Fishing in Saluda County, South Carolina
County seat: Saluda. Population 18,862 (2020). SCDNR Region 3.
- 1lake pages
- 3landings
Pick for redear sunfishPiscifun Carbon X ultralight spinning reel28% OFFSale $57.99 Photo of Lake Murray: Jelene Morris, CC BY 2.0
Sizing up the fishing in Saluda County
Saluda County conducts county business from Saluda, and the 2020 Census counted 18,862 people living in the county. Most SCDNR access records in the county carry SCDNR Region 3. Of the 1 lake with pages here, Lake Murray covers the most water.
The SCDNR access layer shows 3 landings and paddle launches plus 5 piers and bank sites here.
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.
A map of Saluda County landings and fishing spots
SCDNR Public Water Access layer and lake points, checked November 9, 2026.
Reservoirs and state lakes of Saluda County
| Lake | Size | Landings | Kind | SCDNR species list |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lake Murray | 48,579 acres | 12 | major reservoir | Largemouth Bass, Redear Sunfish, Bluegill |
These lakes past the Saluda County line lie closest to Saluda.
| Lake | From Saluda | Size | Landings | Kind | SCDNR species list |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Boyd Pond | 13 miles west | not printed | 1 | named at an SCDNR access | none on SCDNR lists |
| Star Fort Pond | 17 miles northwest | 22 acres | 0 | SCDNR state lake | Largemouth Bass, Bluegill, Redear Sunfish |
| Slades Lake | 17 miles southwest | not printed | 1 | named at an SCDNR access | none on SCDNR lists |
| Lake Greenwood | 23 miles northwest | 11,400 acres | 8 | major reservoir | none on SCDNR lists |
| Lick Fork Lake | 24 miles southwest | not printed | 1 | named at an SCDNR access | Largemouth Bass, Bluegill, Redear Sunfish |
| Parr Shoals Reservoir | 32 miles northeast | about 3,116 acres of mapped outline | 2 | mapped lake | Largemouth Bass, Redear Sunfish, Bluegill |
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.
For the redear sunfish herePiscifun Carbon XT ultralight spinning reel25% OFFSale $59.99 What the SCDNR lists add up to near Saluda County
Black Crappie leads the SCDNR species lists on lakes within 50 miles of Saluda.
SCDNR Public Water Access species lists, counted per lake page within 50 miles; an occurrence list, not a catch survey.
Where current runs through Saluda County
Current flow on Saluda County streams
| USGS gauge | Latest reading | Time (ET) |
|---|---|---|
| Saluda River At Chappells, Sc | 652 cfs, 2.51 ft gage height | Nov 13 8:15 pm |
| Little Saluda River Near Saluda, Sc | 6 cfs, 4.31 ft gage height | Nov 13 8:15 pm |
| Big Creek At Big Creek Rd Near Saluda, Sc | 1 cfs, 64.01 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.
Public put-ins across Saluda County
- Lake Murray Estates Boat RampLake Murray, boat ramp, 1 lane, concrete or paved, courtesy dock, fishing pier
- Murray Shores Boat RampLake Murray, boat ramp, 1 lane, concrete or paved, courtesy dock
- River Bend Boat Ramp on Lake MurrayLake Murray, boat ramp, 1 lane, concrete or paved, courtesy dock, fishing pier
SCDNR bank and pier points in Saluda County
- Lake Murray Estates BankLake Murray, bank
- Lake Murray Estates PierLake Murray, pier
- Murray Shores BankLake Murray, bank, other (see comments)
- River Bend Bank on Lake MurrayLake Murray, bank
- River Bend Pier on Lake MurrayLake Murray, 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.
Pool and gauge readings for Saluda County lakes
Lake Murray
| USGS gauge | Latest reading | Time (ET) |
|---|---|---|
| Lake Murray Near Columbia, Sc | 353.63 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.
Size and creel rules on Saluda County water
Statewide rows from the state fishing guide apply to Saluda 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 Saluda County
- Lake MurrayLargemouth 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 Saluda County water
| Species | Weight as listed | List | Water | Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| White Bass | 5-4.8 | freshwater | Lake Murray | 2006 |
| White Crappie | 5-1 | freshwater | Lake Murray | 1949 |
| 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.
Tournament dates for Saluda County lakes
Count 14 organizer entries for Saluda County lakes and rivers, 3 upcoming.
| 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.
Saluda County tackle counters and hired guides
Bait and tackle in Saluda County
- Country Peddlerbait and tackle shop, Saluda
- Etheredge Jeanettebait and tackle shop, Saluda
- Little River Landing Bait & Tacklebait and tackle shop, Saluda
- Barn Landingmarina, Leesville
- Spinner's Resort & Marinamarina, Leesville
Yellow Pages listings (city of business), read November 9, 2026.
Keep exploring from Saluda County
Saluda County towns with their own fishing page
- Saludapop. 3,122
SC counties that touch Saluda County
- Edgefield County20 miles southwest
- Newberry County21 miles north
- Greenwood County25 miles northwest
- Lexington County27 miles east
Piscifun rods, reels and line to sort out ahead of Saluda County
Piscifun and Amazon links are affiliate links; the site earns a commission on qualifying purchases.
Visual key to fish swimming at Saluda County
Photo: USFWS Mountain Prairie, Public domain
.jpg){kind=link}
Photo: Gordon C. Snelling, CC BY 4.0
.jpg){kind=link}
Photo: Under the same moon, CC BY 2.0
Photo: USFWS Mountain-Prairie, Public domain
Quick replies on fishing in Saluda County
Which landings does SCDNR list in Saluda County?
SCDNR maps 3 landings and launches here, listed above with directions.
Where is the most lake water in Saluda County?
Lake Murray, at 48,579 acres.
Which fish appear on SCDNR lists near Saluda County?
SCDNR access lists name Black Crappie on the most lake pages within 50 miles, then Bluegill, Largemouth Bass and Channel Catfish.
Is there a tackle shop listed in Saluda County?
5 in all, Country Peddler first.
Which South Carolina town runs Saluda County government?
County offices are in Saluda.
How much is a South Carolina fishing license for a Saluda 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 Saluda County?
Nearest by centre point: Edgefield County, Newberry County and Greenwood County.
What daily crappie limit applies in Saluda County?
Statewide: Crappie: 20 daily, size 8 inches min. A guide row naming a lake can change it.
Which SCDNR region do Saluda County access points fall under?
SCDNR Region 3, going by the majority of its SCDNR access records.
Do any Saluda County waters have their own limits?
1 water with a page here have a guide row of their own, beginning with Lake Murray.
Do South Carolina bass trails weigh in on Saluda County water?
14 organizer entries on file; next is Fishers of Men SC Low Country Classic, Lake Murray on Lake Murray, Jan. 30, 2027.
Does any Saluda County lake appear on the SCDNR record list?
White Bass, 5-4.8 as listed, from Lake Murray (2006).
Choose a landing in Saluda County
Open a lake for its landings, limits and gauge readings.