--- title: "Clemson Fishing" url: https://www.hereclemson.com/fishing-clemson-sc/ date: 2026-06-23T15:43:32+00:00 modified: 2026-06-23T15:55:15+00:00 author: "" site: "HERE Clemson" attribution: "HERE Clemson" --- # Clemson Fishing *Source: [HERE Clemson](https://www.hereclemson.com/fishing-clemson-sc/) — June 23, 2026 by * HERE Clemson # Clemson Fishing Report Live conditions, species status, solunar ratings, water body profiles, SCDNR regulations, and community fishing coverage for Pickens lakes and rivers. Bass: Active Crappie: Active Catfish: Hot 7 Waters Profiled **7** Waters Profiled **Live** Conditions **Solunar** Rating **2026** Season First Look • Fishing Conditions 🌔 Waxing Gibbous Illumination: 87% Air Temp 75°F Est. Water 80°F Wind 0 mph Pressure 1013 as of 7:40 PM ET Fair — bright nights mean fish feed overnight. Try early morning before they drop deep. 100 EXCELLENT Excellent bite conditions. Get on the water at first light. Pickens • Upstate SC Your Local *Fishing Resource* HERE Clemson is your local source for fishing reports, conditions, and SCDNR regulations across Pickens. 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. Current Conditions • Clemson Waters Species *Status* Largemouth Bass ACTIVE Summer pattern — fish deep structure early and late. Frog fishing on lily pads productive at dawn. **Top Bait**Finesse Jig, Drop Shot **Depth**15-25 ft midday Smallmouth Bass HOT Prime smallmouth season on area rivers. Rocky shoals hold feeding fish. **Top Bait**Tube Jig, Crawfish Pattern, Ned Rig **Depth**Shoal tail-outs, 3-12 ft Crappie ACTIVE Pre-spawn or fall pattern. Crappie suspending over deeper structure. **Top Bait**Small Tube Jig, Live Minnow, Slip Float **Depth**12-20 ft brush Catfish HOT Catfish are highly active in warm water. Night fishing from bank is excellent — cut shad and chicken liver. **Top Bait**Cut Shad, Chicken Liver, Prepared Stink Bait **Depth**Channel edges, 10-30 ft Bluegill / Bream HOT Bluegill on the bed — largest fish of the year on spawning colonies in 1-4 ft gravel flats. Cricket fishing is magic. **Top Bait**Cricket, Worm, Small Jig (1/32 oz) **Depth**Spawning: 1-4 ft. Non-spawn: dock edges 4-10 ft Trout SLOW No summer trout stocking. Trout season paused — check for next stocking dates. **Top Bait**PowerBait, Night Crawler, Inline Spinner **Depth**Stocked areas — designated lakes and streams Species status is based on seasonal patterns and current conditions for Pickens waters. Always verify SCDNR regulations for creel limits, size minimums, and any current advisories before heading out. [Report a Bite Update](/submit-a-tip/?topic=report-a-bite-update) Fishing Report Partners [Dick's Sporting Goods](https://www.dickssportinggoods.com/c/fishing) [Bass Pro Shops](https://www.basspro.com) [REI Co-op](https://www.rei.com/c/fishing) [Academy Sports](https://www.academy.com/fishing) First Look Weather & *Fishing Conditions* 75F Mostly Clear Feels like 77°F as of 7:40 PM ET Wind 0 mph N Humidity 88% Pressure 1013 hPa Est. Water Temp 80°F Moon Waxing Gibbous Sunrise / Sunset 10:19 am / 12:49 am Location Clemson, SC On-the-Water Tips - Water temps in the prime range — bass are active on shallow structure. Topwater lures effective morning and evening. - Calm winds make for ideal casting conditions. Fish will be spooky in clear water — use light line and natural presentations. - Falling barometric pressure activates feeding. Fish are on the move — work moving baits and cover water quickly. Solunar Index Fishing *Conditions Dashboard* Air Temperature 75°F Optimal Bite Wind Speed 0 mph Calm — Ideal Barometric Pressure 1013 hPa Falling — Feeding! Moon Phase 🌔 Good EXCELLENT Excellent bite conditions. Get on the water at first light. Extended Outlook 5-Day Fishing *Forecast* TODAY Chance Showers And Thunderstorms 93° / 73° 10 mph wind • 0% humidity SLOW SUN Chance Showers And Thunderstorms 92° / 74° 6 mph wind • 0% humidity SLOW MON Sunny then Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms 94° / 76° 2 mph wind • 0% humidity SLOW TUE Sunny 93° / 75° 5 mph wind • 0% humidity FAIR WED Sunny 95° / 75° 2 mph wind • 0% humidity FAIR Lakes & Rivers Water Body *Profiles* 7 fishing waters within Pickens — with species, access, tips, and restrictions. Lake Hartwell 56,000 acres U.S. Army Corps of Engineers impoundment Clemson, SC / Anderson County / Oconee County — dam at Hartwell, SC; Clemson Marina at 150 Clemson Marina Dr., Seneca, SC 29678 Largemouth Bass Smallmouth Bass Spotted Bass Striped Bass Hybrid Bass Black Crappie Bluegill Redear Sunfish Channel Catfish Blue Catfish Walleye Lake Hartwell is a 56,000-acre impoundment straddling the South Carolina–Georgia border, with the dam sited at Clemson. Created by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers between 1955 and 1963, it