Lexington SC
Fishing
News
Live conditions, species status, solunar ratings, water body profiles, SCDNR regulations, and community fishing coverage for Lexington County lakes and rivers.
HERELexington is your local source for fishing reports, conditions, and SCDNR regulations across Lexington County. Use the waters list to find lakes, rivers, and reservoirs near you, the regulations section for current limits, and the guides directory to book a trip.
- Water temps in the prime range — bass are active on shallow structure. Topwater lures effective morning and evening.
- Overcast and light rain conditions are often the best fishing weather. Fish shallow and aggressive — bass are less wary.
- New and full moons are the best fishing phases. Solunar peak periods fall near sunrise and sunset — be on the water at first light.
Know a Lexington-area fishing lake, pond, or river stretch that should be on this list? Let us know.
Report a Fishing SpotGet listed in the Field Guides section and reach active anglers across Lexington County and the HERE City Network.
List Your Guide ServiceFishing News HERE
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Learn About Gear Advertising- Local reservoirs: Boating permit required from Lexington Water. Gas motor HP restrictions — check current Lexington Water rules before launching.
- Size limits: Confirm black-bass minimums and closures for your specific lake in current SCDNR eRegulations.
- Lake Craig & Edwin Johnson: No gasoline engines — electric trolling motors only. Lake Edwin Johnson also enforces SCDNR creel limits: 10 bream, 3 bass, 3 catfish.
- Free Fishing Days 2026: May 25 (Memorial Day weekend) and July 4 — no fishing license required on these two days.
- Rivers (Pacolet, Tyger, Lawson's Fork): Statewide creel limits apply. No boating permits required. SCDNR fishing license required for anglers 16+.
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Yes. All anglers age 16 and older need a SC fishing license to fish public waters in Lexington County. SC residents pay $10 for an annual freshwater license. Non-residents pay $35 annually or $11 for a 3-day license. Licenses are available at SCDNR.sc.gov or at local sporting goods and tackle shops. Two Free Fishing Days — May 25 (Memorial weekend) and July 4 — require no license.
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Lexington anglers fish Lake Murray first — stripers, largemouth, crappie, and catfish — plus the Saluda and Congaree systems within a short drive. those are not Lexington waters. See the profiles above.
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Lake Murray’s Lexington County creeks and docks produce crappie from late winter through April, with a second fall bite as water cools.
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Yes. Murray coves and the Lower Saluda are kayak-friendly. Watch wind on open water and dam generation on the river.
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The Saluda and Congaree hold bass, catfish, bream, and seasonal stripers. Match your launch to flow and traffic.
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The Lower Saluda is the Midlands trout option in winter stocking season. Confirm dates and stamp rules with SCDNR.
Latest Lexington Fishing News
SC September fishing outlook: coast heats up, lakes turn
September marks the swing month for South Carolina anglers, when the water begins to cool from its late-summer peak, bait clouds concentrate in the creeks and lakes, and…
Louisiana draws down six waters this fall to slow salvinia
Louisiana wildlife officials are lowering five lakes and one complex this fall to slow giant salvinia; drawdown windows are now set.
Lackawanna Lake drawdown starts as dam rehabilitation begins
A drawdown of 198-acre Lackawanna Lake began this week as construction starts on the 69-foot dam and fishing rules have been eased.
Michigan launches Great Lakes whitefish rescue this fall
Michigan will collect spawning Great Lakes whitefish this fall backed by $350,000 in state funding and Great Lakes Fishery Trust dollars.
Bassmaster Elite 2027 schedule set, Florida opener Feb. 11
The 2027 Progressive Bassmaster Elite Series will run nine events from Feb. 11 through Aug. 22, opening on Lake Okeechobee.
NJ Sea Birds Win Atlantic Division Fishing Title
The New Jersey Sea Birds secured the Atlantic Division Championship on August 24, 2026, capping a weekend that saw them overcome a significant deficit on the final day.…
Lights Out Boston Leads Atlantic After Grand Slam
Lights Out Boston secured a significant lead in the Atlantic Division Championship on Sunday, August 23, 2026, by completing a billfish grand slam. This achievement pushed them to…
Santee Cooper Lakes Fishing Heats Up for Catfish, Bream
A public comment period for a proposed red snapper season, which could impact South Carolina anglers, is set to close on August 25. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric…
Lexington Anglers Urged to Prioritize Safety Amid Summer Conditions
As outdoor enthusiasts continue to frequent Lexington’s abundant waterways, a detailed guide has been issued to underscore critical safety measures for summer fishing. The recommendations cover a range…
Lexington Anglers Advised on Summer Water Safety Amid Peak Season
As summer continues across the Midlands, a detailed safety guide has been issued, providing essential recommendations for anglers to mitigate risks associated with prolonged exposure to sun and…
New Fishing Safety Guide Emphasizes Heat and Sun Protection for Lexington Anglers
A new comprehensive safety guide has been issued, providing detailed recommendations for anglers to mitigate risks associated with sun exposure, heat, and dehydration, especially pertinent during the summer…
New Guide Offers Summer Safety Practices for Lexington Anglers on Saluda River, Lake Murray
A comprehensive guide detailing essential summer fishing safety practices has been released, offering critical advice for anglers navigating the waterways around Lexington. The recommendations address the unique challenges…
