Fishing in Fairfield County, South Carolina
County seat: Winnsboro. Population 20,948 (2020). SCDNR Region 2.
- 3lake pages
- 12landings
- 2river pages
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Fairfield County fishing on SCDNR records
A county of 20,948 people in 2020, Fairfield County is governed from Winnsboro. The county's SCDNR landings are mostly tagged SCDNR Region 2. The county holds 3 lakes with pages; Lake Wateree is the biggest.
SCDNR lists 12 landings and paddle launches and 10 piers and bank sites across the county. Moving water with its own page includes Broad River and Stumpy Pond (Cedar Creek Reservoir).
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.
Landings, piers and lakes of Fairfield County on the map
SCDNR Public Water Access layer and lake points, checked November 9, 2026.
Lake water on record in Fairfield County
| Lake | Size | Landings | Kind | SCDNR species list |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lake Wateree | 13,025 acres | 9 | major reservoir | Largemouth Bass, Bluegill, Redear Sunfish |
| Lake Monticello | 6,700 acres | 2 | major reservoir | Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Spotted Bass |
| Cedar Creek Reservoir | about 1,645 acres of mapped outline | 2 | mapped lake | Largemouth Bass, Bluegill, Redear Sunfish |
Paged still water outside Fairfield County, closest to Winnsboro first.
| Lake | From Winnsboro | Size | Landings | Kind | SCDNR species list |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Parr Shoals Reservoir | 16 miles west | about 3,116 acres of mapped outline | 2 | mapped lake | Largemouth Bass, Redear Sunfish, Bluegill |
| Fishing Creek Reservoir | 22 miles northeast | 3,431 acres | 2 | major reservoir | Largemouth Bass, Bluegill, Redear Sunfish |
| Mountain Lakes | 22 miles northwest | 42 acres | 1 | mapped lake | Largemouth Bass, Bluegill, Redear Sunfish |
| Lake Murray | 28 miles southwest | 48,579 acres | 12 | major reservoir | Largemouth Bass, Redear Sunfish, Bluegill |
| Sunrise Lake | 29 miles northeast | 25 acres | 1 | SCDNR state lake | Largemouth Bass, Bluegill, Redear Sunfish |
| Lake Oliphant | 30 miles north | 40 acres | 1 | SCDNR state lake | Largemouth 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.
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Each bar counts the lake pages within 50 miles of Winnsboro whose SCDNR access lists include the fish; Bluegill shows up most.
SCDNR Public Water Access species lists, counted per lake page within 50 miles; an occurrence list, not a catch survey.
Still water in Fairfield County listed but not profiled
Another 1 named waters in Fairfield County are listed here without a full write-up.
| Water | Size | Kind |
|---|---|---|
| Monticello Recreation 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.
Streams SCDNR lists in Fairfield County
- Broad Rivertidal, 31 SCDNR accesses, 8 USGS gauges
- Stumpy Pond (Cedar Creek Reservoir)1 SCDNR access
Live stream readings across Fairfield County
| USGS gauge | Latest reading | Time (ET) |
|---|---|---|
| Broad River At Alston, Sc | 1,310 cfs, 3.45 ft gage height | Nov 13 8:15 pm |
| Dutchmans Creek Near Winnsboro, Sc | 60.90 ft gage height | Nov 13 7:45 pm |
| Broad River Near Jenkinsville, Sc | 221.06 ft gage height | Nov 13 8:00 pm |
| Little River At Clark Bridge Rd Nr Winnsboro, Sc | 26.89 ft gage height | Nov 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.
