Fishing in Richland County, South Carolina
County seat: Columbia. Population 416,147 (2020). SCDNR Region 3.
- 1lake pages
- 10landings
- 5river pages
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What Richland County offers from landing to tide line
Richland County had a 2020 population of 416,147 and runs its government out of Columbia. Its public access points sit chiefly in SCDNR Region 3. 1 lake with a full page lie in the county, and Lake Murray spreads the widest.
Boaters get 10 landings and paddle launches, and shore anglers get 4 piers and bank sites, on SCDNR maps of the county. For current, start with Saluda River, Cedar Creek and Broad River. The county's trout water includes Cedar Creek and Saluda 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 Richland County
| Lake | Size | Landings | Kind | SCDNR species list |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lake Murray | 48,579 acres | 12 | major reservoir | Largemouth Bass, Redear Sunfish, Bluegill |
Richland County has little paged lake water, so here are the nearest lakes from Columbia.
| Lake | From Columbia | Size | Landings | Kind | SCDNR species list |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lake Wateree | 26 miles north | 13,025 acres | 9 | major reservoir | Largemouth Bass, Bluegill, Redear Sunfish |
| Lake Monticello | 32 miles northwest | 6,700 acres | 2 | major reservoir | Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Spotted Bass |
| Parr Shoals Reservoir | 33 miles northwest | about 3,116 acres of mapped outline | 2 | mapped lake | Largemouth Bass, Redear Sunfish, Bluegill |
| Lake Ashwood | 34 miles east | 75 acres | 0 | SCDNR state lake | Largemouth Bass, Bluegill, Redear Sunfish |
| Cedar Creek Reservoir | 36 miles north | about 1,645 acres of mapped outline | 2 | mapped lake | Largemouth Bass, Bluegill, Redear Sunfish |
| Fishing Creek Reservoir | 41 miles north | 3,431 acres | 2 | major reservoir | 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.
The species tally for lakes near Richland County
Tallying lake pages up to 50 miles from Columbia by SCDNR species entries puts Black Crappie 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 Richland County
There are 2 further named waters in Richland County, with size where SCDNR maps one.
| Water | Size | Kind |
|---|---|---|
| Sesquicentennial State Park Lake | not printed | named at an SCDNR access |
| South East Park Pond | 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 Richland County
- Saluda RiverSCDNR trout water, 15 SCDNR accesses, 11 USGS gauges
- Cedar CreekSCDNR trout water, 5 SCDNR accesses, 3 USGS gauges
- Broad Rivertidal, 31 SCDNR accesses, 8 USGS gauges
- Wateree River8 SCDNR accesses, 1 USGS gauge
- Congaree River6 SCDNR accesses, 3 USGS gauges
Richland County river gauges right now
| USGS gauge | Latest reading | Time (ET) |
|---|---|---|
| Congaree River At Congaree Np Near Gadsden, Sc | 3,800 cfs, 4.02 ft gage height | Nov 12 8:00 pm |
| Saluda River Near Columbia, Sc | 2,040 cfs, 3.32 ft gage height | Nov 12 8:00 pm |
| Broad River Near Columbia, Sc | 1,430 cfs, 153.93 ft gage height | Nov 12 8:15 pm |
| Gills Creek At Columbia, Sc | 26 cfs, 1.07 ft gage height | Nov 12 8:00 pm |
| Smith Branch At North Main St At Columbia, Sc | 2 cfs, 0.42 ft gage height | Nov 12 8:15 pm |
| Rocky Branch At Pickens St At Columbia, Sc | 1 cfs, 2.67 ft gage height | Nov 12 7:15 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 Richland County
- Cedar CreekSCDNR trout water
- Saluda Riverlisted as trout water
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.
