Fishing in Anderson County, South Carolina
County seat: Anderson. Population 203,718 (2020). SCDNR Region 1.
- 3lake pages
- 33landings
- 2river pages
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What Anderson County offers from landing to tide line
Anderson County had a 2020 population of 203,718 and runs its government out of Anderson. Its public access points sit chiefly in SCDNR Region 1. 3 lakes with a full page lie in the county, and Lake Hartwell spreads the widest.
Boaters get 33 landings and paddle launches, and shore anglers get 20 piers and bank sites, on SCDNR maps of the county. For current, start with Saluda River and Savannah River. The county's trout water includes Saluda River and Savannah River.
U.S. Census Bureau, 2020 Census counts (TIGERweb) and the 2023 Gazetteer, read November 9, 2026. SCDNR South Carolina Public Water Access layer (ArcGIS service, the data behind the SCDNR fishing access map), read November 9, 2026.
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SCDNR Public Water Access layer and lake points, checked November 9, 2026.
SCDNR-profiled lakes inside Anderson County
| Lake | Size | Landings | Kind | SCDNR species list |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lake Hartwell | 56,000 acres | 47 | major reservoir | Largemouth Bass, Alabama Bass, Black Crappie |
| Lake Russell | 9,899 acres | 14 | major reservoir | Black Crappie, Bluegill, Largemouth Bass |
| Lake Secession | 1,425 acres | 1 | major reservoir | Brook Trout, Rainbow Trout |
Anderson County has little paged lake water, so here are the nearest lakes from Anderson.
| Lake | From Anderson | Size | Landings | Kind | SCDNR species list |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lake Keowee | 26 miles northwest | 18,500 acres | 9 | major reservoir | Largemouth Bass, Alabama Bass, Black Crappie |
| Lake Placid | 32 miles northeast | not printed | 1 | named at an SCDNR access | Largemouth Bass, Bluegill, Redear Sunfish |
| Lake Oolenoy | 35 miles north | not printed | 2 | named at an SCDNR access | Largemouth Bass, Bluegill, Redear Sunfish |
| Lake Jocassee | 38 miles northwest | 7,500 acres | 5 | major reservoir | Largemouth Bass, Alabama Bass, Smallmouth Bass |
| Lake Robinson (Greenville County) | 38 miles northeast | about 822 acres of mapped outline | 1 | mapped lake | none on SCDNR lists |
| Lake Greenwood | 40 miles southeast | 11,400 acres | 8 | major reservoir | none on SCDNR lists |
Surface acres and depth as SCDNR prints them on its page for this lake, read November 9, 2026. Sizes SCDNR does not print show as mapped outline area. Species as SCDNR lists them at its access points.
The species tally for lakes near Anderson County
Tallying lake pages up to 50 miles from Anderson by SCDNR species entries puts Largemouth Bass first.
SCDNR Public Water Access species lists, counted per lake page within 50 miles; an occurrence list, not a catch survey.
Leftover named ponds on SCDNR records for Anderson County
There are 1 further named waters in Anderson County, with size where SCDNR maps one.
| Water | Size | Kind |
|---|---|---|
| Broadway Lake | not printed | named at an SCDNR access |
Outline area from the SCDNR Lakes and Reservoirs map layer (a GIS polygon area, not an SCDNR surface-acre figure), read November 9, 2026. SCDNR South Carolina Public Water Access layer (ArcGIS service, the data behind the SCDNR fishing access map), read November 9, 2026.
Flowing and tidal streams of Anderson County
- Saluda RiverSCDNR trout water, 15 SCDNR accesses, 11 USGS gauges
- Savannah Rivertidal, SCDNR trout water, shared with Georgia, 15 SCDNR accesses, 1 USGS gauge
Anderson County river gauges right now
| USGS gauge | Latest reading | Time (ET) |
|---|---|---|
| Saluda River Below Pelzer, Sc | 170 cfs, 7.15 ft gage height | Nov 12 8:00 pm |
| Eighteenmile Creek Below Pendleton, Sc | 19 cfs, 3.78 ft gage height | Nov 12 8:15 pm |
| Rocky River Nr Starr, Sc | 17 cfs, 2.88 ft gage height | Nov 12 8:00 pm |
US Geological Survey provisional data, retrieved Nov 12, 2026 8:32 pm ET. Provisional readings can be revised.
