South Carolina counties

Fishing in Charleston County, South Carolina

County seat: Charleston. Population 408,235 (2020). SCDNR Region 4.

  • 31bank and pier sites
  • 32landings
  • 25river pages
Piscifun Carbon X ultralight spinning reelPick for bluegillPiscifun Carbon X ultralight spinning reel28% OFFSale $57.99 $79.99

Photo of Lake Moultrie: jalexartis Photography, CC BY 2.0

Fishing times todaySolunar periods, sunrise and moonrise for Charleston County, today and the next 7 days.Best fishing times today
Charleston County, South Carolina

What Charleston County offers from landing to tide line

Charleston County had a 2020 population of 408,235 and runs its government out of Charleston. Its public access points sit chiefly in SCDNR Region 4.

Boaters get 32 landings and paddle launches, and shore anglers get 31 piers and bank sites, on SCDNR maps of the county. For current, start with Edisto River, Intracoastal Waterway and Ashley River. The Atlantic side of the county gives 13 coastal water pages, 12 artificial reef areas and 22 saltwater piers.

14town pages
32landings
25river pages
408,235residents, 2020

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.

Map

Where the water points land across Charleston County

SCDNR Public Water Access layer and lake points, checked November 9, 2026.

Lakes

SCDNR-profiled lakes inside Charleston County

Charleston County has little paged lake water, so here are the nearest lakes from Charleston.

LakeFrom CharlestonSizeLandingsKindSCDNR species list
Bonneau Ferry WMA Lake20 miles north100 acres0mapped lakenone on SCDNR lists
Lake Moultrie35 miles north60,400 acres9major reservoirLargemouth Bass, Bluegill, Redear Sunfish
Wee Tee Lake41 miles northnot printed1named at an SCDNR accessLargemouth Bass, Black Crappie, Redear Sunfish
Lake Marion53 miles northwest90,000 acres17major reservoirLargemouth Bass, Bluegill, Redear Sunfish

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.

Piscifun Carbon XT ultralight spinning reelFor the bluegill herePiscifun Carbon XT ultralight spinning reel25% OFFSale $59.99 $79.99
Species

The species tally for lakes near Charleston County

Tallying lake pages up to 100 miles from Charleston by SCDNR species entries puts Black Crappie first.

Black Crappie6 lakes
Largemouth Bass6 lakes
Redear Sunfish6 lakes
Bluegill5 lakes
Channel Catfish5 lakes
Blue Catfish3 lakes
Chain Pickerel3 lakes
Pumpkinseed3 lakes
Redbreast Sunfish3 lakes
Warmouth3 lakes

SCDNR Public Water Access species lists, counted per lake page within 100 miles; an occurrence list, not a catch survey.

More lakes

Leftover named ponds on SCDNR records for Charleston County

There are 4 further named waters in Charleston County, with size where SCDNR maps one.

WaterSizeKind
Nebo Pondsnot printednamed at an SCDNR access
Old Georgetown Pondnot printednamed at an SCDNR access
Twin Pondsnot printednamed at an SCDNR access
Willow Lakenot printednamed 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.

Rivers

Flowing and tidal streams of Charleston County

  • Edisto Rivertidal, 16 SCDNR accesses, 7 USGS gauges
  • Intracoastal Waterwaytidal, 14 SCDNR accesses
  • Ashley Rivertidal, 12 SCDNR accesses, 3 USGS gauges
  • Cooper Rivertidal, 7 SCDNR accesses, 3 USGS gauges
  • Santee Rivertidal, 7 SCDNR accesses, 4 USGS gauges
  • Stono Rivertidal, 4 SCDNR accesses, 1 USGS gauge
  • Wambaw Creektidal, 3 SCDNR accesses
  • Bohicket Creektidal, 2 SCDNR accesses
  • Toogoodoo Creektidal, 2 SCDNR accesses
  • Wando Rivertidal, 2 SCDNR accesses, 2 USGS gauges
  • Awendaw Creektidal, 1 SCDNR access
  • Dawhoo Creektidal, 1 SCDNR access
  • Elliot Cuttidal, 1 SCDNR access
  • Folly Rivertidal, 1 SCDNR access
  • Jeremy Creektidal, 1 SCDNR access
  • North Edisto Rivertidal, 1 SCDNR access
  • Ocella Creektidal, 1 SCDNR access
  • Penny Creektidal, 1 SCDNR access
  • Rantowles Creektidal, 1 SCDNR access
  • Shem Creektidal, 1 SCDNR access
  • Sol Legare Creektidal, 1 SCDNR access
  • Steamboat Creektidal, 1 SCDNR access
  • Unnamed Tidal Creektidal, 1 SCDNR access
  • Wampacheone Creektidal, 1 SCDNR access
  • Wappoo Creektidal, 1 SCDNR access

