Dreher Island Boat Launch Ramp
Located mid lake, on the north side of the lake, off State Spur S-36-571, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.

Hilton Recreation Area Launch Ramp
Located mid lake, on the north side of the lake, off Cove Launch Court, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.

Lake Murray Dam North Boat Launch Ramp
Located mid lake, east side, off Highway 6, this is a three-lane, concrete ramp with docks and paved parking.

SCE&G #3 Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the southwest section of the lake, off Carolina Lane, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.

SCE&G #4 Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the southwest section of the lake, off Riverbend Point Road, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.

Shealy's Landing Boat Ramp
Located in the northeast section of the lake, off Shadowood Drive, this is a four-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.

Shull Island Boat Launch Ramp
Located mid lake, on the south side of the lake, off Shull Ave, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.

Marinas

Buffalo Creek Marina
849 Marina Way
Prosperity, SC 29127
803 364-2907

Jakes Landing
220 Jakes Landing Rd
Lexington, SC 29072
803 359-9268

Hollow Creek Marina & Store
3340 US-378
Leesville, SC 29070
803 730-3044

Lake Murray Marina at Marina Bay
1602 Marina Road
Irmo, SC 29063
803 781-1585

Lighthouse Marina
1925 Johnson Marina Road
Chapin, SC 29036
803 749-1554

RiverWinds Landing Marina
221 SC HWY 391
Prosperity, SC 29127
803 364-0036

Siesta Cove Marina
256 John Long Rd
Gilbert, SC 29054
803 892-2978

Southshore Marina
3072 US-378
Leesville, SC 29070
803 532-4231

Timberlake Marina
286 Timberlake Dr
Chapin, South Carolina 29036
803 728-4413

Fishing Guides On Lake Murray

Palmetto Guide Service - striped bass, crappie

Captain Mike - Lake Murray Guide - stripers

If you offer fishing guide services on Lake Murray, please contact us for a free listing, to be posted here.

Lake Murray Fishing Video
Fishing License

Click here for a South Carolina Fishing License.

For those looking to extend their stay, Lake Murray offers camping facilities in nearby parks and campgrounds. Campers can immerse themselves in the natural beauty of the area, waking up to stunning lake views and enjoying the peacefulness of their surroundings. Whether you prefer tent camping or RV camping, there are designated camping areas with amenities such as picnic tables, fire pits, and restrooms. Camping near Lake Murray provides an opportunity to fully embrace the outdoor experience, with fishing, boating, and other recreational activities right at your doorstep.

Campgrounds & RV Parks Nearby

Dreher Island State Park Campground - 803 364-4152

Mr Z'z RV Park - 803 206-8928

Saluda River Resort RV Park & Campground - 803 276-7917

Siesta Cove Marina & RV Park - 803 892-2978

Acapulco USA - Long Term RV Park - 803 798-8559

Putnam's Landing RV Park - 803 345-3040

Barnyard RV Park - 803 957-1238

Woodsmoke Family Campground - 803 781-3451

Lake Murray SC Map - Fishing & Camping Areas

Contact Information

Lake Murray
Dreher Island State Park
19 Park Marina Dr
Prosperity, SC 29127
803 364-4152

 

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