South Carolina offers rich fisheries for anglers to explore year-round, from wild mountain trout rivers to booming freshwater lakes. The fishing scene in the Palmetto state attracts thousands each year, making fly fishing one of the state's top outdoor activities.
In all the diverse water across the state, some of the best places to fly fish in South Carolina include:
- Chattooga River
- Chauga River
- Eastatoe River
- Jocassee
- Lowcountry Salt Marshes
- Winyah Bay and more
Keep Reading to find out the best spots for fly fishing in South Carolina and answers to some frequently asked questions about the area.
Best Fly Fishing Locations in South Carolina
1. Chattooga River
Chattooga river is considered one of the Southeast's premier whitewater rivers. Fed by springs and rainwater, it rises in the Appalachian mountains and ends 50 miles south in Lake Tugaloo. The scenery around the river is primitive and untamed. River terrain ranges from swelling falls and rock-congested channels to cliff-enclosed pools.
Fishing this river requires hiking, but there are plenty of places to wade in. The best fishing places are from Burrells road to the NC state line. The ideal fishing season is April to June, when the aquatic insect hatches are prime. Fall sees some great action due to the spawning season of the wild brown trout. In addition to brown trout, Chattooga river is best known for brook and rainbow trout.
Recommended Fly Patterns for the Chattooga River, South Carolina:
- Flashback Pheasant Tail - Size 18
- Kaufman Stone in Black - Size 8
- Trophy Dungeon in Natural - Size 8
2. Chauga River
A tributary of Tulagoo River, Chauga River, is primarily a hatchery-supported stream. Starting in the village of Mountain Rest, the river flows southwesterly, ending in Lake Hartwell. The ideal spots for fishing are miles from any road and require traversing through the wilderness.
This river is regularly stocked with catchable brown, brook, and rainbow trout. Natural reproduction of rainbow trout has been found in the main stem. Most of the time, the Chauga is a put-and-take fishery. Most fishing spots in SC from November 1st to May 14th are strictly catch and release using a single hook and artificial lures. During the rest of the year, you can use any lure and hook and take five fish any length.
Recommended Fly Patterns for the Chauga River, South Carolina:
3. East Fork of the Chattooga River
Certain portions of the Chattooga river get crowded with anglers, especially on the weekends in the warmer months. The east fork of the river receives far less pressure and exposure. It rises just above the NC state line and moves into a small trout stream before joining up with the main branch at Ellicott Rock Wilderness Area.
From Sloan Bridge Access to the Foothill Trails, under SR107, is the ideal spot for fly fishing. The river stretches 25 ft. wide in this area, and you'll see more wild fish. The heavily stocked portion by Fish Hatchery Road will provide brown, brook, and rainbow trout and moderate to heavy pressure in the warmer months. The lower section, past the footbridge, is lightly fished and holds mostly wild brown trout. Access is a bit harder as the Foothills Trail goes up on a ridge over the river in this portion.
Recommended Fly Patterns for the East Fork of the Chattooga River, South Carolina:
4. Eastatoe River
Another hatchery-supported river, Eastatoe River, flows through a rocky gorge at the uppermost section, through private property in Eastatoe Valley, and down to Lake Keowee. The terrain of the river includes riffles, fast pocket water, fast runs, small pools, and plunges. This river has several tributaries, including Big Laurel Creek, Rocky Bottom Creek, Dogwood Creek, and more.
The uppermost section can be accessed through Eastatoe Heritage Preserve Trail. It has the largest population of wild trout in the river. The lower section is easier to access and is regularly stocked with brown and rainbow trout. The water in this portion can get quite warm in the summer but still maintains a good population of holdover trout.
Recommended Fly Patterns for the Eastatoe River, South Carolina:
5. Lake Jocassee
Lake Jocassee, northwest of SC, is fed by four major Appalachian mountain rivers. It's known for its crystal clear waters that are kept at cool temperatures all year round by the alpine waters of Toxaway, Horsepasture, Whitewater, and Thompson. The lake holds state records for five fish species: Smallmouth bass, Redeye bass, Spotted bass, Rainbow trout, and brown trout.