Smaller Charleston County waterways on the list (1)

  • Pondtidal

Charleston County river gauges right now

USGS gaugeLatest readingTime (ET)
South Santee R At State Pier Nr Mcclellanville, Sc21.15 ft gage heightNov 13 7:15 pm
Skrine Creek Near Mcclellenville, Sc7.87 ft gage heightNov 13 7:15 pm
Cooper R At Ports Authority Pier K Charleston, Sc13.06 ft gage heightNov 13 8:00 pm
Cooper River At U.s. Hwy 17 At Charleston, Sc7.36 ft gage heightNov 13 8:15 pm
Cooper River At S. Adgers Wharf At Charleston, Sc18.82 ft gage heightNov 13 8:00 pm
Ashley River Near North Charleston, Sc8.56 ft gage heightNov 13 7:30 pm

US Geological Survey provisional data, retrieved Nov 13, 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.

Salt water

Tide-washed water belonging to Charleston County

SCDNR reefs nearest Charleston County

  • Capers Reef (R8)PA-22
  • Y-73 ReefPA-23
  • Charleston 60' ReefPA-24
  • Charleston Nearshore ReefPA-25
  • PA-26
  • Doug Mellichamp Jr. ReefPA-27
  • Lowcountry Anglers' ReefPA-28
  • Kiawah Reef (4KI)PA-29
  • Edisto 60' ReefPA-30
  • N. Edisto Nearshore ReefPA-32
  • CCA-McClellanville ReefPA-34
  • Edisto Offshore ReefPA-36

Fishing piers along the Charleston County shore

A year of freshwater fishing costs $10 for a South Carolina resident and $35 for anyone from out of state. Residents fishing salt water buy a $15 annual saltwater license.

Saltwater limits South Carolina piers

USGS Geographic Names Information System point for this water, read November 9, 2026. SCDNR Marine Artificial Reef map layers and the SCDNR reef sheet for each permit area (SCDNR reef program), 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. License prices as printed on the SCDNR license pricing pages (dnr.sc.gov), read November 9, 2026.