ranks among the Top 5 most-visited Corps lakes in the United States. The lake holds three black bass species — largemouth, smallmouth, and spotted — along with a well-established striped and hybrid bass fishery and strong crappie action around 23 SCDNR-maintained fish attractors and Christmas-tree reef structures. The Pickens County shoreline covers the northwestern arm of the lake and includes Twin Lakes Recreation Area with a fishing pier. Multiple public boat ramps and access areas on the SC side of Lake Hartwell, including Twin Lakes Recreation Area (Pickens County, fishing pier), Singing Pines Recreation Area, Broyles Recreation Area, Sadlers Creek State Park (two ramps, 100-ft fishing pier), and Lake Hartwell State Park (two ramps, 140-ft fishing pier). Clemson Marina (150 Clemson Marina Dr., Seneca) provides additional launch access. SC freshwater fishing license required for anglers 16+. Angler Tip Work the 23 SCDNR fish-attractor reefs for crappie with minnows and 1/32-oz tube jigs in February through April. Early-morning topwater action on stripers and hybrids is best when surface temps stay below 75°F. Five holes along the Walker Course on campus provide excellent shore-access largemouth habitat in spring. SC–Georgia reciprocal license agreement applies to all main-lake waters and tributaries covered by the Savannah River system agreement — either a valid SC or GA freshwater license is accepted on Lake Hartwell itself. No size limit on smallmouth bass on Lake Hartwell. Largemouth bass: 12-inch minimum, 10 combined black bass per day. Striped/hybrid bass: 10 per day combined, only 3 may exceed 26 inches. Trout: 8 per day (no size limit Apr 1–Nov 30; 14-inch minimum Dec 1–Mar 31). Walleye/sauger: 8 per day. Verify current creel limits at dnr.sc.gov before fishing. [Field Guide](https://www.dnr.sc.gov/lakes/hartwell/description.html) Lake Keowee 18,500 acres Duke Energy hydroelectric reservoir Pickens and Oconee counties — Keowee-Toxaway State Park at 108 Residence Dr., Sunset, SC 29685; South Cove County Park at 600 South Cove Rd., Seneca, SC 29678 Spotted Bass Largemouth Bass Smallmouth Bass Redeye Bass Black Crappie White Crappie Bluegill Yellow Perch Channel Catfish Blue Catfish Lake Keowee is an 18,500-acre Duke Energy reservoir formed by impounding the Keowee River in 1971 to support the Oconee Nuclear Station. Its steep-sided, clear, mountain-fed water supports all four black bass species native to South Carolina. Spotted bass predominate and have established Keowee as one of the premier spotted-bass lakes in the Upstate; Keowee's 'hot hole' — the warm-water discharge near the nuclear plant — concentrates spotted bass and baitfish throughout winter. Seventeen fish attractors maintain crappie populations in the lake's deep coves. Public access is available at Duke Energy Access Areas distributed around the lake, Keowee-Toxaway State Park (no-wake bank fishing; boat ramp access to Keowee five miles away), South Cove County Park, Mile Creek County Park, and High Falls County Park. SC freshwater fishing license required; no reciprocal GA agreement — SC license required. Angler Tip Target spotted bass along steep rock points and dock structures in 15–40 feet of water using drop-shot rigs or jigging spoons from October through March. In cold months, check the hot-hole discharge area for schools of spots chasing threadfin shad. Watch for gull activity over the lake surface — diving birds locate baitfish schools and the bass that follow them. SC-only lake — Georgia fishing license not valid on Lake Keowee. No size limit on black bass; 10 combined black bass per day. No size limit on largemouth bass on Keowee (Keowee is listed in special regs). Standard SC creel limits apply for crappie, bream, and catfish. Verify current regulations at dnr.sc.gov. [Field Guide](https://www.dnr.sc.gov/lakes/keowee/description.html) Lake Jocassee 7,565 acres Duke Energy deep-water reservoir / SCDNR trophy trout fishery Pickens and Oconee counties — Devils Fork State Park at 161 Holcombe Circle, Salem, SC 29676 Brown Trout Rainbow Trout Brook Trout Smallmouth Bass Largemouth Bass Redeye Bass Spotted Bass White Bass Black Crappie Bluegill Channel Catfish Flathead Catfish Lake Jocassee is the crown jewel of South Carolina mountain fishing — the only lake in the state offering both trophy-class trout and smallmouth bass. Fed by four cold mountain streams and reaching depths of 300+ feet, the lake's crystal-clear water maintains temperatures that allow SCDNR to maintain a year-round trophy trout fishery. Average rainbow trout from Jocassee weigh nearly 3 pounds; average brown trout run 4–5 pounds. State records for brown trout (17 lbs 9.5 oz), rainbow trout (11 lbs 5 oz), redeye bass, smallmouth bass, and spotted bass have all been set here. Access