Fishing in Pickens County, South Carolina
County seat: Pickens. Population 131,404 (2020). SCDNR Region 1.
- 4lake pages
- 14landings
- 11river pages
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A Palmetto State angler's view of Pickens County
Census workers counted 131,404 residents across Pickens County in 2020, with county offices in Pickens. SCDNR numbers the majority of these access sites SCDNR Region 1. Lake Hartwell tops a county list of 4 lakes with full write-ups.
SCDNR maps 14 landings and paddle launches and 27 piers and bank sites inside the county. River anglers can open Eastatoe Creek, Little Eastatoe Creek and Abner Creek. Cold-water anglers look to Abner Creek, Cane Creek and Eastatoe Creek.
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.
Pinning every SCDNR access in Pickens County
SCDNR Public Water Access layer and lake points, checked November 9, 2026.
Impoundments with pages across Pickens County
| Lake | Size | Landings | Kind | SCDNR species list |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lake Hartwell | 56,000 acres | 47 | major reservoir | Largemouth Bass, Alabama Bass, Black Crappie |
| Lake Keowee | 18,500 acres | 9 | major reservoir | Largemouth Bass, Alabama Bass, Black Crappie |
| Lake Jocassee | 7,500 acres | 5 | major reservoir | Largemouth Bass, Alabama Bass, Smallmouth Bass |
| Lake Oolenoy | not printed | 2 | named at an SCDNR access | 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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Out to 50 miles from Pickens, SCDNR access lists name Largemouth Bass on more lakes than any other fish.
SCDNR Public Water Access species lists, counted per lake page within 50 miles; an occurrence list, not a catch survey.
Ponds and pools of Pickens County on the short list
2 more Pickens County waters appear on SCDNR records by name with little else.
| Water | Size | Kind |
|---|---|---|
| Lake Issaqueena | about 100 acres of mapped outline | mapped lake |
| Pinnacle 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.
Pickens County rivers, creeks and USGS gauges
- Eastatoe CreekSCDNR trout water, 6 SCDNR accesses
- Little Eastatoe CreekSCDNR trout water, 2 SCDNR accesses
- Abner CreekSCDNR trout water, 1 SCDNR access
- Cane CreekSCDNR trout water, 1 SCDNR access
- Laurel Fork CreekSCDNR trout water, 1 SCDNR access
- Little EastatoeSCDNR trout water, 1 SCDNR access
- Reedy Cove CreekSCDNR trout water, 1 SCDNR access
- Rocky Bottom CreekSCDNR trout water, 1 SCDNR access
- Side-of-Mountain CreekSCDNR trout water, 1 SCDNR access
- Willis CreekSCDNR trout water, 1 SCDNR access
- Twelvemile Creek3 SCDNR accesses, 1 USGS gauge
Unpaged creeks of Pickens County (1)
- Town Creek4 SCDNR accesses
Gauge numbers for Pickens County waterways
| USGS gauge | Latest reading | Time (ET) |
|---|---|---|
| Saluda River Near Greenville, Sc | 148 cfs, 2.45 ft gage height | Nov 13 7:45 pm |
| Saluda River At Hunts Bridge Rd Nr Dacusville, Sc | 159 cfs, 3.34 ft gage height | Nov 13 7:45 pm |
| Twelvemile Creek Near Liberty, Sc | 44 cfs, 1.60 ft gage height | Nov 13 8:00 pm |
| Eastatoee Crk On Cleo Chapman Hwy Near Sunset, Sc | 24 cfs, 1.93 ft gage height | Nov 13 7:15 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.
Guide trout rows covering Pickens County streams
- Abner Creektrout rules printed
- Cane Creektrout rows in the guide
- Eastatoe Creektrout regulations apply
- Laurel Fork CreekSCDNR trout water
- Little Eastatoelisted as trout water
- Little Eastatoe Creektrout stream
- Reedy Cove CreekSCDNR trout water
- Rocky Bottom Creektrout stream
- Side-of-Mountain Creektrout stream
- Willis 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.