Access

Charleston County boat landings and paddle launches

  • Awendaw Creek Canoe LaunchAwendaw Creek, paddle launch, wood
  • Battery Island (Sol Legare) Boat Ramp on Stono RiverStono River, boat ramp, 2 lanes, concrete or paved, courtesy dock
  • Buck Hall Boat Ramp on Intracoastal WaterwayIntracoastal Waterway, boat ramp, 3 lanes, concrete or paved, courtesy dock
  • Bulow Boat Ramp on Rantowles CreekRantowles Creek, boat ramp, 1 lane, concrete or paved
  • Cherry Point Boat Ramp on Bohicket CreekBohicket Creek, boat ramp, 2 lanes, concrete or paved, courtesy dock, fishing pier
  • Dawhoo Boat RampDawhoo Creek, boat ramp, 2 lanes, concrete or paved, courtesy dock, fishing pier
  • Folly River Boat RampFolly River, boat ramp, 4 lanes, concrete or paved, courtesy dock
  • Garris Landing on Intracoastal WaterwayIntracoastal Waterway, boat ramp, 2 lanes, concrete or paved, courtesy dock, fishing pier
  • Harry M. Hallman, Jr. Boat Ramp on Shem CreekShem Creek, boat ramp, 2 lanes, concrete or paved, courtesy dock
  • John P Limehouse Boat Ramp on Stono RiverStono River, boat ramp, 4 lanes, concrete or paved, courtesy dock, fishing pier
  • Martins Boat Ramp on Edisto RiverEdisto River, boat ramp, 2 lanes, concrete or paved
  • McLellanville Landing on Jeremy CreekJeremy Creek, boat ramp, 2 lanes, concrete or paved, courtesy dock
  • Northbridge Park on Ashley RiverAshley River, paddle launch
  • Paradise Boat Ramp on Wando RiverWando River, boat ramp, 1 lane, concrete or paved
  • Penny Creek Boat RampPenny Creek, boat ramp, 1 lane, concrete or paved
  • Pier Point Boat Ramp on Ashley RiverAshley River, boat ramp, 1 lane, concrete or paved
  • R. M. Hendrick's (Virginia Av. Park) on Cooper RiverCooper River, boat ramp, 1 lane, concrete or paved
  • Remleys Point Boat Ramp on Wando RiverWando River, boat ramp, 3 lanes, concrete or paved, courtesy dock, fishing pier
  • Riverland Terrace Boat Ramp on Elliot CutElliot Cut, boat ramp, 2 lanes, concrete or paved, courtesy dock
  • Station 26 LandingUnnamed Tidal Creek, paddle launch, gravel
  • Steamboat Boat Ramp on North Edisto RiverNorth Edisto River, boat ramp, 2 lanes, concrete or paved, courtesy dock, fishing pier
  • Stills Boat Ramp on Wambaw CreekWambaw Creek, boat ramp, 1 lane, dirt
  • Sunrise Park on Clark SoundClark Sound, paddle launch, other (see comments)
  • Toogoodoo Boat RampToogoodoo Creek, boat ramp, 1 lane, concrete or paved
  • WO Thomas, Jr. Boat Landing on Ashley RiverAshley River, boat ramp, 2 lanes, concrete or paved, courtesy dock, fishing pier
  • Wappoo Cut Boat RampWappoo Creek, boat ramp, 3 lanes, concrete or paved, courtesy dock
  • Willtown Bluff Boat Ramp on Edisto RiverEdisto River, boat ramp, 1 lane, concrete or paved
  • City Marina (Leeds Ave) on Ashley RiverAshley River, boat ramp, other (see comments)
  • Highway 45 Bridge Paddle Launch on Wambaw CreekWambaw Creek, paddle launch
  • Pitt Street Bridge Paddle Launch on Intracoastal WaterwayIntracoastal Waterway, paddle launch
  • Roxbury Park on Toogoodoo CreekToogoodoo Creek, paddle launch
  • Sea Cloud Landing on Ocella CreekOcella Creek, paddle launch

Piers and bank access of Charleston County

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.

Limits

Size and daily limits for Charleston County water

Wherever no guide row names a Charleston 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.

SpeciesSize limitDaily limit
American Eel9 inches min25
Blue CatfishSee limits in Freshwater Nongame Fishing Regulations section.See limits in Freshwater Nongame Fishing Regulations section.
BreamAny length30
Redbreast SunfishAny length15
Crappie8 inches min20
Walleye & SaugerAny lengthNo more than 8 combined total of walleye or sauger
Chain PickerelAny length30
Redfin PickerelAny length30
Yellow PerchAny length30
Smallmouth Bass12 inches minNo more than 5 combined total of smallmouth, largemouth, redeye bass or their hybrids
Redeye (Bartrams) BassAny lengthNo more than 5 combined total of smallmouth, largemouth, redeye bass or their hybrids
Largemouth BassAny lengthNo more than 5 combined total of smallmouth, largemouth, redeye bass or their hybrids
Spotted BassAny length15
White BassAny length10
Striped or Hybrid Bass or a combinationAny length10

Spots in Charleston County with their own limits

  • Ashley RiverStriped or Hybrid Bass or a combination: Oct. 1 – June 15: 26 inches min, 3
  • Cooper RiverStriped or Hybrid Bass or a combination: Oct. 1 – June 15: 26 inches min, 3
  • Edisto RiverStriped or Hybrid Bass or a combination: Oct. 1 – June 15: 26 inches min, 3
  • Santee 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

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.