is exclusively through Devils Fork State Park; boat ramps, bank fishing, and four launch areas are provided by the state park. Devils Fork State Park provides the only road access to Lake Jocassee. Four boat ramps for motorized and non-motorized craft. Bank fishing available along the park shoreline. Park entry fee applies. SC freshwater fishing license required; lake is SC-only, no Georgia reciprocal agreement. All trout transported across Lake Jocassee must comply with Jocassee trout length and creel limits. Angler Tip Troll spoons and plugs on downriggers in 40–100 feet of water to intercept suspended trout following blueback herring schools. The Keowee River channel intake area produces exceptional spring trout action and year-round bass fishing. Deep-water jigging with 4-inch drop-shot worms over underwater points in 50–80 feet is the key technique November through February. SC-only water — no Georgia license reciprocity. Trout: 5 per day, 15-inch minimum size limit year-round. Largemouth bass: 14-inch minimum size limit (Jocassee is on the 14-inch list). Standard SC creel limits for all other species. Verify current regulations at dnr.sc.gov. All boats and fishing prohibited in designated waterfowl management zones if applicable. [Field Guide](https://southcarolinaparks.com/devils-fork/things-to-do) Chattooga River 40+ miles of fishable water (SC portion) National Wild and Scenic River — USDA Forest Service / Sumter National Forest, Andrew Pickens District Oconee County, SC / Rabun County, GA — primary SC access via Burrell's Ford Road (FS 646) off SC 107, Walhalla, SC 29691; SC Hwy 28 Bridge access in Walhalla area Brown Trout Rainbow Trout Brook Trout Redeye Bass (Bartram's) Smallmouth Bass Redbreast Sunfish The Chattooga National Wild and Scenic River is South Carolina's finest trout stream and one of the most celebrated free-flowing mountain rivers in the Southeast. Designated under the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act in 1974 and running 40 miles along the SC–GA border through Sumter National Forest, the Chattooga supports distinct fishing zones from headwaters to lowlands. Wild brown trout dominate the upper section (NC line to Big Bend Falls) within the Ellicott Rock Wilderness; helicopter-stocked rainbows and browns populate the backcountry reach from Burrell's Ford to Reed Creek; the 3-mile Delayed Harvest section from Reed Creek to SC Hwy 28 is heavily stocked November through May and restricted to single-hook artificial lures catch-and-release during that period. Below SC 28, the river offers a mix of stocked trout and native Bartram's redeye bass. Major access points on the SC side include Burrell's Ford Bridge and Campground (off SC 107), SC Hwy 28 Bridge (Delayed Harvest section put-in), Long Bottom Ford Road access, and US Hwy 76 at the lower river. No road access within 0.25 mile of most of the river corridor due to Wild and Scenic designation — hiking required. A valid SC OR GA freshwater license is accepted on border waters (reciprocal agreement). USFS self-registration permit required for floating; free and available at each put-in. Angler Tip The Delayed Harvest section (Reed Creek to SC 28) fishes best with egg patterns, zebra midges, and Pheasant Tail nymphs in sizes 16–18 from November through May on standard gear. Wild fish in the upper Ellicott Rock Wilderness section are exceptionally spooky — 5X or 6X tippet on a 4- or 5-weight rod is essential. Wear felt-soled or studded wading boots: Chattooga rocks are among the most slippery in the Southeast. Chattooga River (SC Hwy 28 upstream to Reed Creek): catch-and-release only with single-hook artificial lures from Nov. 1 through May 14. May 15–Oct 31: 5 trout per day, no size limit, bait allowed. Either SC or GA license valid on border waters; NC license NOT valid on the Chattooga. Inner-tubes prohibited below Earls Ford; all floaters must carry USFS self-registration permit. Verify current regulations at dnr.sc.gov and the USFS Chattooga Wild and Scenic River page. [Field Guide](https://www.fs.usda.gov/r08/francismarionsumter/recreation/chattooga-wild-and-scenic-river) Seneca River approx. 