Fishing

With over 90,000 acres of lakes and over 100 miles of rivers and streams, you can hook up with world class fish year round!

Our Lakes

Lake Jocassee holds the world record for Red Eye Bass; and state records for Small Mouth Bass, Spotted Bass, Rainbow Trout and Brown Trout.

Lake Keowee is well known for a strong population of Spots and Crappie.

Lake Hartwell is full of Crappie and THE place to go for trophy Stripers, Hybrids, Catfish.

Lake Tugalo is a small lake limited to 20 HP motors, but the fish are plenty including Trout, Bass and Walleye.

If you’re looking for helpful tips and tricks for bass fishing, this article may interest you.

Our Rivers

The Chattooga and Chauga Rivers are heavily stocked with Brown, Rainbow and Brook Trout from the Walhalla Fish Hatchery. The rivers are great for fly fishing, spinning reel or cane pole.

Fishing License Required

The cost of a resident freshwater fishing license is $10 annually and $5 for a 14-day permit. Non-resident fees are $35 annually and $11 for a 14-day permit. No additional stamps required. For more details about South Carolina fishing regulations view the SCDNR webpage.

Blue Ridge Guide Service

Lake Jocassee
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Owned and operated by Keith Courtney. He has been fishing Lake Jocassee since 1986 and guiding since 1990. Whether you request a touring trip or a trophy trout fishing trip, Blue Ridge Guide Service has the equipment and experience to make your trip memorable.

Chattooga River

Long Creek/Mountain Rest, SC
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The Chattooga River is the boundary between GA & SC. It is nationally designated as Wild and Scenic and is protected from development. Known for whitewater rapids, and meandering, mountainous woodland passage. The lower sections of the Chattooga are considered among the best whitewater in the SE with heart-thumping Class III to Class VI rapids.

Chattooga River Fly Shop

Mountain Rest, SC
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Full service fly shop located just a few miles from the Chauga & Chattooga Rivers. They have “Hot Flies” and all your fly fishing needs. Guided fly fishing trips, both full & half day, casting lessons & fly tying instruction for the novice to the expert.

Chauga River

Mountain Rest, SC
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A 31 mile long tributary of the Tugaloo River that flows south to Lake Hartwell. The Chauga River offers much of the same scenic beauty and cool waters found nearby on the Chattooga River. Anglers like the Chauga River and often catch rainbow trout, brown trout, chubs, and redeye bass. Depending on the water level, sections of the Chauga are popular for whitewater kayaking. Good access and parking are available off Cassidy Bridge Road in Mountain Rest.

Crooked Feather Outfitters

Seneca, SC
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Guided fishing trips within the Sumter National Forest on the Chattooga and Chauga Rivers. Full and half day trips. Fish for trout in fall and winter, bass in the spring and bream in the summer.

Fishski Business, LLC

Seneca, SC
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Guided fishing on Lake Hartwell and Lake Jocassee with Captain Steve Pietrykowski. Hartwell is a great choice for families or even a corporate outing. Multiple fishing boats for large groups can be arranged. Captain Steve offers day and night guided fishing on Lake Jocassee, which is the only major lake in South Carolina that has an abundant trout population.

Go Fish!

Westminster
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Go Fish! is fishing area (pay lake) located near Seneca and Westminster, South Carolina

Jocassee Charters

Salem, SC
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Guided fishing trips for everyone from serious anglers to the first-time fishermen. Children of all ages are welcome. Deep water trolling for big brown and rainbow trout using downriggers. All tackle is furnished. All you will need is your food, drinks and a SC fishing license.

Jocassee Outdoor Center

Salem, SC
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Offering boat rentals, short-term and long-term boat storage, and camping or boating needs. Lake Jocassee’s only outfitter and marine center complete with a general store, full-service concierge boat storage, boat repair and maintenance shop. Rent from their large fleet of newer model and faster pontoons, performance tritoons and ski boats on Lake Jocassee and Lake Keowee. The lake legacy since 1979.

Jocassee Outfitters Fly Shop & Guide Service

Salem, SC
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This little fly shop (off Highway 11 in Salem) sells a full line of fly fishing rods, flies, waders, tackle, apparel and more. They provide fly fishing instruction for every skill level and offer full guide service on the Chattooga, Chauga and Eastatoe Rivers.

JocasseeQuest

Salem, SC
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Fishing Carters & Excursions on Lake Jocassee. Matt McCreery has been fishing on Lake Jocassee since the mid 1970s. He’ll be your guide for trout fishing trips and scenic waterfall tours. He’ll provide the boat as well as all the tackle and equipment necessary. (Guests are required to have a valid SC Fishing License). You’ll explore the lake on a pontoon boat that has an optional full enclosure to keep everyone warm on cold days.

Keowee Fishing Service, LLC

Seneca, SC
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Lake Keowee guided fishing, half and full day trips. On-the-water education, training, and information about Lake Keowee bass fishing. Trips for beginners to advanced anglers. Also offering electronics setup and configuration for Garmin Livescope. All trips hosted by Charles, N&C Marine Pro Staff member and tournament angler.