Are you looking for places to go fishing in Greenville, SC and around the Upstate? Fishing is a super fun activity to do with the kids, and we have a list of great fishing spots for families. So, grab your fishing pole, tackle, and line because we are sharing a list of great places for fishing in Greenville, SC, and the Upstate.
There is something quite magical about the moment when a small child wrestles a tiny fishing rod with a wriggling bream at the end. Their smile can be seen from outer space. No matter if the poor tiny thing will be tossed back or become dinner, everyone remembers their first fish. Read on for some great fishing lakes under an hour’s drive from Greenville where you can take your kids for their next worm-and-hook adventure.
Our glistening upstate lakes are home to many species of fish that are fun to catch, including sunfish (aka bream), largemouth bass, redeye bass, spotted bass, smallmouth bass, striped bass, brown trout, rainbow trout, brook trout, catfish, and more! Many of the lakes listed below offer fishing piers, boat ramps, and even boat rentals.
Some of these locations require an entry fee (like the state parks), so be sure to check the provided website for information on fees. Be sure to also check the site for any particular regulations. In South Carolina kids under the age of 16 are not required to have a fishing license. Kids 16 and over and adults are required to carry a valid fishing license.
Fishing in Greenville, SC
SC Fishing Tackle Loaner Program
Don’t know how to begin? There are 16 Upstate locations where you can pick up a ‘South Carolina Fishing Tackle Loaner Program’ where you can borrow a rod, reel, and tackle box for free! They will also give you some helpful hints on baits to use, tying knots, rigging a line, and more.
Some of the Upstate parks that participate in this program are: Paris Mountain SP, Table Rock SP, Devil’s Fork SP, Oconee SP, Croft SP, Lake Hartwell SP, the SCDNR Clemson Office, Saddlers Creek SP, Chau Ram County Park, South Cove County Park, High Falls County Park, and Musgrove Mill State Historic Site.
Several upstate public libraries also offer the boxes, including the Pickens Public Library System, Pendleton Library, Powdersville Library, and the Anderson County Main Library.
Most small kiddos will not know the difference between a trophy striper and a laughable baby bream. They will still have a blast reeling it in and watching it flop. So dig up (or purchase) some nightcrawlers, pack the snacks, put on the hats, and get ready for a reel-y great time.
Fishing in Greenville, SC: Under 20 Minutes Away
Saluda Lake – Greenville, SC
This 331-acre reservoir is just 10 miles from downtown and is home to crappie, bass, bream, and catfish.
Oak Grove Lake Park– Greenville, SC
This neighborhood lake managed by the City of Greenville Parks and Recreation makes an easy fishing trip with younger kids. The lake is open for fishing on Wednesday and Saturday only. The lake offers bass, bream, and catfish, and catch and release is encouraged.
Paris Mountain State Park – Greenville, SC
The picturesque 8-acre Lake Placid is stocked with bass, crappie, and bream and is a short walk from the parking area. Reservoir #3 is a 15-acre lake also stocked with bass, crappie, and bream on the backside of the park, but it is a two-mile hike in. Paris Mountain makes for some great fishing in Greenville, SC!
Find out why we love
Paris Mountain State Park
Fishing in Greenville, SC: Greer
Lake Cunningham – Greer, SC
A 20-minute ride will take you to this 200-acre lake which is home to bass, crappie, and catfish. There is also a boat ramp and fishing pier.
Lake Robinson – Greer, SC
Get your camera ready for this stunning 800-acre lake with mountain views. There are two piers and a boat ramp.
Kidding Around’s Review of
Lake Robinson, where you can kayak, fish, and enjoy the view!
Fishing in Greenville, SC: Under 45 Minutes Away From Home
Lake Cooley – Inman, SC
Bass, bream, crappie, and catfish call this 330-acre reservoir home. There is also a fishing pier and boat ramp.
Table Rock State Park – Pickens, SC
This park offers two great fishing spots. Fish for bass, bream, panfish, or trout in either 67-acre Lake Oolenoy or 36-acre Pinnacle Lake. Both are set in a gorgeous mountain scenery.
Broadway Lake – Anderson, SC
This 300-acre lake is home to bass, crappie, bream, and catfish.
Lake Bowen – Inman, SC
A sizeable 1,534-acre reservoir with a boat ramp and fishing pier. Come looking for bass, crappie, and catfish.
Boyd Mill Pond – Ware Shoals, SC
A 184-acre lake where you can drop a line for catfish and bass.
Lake Blalock – Chesnee, SC
Lake Blalock is an 1105 acre lake located in northern Spartanburg County, and is suitable for fishing by boat and bank fishing at specified fishing areas.
Lake Craig in Croft State Park – Spartanburg, SC
Fish for bass, crappie, catfish, and bream in this 150-acre lake.
We love fishing, hiking, at playing at Croft State Park. Find out Why!
Long Distance for Great Fishing: An Hour+ Away
Lake Hartwell – Fair Play, SC
This massive 56,000-acre lake is a popular boating destination. A state park just past Fair Play offers loads of amenities and is home to bass, crappie, bream, stripers, and catfish.
Lake Jocassee – Salem, SC
Panoramic mountain views line this 7,500-acre waterfall-fed lake. Fish the crystal clear waters for trout, bass, bluegill, or crappie.
Lake Thicketty – Cowpens, SC
This 100-acre lake is home to bass, bluegill, shellcracker, and catfish.
Lake Secession – Iva, SC
Acclaimed for its crappie fishing, this 1,450-acre lake is also popular for bass, catfish, and bream.
Lake Wylie – Rock Hill, SC
This 13,000-acre lake offers fishing of several subspecies of bass, crappie, catfish, bluegill.
Greenville is Beautiful!
Guide to Things to Do Outdoors Near Greenville, SC
How about around Rock Hill?
Great places to check out. As a batting and fishing enthusiastic family, we love to explore new places. This should be a good resource/list to add to our adventures. Thanks for sharing!