SCDNR South Carolina Public Water Access layer (ArcGIS service, the data behind the SCDNR fishing access map), read November 9, 2026. USGS Water Data for the Nation, live through the site, retrieved on page view.
Trout streams running through Anderson County
- Saluda Riverlisted as trout water
- Savannah Rivertrout rows in the guide
South Carolina trout water rules
2026-2027 South Carolina Hunting & Fishing Guide, valid August 14, 2026 to August 14, 2027 (online guide), read November 9, 2026. SCDNR South Carolina Public Water Access layer (ArcGIS service, the data behind the SCDNR fishing access map), read November 9, 2026.
Anderson County boat landings and paddle launches
- 18 Mile Creek Boat Ramp on Lake HartwellLake Hartwell, boat ramp, 1 lane, concrete or paved, courtesy dock
- Apple Island Boat Ramp on Lake HartwellLake Hartwell, boat ramp, 1 lane, concrete or paved
- Asbury Boat Ramp on Lake HartwellLake Hartwell, boat ramp, 1 lane, concrete or paved, courtesy dock
- Brown Road Boat Ramp on Lake HartwellLake Hartwell, boat ramp, 1 lane, concrete or paved, courtesy dock, fishing pier
- Broyles Boat Ramp on Lake HartwellLake Hartwell, boat ramp, 3 lanes, concrete or paved, courtesy dock, fishing pier
- Camp Creek Boat Ramp on Lake HartwellLake Hartwell, boat ramp, 1 lane, concrete or paved, courtesy dock
- Denver Boat Ramp on Lake HartwellLake Hartwell, boat ramp, 1 lane, concrete or paved, courtesy dock
- Double Springs Boat Ramp on Lake HartwellLake Hartwell, boat ramp, 1 lane, concrete or paved, courtesy dock
- Dr James A Timmerman Boat Ramp on Saluda RiverSaluda River, boat ramp, 1 lane, concrete or paved, courtesy dock, fishing pier
- Durham Access Area on Lake HartwellLake Hartwell, boat ramp, 1 lane, concrete or paved
- Glenn Ford Access Area on Lake Hartwell (east)Lake Hartwell, boat ramp, 1 lane, concrete or paved, courtesy dock
- Green Pond Boat Ramp on Lake HartwellLake Hartwell, boat ramp, 1 lane, concrete or paved, courtesy dock
- Greg Shoals Boat Ramp on Lake RussellLake Russell, boat ramp, 1 lane, concrete or paved
- Hatton’s Ford Boat Ramp on Lake HartwellLake Hartwell, boat ramp, 2 lanes, concrete or paved, courtesy dock
- Hurricane Creek Boat Ramp on Lake HartwellLake Hartwell, boat ramp, 2 lanes, concrete or paved, courtesy dock
- Island Point Boat Ramp on Lake HartwellLake Hartwell, boat ramp, 1 lane, concrete or paved
- Jacks Boat Ramp on Lake HartwellLake Hartwell, boat ramp, 1 lane, concrete or paved
- Jarrett Access Area on Lake HartwellLake Hartwell, boat ramp, 1 lane, concrete or paved
- McFalls Boat Ramp on Broadway LakeBroadway Lake, boat ramp, 2 lanes, concrete or paved, courtesy dock
- Mountain View Boat Ramp on Lake RussellLake Russell, boat ramp, 2 lanes, concrete or paved, courtesy dock
- Oconee Point Boat Ramp on Lake HartwellLake Hartwell, boat ramp, 1 lane, concrete or paved, courtesy dock
- Ponderosa Boat Ramp on Lake HartwellLake Hartwell, boat ramp, 1 lane, dirt
- Richland Creek Boat Ramp on Lake HartwellLake Hartwell, boat ramp, 1 lane, concrete or paved, courtesy dock
- River Forks Boat Ramp on Lake HartwellLake Hartwell, boat ramp, 2 lanes, concrete or paved, courtesy dock
- Sadlers Creek State Park on Lake HartwellLake Hartwell, boat ramp, 2 lanes, concrete or paved, courtesy dock, fishing pier