Richland County boat landings and paddle launches
- Barney Jordan Boat Ramp on Congaree RiverCongaree River, boat ramp, 2 lanes, concrete or paved, courtesy dock
- Bates Bridge Boat Ramp on Congaree RiverCongaree River, boat ramp, 2 lanes, concrete or paved, courtesy dock
- Cedar Creek Road Paddle LaunchCedar Creek, paddle launch
- Columbia Canal Diversion Dam Paddle Launch on Broad RiverBroad River, paddle launch, other (see comments)
- Granby Park Access on Congaree RiverCongaree River, paddle launch, dirt
- Harbison State Forest Canoe Access on Broad RiverBroad River, paddle launch
- Riverfront Park Access on Broad RiverBroad River, paddle launch
- Sesquicentennial State ParkSesquicentennial State Park Lake, paddle launch, grass
- WT -Billy- Tolar Boat Ramp on Wateree RiverWateree River, boat ramp, 2 lanes, concrete or paved, courtesy dock
- Bannister's Bridge Paddle Launch on Cedar CreekCedar Creek, paddle launch
Piers and bank access of Richland County
- Riverfront Park at Diversion Dam on Broad RiverBroad River, bank
- Saluda Riverwalk Bank FishingSaluda River, bank
- South East ParkSouth East Park Pond, bank
- Sesquicentennial State Park BankPond, 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 Richland County
Lake Murray
| USGS gauge | Latest reading | Time (ET) |
|---|---|---|
| Lake Murray Near Columbia, Sc | 353.73 ft lake elevation | Nov 12 8:15 pm |
US Geological Survey provisional data, retrieved Nov 12, 2026 8:32 pm ET. Provisional readings can be revised.
Size and daily limits for Richland County water
Wherever no guide row names a Richland 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 Richland County with their own limits
- Lake MurrayLargemouth 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
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 Richland County turns up on the record list
| Species | Weight as listed | List | Water | Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| White Bass | 5-4.8 | freshwater | Lake Murray | 2006 |
| White Crappie | 5-1 | freshwater | Lake Murray | 1949 |
| Muskellunge | 22-8, 42 1/4in | freshwater | Broad River | 2004 |
| Bullhead | 6-6.3 | freshwater | Broad River | 2009 |
| White Catfish | 12-2.9 | freshwater | Lake Murray | 2014 |
| Carp | 58-0 | freshwater | Lake Murray | 2000 |
South Carolina state record fish as listed by SCDNR (record list), read November 9, 2026.
Bass trails and weigh-ins on Richland County water
Clubs and trails post 14 events on Richland County water; 3 remain on the schedule.
| Date | Event | Water | Organizer |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan. 30, 2027 | Fishers of Men SC Low Country Classic, Lake Murray | Lake Murray | Fishers of Men National Tournament Trail |
| March 20, 2027 | CATT Reel Skill Fishin NO FFS, South Carolina Division, Lake Murray | Lake Murray | Carolina Anglers Team Trail (CATT) |
| April 24, 2027 | Fishers of Men SC Low Country Classic, Lake Murray | Lake Murray | Fishers of Men National Tournament Trail |
| Oct. 24, 2026 | Chris Epting & Jonah Miller Win Lake Murray, SC Fall Final Oct 24, 2026 21.62 lbs! | Lake Murray | Carolina Anglers Team Trail (CATT) |
| Oct. 10, 2026 | Justin Raines & Bradley Day Win Lake Murray, SC Oct 10, 2026. 24.17 lbs! | Lake Murray | Carolina Anglers Team Trail (CATT) |
| Sept. 26, 2026 | Jody Wright & Chris Marshall Win Lake Murray, SC Sept 26, 2026! 19.48 lbs! BF 5.51 lbs! | Lake Murray | Carolina Anglers Team Trail (CATT) |
| Aug. 15, 2026 | CATT Lake Murray, SC Aug 15, 2026 | Lake Murray | Carolina Anglers Team Trail (CATT) |
| May 16, 2026 | Fishers of Men SC Low Country Classic, Murray May 16, 2026 | Lake Murray | Fishers of Men National Tournament Trail |
| April 11, 2026 | Fishers of Men SC Low Country Classic, Murray April 11, 2026 | Lake Murray | Fishers of Men National Tournament Trail |
| April 10, 2026 | Fishers of Men SC Low Country Classic, Murray April 10, 2026 | Lake Murray | Fishers of Men National Tournament Trail |
| May 10, 2025 | Fishers of Men SC Low Country Classic, Murray May 10, 2025 | Lake Murray | Fishers of Men National Tournament Trail |
| April 19, 2025 | Fishers of Men SC Low Country Classic, Murray April 19, 2025 | Lake Murray | Fishers of Men National Tournament Trail |
Organizer schedule and results pages, checked November 2026.