30 miles (Oconee / Pickens county reach above Lake Hartwell) Free-flowing river (tributary to Lake Hartwell / Savannah River system) Oconee and Pickens counties — public access near Seneca, SC 29678; Clemson Marina area at lower reach Largemouth Bass Smallmouth Bass Spotted Bass Redeye Bass Redbreast Sunfish Bluegill Channel Catfish Black Crappie The Seneca River forms where the Keowee and Tugaloo rivers meet and flows southeast through Oconee and Pickens counties before entering the upper arm of Lake Hartwell near Clemson. The river corridor offers classic Upstate river fishing for multiple bass species in a relatively undeveloped setting. Redeye (Coosa) bass — a Blue Ridge specialty species — inhabit the shoal reaches alongside largemouth, smallmouth, and spotted bass. Redbreast sunfish are abundant on the rocky bottom stretches and respond readily to small spinners and live worms. Scattered public access exists along SC Hwy 188, SC Hwy 37, and at points where county roads bridge the river. Kayak and canoe access near Seneca city limits provides additional entry. SC freshwater fishing license required. Note: The Seneca River and all Savannah River system tributaries (upstream of main impoundments) are not covered by the SC–GA reciprocal license agreement; SC license required. Angler Tip Smallmouth and redeye bass congregate at rocky ledges and shoal areas in the mid-section of the river in spring. Float the river in a kayak from a county bridge access, fishing downstream rocky points with a 1/4-oz Rooster Tail or small popper early morning in May and June for the most consistent action. SC freshwater license required (GA reciprocal does not apply to Seneca River above Lake Hartwell). Standard SC size and creel limits for all black bass species. No size limit on smallmouth bass in Upstate rivers. Verify current regulations at dnr.sc.gov. [Field Guide](https://upcountrysc.com/fishing-locations-lakes-rivers-streams/) Twelve Mile River (Twelvemile Creek) approx. 25 fishable miles in Pickens County Upstate Piedmont / Blue Ridge foothills creek — tributary to Lake Hartwell Pickens County, SC — primary access at Lay Bridge Road, Central, SC 29630; Maw Bridge Road, Central, SC 29630 Brown Trout Rainbow Trout Largemouth Bass Smallmouth Bass Redeye Bass Redbreast Sunfish Bluegill Channel Catfish Twelve Mile River drains the northern Pickens County foothills and flows southward through the Clemson Experimental Forest before entering Lake Hartwell near Central. The upper reaches of the creek in the Clemson Experimental Forest — where the watershed borders the Issaqueena area — hold stocked trout and native redbreast sunfish in cool, clear water. Nongame fishing devices are prohibited in Game Zone 1, keeping this stream effectively a hook-and-line fishery consistent with SCDNR's approach to protecting native trout habitat in the Upstate. The Upstate Forever Twelve Mile River Blueway map (434 Lay Bridge Road and Maw Bridge Road access points) documents put-in and take-out points for paddle anglers working the creek's mid-section. Public land access available where Twelve Mile River passes through the Clemson Experimental Forest (CEF) and at county road bridges. Lay Bridge Road (434 Lay Bridge Rd, Central, SC 29630) and Maw Bridge Road (1002 Maw Bridge Rd, Central, SC 29630) provide kayak and canoe access per the Upstate Forever Twelvemile River Blueway. CEF property is open to fishing under SC DNR regulations; no CEF-specific permit required for fishing. SC freshwater fishing license required for anglers 16+. Angler Tip Fish the upper shaded reaches through the Clemson Experimental Forest in March through May when SCDNR stocks trout from the Walhalla State Fish Hatchery program. Ultralight spinning gear with small spinners and soft plastic grubs is effective for the mix of trout, smallmouth, and redeye bass throughout summer. The creek runs low and clear in summer — target deeper pools and undercut banks on overcast days. SC freshwater license required. Nongame fishing devices (trotlines, jugs, set hooks) are prohibited in Game Zone 1 waters including Twelve Mile River — hook-and-line only. Standard SC creel limits apply for all species. Hunting season closures may affect trail access in the CEF during October–January; wear blaze orange when fishing near hunt areas. Verify current regulations at dnr.sc.gov. [Field Guide](https://www.clemson.edu/public/experimental-forest/index.html) Eastatoe Creek (Pickens County reach / Heritage Preserve) approx. 10 fishable miles within heritage preserve and upper Pickens County reach Heritage Preserve stream / SCDNR WMA — Blue Ridge trout creek Northern Pickens County — Eastatoe Creek Heritage Preserve, accessed via US-178 north from Pickens; turn at Horsepasture Road near Eastatoe Creek; Pickens, SC 29671 Rainbow Trout Brown Trout Redeye Bass Redbreast Sunfish Eastatoe Creek in northern Pickens County is one of SCDNR's key designated trout streams in the Upstate and flows through the Eastatoe Creek Heritage Preserve — a section of the Jim Timmerman Natural Resources Area at Jocassee Gorges. The preserve features a steep mountain gorge with old-growth hemlock, rock cliffs, rare ferns, and a stream supporting naturally reproducing rainbow trout. The Eastatoe is listed separately in SCDNR trout regulations with its own creel limit (7 trout per day on Heritage Preserve lands) reflecting the sensitive wild fishery. Trout from the Walhalla State Fish