Records

Where Charleston County turns up on the record list

SpeciesWeight as listedListWaterYear
American Shad7-0freshwaterSantee River1985

South Carolina state records

South Carolina state record fish as listed by SCDNR (record list), read November 9, 2026.

Tournaments

Bass trails and weigh-ins on Charleston County water

Clubs and trails post 5 events on Charleston County water; 2 remain on the schedule.

DateEventWaterOrganizer
Nov. 21, 2026CATT Cooper River Fall Qualifier #6Cooper RiverCarolina Anglers Team Trail (CATT)
Dec. 12, 2026CATT Cooper River Fall FinalCooper RiverCarolina Anglers Team Trail (CATT)
Oct. 24, 2026Michael & Justin Craven Win the Cooper River, SC Oct 24, 2026 14.54 lbs!Cooper RiverCarolina Anglers Team Trail (CATT)
Sept. 26, 2026CATT Results! Randy Gibson & Nick Wilson Win the Cooper River. SC! Sept 26, 2026. 14.90 lbs!Cooper RiverCarolina Anglers Team Trail (CATT)
April 11, 2026Justin Craven Wins the Cooper River, SC Spring Final April 11, 2026. 19.63 lbs! $1,700.00Cooper RiverCarolina Anglers Team Trail (CATT)

Organizer schedule and results pages, checked November 2026.

Local help

Stocking up for a Charleston County trip

Marinas and tackle shops of Charleston County

  • 843 Fliesbait and tackle shop, Charleston
  • Atlantic Game & Tacklebait and tackle shop, Mount Pleasant
  • Beach Cowboy Fitnessbait and tackle shop, Mount Pleasant
  • Bohicket Creek Boat Rentalsbait and tackle shop, Johns Island
  • Dick's Sporting Goods, 1114 Bowman Rdbait and tackle shop, Mount Pleasant
  • Dick's Sporting Goods, 2070 Sam Rittenberg Blvd # UNITFC1bait and tackle shop, Charleston
  • Eye Strike Fishingbait and tackle shop, North Charleston
  • Flymen Fishing Cofly shop, Charleston
  • Funny Farm Tacklebait and tackle shop, Isle Of Palms
  • Haddrell's Point Tackle & Supply, 47 Windermere Blvdbait and tackle shop, Charleston
  • Haddrell's Point Tackle & Supply, 885 Ben Sawyer Blvdbait and tackle shop, Mount Pleasant
  • Henry's Marine, Hunting & Fishingbait and tackle shop, Mount Pleasant
  • Henry's Sporting Goodsbait and tackle shop, Mount Pleasant
  • Low Country Deep Dropbait and tackle shop, Mount Pleasant
  • Low Country Fly Shopfly shop, Mount Pleasant
  • Lowcountry Ace Hardwarebait and tackle shop, Charleston
  • Seacoast Sports & Outfittersbait and tackle shop, Johns Island
  • South Side Bait and Tacklebait and tackle shop, Johns Island
  • Southern Bell Brandsbait and tackle shop, North Charleston
  • Southern Bell Livingbait and tackle shop, Mt Pleasant
  • Sportsman's Warehouse, 4956 Centre Pointe Drbait and tackle shop, Charleston
  • Tackle the Dreambait and tackle shop, Charleston
  • The Charleston Angler, 1113 Market Center Blvdbait and tackle shop, Mount Pleasant
  • The Charleston Angler, 654 Saint Andrews Blvdbait and tackle shop, Charleston
  • Charleston Maritime Centermarina, Charleston
  • City Marinamarina, Charleston
  • Cooper River Marinamarina, North Charleston
  • Dolphin Cove Marinamarina, North Charleston
  • Elliotts Marinemarina, Johns Island
  • Magwood Marine Incmarina, Mount Pleasant

SCDNR Region 4 tackle shops

Paid trips out of Charleston County

Yellow Pages listings (city of business), read November 9, 2026.