The first two streams are accessed by boat, offer the most scenic views, and are best for tour fishing in the summer. The latter two streams are accessed by hiking and are best fished in the fall and winter. Jocassee is estimated to be stocked yearly with 15,000 to 20,000 trout, and brown and rainbow trout heavily populate it.
Recommended Fly Patterns for Lake Jocassee, South Carolina:
6. Kiawah River
Kiawah River is a year-round destination with marsh estuaries and ever-changing tides. In this fishing spot, anglers will see oyster mounds and an endless expanse of spartina grass. The common species of fish in this river are red drum or redfish.
From spring through fall, anglers can spot fish with the flood tides and tailing tides covering the grass flats. The redfish will follow the water in search of food, burying their heads in the bottom of the river and exposing their tails. In the winter, fishing the low tide is productive as the lower temperatures offer great visibility. Redfish will group in schools of 200+ to protect against predators.
Recommended Fly Patterns for the Kiawah River, South Carolina:
- Borski's Chernobyl Crab - Size 2 - 4
- Gurgler - Size 1/0
- Clouser Minnow in varios colors - Size 4 to 1/0
7. Lowcountry Salt Marshes, Charleston, SC
The Lowcountry Salt Marshes have become a favorite for anglers in recent years. The saltwater marsh is a complex ecosystem that can sometimes be challenging to navigate. Primary species in this area are channel bass, spot-tail bass, redfish, and sea trout.
The key to fishing the salt marshes is to know how to locate the fish. Some prime areas in the Lowcountry are the mouths of creeks, oyster bars during low tide, deep holes in the creek, choke points, and flooded shorelines. The salt marshes can be fished all year round. In summer, target fish are flounder, sheepshead, black drum, jack crevalle, and Spanish mackerel. In winter, trout are the primary target.
Recommended Fly Patterns for the Lowcountry salt marshes, Charleston, SC
- Bonefish Critter - Size 6
- Gurgler - Size 1/0
- Clouser Minnow in varios colors - Size 4 to 1/0
8. Lower Saluda River
Located in Central SC, Lower Saluda River is a year-round fishing spot for state-stocked rainbow and brown trout. It's also the source of some of South Carolina's brook trout record holders. This river flows southwest through Greenville County, rises in Jones Gap State Park, and ends near Lake Murray. Ideal fly fishing happens near the SC Electric and Gas Dam and goes as far south as the Riverbanks Zoo.
The average water temperature year-round is 55 degrees as it leaves the dam, but trout populations thin out toward the zoo end. Rainbow trout are stocked monthly from November through April, and brown trout are stocked in the fall; total numbers average 40,000 yearly. This river is a put-grow-and-take fishery with a five-trout limit daily.
Recommended Fly Patterns for the Lower Saluda River, South Carolina:
9. May River
May River in Bluffton, SC, spans 15 miles of brackish waterways and creeks. Surrounded by rich maritime forests and flaxen marshes, this river holds speckled trout, redfish, flounder, sheepshead, and more.
Anglers can also try their hand at big game fish like cobia and tarpon.
Fish can be caught all year round, but an ideal time to target popular species like redfish is in the fall. Speckled trout are best in the cooler temperatures of spring and fall, and spring and summer are the best times to target largemouth bass. Ideal spots to target spotted sea trout, and redfish are in grassy, shallow waters. Deeper pools are ideal for largemouth bass and black drum.
Recommended Fly Patterns for the May River, South Carolina:
10. Middle Saluda River in Jones Gap State Park
Middle Saluda River became the first stream to be designated in the Scenic river program in SC. This portion of the Saluda river is not only beautiful, but it's also ideal for wild trout. Middle Saluda begins in the Mountain Bridge Wilderness area and flows through Jones Gap and Ceasars Head State Parks. The upper portion is kept cool by a canopy of trees and is easy to access with a little hiking. The lower section is mostly private property but can be accessed at the US Highway 76 Bridge.