Hatchery supplement wild populations in accessible reaches. The creek is one of fourteen Upstate streams receiving regular SCDNR stocking March through June and again in October–November. Access via US-178 north from Pickens, then Horsepasture Road to the Eastatoe Creek Heritage Preserve trailhead (red gate). Foot access only within the preserve — no motorized vehicles. Fishing is permitted under WMA regulations. SC freshwater fishing license required; artificial lures only within Heritage Preserve boundaries (posted on-site). Note: Eastatoe Creek Heritage Preserve is part of the Jim Timmerman Natural Resources Area — check SCDNR for seasonal closures during hunting season. Angler Tip The Eastatoe is a classic Blue Ridge freestone stream; dry-fly fishing with Light Cahill or Elk Hair Caddis in sizes 14–16 is most effective during April–June hatches. Wild rainbows in the preserve section are wary — approach pools from downstream and keep a low profile. The lower Eastatoe reach below SC Hwy S-39-143 (Roy Jones Road) that enters Lake Keowee is listed by SCDNR as trout habitat worth exploring for stocked fish. Eastatoe River (Heritage Preserve lands, Pickens County): 7 trout per day, any size. Artificial lures only within Heritage Preserve boundaries as posted. WMA permit and SC fishing license required. Property may be seasonally closed to general public access during scheduled big-game hunts — check SCDNR closure notices. Verify current regulations at dnr.sc.gov. [Field Guide](https://www.dnr.sc.gov/managed/wild/jocassee/gateways.htm) Did We Miss a Spot? Know a Clemson-area fishing lake, pond, or river stretch that should be on this list? Let us know. [Report a Fishing Spot](/submit-a-tip/?topic=report-a-fishing-spot) Local Experts Field *Guides* Hire a local fishing guide and put your line on the right water in Clemson. Expert captains who know Pickens waters. CP Cliff Pitts Veteran Lake Wylie guide specializing in striped bass and crappie. Lake Wylie Catawba River [(803) 555-0100](tel:8035550100) Guide Service or Charter Captain? Get listed in the Field Guides section and reach active anglers across Pickens and the HERE City Network. [List Your Guide Service](/contact/) [Launch Special$1 a day for up to 90 days — Best deal in Clemson Reach all the Fishing traffic in Clemson — it’s a deal! Find out how](#fr-banner-form) Launch Special Your Banner *Here* $1/day Up to **90 days** at the launch rate. Cancel anytime. - Drop us your website URL — we build the banner for you - Runs above the **Community Reviews** section - No contract. No setup fee. 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[View All Clemson Fishing Coverage →](/tag/fishing-hereclemson-sc/) More at Outdoor Sports Hunting, camping, hiking, and all outdoor sports coverage for Clemson and Upstate SC [See All at Outdoor Sports](/outdoor-sports/) Partner [Advertise Here](/section-sponsorship/) Tackle, Rods and Reels Essential *Gear HERE* Gear reviews and picks for the Clemson angler — rods, reels, tackle, and kayaks tested for Upstate SC waters. Presented by https://www.amazon.com/?tag=hereclemson-20 Shop our hand-picked fishing gear on Amazon. Free Prime shipping, easy returns. [Become a Sponsor](/section-sponsorship/?section=fishing) Gear Reviews — Tested for Upstate SC Waters As an Amazon Associate, HERE earns from qualifying purchases. Prices and availability subject to change. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B088K2K149?tag=hereclemson-20 Fishing Rod Holder Smart Fish Catcher Fishing Pole Holders Automatic Spring Tip-Up Hook with… Rod Hand-picked by the HERE Fishing desk this week. 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Garmin Striker Cast, Castable Sonar, Pair with Mobile Device and Cast from Anywhere, Reel in…. ★★★★☆ 4.6 / 5 $129.99 Best for: Recommended by the HERE Fishing desk [View on Amazon →](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08LDZWMKF?tag=hereclemson-20) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09BD7YYBJ?tag=hereclemson-20 Deeper PRO+ 2 Sonar Fish Finder - Portable Fish Finder and Depth Finder For Kayaks, Boats an… Fish Finder Hand-picked by the HERE Fishing desk this week. Deeper PRO+ 2 Sonar Fish Finder - Portable Fish Finder and Depth Finder For Kayaks, Boats an…. ★★★★☆ 4.6 / 5 $159.99 Best for: Recommended by the HERE Fishing desk [View on Amazon →](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09BD7YYBJ?tag=hereclemson-20) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DPMC52G7?tag=hereclemson-20 Chasing Gladius MINI S Upgraded Professional Underwater Drone Set, with 4k Resolution + EIS … Fishing Gear Hand-picked by the HERE Fishing desk this week. Chasing Gladius MINI S Upgraded Professional Underwater Drone Set, with 4k Resolution + EIS …. ★★★★☆ 4.6 / 5 $1399.00 Best for: Recommended by the HERE Fishing desk [View on Amazon →](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DPMC52G7?tag=hereclemson-20) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FL28MMF9?tag=hereclemson-20 【2025 New】FIFISH V-EVO 4K60FPS Underwater Drone with Robotic Arm, with Removable SD Card, QY… Fishing Gear Hand-picked by the HERE Fishing desk this week. 