Ramp list for Fairfield County from the SCDNR layer
- Colonel Creek Boat Ramp on Lake WatereeLake Wateree, boat ramp, 3 lanes, concrete or paved, courtesy dock
- Debutary Boat Ramp on Cedar Creek ReservoirCedar Creek Reservoir, boat ramp, 1 lane, concrete or paved
- June Creek Boat Ramp on Lake WatereeLake Wateree, boat ramp, 2 lanes, concrete or paved, courtesy dock
- Lake Monticello East Boat RampLake Monticello, boat ramp, 2 lanes, concrete or paved, courtesy dock
- Lake Monticello West Boat RampLake Monticello, boat ramp, 2 lanes, concrete or paved, courtesy dock
- Lake Wateree State ParkLake Wateree, boat ramp, 2 lanes, concrete or paved, courtesy dock
- Molly Creek Access Area Boat Ramp on Lake WatereeLake Wateree, boat ramp, 2 lanes, concrete or paved, courtesy dock, fishing pier
- Subimpoundment Boat Ramp on Monticello Recreation LakeMonticello Recreation Lake, boat ramp, 1 lane, concrete or paved
- Taylor Creek Boat Ramp on Lake WatereeLake Wateree, boat ramp, 2 lanes, concrete or paved, courtesy dock
- Wateree Creek Access AreaLake Wateree, boat ramp, 2 lanes, concrete or paved, courtesy dock
- Peake-Alston Canoe Access on Broad RiverBroad River, paddle launch
- Strother's Landing on Broad RiverBroad River, paddle launch
Fairfield County bank sites on the SCDNR layer
- Debutary Creek Access Area Bank on Stumpy Pond (Cedar Creek Reservoir)Stumpy Pond (Cedar Creek Reservoir), bank
- Dutchman Creek Walkway Pier on Lake WatereeLake Wateree, pier, other (see comments)
- Lake Monticello (Meadow Lake Road) BankLake Monticello, bank
- Lake Monticello Hwy 215 Public Boat Ramp BankLake Monticello, bank
- Lake Monticello Park BankLake Monticello, bank
- Lake Monticello Park PierLake Monticello, pier, wood
- Molly Creek Access Area Pier on Lake WatereeLake Wateree, pier, wood
- Lake Wateree State Park BankLake Wateree, bank
- Molly Creek Access Area Pier 2 on Lake WatereeLake Wateree, pier, wood
- Wateree Creek Access Area PierLake Wateree, pier, wood
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.
Dated reservoir readings across Fairfield County
Lake Monticello
| USGS gauge | Latest reading | Time (ET) |
|---|---|---|
| Monticello Res Nr Jenkinsville, Sc | 422.71 ft lake elevation | Nov 13 8:15 pm |
US Geological Survey provisional data, retrieved Nov 13, 2026 8:32 pm ET. Provisional readings can be revised.
What a Fairfield County creel may hold
Most Fairfield County fresh water follows the statewide limits below. A total of 40 game fish may be kept in any one day (freshwater), not exceeding the species limits (guide p. 28). Freshwater licenses run $10 for residents and $35 for visitors on the SCDNR fee page.
| 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 |
Special-limit lakes and rivers of Fairfield County
- Lake MonticelloLargemouth Bass: 14 inches min, No more than 5 combined total of smallmouth, largemouth, redeye bass or their hybrids
- Lake WatereeLargemouth Bass: 14 inches min, No more than 5 combined total of smallmouth, largemouth, redeye bass or their hybrids
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.
Heavyweights on the books around Fairfield County
| Species | Weight as listed | List | Water | Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Muskellunge | 22-8, 42 1/4in | freshwater | Broad River | 2004 |
| Bullhead | 6-6.3 | freshwater | Broad River | 2009 |
South Carolina state record fish as listed by SCDNR (record list), read November 9, 2026.
The weigh-in calendar of Fairfield County
Trails list Fairfield County water in 20 entries, 7 of them upcoming.