- Sanders Ferry Boat Ramp on Lake RussellLake Russell, boat ramp, 3 lanes, concrete or paved, courtesy dock
- Singing Pines Boat Ramp on Lake HartwellLake Hartwell, boat ramp, 2 lanes, concrete or paved, courtesy dock, fishing pier
- Smith McGee Boat Ramp on Lake RussellLake Russell, boat ramp, 1 lane, concrete or paved, courtesy dock
- Springfield Campground Boat Ramp on Lake HartwellLake Hartwell, boat ramp, 1 lane, concrete or paved, courtesy dock
- Townville Boat Ramp on Lake HartwellLake Hartwell, boat ramp, 1 lane, concrete or paved, courtesy dock
- Weldon Boat Ramp on Lake HartwellLake Hartwell, boat ramp, 1 lane, concrete or paved, courtesy dock
- White City Boat Ramp on Lake HartwellLake Hartwell, boat ramp, 1 lane, concrete or paved
- Glenn Ford Access Area on Lake Hartwell (west)Lake Hartwell, paddle launch
Piers and bank access of Anderson County
- Asbury Recreation Area Bank on Lake HartwellLake Hartwell, bank
- Brown Road Access Pier on Lake HartwellLake Hartwell, pier, wood
- Broyles Recreation Area Pier on Lake HartwellLake Hartwell, pier
- Darwin H. Wright Park Bank on Lake HartwellLake Hartwell, bank
- Darwin H. Wright Park Pier on Lake HartwellLake Hartwell, pier, aluminum
- Green Pond Recreation Area Bank on Lake HartwellLake Hartwell, bank
- Hattons Ford Access Bank on Lake HartwellLake Hartwell, bank
- Lake Hartwell Overlook BankLake Hartwell, bank
- River Forks Recreation Area Bank on Lake HartwellLake Hartwell, bank
- SC River Recreation Area Pier on Savannah RiverSavannah River, pier, concrete or paved
- SC River Recreation Bank on Savannah RiverSavannah River, bank
- Singing Pines Recreation Area Bank on Lake HartwellLake Hartwell, bank
- Weldon Island Recreation Area Bank on Lake HartwellLake Hartwell, bank
- Broyles Landing Bank on Lake HartwellLake Hartwell, bank
- Camp Creek Bank on Lake HartwellLake Hartwell, bank
- Double Springs Bank on Lake HartwellLake Hartwell, bank
- Richland Creek Bank on Lake HartwellLake Hartwell, bank
- Sadlers Creek State Park Bank on Lake HartwellLake Hartwell, bank
- Springfield Campground Pier on Lake HartwellLake Hartwell, pier
- Townville Recreation Area Bank on Lake HartwellLake Hartwell, bank
SCDNR South Carolina Public Water Access layer (ArcGIS service, the data behind the SCDNR fishing access map), read November 9, 2026. The SCDNR layer carries no fee or hours field.
Reservoir elevations around Anderson County
Lake Hartwell
| USGS gauge | Latest reading | Time (ET) |
|---|---|---|
| Hartwell Lake Near Anderson, Sc | 647.57 ft lake elevation | Nov 12 8:00 pm |
US Geological Survey provisional data, retrieved Nov 12, 2026 8:32 pm ET. Provisional readings can be revised.
HARTWELL DAM reading for Lake Hartwell, November 9, 2026.
USACE Savannah District via USACE Access to Water (location page), latest values at retrieval November 9, 2026. Provisional.
Lake Russell
| USGS gauge | Latest reading | Time (ET) |
|---|---|---|
| Russell Lake Above Calhoun Falls, Sc | 473.82 ft lake elevation | Nov 12 8:00 pm |
US Geological Survey provisional data, retrieved Nov 12, 2026 8:32 pm ET. Provisional readings can be revised.
Richard B. Russell Dam reading for Lake Russell, November 9, 2026.
USACE Savannah District via USACE Access to Water (location page), latest values at retrieval November 9, 2026. Provisional.