Nearby

Next stops beyond Charleston County

Charleston County communities with pages

  • Charlestonpop. 150,227
  • North Charlestonpop. 114,852
  • Mount Pleasantpop. 90,801
  • James Islandpop. 11,621
  • Hollywoodpop. 5,339
  • Isle of Palmspop. 4,347
  • Ravenelpop. 2,542
  • Folly Beachpop. 2,078
  • Seabrook Islandpop. 2,050
  • Kiawah Islandpop. 2,013
  • Sullivan's Islandpop. 1,891
  • Awendawpop. 1,399
  • Meggettpop. 1,390
  • Lincolnvillepop. 1,147

Counties ringing Charleston County

Piscifun

Piscifun gear a Palmetto State angler could pack for Charleston County

Piscifun Carbon X ultralight spinning reel

Piscifun Carbon X ultralight spinning reel28% OFF

Sale $57.99 $79.99
Piscifun Carbon XT ultralight spinning reel

Piscifun Carbon XT ultralight spinning reel25% OFF

Sale $59.99 $79.99
Piscifun Carbon R1 spinning rod

Piscifun Carbon R1 spinning rod21% OFF

Sale $204.99 $259.99
Piscifun Carbon X II spinning reel

Piscifun Carbon X II spinning reel46% OFF

Sale $67.99 $124.99

Piscifun and Amazon links are affiliate links; the site earns a commission on qualifying purchases.

Photos

Lowcountry and Upstate water near Charleston County, on camera

Edisto River, South Carolina
Edisto River 27 mi
Photo: David Wilson, CC BY 2.0
Lake Marion, South Carolina
Lake Marion 53 mi
Photo: Andrew Parlette, CC BY 2.0
Charleston Harbor, South Carolina
Charleston Harbor 6.2 mi
Photo: Ron Cogswell, CC BY 2.0
Cooper River, South Carolina
Cooper River 5.3 mi
Photo: North Charleston, CC BY-SA 2.0
Answers

Lakes, creeks and landings of Charleston County, in questions

How many SCDNR ramps serve Charleston County?

Count 32 landings and launches in the SCDNR access layer.

Which still water in Charleston County is widest?

No lake page lies inside the county; Bonneau Ferry WMA Lake, 20 miles from Charleston, is the nearest.

What fish show up on access lists near Charleston County?

SCDNR access lists name Black Crappie on the most lake pages within 100 miles, then Largemouth Bass, Redear Sunfish and Bluegill.

Where are the Charleston County tackle counters on Yellow Pages?

Start with 843 Flies, one of 47.

Where is the Charleston County courthouse?

Charleston holds it.

Which SCDNR license do I buy for Charleston County lakes?

A year of freshwater fishing costs $10 for a South Carolina resident and $35 for anyone from out of state. Residents fishing salt water buy a $15 annual saltwater license.

Which counties neighbour Charleston County?

Begin with Berkeley County, Dorchester County and Colleton County.

How many crappie can a Charleston County angler keep each day?

Statewide: Crappie: 20 daily, size 8 inches min. A guide row naming a lake can change it.

Is Charleston County in SCDNR Region 1, 2, 3 or 4?

SCDNR Region 4, going by the majority of its SCDNR access records.

Are there lake-specific limits in Charleston County?

4 waters with a page here have a guide row of their own, beginning with Ashley River.

Do SC clubs and trails fish Charleston County?

5 organizer entries on file; next is CATT Cooper River Fall Qualifier #6 on Cooper River, Nov. 21, 2026.

Which records were caught in Charleston County water?

American Shad, 7-0 as listed, from Santee River (1985).

Which saltwater spots belong to Charleston County?

Yes: 13 coastal water pages, 12 artificial reef areas and 22 saltwater piers.

Plan a fishing weekend across Charleston County

Lake pages show landings, SCDNR species lists and any guide row.