Best Places to Fish in the Olde English District
With various lakes, rivers and state parks, the Olde English District is packed with great spots to cast a line. Whether you’re chasing bass, reeling in catfish or just looking for a quiet place to unwind by the water, there’s a fishing hole here for you. Here’s a roundup of some of the best places to fish in the region — plus a few tips to help you plan your trip.
State Park Hotspots
If you’re looking for a fishing trip with a little extra scenery, the state parks in the Olde English District are hard to beat. From wide-open lakes to shady riverbanks, these parks offer plenty of spots to cast a line — plus boat ramps, fishing piers and trails to round out your day. Here are a few of our favorite places to fish inside the parks.
Chester State Park
A quiet, family-friendly option, Chester State Park has a 33-acre lake stocked with bass, catfish, and bream. Fish from the pier near the dam, the shoreline, or rent a boat from the park office.
Insider Tip: Spring and fall offer some of the lake’s best fishing conditions.
Cheraw State Park
One of the prettiest lakes in the region, Cheraw State Park offers excellent fishing on its 360-acre Lake Juniper. Anglers reel in bass, bream, catfish, and chain pickerel here, either from the fishing pier, boat, or along the scenic shoreline.
Insider Tip: Rentals are available if you don’t have your own boat or kayak.
Lake Wateree State Park
A longtime favorite for local anglers, Lake Wateree State Park is known for crappie, catfish, bream and largemouth bass. Fish from the designated pier or launch your boat for a full day on the lake.
Insider Tip: Early morning and dusk are the best times for bass.
Goodale State Park
This park features a peaceful, cypress-lined 140-acre lake, a perfect paddle-fishing destination. Cast for bass, bream, and catfish from your canoe or kayak, or fish from the shoreline.
Insider Tip: Follow the Goodale Canoe Trail for tucked-away fishing spots.
Landsford Canal State Park
Best known for housing the largest population of Rocky Shoals Spider Lilies, Landsford Canal State Park also has great river fishing along the Catawba River. Cast for catfish, bass and bream from the banks or bring a kayak to fish the rocky shoals.
Insider Tip: Keep an eye on river conditions — water levels can rise quickly after a rain.
Lakes, Rivers & Other Fishing Hotspots
Beyond South Carolina state parks, the Olde English District is home to lakes, rivers and hidden fishing holes. Whether you prefer dropping a line from a boat, casting from the shore, or paddling to a quiet cove, these waters are packed with bass, catfish, crappie, and more. Here are a few must-visit spots for your next fishing trip.
Lake Wylie
One of the top freshwater destinations in the region, Lake Wylie is home to largemouth bass, crappie, catfish and white perch. The lake’s multiple public access points, boat ramps, and fishing piers make it easy to find your favorite spot.
Insider Tip: The crappie bite is especially good in the spring and fall.
Lake Monticello
In Fairfield County, Lake Monticello is known for catfish and striped bass fishing. Public boat ramps and peaceful stretches of shoreline make it a favorite for anglers looking for a less crowded experience.
Insider Tip: Night fishing for catfish is popular here during the summer.
Broad River
A classic river fishing spot, the Broad River runs through the region and offers excellent catches of smallmouth bass, largemouth bass, bream and catfish. The rocky banks and deep pools provide ideal fish habitat.
Insider Tip: Bring a kayak or canoe to access the best fishing holes.
Fishing Creek
This stream of the Catawba River is a reliable spot for bass and catfish. The Fishing Creek Reservoir near Great Falls offers opportunities for both boat and bank fishing.
Insider Tip: Look for submerged logs and shaded coves for the best chance at landing bass in the warmer months.
Know Before You Go: SCDNR Fishing Rules
Before you head out, be sure to brush up on South Carolina’s fishing rules and regulations. The South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR) oversees licensing, size and catch limits, and seasonal restrictions to help protect local fish populations and keep South Carolina waterways thriving.
Fishing licenses are required for most anglers, and some lakes and rivers have specific rules you’ll want to know before you cast a line. For the latest regulations, size limits, and licensing info, visit www.dnr.sc.gov.
