Fishing in Lancaster County, South Carolina
County seat: Lancaster. Population 96,016 (2020). SCDNR Region 2.
- 5lake pages
- 8landings
- 3river pages
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Sizing up the fishing in Lancaster County
Lancaster County conducts county business from Lancaster, and the 2020 Census counted 96,016 people living in the county. Most SCDNR access records in the county carry SCDNR Region 2. Of the 5 lakes with pages here, Lake Wateree covers the most water. Look for 2 state lakes with set hours and motor limits, starting with Lancaster Reservoir.
The SCDNR access layer shows 8 landings and paddle launches plus 7 piers and bank sites here. Paged streams in the county include Cedar Creek, Catawba River and Fishing Creek. Cedar Creek carry trout rows in the state guide.
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.
Reservoirs and state lakes of Lancaster County
| Lake | Size | Landings | Kind | SCDNR species list |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lake Wateree | 13,025 acres | 9 | major reservoir | Largemouth Bass, Bluegill, Redear Sunfish |
| Fishing Creek Reservoir | 3,431 acres | 2 | major reservoir | Largemouth Bass, Bluegill, Redear Sunfish |
| Cedar Creek Reservoir | about 1,645 acres of mapped outline | 2 | mapped lake | Largemouth Bass, Bluegill, Redear Sunfish |
| Lancaster Reservoir | 60 acres | 1 | SCDNR state lake | Largemouth Bass, Bluegill, Redear Sunfish |
| Sunrise Lake | 25 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.
What the SCDNR lists add up to near Lancaster County
Bluegill leads the SCDNR species lists on lakes within 50 miles of Lancaster.
SCDNR Public Water Access species lists, counted per lake page within 50 miles; an occurrence list, not a catch survey.
SCDNR state lakes inside Lancaster County
| State lake | Size | Fishing hours | Boat and motor |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lancaster Reservoir | 60 acres | ½ hour before official sunrise to ½ hour after official sunset | Paddle or electric trolling motor only |
| Sunrise Lake | 25 acres | ½ hour before official sunrise to ½ hour after official sunset | Paddle or electric trolling motor only |
South Carolina state lake 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.
Named ponds and impoundments of Lancaster County kept to a list
SCDNR records name 1 more waters in Lancaster County that have too few published facts for a page.
| Water | Size | Kind |
|---|---|---|
| Andrew Jackson State Park 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.
Where current runs through Lancaster County
- Cedar CreekSCDNR trout water, 5 SCDNR accesses, 3 USGS gauges
- Catawba River11 SCDNR accesses, 4 USGS gauges
- Fishing Creek2 SCDNR accesses, 1 USGS gauge
Current flow on Lancaster County streams
| USGS gauge | Latest reading | Time (ET) |
|---|---|---|
| Mcalpine Creek At Sr2964 Nr Camp Cox, Sc | 70 cfs, -0.19 ft gage height | Nov 13 9:15 pm |
| Hanging Rock Creek Nr Kershaw, Sc | 1 cfs, 0.04 ft gage height | Jul 2 10:00 am Not updated since Jul 2, 2026. |
| Little Lynches River Above Kershaw, Sc | 3.73 ft gage height | Nov 13 8:30 pm |
| Catawba River At Great Falls, Sc | 351.31 ft gage height | Nov 13 9:15 pm |
| Cedar Creek Res Tailrace Below Great Falls, Sc | 8.67 ft gage height | Nov 13 9:15 pm |
US Geological Survey provisional data, retrieved Nov 13, 2026 9:32 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.
Cold-water trout water in Lancaster County
- Cedar Creektrout regulations apply
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.