【2025 New】FIFISH V-EVO 4K60FPS Underwater Drone with Robotic Arm, with Removable SD Card, QY…. ★★★★☆ 4.6 / 5 $1699.00 Best for: Recommended by the HERE Fishing desk [View on Amazon →](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FL28MMF9?tag=hereclemson-20) Tackle Shop, Guide Service, or Marina? Get featured in the Essential Gear section and reach active anglers across the HERE City Network — 100+ cities. [Learn About Gear Advertising](/contact/) South Carolina DNR SCDNR *Regulations* License requirements, bag limits, and size limits for Pickens waters. Always verify current regulations at dnr.sc.gov. SC Fishing Licenses SC Resident Annual Age 16+ required to fish all public waters $10.00 SC Resident Senior (65+) Reduced rate for SC residents age 65 and over $5.00 Non-Resident Annual Required for all non-SC residents age 16+ $35.00 Non-Resident 3-Day Short-term license for visiting anglers $11.00 Free Fishing Days May 25 (Memorial Weekend) and July 4 — no license required FREE Boating Permit (Lakes) Duke Energy requires compliance with posted speed and no-wake zones on both Lake Keowee and Lake Jocassee. All motorized watercraft must comply with SC state titling and registration requirements. A valid SC boat registration is required for any motor-powered craft. On Lake Hartwell, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers day-use areas require compliance with posted rules at each recreation site. Keowee-Toxaway State Park provides bank fishing access to Lake Keowee — no personal boat launch at the park itself, though Duke Energy access areas are within five miles. Devils Fork State Park is the only launch point for Lake Jocassee; park entry fee applies per vehicle. No permit is required to fish from the bank at any SC public-access area. Varies Bag & Size Limits — Clemson Waters Largemouth Bass 5 combined black bass **Min Size:**Largemouth bass: 12-inch minimum size limit on Lake Hartwell, Lake Keowee, the Chattooga River, and the Savannah River system border waters. Lake Jocassee largemouth bass: 14-inch minimum size limit. Daily bag limit is 10 combined black bass (largemouth, smallmouth, spotted, or redeye) on Lake Hartwell and Lake Keowee. Standard SC statewide size and creel limits apply on other Pickens County waters. Verify current regulations each season at dnr.sc.gov. Per SCDNR eRegulations. Combined limit includes smallmouth, redeye, spotted. Smallmouth Bass See black bass limit **Min Size:**12" minimum statewide Smallmouth bass are present in Lake Hartwell, Lake Keowee (in creek arms including Cedar Creek), the Chattooga River, the Seneca River, and upper Twelve Mile River. No minimum size limit on smallmouth bass on Lakes Hartwell, Keowee, the Chattooga, or the Savannah River border waters — this is an important distinction from largemouth bass. Lake Jocassee holds the South Carolina state record for smallmouth bass; a 14-inch minimum applies to all bass in Jocassee. Smallmouth fishing is best in rocky river reaches and steep-banked coves in fall and spring. Crappie (Black & White) 20 per day **Min Size:**8" minimum statewide Per SC Code 50-13-220. 8-inch size limit effective 2012. Blue Catfish 25 per day **Min Size:**Only 2 fish over 32" per person Blue and channel catfish are present in Lake Hartwell and in the lower Seneca River. No minimum size limit and no closed season for catfish in South Carolina. Standard statewide creel limits apply. Blue catfish in Lake Keowee have reached trophy size (an 89-pound blue cat has been reported from Keowee). Night fishing with cut bait, chicken liver, or prepared stink bait along the Lake Hartwell main channel ledges in summer produces consistent catfish action. Bluegill / Bream 30 per day statewide **Min Size:**No minimum Bluegill and redear sunfish are abundant in Lake Hartwell, Lake Keowee, and the slow cove waters of all three major lakes. Redbreast sunfish are the dominant sunfish species in moving water — Seneca River, Chattooga River below Highway 28, and Twelve Mile River. No minimum size limit and no closed season for bream statewide. Standard SC statewide creel limits apply. Cricket fishing from the bank or a dock in May–July is the most reliable method for bream in lake coves and creek backwaters. Trout (all species) 5 per day trout season **Min Size:**No minimum (stocked) Stocking schedule posted by SCDNR each season Special Rules & Alerts for Clemson Waters - SC freshwater fishing