Size and daily limits for Anderson County water
Wherever no guide row names a Anderson County water, these statewide freshwater limits govern it. A total of 40 game fish may be kept in any one day (freshwater), not exceeding the species limits (guide p. 28). A year of freshwater fishing costs $10 for a South Carolina resident and $35 for anyone from out of state.
| Species | Size limit | Daily limit |
|---|---|---|
| American Eel | 9 inches min | 25 |
| Blue Catfish | See limits in Freshwater Nongame Fishing Regulations section. | See limits in Freshwater Nongame Fishing Regulations section. |
| Bream | Any length | 30 |
| Redbreast Sunfish | Any length | 15 |
| Crappie | 8 inches min | 20 |
| Walleye & Sauger | Any length | No more than 8 combined total of walleye or sauger |
| Chain Pickerel | Any length | 30 |
| Redfin Pickerel | Any length | 30 |
| Yellow Perch | Any length | 30 |
| Smallmouth Bass | 12 inches min | No more than 5 combined total of smallmouth, largemouth, redeye bass or their hybrids |
| Redeye (Bartrams) Bass | Any length | No more than 5 combined total of smallmouth, largemouth, redeye bass or their hybrids |
| Largemouth Bass | Any length | No more than 5 combined total of smallmouth, largemouth, redeye bass or their hybrids |
| Spotted Bass | Any length | 15 |
| White Bass | Any length | 10 |
| Striped or Hybrid Bass or a combination | Any length | 10 |
Spots in Anderson County with their own limits
- Lake HartwellSmallmouth Bass: Any length, No more than 10 combined total of black bass
- Lake RussellSmallmouth Bass: Any length, No more than 10 combined total of black bass
- Lake SecessionLargemouth Bass: 14 inches min, No more than 5 combined total of smallmouth, largemouth, redeye bass or their hybrids
- Saluda RiverStriped or Hybrid Bass or a combination: Oct. 1 – June 15 striped bass between 23 and 25 inches may be harvested except that one fish may be greater than 26 inches, 3
- Savannah RiverSmallmouth Bass: Any length, No more than 10 combined total of black bass
License rules for Anderson County border lakes
- Lake HartwellAll persons holding a valid license from Georgia or South Carolina will be allowed to fish in the waters covered by this agreement.
- Lake RussellAll persons holding a valid license from Georgia or South Carolina will be allowed to fish in the waters covered by this agreement.
South Carolina border water rules
2026-2027 South Carolina Hunting & Fishing Guide, valid August 14, 2026 to August 14, 2027 (online guide), read November 9, 2026. License prices as printed on the SCDNR license pricing pages (dnr.sc.gov), read November 9, 2026.
Where Anderson County turns up on the record list
| Species | Weight as listed | List | Water | Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Striped Bass | 63 | freshwater | Lake Russell | 2009 |
| Hybrid Striped Bass | 20-6 | freshwater | Savannah River | 1978 |
| Walleye | 10-0 | freshwater | Lake Russell | 1994 |
South Carolina state record fish as listed by SCDNR (record list), read November 9, 2026.
Bass trails and weigh-ins on Anderson County water
Clubs and trails post 12 events on Anderson County water; 5 remain on the schedule.
| Date | Event | Water | Organizer |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nov. 18, 2026 | 2026 Mercury B.A.S.S. Nation Championship presented by Lowrance | Lake Hartwell | B.A.S.S. |
| Feb. 6, 2027 | Fishers of Men SC Upstate Classic, Lake Russell | Lake Russell | Fishers of Men National Tournament Trail |
| March 19, 2027 | 2027 Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Classic | Lake Hartwell | B.A.S.S. |
| May 15, 2027 | Fishers of Men SC Upstate Legacy, Lake Hartwell | Lake Hartwell | Fishers of Men National Tournament Trail |
| May 22, 2027 | Fishers of Men SC Upstate Classic, Lake Hartwell | Lake Hartwell | Fishers of Men National Tournament Trail |
| May 16, 2026 | Fishers of Men SC Upstate Classic, Hartwell May 16, 2026 | Lake Hartwell | Fishers of Men National Tournament Trail |
| Feb. 21, 2026 | Fishers of Men SC Upstate Classic, Russell February 21, 2026 | Lake Russell | Fishers of Men National Tournament Trail |
| Jan. 17, 2026 | CATT SC Upstate Fall Final, Lake Hartwell Jan 17, 2026 | Lake Hartwell | Carolina Anglers Team Trail (CATT) |
| Jan. 3, 2026 | CATT SC Upstate, Lake Hartwell Jan 3, 2026 | Lake Hartwell | Carolina Anglers Team Trail (CATT) |
| Dec. 20, 2025 | CATT SC Upstate, Lake Hartwell Dec 20, 2025 | Lake Hartwell | Carolina Anglers Team Trail (CATT) |
| May 17, 2025 | Fishers of Men SC Upstate Classic, Hartwell May 17, 2025 | Lake Hartwell | Fishers of Men National Tournament Trail |
| Jan. 18, 2025 | Fishers of Men SC Upstate Classic, Russell January 18, 2025 | Lake Russell | Fishers of Men National Tournament Trail |
Organizer schedule and results pages, checked November 2026.
