Guide To The Best Bass Fishing Lakes In South Carolina

Best Bass Fishing Lakes In South Carolina

Fish for spotted, redeye, smallmouth and largemouth bass

South Carolina offers a thriving bass fishing scene, with anglers flocking to its waters in pursuit of the state's prized bass species. Largemouth bass, known for their size and fighting spirit, are abundant in South Carolina's lakes, rivers, and reservoirs. Anglers can target largemouth bass throughout the state, with popular destinations including Lake Murray, Lake Hartwell, and Lake Marion. These bass are known for their aggressive strikes and can reach impressive sizes, providing anglers with thrilling battles on the water.

In addition to largemouth bass, South Carolina is also home to smallmouth bass, which are highly sought after for their tenacity and acrobatic leaps. While not as widespread as largemouth bass, smallmouth bass can be found in various rivers and streams across the state, including the Broad River and the Saluda River. Anglers who enjoy fishing in flowing waters will appreciate the challenge of targeting smallmouth bass, known for their hard-fighting nature and their preference for rocky habitats.

Another bass species found in South Carolina is the spotted bass, also known as Kentucky bass. Spotted bass thrive in reservoirs such as Lake Keowee and Lake Russell, where they can be caught alongside largemouth and smallmouth bass. Spotted bass are known for their aggressive feeding behavior and their ability to adapt to a range of habitats. Anglers who target spotted bass will be rewarded with their spirited fights and impressive jumps.

For a unique bass fishing experience, anglers can also pursue redeye bass, a species native to South Carolina's rivers and streams. These colorful and feisty fish, also known as "Coosa bass," are found in rivers such as the Chattooga River and the Broad River. Redeye bass are known for their striking appearance and their willingness to strike a variety of lures. Anglers who appreciate the beauty of these native bass species will enjoy the challenge of targeting redeye bass in South Carolina's scenic waterways.

In summary, South Carolina offers a rich bass fishing experience with a variety of bass species to target. Whether you're after the trophy-sized largemouth bass, the tenacious smallmouth bass, the aggressive spotted bass, or the colorful redeye bass, the state's lakes, rivers, and reservoirs provide ample opportunities for anglers to test their skills and enjoy the thrill of bass fishing. With its diverse bass population and picturesque fishing locations, South Carolina is a top destination for bass fishing enthusiasts.

You can find excellent bass fishing all across South Carolina. Ponds, rivers, small lakes and stream are likely to have bass in them. Visit the Bass Knowledge Center for valuable information about bass and bass fishing. The major lakes in SC with healthy populations of bass include Fishing Creek Lake, Clarks Hill Lake, Lake Blalock, Lake Bowen, Lake Greenwood, Lake Hartwell, Lake Jocassee, Lake Keowee, Lake Marion, Lake Monticello, Lake Moultrie, Lake Murray, Lake Tugalo, Lake Wylie, Parr Reservoir, Lake Russell and Wateree Lake.

Click the images and links above for species details.

Top 5 Bass Fishing Lures For South Carolina

When bass are shallow, spinnerbaits, crankbaits and top water lures are the most productive. As they move deeper, worms and jigs are among the top producers.

South Carolina State Record Bass

Two state record largemouth bass (tie), one caught from Lake Marion, the other from a private pond.

The state record smallmouth bass came from Lake Jocassee.

The state record redeye bass came out of Lake Jocassee.

The state record spotted bass was caught out of Lake Jocassee.

Bass are one of the most sought after of all the game fish. Its appeal spans cultures, age groups and genders to tap on the heart strings of anglers everywhere. Join us in our endeavor to offer information about bass fishing on your favorite bass lake in South Carolina.

Bass fishing basics video.

Understanding the primary seasonal movements of smallmouth bass and largemouth bass is key to locating them on local lakes in the Palmetto State.

Catch big bass!

Bass fishing information by state.