Stocking up for a Richland County trip
Marinas and tackle shops of Richland County
- Academy Sports + Outdoors, 730 Fashion Drbait and tackle shop, Columbia
- Buck'sbait and tackle shop, Columbia
- Dick's Sporting Goods, 10204 Two Notch Rdbait and tackle shop, Columbia
- Love Bait Teesbait and tackle shop, Columbia
- Shakespeare Fishing Tacklebait and tackle shop, Columbia
- Streamline Minnowbait and tackle shop, Columbia
- Lighthouse Marinamarina, Chapin
- Nautical Boat Club – Irmomarina, Irmo
- Nbj Marinamarina, Irmo
- Shealy's Landingmarina, Irmo
- The Residence at Marina Baymarina, Irmo
Yellow Pages listings (city of business), read November 9, 2026.
Next stops beyond Richland County
Richland County communities with pages
- Columbiapop. 136,632
- St. Andrewspop. 20,675
- Dentsvillepop. 14,431
- Irmopop. 11,569
- Forest Acrespop. 10,617
- Woodfieldpop. 9,199
- Lake Murray of Richlandpop. 8,110
- Blythewoodpop. 4,772
- Capitol Viewpop. 4,653
- Hopkinspop. 2,514
Counties ringing Richland County
- Lexington County23 miles southwest
- Calhoun County25 miles south
- Kershaw County28 miles northeast
- Fairfield County29 miles northwest
Piscifun gear a Palmetto State angler could pack for Richland County
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Lakes, blackwater creeks and inlets close to Richland County, in pictures
Photo: Fredlyfish4, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: Scott Oves, CC BY 2.0
Photo: Congaree National Park, CC BY 2.0
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Photo: Andrew Parlette, CC BY 2.0
Lakes, creeks and landings of Richland County, in questions
How many SCDNR ramps serve Richland County?
Count 10 landings and launches in the SCDNR access layer.
Which still water in Richland County is widest?
Lake Murray, with 48,579 acres.
What fish show up on access lists near Richland County?
SCDNR access lists name Black Crappie on the most lake pages within 50 miles, then Bluegill, Largemouth Bass and Redear Sunfish.
Where are the Richland County tackle counters on Yellow Pages?
Start with Academy Sports + Outdoors, 730 Fashion Dr, one of 11.
Where is the Richland County courthouse?
Columbia holds it.
Which SCDNR license do I buy for Richland 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 Richland County?
Begin with Lexington County, Calhoun County and Kershaw County.
How many crappie can a Richland County angler keep each day?
Statewide: Crappie: 20 daily, size 8 inches min. A guide row naming a lake can change it.
Is Richland County in SCDNR Region 1, 2, 3 or 4?
SCDNR Region 3, going by the majority of its SCDNR access records.
Are there lake-specific limits in Richland County?
2 waters with a page here have a guide row of their own, beginning with Lake Murray.
Do SC clubs and trails fish Richland County?
14 organizer entries on file; next is Fishers of Men SC Low Country Classic, Lake Murray on Lake Murray, Jan. 30, 2027.
Which records were caught in Richland County water?
White Bass, 5-4.8 as listed, from Lake Murray (2006).
Plan a fishing weekend across Richland County
Lake pages show landings, SCDNR species lists and any guide row.