Fishing
World-class fishing across 90,000 acres of lakes and 100+ miles of wild rivers
Cast Off
Hook up with world-class fish year round.
With over 90,000 acres of lakes and more than 100 miles of wild rivers and streams, the Upstate Blue Ridge is a premier fishing destination. Whether you prefer deep-water trolling for trophy trout, fly fishing on a Wild and Scenic river, or a laid-back day on the dock, you'll find your spot here.
Fishing License Required
SC resident freshwater license: $10/year or $5 for 14 days. Non-resident: $35/year or $11 for 14 days. No additional stamps required. Visit SCDNR.gov for full regulations.
4
Lakes to Fish
100+
Miles of Rivers
5+
Guide Services
Lake Fishing
Four distinct lakes, each with its own personality and trophy species.
Lake Jocassee
Access: Devils Fork State Park only — arrive by 9:30am
Lake Jocassee holds the world record for Red Eye Bass and state records for Smallmouth Bass, Spotted Bass, Rainbow Trout, and Brown Trout. Crystal-clear mountain water fed by four mountain streams. The only major SC lake with an abundant trout population year-round.
💡 Arrive by 9:30am. Devils Fork State Park is the only public access and parking fills fast.
Lake Keowee
Access: Multiple public ramps — South Cove County Park is a great base
Lake Keowee is well known for its strong population of Spotted Bass and Crappie. With 18,500 acres and 300 miles of shoreline, there's plenty of room. Multiple public boat ramps provide access across the lake.
💡 Do not park in private neighborhoods along the lake.
Lake Hartwell
Access: Multiple ramps — easily accessible off I-85
Lake Hartwell is the go-to destination for trophy Stripers and Hybrids. Crappie fishing is also excellent. One of the Southeast's largest lakes at nearly 56,000 acres with 962 miles of shoreline. Often hosts Major League Fishing tournaments.
💡 Easy access off I-85 at the SC/GA border.
Lake Tugalo
Access: SC ramp off Bull Sluice Rd, Long Creek — 20HP motor maximum enforced
A small 575-acre lake limited to 20HP motors, keeping it blissfully peaceful. Fed by the Chattooga and Tallulah Rivers. The fish are plentiful and the solitude is unmatched. The endpoint of the famous Chattooga River Section IV raft run.
💡 Perfect for kayak and canoe anglers seeking calm water.
River Fishing
The Chattooga and Chauga Rivers are heavily stocked with trout by the Walhalla State Fish Hatchery.
Chattooga River
Species: Brown, Rainbow and Brook Trout
Heavily stocked with trout by the Walhalla State Fish Hatchery. Ideal for fly fishing, spinning reel, or cane pole along its Wild and Scenic corridor.
Chauga River
Species: Rainbow Trout, Brown Trout, Chubs, Redeye Bass
Regularly stocked. Offers much of the same scenic beauty as the Chattooga with a more intimate feel. Good access off Cassidy Bridge Road in Mountain Rest.
Local Guide Services
Local experts who know every pool, riffle, and honey hole.
Blue Ridge Guide Service
Salem, SC · Lake Jocassee
Owned by Keith Courtney, guiding Lake Jocassee since 1990. The only full-time guide on the lake. Trophy trout fishing trips and lake touring. Equipment and local expertise included.
Chattooga River Fly Shop
Mountain Rest, SC
Full-service fly shop steps from the Chattooga and Chauga Rivers. Guided full and half-day wade trips, casting lessons, and fly tying instruction from beginner to expert.
Crooked Feather Outfitters
Seneca, SC
Guided fly fishing trips and on-the-water courses for all ages and skill levels in the SC mountains. Trout, bass, and bream trips available year-round.
Fishski Business, LLC
Seneca, SC
USCG Licensed Capt. Steve Pietrykowski guides on Lake Hartwell, Lake Jocassee, and Lake Keowee. Great for families and corporate groups. Day and night trout trips on Jocassee.
Jocassee Charters
Salem, SC · Devils Fork State Park
Deep-water trolling for trophy brown and rainbow trout using downriggers. All tackle furnished. First-timers and children of all ages are welcome.
Plan Your Fishing Trip
Combine fishing with lakes, parks, and lodging for the perfect Upstate getaway.