Stocking up for a Anderson County trip
Marinas and tackle shops of Anderson County
- Academy Sports + Outdoors, 3423 Clemson Blvdbait and tackle shop, Anderson
- Bait Shop of the Upstatebait and tackle shop, Townville
- Carolina Reelsbait and tackle shop, Anderson
- Dick's Sporting Goods, 140 Fritz Drbait and tackle shop, Anderson
- Firelakebait and tackle shop, Belton
- Manley Custom Tacklebait and tackle shop, Piedmont
- Sierra, 146 Station Drbait and tackle shop, Anderson
- Sportsman's Warehouse, 3795 Clemson Blvdbait and tackle shop, Anderson
- White's Fishing Centerbait and tackle shop, Anderson
- Big Water Marina Lake Hartwellmarina, Starr
- Portman Marina Incmarina, Anderson
Yellow Pages listings (city of business), read November 9, 2026.
Next stops beyond Anderson County
Anderson County communities with pages
- Andersonpop. 28,106
- Powdersvillepop. 10,025
- Centervillepop. 7,185
- Homeland Parkpop. 6,445
- Piedmontpop. 5,411
- Beltonpop. 4,335
- Williamstonpop. 4,043
- Northlakepop. 3,818
- Honea Pathpop. 3,686
- Pendletonpop. 3,489
- Pelzerpop. 1,344
- Ivapop. 1,015
Counties ringing Anderson County
- Abbeville County23 miles southeast
- Pickens County26 miles north
- Oconee County29 miles northwest
- Greenville County30 miles northeast
Piscifun gear a Palmetto State angler could pack for Anderson County
Piscifun and Amazon links are affiliate links; the site earns a commission on qualifying purchases.
Telling the Anderson County fish apart by eye
Photo: Under the same moon, CC BY 2.0
Photo: Duane Raver, Public domain
Photo: USFWS Mountain-Prairie, Public domain
Photo: robposse, CC BY 2.0
Lakes, creeks and landings of Anderson County, in questions
How many SCDNR ramps serve Anderson County?
Count 33 landings and launches in the SCDNR access layer.
Which still water in Anderson County is widest?
Lake Hartwell, with 56,000 acres.
What fish show up on access lists near Anderson County?
SCDNR access lists name Largemouth Bass on the most lake pages within 50 miles, then Bluegill, Redear Sunfish and Alabama Bass.
Where are the Anderson County tackle counters on Yellow Pages?
Start with Academy Sports + Outdoors, 3423 Clemson Blvd, one of 11.
Where is the Anderson County courthouse?
Anderson holds it.
Which SCDNR license do I buy for Anderson County lakes?
A year of freshwater fishing costs $10 for a South Carolina resident and $35 for anyone from out of state.
Which counties neighbour Anderson County?
Begin with Abbeville County, Pickens County and Oconee County.
How many crappie can a Anderson County angler keep each day?
Statewide: Crappie: 20 daily, size 8 inches min. A guide row naming a lake can change it.
Is Anderson County in SCDNR Region 1, 2, 3 or 4?
SCDNR Region 1, going by the majority of its SCDNR access records.
Are there lake-specific limits in Anderson County?
5 waters with a page here have a guide row of their own, beginning with Lake Hartwell.
Do SC clubs and trails fish Anderson County?
12 organizer entries on file; next is 2026 Mercury B.A.S.S. Nation Championship presented by Lowrance on Lake Hartwell, Nov. 18, 2026.
Which records were caught in Anderson County water?
Striped Bass, 63 as listed, from Lake Russell (2009).
How do licenses work on Anderson County border water?
All persons holding a valid license from Georgia or South Carolina will be allowed to fish in the waters covered by this agreement.
Plan a fishing weekend across Anderson County
Lake pages show landings, SCDNR species lists and any guide row.