Lake Murray, SC, Fishing Guide
Lake Murray Fishing Guide
One of South Carolina's signature fishing lakes, from largemouth bass to stripers, with public access points around the shoreline.
A Lake Built for Fishing
Lake Murray covers roughly 50,000 acres with about 650 miles of shoreline, which gives anglers a lot of water to explore. It is best known for largemouth bass and striped bass, and it has a long reputation as one of the better bass lakes in the country and a host of major tournaments over the years. Whether you fish from a boat or from a public pier, this guide covers what swims here, where to get on the water, and the basics of fishing it legally.
What to Know Before You Fish Lake Murray
- ✓Headline fishery: largemouth bass and striped bass, the stripers locally called rockfish, are the main draw, and the lake is regularly ranked among the nation's strong bass fisheries.
- ✓More than bass: bluegill and redear sunfish (together called bream locally), crappie, and catfish are all popular catches.
- ✓Stocked stripers: striped bass cannot reproduce naturally in the lake, so the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources stocks them each year, supported by a strong forage base of shad and herring.
- ✓Seasonal patterns, in general terms: bass and stripers tend to be most active in the cooler months, while summer heat tends to push stripers deeper and toward cooler water.
- ✓License required: a valid South Carolina freshwater fishing license is required to fish the lake, for residents and nonresidents alike, with limited exceptions. Get yours from SCDNR.
- ✓Public access points include Dreher Island State Park, the Hilton Recreation Area in Chapin, the public park at the Lake Murray Dam, and Rocky Point Landing on Amicks Ferry Road.
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Lake Murray Fishing, Frequently Asked Questions
What fish are in Lake Murray?
Lake Murray is best known for largemouth bass and striped bass. Anglers also catch bluegill and redear sunfish (called bream locally), crappie, and catfish. The striped bass fishery is supported by annual stocking from the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources, since stripers do not reproduce naturally in the lake.
Do I need a license to fish Lake Murray?
Yes. A valid South Carolina freshwater fishing license is required to fish Lake Murray, for both residents and nonresidents, with limited exceptions such as some private ponds. Licenses are available from the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources.
Where can I launch a boat or fish from shore?
Public access points around the lake include Dreher Island State Park, the Hilton Recreation Area in Chapin, the public park at the Lake Murray Dam (which has fishing piers), and Rocky Point Landing on Amicks Ferry Road. Amenities and any fees vary by location, so check the specific site before you go.
When is the best time to fish Lake Murray?
It depends on what you are after, but bass and stripers are generally most active in the cooler months, and summer heat tends to push stripers deeper and toward cooler water. Conditions change year to year, so treat this as general guidance rather than a guarantee.
Are there size and catch limits?
Yes, South Carolina sets creel and size limits, and they can change. Check the current Lake Murray regulations from the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources before you keep fish.
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