Walleye Fishing In South Carolina

By AA-Fishing Staff Writers

South Carolina may not be the first place that comes to mind when thinking of walleye and sauger fishing, but the state does offer opportunities for anglers to target these prized species. Walleye and sauger are known for their delicious flavor and challenging nature, making them a favorite among avid anglers. The purpose of this page is to share basic information about walleye and sauger fishing and identify popular walleye waters in the state.

Watch this video for walleye tips and tactics.

Lake Greenwood is one of the premier destinations in South Carolina for walleye fishing. This 11,400-acre reservoir is stocked with walleye, and anglers can find success by trolling with crankbaits, casting jigs, or drifting live bait near underwater structures. The lake's deep waters and rocky shorelines provide excellent habitat for walleye, making it a hotspot for anglers seeking these elusive fish.

Sauger, a close relative of walleye, can also be found in South Carolina's waters. These fish are known for their fighting spirit and can be caught using similar techniques as walleye. Lakes such as Lake Murray and Lake Wateree are known to have populations of sauger, and anglers can target them by casting jigs or using live bait near areas with moderate current or submerged structures.

While South Carolina may not have state records specifically for walleye or sauger, anglers have reported landing impressive-sized fish from various lakes and rivers throughout the state. These catches serve as a testament to the potential for landing trophy-sized walleye and sauger in South Carolina's waters.

In addition to lakes, several rivers in South Carolina, such as the Savannah River and the Congaree River, offer opportunities for walleye and sauger fishing. Anglers can take advantage of the river currents and target these species near deep holes, rocky areas, or in eddies created by structure or bridge pilings.

While walleye and sauger fishing may not be as prominent in South Carolina compared to other species, there are opportunities for anglers to target these fish. Lakes such as Lake Greenwood and Lake Murray, as well as rivers like the Savannah River, provide a chance to catch walleye and sauger. South Carolina's diverse fishing options and the challenge of pursuing these highly regarded species make it an appealing destination for anglers seeking a unique angling experience.

Walleye & Sauger

Currently, Lake Hartwell and some waters immediately downstream are the only major waters in the state with a significant population of walleye.

Click the images and links above for species details.

Top lures for walleye in South Carolina

Jigs with a variety of trailers and bait work well in virtually any depth water. When walleyes are shallow, spinnerbaits, small crankbaits and rip baits are the often very productive. As they move deeper, spoons are ideal for active walleye. Understanding the seasonal movements of walleyes improves your odds of selecting the right lures for conditions on local waters.

South Carolina State Walleye & Sauger Records

The state record walleye was caught out of Richard B. Russell Lake.

The state record sauger came from Lake Thurmond.

Fishing For Walleye

This toothy fish will eat virtually anything it can catch and get in its mouth. They prefer small fish and will eat crustaceans, worms and insects. They tend to be somewhat wary and prefer the safety of deeper darker water. Trolling for walleye with deep diving crankbaits, jerkbaits, spinners and live bait provides a way to cover vast areas and locate concentrations of fish. Use of planer boards allows anglers to cover water out both sides of the boat while trolling. Try fishing for walleye from sundown to midnight, particularly during the heat of summer.

Fishing For Sauger

Closely related to the walleye and similar in appearance, sauger are generally smaller than walleye, reaching 4 to 5 pounds (or more) and up to about 20 inches. Often found in muddier rivers, it thrives in larger, silty lakes. They spawn in the shallows at night, without creating or guarding specific nests.

Walleye prefer moderately deep lakes with gravel, rock or sandy bottoms. It is found primarily in cold water lakes but has proven to survive in warmer impoundments. It is prized for its great tasting filets. Click here to learn all about walleye fishing.

South Carolina walleye spawn in spring and when they have the option will choose to migrate from the lake up into feeder streams to spawn. If this option is not available they seek out shallow bars or shoals with clean bottom surfaces near deep water.

Walleye Resources

In-Fisherman - Walleye
U.S. Fish & Wildlife - Walleye
The National Wildlife Federation - Walleye

Also find information about walleye, sauger or saugeye fishing in these states.