Every SCDNR landing in Pickens County
- Bargain Exchange Flea Market Paddle Launch on Twelvemile CreekTwelvemile Creek, paddle launch
- Crowe Creek Boat Ramp on Lake KeoweeLake Keowee, boat ramp, 2 lanes, concrete or paved, courtesy dock
- Madden Bridge Road Access on Twelvemile CreekTwelvemile Creek, paddle launch, dirt
- Mile Creek Boat Ramp on Lake KeoweeLake Keowee, boat ramp, 3 lanes, concrete or paved, courtesy dock
- Table Rock State Park on Lake OolenoyLake Oolenoy, boat ramp, 1 lane, concrete or paved, fishing pier
- Town Creek Park River Access and Parking Area (east)Town Creek, paddle launch
- Twelve Mile Boat Ramp on Lake HartwellLake Hartwell, boat ramp, 2 lanes, concrete or paved, courtesy dock
- Twin Lakes Boat Ramp on Lake HartwellLake Hartwell, boat ramp, 2 lanes, concrete or paved, courtesy dock, fishing pier
- Warpath Boat Ramp on Lake KeoweeLake Keowee, boat ramp, 3 lanes, concrete or paved, courtesy dock
- FUTURE: Cateechee Beach Park on Twelvemile CreekTwelvemile Creek, paddle launch
- Reece Mill Road River Access and Parking Area on Town CreekTown Creek, paddle launch
- Table Rock State Park on Lake OolenoyLake Oolenoy, paddle launch
- Town Creek Park River Access and Parking AreaTown Creek, paddle launch
- Town Creek Park River Access and Parking Area (west)Town Creek, paddle launch
Walk-on spots SCDNR maps in Pickens County
- 12 Mile Recreation Area Bank on Lake HartwellLake Hartwell, bank
- Hemlock Hollow (Eastatoe Creek) Bank on Eastatoe CreekEastatoe Creek, bank
- Lake Issaqueena PierLake Issaqueena, pier, wood
- Larry Abernathy Waterfront Park Pier 1 on Lake HartwellLake Hartwell, pier, wood
- Larry Abernathy Waterfront Park Pier 2 on Lake HartwellLake Hartwell, pier, wood
- Little Eastatoe Hwy 11 BankLittle Eastatoe Creek, bank
- Long Shoals Wayside Park Bank on Little EastatoeLittle Eastatoe, bank, other (see comments)
- Mountain View Bank on Lake HartwellLake Hartwell, bank
- Pinnacle Lake Bank FishingPinnacle Lake, other (see comments)
- Table Rock State Park (Bank 1) on Pinnacle LakePinnacle Lake, bank
- Table Rock State Park (Bank 2) on Pinnacle LakePinnacle Lake, bank
- Twin Lakes Recreation Area Pier on Lake HartwellLake Hartwell, pier, aluminum
- Abner and Dogwood Creeks BankAbner Creek, bank
- Cane Creek BankCane Creek, bank
- Eastatoe Creek (Cleo Chapman Access) BankEastatoe Creek, bank
- Eastatoe Creek (Dug Mountain Access) BankEastatoe Creek, bank
- Eastatoe Creek (Granny Gear Access) BankEastatoe Creek, bank
- Eastatoe Creek (Laurel Valley Lodge Access) BankEastatoe Creek, bank
- Eastatoe Creek (Peach Orchard Access) BankEastatoe Creek, bank
- Emory Creek And Willis Creek BankWillis Creek, bank
- Laurel Fork Creek BankLaurel Fork Creek, bank
- Little Eastatoe Creek (McDaniel) BankLittle Eastatoe Creek, bank
- Reedy Cove Creek BankReedy Cove Creek, bank
- Rocky Bottom Creek BankRocky Bottom Creek, bank
- Side-of-Mountain Creek Bank (Eastotoe HP)Side-of-Mountain Creek, bank
- Table Rock State Park (Lake Oolenoy) Pier on Lake OolenoyLake Oolenoy, pier, wood
- Table Rock State Park (Park Office) Pier on Lake OolenoyLake Oolenoy, 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.
Water level data for Pickens County lakes
Lake Hartwell
| USGS gauge | Latest reading | Time (ET) |
|---|---|---|
| Hartwell Lake Near Anderson, Sc | 647.50 ft lake elevation | Nov 13 8:00 pm |
US Geological Survey provisional data, retrieved Nov 13, 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.
Guide limits behind every Pickens County lake
For Pickens County, the statewide guide limits hold except where a water-specific row is printed. A total of 40 game fish may be kept in any one day (freshwater), not exceeding the species limits (guide p. 28). SCDNR sells the resident annual freshwater license for $10, and a visiting angler pays $35 for the year.
| 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 |
Guide rows for Pickens County waters
- Lake HartwellSmallmouth Bass: Any length, No more than 10 combined total of black bass
- Lake JocasseeLargemouth Bass: 14 inches min, No more than 5 combined total of smallmouth, largemouth, redeye bass or their hybrids
- Lake KeoweeSmallmouth Bass: 12 inches min, No more than 10 combined total of black bass
Border water on the edge of Pickens County
- Lake HartwellAll 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.
SCDNR record fish pulled from Pickens County lakes
| Species | Weight as listed | List | Water | Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spotted Bass | 8-5 | freshwater | Lake Jocassee | 2001 |
| Smallmouth Bass | 9-7 | freshwater | Lake Jocassee | 2001 |
| Redeye Bass | 5-2.5 | freshwater | Lake Jocassee | 2001 |
| Brown Trout | 17-9.5 | freshwater | Lake Jocassee | 1987 |
| Rainbow Trout | 11-5 | freshwater | Lake Jocassee | 1993 |
| Yellow Perch | 3-4 | freshwater | Lake Keowee | 1979 |
South Carolina state record fish as listed by SCDNR (record list), read November 9, 2026.