license required for all anglers 16 and older — available at dnr.sc.gov or authorized license agents in Pickens and Oconee counties. - Lake Hartwell SC–Georgia reciprocal license: valid SC or GA freshwater license accepted on Lake Hartwell and covered Savannah River system border waters; reciprocal does NOT apply to Lake Keowee, Lake Jocassee, Seneca River above Hartwell, or Twelve Mile River. - Trout limits by water: Lake Jocassee — 5 trout/day, 15-inch minimum; Chattooga Delayed Harvest zone (Reed Creek to SC 28) — catch-and-release only with single-hook artificial lures Nov. 1–May 14, then 5/day; Eastatoe Heritage Preserve — 7 trout/day; most other stocked Upstate streams — 10 trout/day with no size limit; verify at dnr.sc.gov. - Black bass — Lake Hartwell and Keowee: 12-inch minimum for largemouth bass, no size limit on smallmouth; 10 combined black bass per day. Lake Jocassee: 14-inch minimum all bass species; 10 combined per day. - Nongame fishing devices (trotlines, jugs, set hooks, traps) are prohibited in Game Zone 1 waters — Pickens and northern Oconee counties are in Game Zone 1. Hook-and-line only on Twelve Mile River, Eastatoe Creek, and other Game Zone 1 streams. - Striped and hybrid bass on Lake Hartwell: 10 per day combined, only 3 may exceed 26 inches. Trout on Lake Hartwell: 8 per day, no size limit Apr 1–Nov 30; 14-inch minimum Dec 1–Mar 31. Regulations shown are for general reference. Always verify current rules with the SC Department of Natural Resources at **dnr.sc.gov** or by calling the SCDNR Wildlife Helpline. Regulations may change each season. Fishing regulations for South Carolina are set annually and may change. The information above reflects published SCDNR regulations and is provided as a general guide only. Always obtain and read the current South Carolina Hunting and Fishing Guide before fishing. For the most current creel limits, size limits, bait restrictions, and seasonal closures, visit dnr.sc.gov or call SCDNR at (803) 734-3833. Special regulations apply to several Pickens and Oconee County streams and waterbodies — including but not limited to the Chattooga Delayed Harvest zone, Eastatoe Creek Heritage Preserve, the Cheohee Creek delayed-harvest section, and Lake Jocassee — and anglers are responsible for knowing the rules for the specific water they are fishing. Spawn Timing & Key Dates Season *Calendar* SC DNR stocks May-June annually SC DNR stocks November-January Bottom fishing with cut bait Spawn timing is approximate and based on typical Pickens water temperature patterns. Actual timing varies by year and water body. SCDNR trout stocking schedules are published annually — visit dnr.sc.gov for exact dates and stocking locations. Questions and Answers Fishing *FAQ* Common questions about fishing in the Clemson area, answered. - Do I need a fishing license to fish in Clemson SC? Yes. All anglers age 16 and older need a SC fishing license to fish public waters in Pickens. 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. - What are the best fishing lakes near Clemson SC? Clemson and Pickens County are flanked by three of South Carolina's most productive and visually spectacular lakes. Lake Hartwell, impounded by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers between 1955 and 1963, covers 56,000 acres with 962 miles of shoreline along the SC–Georgia border; the dam sits in Clemson itself. Hartwell holds three black bass species — largemouth, smallmouth, and spotted — alongside a strong striped and hybrid bass fishery, dense crappie populations around 23 SCDNR fish-attractor reef structures, bluegill, redear sunfish, and blue and channel catfish. Multiple state park and Corps ramps on the SC side provide easy public access. Lake Keowee, created in 1971 by Duke Energy to support the Oconee Nuclear Station, spans 18,500 acres with crystal-clear, steep-sided mountain water. Spotted bass dominate Keowee's fishery, with Duke Energy's warm-water discharge from the nuclear plant creating a winter hot-hole that concentrates bass and baitfish. Duke Energy access areas and three Oconee County parks (South Cove, Mile Creek, High Falls) serve as public launch points. Lake Jocassee, the smallest and deepest of the three at 7,565 acres and depths exceeding 300 feet, is fed by four cold mountain streams and maintained as a year-round trophy trout fishery. SCDNR has managed Jocassee for trout since 1972; the lake holds current state records for five species and averages 3-pound rainbows and 4-to-5-pound browns. Access is exclusively through Devils Fork State Park in Salem. - When is the best time to fish for crappie in Clemson? Crappie fishing in the Clemson area centers on Lake Hartwell, which maintains 23 SCDNR-managed fish attractor reefs throughout the lake basin. These Christmas-tree and