| Date | Event | Water | Organizer |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nov. 12, 2026 | CATT Lake Wateree Seniors Seniors event | Lake Wateree | Carolina Anglers Team Trail (CATT) |
| Nov. 14, 2026 | CATT Lake Wateree Fall Qualifier #3 | Lake Wateree | Carolina Anglers Team Trail (CATT) |
| Nov. 14, 2026 | CATT Lake Wateree Opens Open Final ($130 entry) | Lake Wateree | Carolina Anglers Team Trail (CATT) |
| Nov. 21, 2026 | CATT Lake Wateree Fall Qualifier #4 (GOLD) | Lake Wateree | Carolina Anglers Team Trail (CATT) |
| Dec. 5, 2026 | CATT Lake Wateree Fall Qualifier #5 | Lake Wateree | Carolina Anglers Team Trail (CATT) |
| Dec. 19, 2026 | CATT Lake Wateree Fall Final | Lake Wateree | Carolina Anglers Team Trail (CATT) |
| May 8, 2027 | CATT Reel Skill Fishin NO FFS, South Carolina Division, Lake Wateree | Lake Wateree | Carolina Anglers Team Trail (CATT) |
| Oct. 24, 2026 | Jacob & Jeff Norris are HOT! They Win Again With 15.36 lbs! Lake Wateree, SC Open Oct 24, 2026 | Lake Wateree | Carolina Anglers Team Trail (CATT) |
| Oct. 17, 2026 | Jeff & Jacob Norris Win Lake Wateree, SC Oct 17, 2026. 18.14 lbs! | Lake Wateree | Carolina Anglers Team Trail (CATT) |
| Oct. 3, 2026 | Pete Sherbert Wins the Lake Wateree, SC Open Oct 3, 2026 14.81 lbs! | Lake Wateree | Carolina Anglers Team Trail (CATT) |
| Sept. 26, 2026 | CATT Results! Butch Williams & Donald Hinson Win Lake Wateree, SC Sept 26, 2026. 17.80 lb! | Lake Wateree | Carolina Anglers Team Trail (CATT) |
| Sept. 12, 2026 | Lake Wateree, SC Youth Results Sept 12, 2026. Jamie Medlin & Colen Baker 1st 8.14 lbs BF at 4.14 lbs! | Lake Wateree | Carolina Anglers Team Trail (CATT) |
Organizer schedule and results pages, checked November 2026.
Fairfield County Yellow Pages tackle and guide listings
Where to buy shrimp and minnows in Fairfield County
- Dutchman Marinamarina, Winnsboro
- Palmetto Docksmarina, Ridgeway
- Sutton's Landingmarina, Winnsboro
Yellow Pages listings (city of business), read November 9, 2026.
Branching out from Fairfield County
Where to base a trip in Fairfield County
- Winnsboropop. 3,215
Counties a short hop from Fairfield County
- Chester County20 miles north
- Newberry County28 miles west
- Richland County29 miles southeast
- Kershaw County31 miles east
Piscifun reels and leaders boxed up for Fairfield County
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Lakes, blackwater creeks and inlets close to Fairfield County, in pictures
Photo: Ken Lund, CC BY-SA 2.0
Photo: jay8085, CC BY 2.0
Photo: daveynin, CC BY 2.0
Photo: mogollon_1, CC BY 2.0
Fishing around Fairfield County: the questions that come up
Where can a boat be launched in Fairfield County?
There are 12 landings and launches on SCDNR maps of the county.
Which lake in Fairfield County is biggest?
Lake Wateree comes first with 13,025 acres.
What can be caught near Fairfield County according to SCDNR lists?
SCDNR access lists name Bluegill on the most lake pages within 50 miles, then Largemouth Bass, Redear Sunfish and Channel Catfish.
Does Fairfield County have a bait and tackle listing?
3 listings, including Dutchman Marina.
Which SC town hosts the Fairfield County seat?
Winnsboro.
What does a fishing license cost for Fairfield County water?
Freshwater licenses run $10 for residents and $35 for visitors on the SCDNR fee page.
What counties lie beside Fairfield County?
By distance: Chester County, Newberry County and Richland County.
Is there a crappie size limit across Fairfield County?
Statewide: Crappie: 20 daily, size 8 inches min. A guide row naming a lake can change it.
Which SCDNR region covers Fairfield County?
SCDNR Region 2, going by the majority of its SCDNR access records.
Does the guide print rules for Fairfield County waters?
2 waters with a page here have a guide row of their own, beginning with Lake Monticello.
Which tournaments come to Fairfield County lakes?
20 organizer entries on file; next is CATT Lake Wateree Seniors Seniors event on Lake Wateree, Nov. 12, 2026.
Which SCDNR records came from Fairfield County?
Muskellunge, 22-8, 42 1/4in as listed, from Broad River (2004).
Spend a Palmetto morning on Fairfield County water
River pages list SCDNR accesses and USGS flow.