DIY Fly Fishing GuideDestinations map

Fly Fishing in South Carolina

25 featured rivers, lakes and streams in South Carolina, each with target species, a hatch chart and a map of nearby access.

Broad River (Smallmouth Shoals) (Smallmouth Bass, Largemouth Bass)
One of the few places in SC to target aggressive smallmouth bass in rocky shoals and moving water.
Bulls Bay Flats (Redfish, Sea Trout)
Expansive shallow mud flats and oyster bars famous for 'tailing' Redfish during flood tides in the summer.
Capers Island Surf (Redfish, Bluefish, Spanish Mackerel)
Remote beach fly fishing for redfish and seasonal bluefish along the barrier island breakers.
Charleston Harbor Jetties (Redfish, False Albacore, Bluefish)
Hard-fighting seasonal species like Bull Redfish and False Albacore can be targeted here by experienced fly casters.
Chattooga River (Section 0) (Brown Trout, Rainbow Trout)
The headwaters offer classic freestone wading for wild trout along the GA/SC border.
Chauga River (Rainbow Trout, Brown Trout)
A rugged, less-pressured alternative to the Chattooga, featuring deep pools and technical runs.
Combahee River (ACE Basin) (Redfish, Striped Bass, Largemouth Bass)
Part of the protected ACE Basin, offering blackwater fly fishing for redfish in the brackish lower reaches.
Eastatoe Creek Heritage Preserve (Rainbow Trout)
A remote mountain stream in a deep gorge known for naturally reproducing rainbow trout and beautiful scenery.
Edisto River (Main Stem) (Largemouth Bass, Bluegill, Redbreast Sunfish)
The longest free-flowing blackwater river in the US, perfect for casting poppers to redbreast sunfish and bass.
Lake Jocassee (Tributary Mouths) (Brown Trout, Rainbow Trout, Smallmouth Bass)
Deep, cold mountain lake where fly anglers can target trophy trout and smallmouth near river inflows.
Lake Murray (Dam Shoals) (Striped Bass, Bluegill)
Rock formations below the dam provide structure for striped bass and various sunfish species.
Little River (Lowcountry) (Redfish, Sea Trout)
Near the NC border, this tidal creek system is excellent for targeting redfish on shallow oyster bars.
Lower Saluda River Tailwater (Rainbow Trout, Brown Trout, Striped Bass)
A unique cold-water tailwater flowing through Columbia that supports a robust trout fishery and trophy striped bass.
May River (Redfish, Sea Trout)
A stunning high-salinity estuary in Bluffton known for exceptionally clear water and sight-fishing for reds.
Middle Saluda River (Jones Gap State Park) (Rainbow Trout, Brown Trout, Brook Trout)
South Carolina's first designated scenic river, offering technical pocket water for wild and stocked trout in a rugged gorge.
Morgan River Inlets (Redfish, Black Drum)
Pristine saltwater marshes near St. Helena Island perfect for targeting redfish on the fly among Spartina grass.
Murrells Inlet (Redfish, Flounder, Sea Trout)
A shallow saltwater estuary famous for flounder and large redfish, best fished from a skiff or kayak.
North Santee River Bay (Redfish, Tarpon, Striped Bass)
A wild and expansive delta system where the river meets the ocean, providing diverse marsh habitat.
Port Royal Sound (Redfish, Cobia, Spanish Mackerel)
Deep water sound with immense flats where fly anglers can target Cobia in the spring and Redfish year-round.
Reedy River (Lower) (Largemouth Bass, Carp)
Away from the city center, the lower Reedy offers surprisingly good warm-water fly fishing for bass.
Table Rock State Park Lake (Largemouth Bass, Bluegill)
A small, scenic mountain lake perfect for a relaxing day of fly fishing for panfish and bass from a float tube.
Thompson River (Rainbow Trout, Brook Trout)
A very remote and difficult-to-access stream offering solitude and wild trout in the Jocassee Gorges.
Wando River Marshes (Redfish, Sea Trout, Ladyfish)
A tidal river near Charleston providing excellent opportunities for topwater seatrout and redfish along grass edges.
Wateree River (Tailwater) (Striped Bass, Largemouth Bass)
Below Lake Wateree dam, the river offers great opportunities for striped bass on large streamers.
Whitewater River (Rainbow Trout, Brown Trout)
High gradient river known for spectacular waterfalls and a healthy population of wild rainbow trout.

Fly Fishing in South Carolina

Fly Fishing in Other States