artificial-structure reefs are mapped and accessible to anglers with GPS-capable fish finders and provide reliable crappie holding areas in 12–25 feet of water year-round. The spawn runs from mid-March through late April when water temperatures reach the 58–65°F range — during this period, crappie move into 3–8 feet of depth along dock pilings, flooded timber, and brush pile edges. Drop a 1/32-oz tube jig or small crappie minnow just above the structure for consistent bites. Lake Keowee also holds white and black crappie, particularly in cove backs and around dock structure, though populations are less dense than Hartwell. Standard SC creel limits (no minimum size, 30-per-day statewide) apply on both lakes; verify current regulations before fishing at dnr.sc.gov. - Can you kayak fish on Pickens lakes? The Clemson and Pickens County region is outstanding kayak-fishing territory across multiple water types. Lake Jocassee is particularly popular for kayak anglers targeting trout — the lake's steep, clear shoreline requires little paddling to reach productive depths, and Devils Fork State Park's four ramps accommodate kayak launches easily. Lake Keowee's Duke Energy access areas and county parks (South Cove, Mile Creek) are ideal kayak launch points for working cove edges and dock structures for spotted bass. On moving water, the Chattooga River below Highway 28 allows float-fishing for stocked trout in a spectacular gorge setting (self-registration permit required for all floaters; SC or GA license accepted). The Twelve Mile River Blueway (access at Lay Bridge Road and Maw Bridge Road in Central) is a designated paddle route through northern Pickens County with bank-fishing opportunities for trout, bass, and sunfish. The Seneca River corridor near its confluence with Lake Hartwell also provides quiet kayak fishing for smallmouth, redeye bass, and redbreast sunfish along rocky mid-river structure. - What trout streams are accessible near Clemson in Pickens County? Pickens and adjacent Oconee counties host South Carolina's most extensive trout stream system, with approximately fourteen mountain streams receiving regular SCDNR stocking from the Walhalla State Fish Hatchery. In Pickens County, Eastatoe Creek is the signature wild-trout stream — the Heritage Preserve reach in northern Pickens holds naturally reproducing rainbow trout in old-growth hemlock gorge habitat and is classified as artificial lures only. Twelve Mile River drains the northern Pickens County foothills through the Clemson Experimental Forest and receives stocked trout in accessible reaches each spring and fall. In adjacent Oconee County, the Chattooga River is the state's most celebrated trout fishery: wild brown trout above Big Bend Falls, helicopter-stocked fish in the backcountry reach, and a 3-mile Delayed Harvest zone at Highway 28 that is catch-and-release with single-hook artificial lures from November 1 through May 14. The East Fork of the Chattooga off SC 107 provides additional access to stocked and wild brown trout near the Walhalla State Fish Hatchery. Table Rock State Park in Pickens County stocks trout seasonally in Pinnacle Lake and Lake Oolenoy. A SC freshwater fishing license is required on all streams; either SC or GA license is valid on Chattooga border waters. - Do Clemson lakes get trout stocked? The Clemson and Pickens County area is unquestionably South Carolina's trout capital, sitting at the edge of the Blue Ridge Escarpment where cold mountain streams and deep cold-water reservoirs sustain remarkable fisheries. Lake Jocassee is SCDNR's premier trophy-trout lake — stocked annually with hatchery rainbows and browns since 1972, and currently supporting average catches of 3-pound rainbows and 4-to-5-pound browns. The lake's 300-foot depths stay cold year-round, allowing trout to grow to exceptional size. State records for brown trout (17 lbs 9.5 oz) and rainbow trout (11 lbs 5 oz) came from Jocassee. Trolling spoons and plugs on downriggers in 40–100 feet is the standard technique. In streams, the Chattooga River offers the state's widest variety of trout environments: wild browns in Ellicott Rock Wilderness, stocked mixed-species fishing near Burrell's Ford, and a managed Delayed Harvest zone at Highway 28. Eastatoe Creek in northern Pickens County is classified as a Heritage Preserve stream with wild rainbow trout and a 7-fish-per-day limit. Twelve Mile River provides accessible stocked-trout fishing through the Clemson Experimental Forest. SCDNR stocks approximately 500,000 fingerlings and catchable-size brook, brown, and rainbow trout annually across approximately fourteen Upstate mountain streams, with stocking occurring March through June and again in October and November. ITS ALL HERE! 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