Club and trail events across Pickens County
The calendar carries 19 Pickens County entries with 11 still to come.
| Date | Event | Water | Organizer |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nov. 14, 2026 | CATT SC Upstate Qualifier #1 | Lake Keowee | Carolina Anglers Team Trail (CATT) |
| Nov. 18, 2026 | 2026 Mercury B.A.S.S. Nation Championship presented by Lowrance | Lake Hartwell | B.A.S.S. |
| Nov. 28, 2026 | CATT SC Upstate Qualifier #2 | Lake Jocassee | Carolina Anglers Team Trail (CATT) |
| Dec. 12, 2026 | CATT SC Upstate Qualifier #3 | Lake Keowee | Carolina Anglers Team Trail (CATT) |
| Dec. 26, 2026 | CATT SC Upstate Qualifier #4 | Lake Jocassee | Carolina Anglers Team Trail (CATT) |
| Jan. 9, 2027 | CATT SC Upstate Qualifier #5 | Lake Keowee | Carolina Anglers Team Trail (CATT) |
| Jan. 16, 2027 | Fishers of Men SC Upstate Classic, Lake Keowee | Lake Keowee | Fishers of Men National Tournament Trail |
| March 19, 2027 | 2027 Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Classic | Lake Hartwell | B.A.S.S. |
| May 16, 2026 | Fishers of Men SC Upstate Classic, Hartwell May 16, 2026 | Lake Hartwell | 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. 17, 2026 | Fishers of Men SC Upstate Classic, Keowee January 17, 2026 | Lake Keowee | Fishers of Men National Tournament Trail |
| Jan. 3, 2026 | CATT SC Upstate, Lake Hartwell Jan 3, 2026 | Lake Hartwell | Carolina Anglers Team Trail (CATT) |
Organizer schedule and results pages, checked November 2026.
Pickens County shops, marinas and captains
Pickens County shop listings
- Academy Sports + Outdoors, 201 Rolling Hills Cirbait and tackle shop, Easley
- Durahmbait and tackle shop, Six Mile
- Mobilbait and tackle shop, Pickens
- Gap Hill Landingmarina, Six Mile
- Mountain Lake Marinamarina, Six Mile
Charter and guide listings in Pickens County
- Fishski Business Guide Service)fishing guide, Clemson, (864) 353-3438
Yellow Pages listings (city of business), read November 9, 2026.
More pages around Pickens County
Towns and CDPs across Pickens County
- Easleypop. 22,921
- Clemsonpop. 17,681
- Clemson Universitypop. 7,311
- Centralpop. 5,247
- Pickenspop. 3,388
- Libertypop. 3,366
- Arialpop. 2,729
Adjacent SC counties to Pickens County
- Greenville County20 miles east
- Oconee County21 miles southwest
- Anderson County26 miles south
- Spartanburg County42 miles east
A Piscifun spinning kit for the run down to Pickens County
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Palmetto State fish to know on sight at Pickens County
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
What South Carolina anglers ask about Pickens County water
Does Pickens County have public boat landings?
SCDNR shows 14 landings and launches.
What lake tops the size list in Pickens County?
On size, Lake Hartwell: 56,000 acres.
Which species does SCDNR name around Pickens County?
SCDNR access lists name Largemouth Bass on the most lake pages within 50 miles, then Bluegill, Redear Sunfish and Channel Catfish.
Which shops in Pickens County sell hooks and line?
Academy Sports + Outdoors, 201 Rolling Hills Cir is among 5 listings.
What town is the South Carolina seat of Pickens County?
The seat is Pickens.
Does SCDNR require a license for Pickens County water?
SCDNR sells the resident annual freshwater license for $10, and a visiting angler pays $35 for the year.
Which SC county pages surround Pickens County?
Look at Greenville County, Oconee County and Anderson County.
What crappie rule covers Pickens County lakes?
Statewide: Crappie: 20 daily, size 8 inches min. A guide row naming a lake can change it.
What SCDNR region number is Pickens County in?
SCDNR Region 1, going by the majority of its SCDNR access records.
Where does the state guide print Pickens County exceptions?
3 waters with a page here have a guide row of their own, beginning with Lake Hartwell.
Is a team trail date posted for Pickens County lakes?
19 organizer entries on file; next is CATT SC Upstate Qualifier #1 on Lake Keowee, Nov. 14, 2026.
Has an SCDNR state record come out of Pickens County?
Spotted Bass, 8-5 as listed, from Lake Jocassee (2001).
Which Pickens County lakes sit on a state border?
All persons holding a valid license from Georgia or South Carolina will be allowed to fish in the waters covered by this agreement.
Work the SC lakes and creeks of Pickens County
Every SCDNR landing page opens with a directions link.