The upper portion of the Middle Saluda River has some runs and riffles with several fast pockets of water. The section holds wild trout, ranging from 5-12 inches. The lower portion of the Middle Saluda River gets stocked with brown, brook, and rainbow trout. A portion of the river, from Hugh Smith Rd. The bridge to the footbridge at Jones Gap is strictly catch-and-release all year.
Recommended Fly Patterns for the Middle Saluda River in Jones Gap State Park, South Carolina:
- Flashback Pheasant Tail - Size 18
- Zebra Midge in Black or Red - Size 20
- Slump Buster in Olive - Size 6
11. Whitewater River
Starting in NC, the Whitewater River is a freestone river that flows south through SC and ends in Lake Jocassee. The remote nature of the river allows for some scenic wilderness, including two waterfalls over 400 ft high. This river is accessible by boat. There are no trails from the lake, so access is also achieved by walking the stream.
Ideal times to fish are in the summer, fall, and winter. Spring can be dangerous due to vertical drops in some areas. Heavy tree cover keeps it cool during the hot months. The small portion of the river in SC has runs, riffles, and deep pools. Target species are wild brown and rainbow trout and stocked trout. It may be difficult to tell when crossing the NC/SC border, so a fishing license for both states might be necessary.
Recommended Fly Patterns for the Whitewater River, South Carolina:
12. Winyah Bay
Winyah Bay in Georgetown, SC, is a breeding ground for inshore species. Four major rivers merge at the back: the Black, Peedee, Waccamaw, and Sampit. The confluence of both fresh and saltwater provides nutrients for migrating fish. This bay sees heavy currents from hard-running tides.
Target species in the Bay are speckled sea trout, flounder, redfish, sharks, and tarpon. Ideal places to find fish are shallow waters along mudflats and shorelines. The best time to fish in this spot is April through November.
Recommended Fly Patterns for Winyah Bay, South Carolina:
- Tarpon Toad flies - Size 2/0
- Clouser Minnow in varios colors - Size 4 to 1/0
- Spawning Shrimp - Size 2
What Gear do I Need to Fly Fish in South Carolina?
Like other fly fishing destinations, you'll want all your standard gear like a rain jacket, brimmed hat, nippers, net, pliers, bug spray, split shot, etc. Both insulated and lightweight waders, layered clothing, neoprene socks, and boots for all conditions. Rocks in rivers can be quite slick, so spiked boots are a plus.
Some other gear to bring for fly fishing in South Carolina are:
- 3X, 4X, 5X, 6X leaders and tippet
- Polarized sunglasses
- Mosquito head net
- Variety of rods and reels
- 9' 6-8wt. rods with matching reels
- 5' - 10' 4,5,6wt, rods with matching reels
- 5' - 9' 3,4,5wt. rods with matching reels
Additional Facts about Fly Fishing in South Carolina
Where is the best trout fishing in South Carolina?
The best trout fishing in South Carolina can be found in a few places across the state, including Jocassee, Chattooga River, Chauga River, Eastatoe River, Lower and Middle Saluda River, and Whitewater River. For spotted and speckled sea trout, Winyah Bay, May River, and Lowcountry Salt Marshes.
Is there fly fishing in South Carolina?
Yes, there is an abundant fly fishing scene in South Carolina. Many locations across the state offer productive fishing, some with low pressure, all year round. A few locations, like Lower Saluda River and Jocassee Lake, hold records in the state for various target species. Most top fishing sites are regularly stocked throughout the year.
What month is the best fishing in South Carolina?
July through September are the best months to fish in South Carolina. South Carolina offers fishing all year round, but the productive season is in the summer. Populations of target species tend to peak during these months, so fishing spots are busy this time of year.
When it comes to fly fishing, South Carolina has everything an angler needs. With diverse locations and diverse species, it’s an ideal fishing destination for beginners and experts. Be sure to review the regulations set forth by the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources to ensure a safe and fun experience for all.