Public put-ins across Lancaster County
- Andrew Jackson State ParkAndrew Jackson State Park Lake, paddle launch
- Cedar Creek Boat Ramp on Catawba RiverCatawba River, boat ramp, 2 lanes, concrete or paved
- Highway 9 Boat Ramp on Catawba RiverCatawba River, boat ramp, 1 lane, concrete or paved
- Hwy 9 Access Point on Catawba RiverCatawba River, paddle launch
- Springs Park Access Area on Fishing Creek ReservoirFishing Creek Reservoir, boat ramp, 2 lanes, concrete or paved, courtesy dock
- Stumpy Pond Boat Ramp on Cedar Creek ReservoirCedar Creek Reservoir, boat ramp, 1 lane, concrete or paved
- Sunrise Lake Boat RampSunrise Lake, boat ramp, 1 lane, concrete or paved
- William L. Catoe (Bear Creek) Boat Ramp on Lancaster ReservoirLancaster Reservoir, boat ramp, 1 lane, dirt
SCDNR bank and pier points in Lancaster County
- Cedar Creek Access BankCedar Creek, bank
- Lancaster Reservoir BankLancaster Reservoir, bank
- Lancaster Reservoir Bank on Catawba RiverCatawba River, bank
- Andrew Jackson State Park BankPond, bank
- Andrew Jackson State Park PierPond, pier, wood
- Springs Park Fishing PierFishing Creek, pier
- Sunrise Lake BankSunrise Lake, 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.
Size and creel rules on Lancaster County water
Statewide rows from the state fishing guide apply to Lancaster County lakes and streams that have no row of their own. A total of 40 game fish may be kept in any one day (freshwater), not exceeding the species limits (guide p. 28). The SCDNR price list shows $10 for a resident freshwater year and $35 for the nonresident version.
| 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 water in Lancaster County
- 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.
Record-list fish from Lancaster County water
The record lists hold nothing from Lancaster County itself; these waters within 70 miles do appear.
| 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 |
| White Bass | 5-4.8 | freshwater | Lake Murray | 2006 |
| White Crappie | 5-1 | freshwater | Lake Murray | 1949 |
South Carolina state record fish as listed by SCDNR (record list), read November 9, 2026.
Tournament dates for Lancaster County lakes
Count 17 organizer entries for Lancaster County lakes and rivers, 7 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.
Lancaster County tackle counters and hired guides
Bait and tackle in Lancaster County
- R & G Sporting Goodsbait and tackle shop, Lancaster
Yellow Pages listings (city of business), read November 9, 2026.
Keep exploring from Lancaster County
Lancaster County towns with their own fishing page
- Lancasterpop. 8,460
- Kershawpop. 1,693
SC counties that touch Lancaster County
- Kershaw County25 miles south
- Chester County26 miles west
- Chesterfield County31 miles east
- Fairfield County31 miles southwest
Piscifun rods, reels and line to sort out ahead of Lancaster County
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Lowcountry and Upstate water near Lancaster County, on camera
Photo: Jelene Morris, CC BY 2.0
Photo: daveynin, CC BY 2.0
Photo: Madhan Karthikeyan, CC BY 2.0
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Photo: Chris Yunker, CC BY 2.0
Quick replies on fishing in Lancaster County
Which landings does SCDNR list in Lancaster County?
SCDNR maps 8 landings and launches here, listed above with directions.
Where is the most lake water in Lancaster County?
Lake Wateree, at 13,025 acres.
Which fish appear on SCDNR lists near Lancaster County?
SCDNR access lists name Bluegill on the most lake pages within 50 miles, then Largemouth Bass, Redear Sunfish and Channel Catfish.
Is there a tackle shop listed in Lancaster County?
1 in all, R & G Sporting Goods first.
Which South Carolina town runs Lancaster County government?
County offices are in Lancaster.
How much is a South Carolina fishing license for a Lancaster County trip?
The SCDNR price list shows $10 for a resident freshwater year and $35 for the nonresident version.
What other South Carolina counties are close to Lancaster County?
Nearest by centre point: Kershaw County, Chester County and Chesterfield County.
What daily crappie limit applies in Lancaster County?
Statewide: Crappie: 20 daily, size 8 inches min. A guide row naming a lake can change it.
Which SCDNR region do Lancaster County access points fall under?
SCDNR Region 2, going by the majority of its SCDNR access records.
Do any Lancaster County waters have their own limits?
1 water with a page here have a guide row of their own, beginning with Lake Wateree.
Which Lancaster County lakes follow state lake rules?
Lancaster Reservoir and Sunrise Lake, with hours and boat rules set by the state lake regulation.
Do South Carolina bass trails weigh in on Lancaster County water?
17 organizer entries on file; next is CATT Lake Wateree Seniors Seniors event on Lake Wateree, Nov. 12, 2026.
Choose a landing in Lancaster County
Open a lake for its landings, limits and gauge readings.