Charleston SC Fishing Report
Live conditions, species status, solunar ratings, water body profiles, SC DNR regulations, and community fishing coverage for Charleston lakes and rivers.
HERE Charleston is your local source for fishing reports, conditions, and SC DNR regulations across Charleston. Use the waters list to find lakes, rivers, and reservoirs near you, the regulations section for current limits, and the guides directory to book a trip.
- Water temps in the prime range — bass are active on shallow structure. Topwater lures effective morning and evening.
The confluence of the Ashley, Cooper and Wando rivers with the Atlantic — a mixed-salinity estuary framed by oyster bars, marsh grass, deep-channel structure, jetties and the Ravenel Bridge pilings. Redfish, spotted seatrout, sheepshead, black drum, flounder and seasonal tarpon and Spanish mackerel all use the harbor.
Remley's Point Public Boat Landing (J. Mitchell Graham Memorial), 298 5th Ave, Mount Pleasant; 3-lane ramp, 2 courtesy docks, fishing pier, paved parking for 45 vehicle/trailers — direct access to the Wando and the harbor. Shem Creek Landing, end of Mill Street, Mt. Pleasant, on Shem Creek (Charleston County landing).
A tidal saltwater river feeding Charleston Harbor from the north — winding oyster bars, spartina grass lines and deep-cut bends. Prime redfish, seatrout, flounder and sheepshead water year-round with heavy inshore pressure from Mount Pleasant.
Claude M. Blanchard, Jr. (Paradise Island) Landing, end of County Road 1453, off US 17, on the Wando River. Remley's Point (see Charleston Harbor) sits at the mouth of the Wando.
Runs from the Pinopolis Dam tailrace at Lake Moultrie down to Charleston Harbor. The upper river is a freshwater striped-bass tailrace fishery; the lower reaches turn brackish and hold redfish, seatrout, black drum, sheepshead, blue crab and seasonal shrimp.
Ralph M. Hendricks (Virginia Avenue) Landing, Virginia Avenue, North Charleston, on the Cooper River. Bushy Park Landing (Berkeley Co.), Hwy SC 503, 0.6 miles north of County Road 29, on the Cooper and Back rivers.
The Stono River drains the marsh south of Charleston into Folly River and Folly Inlet — flooded spartina flats, deep tidal creeks, an inlet mouth and nearshore Atlantic access. One of the strongest inshore fisheries in the county for flood-tide redfish, seatrout, flounder, sheepshead and seasonal tarpon.
John P. Limehouse Landing, off County Road 20 (Main Road), Johns Island, on the Stono River. Battery Island (Sol Legare) Landing, end of County Road 632, Sol Legare Island, on the Stono River. John F. Seignious (Folly River) Landing, off State Road 171, Folly Beach, on the Folly River.
Berkeley County, north of Charleston in the Santee Cooper system. Species: striped bass, largemouth bass, blue catfish, crappie, bream.
Freshwater license required. General Moultrie II Landing, Bonneau (Berkeley County). The Hatchery Landing, Cross (Berkeley County).
Know a Charleston-area fishing lake, pond, or river stretch that should be on this list? Let us know.
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List Your Guide ServiceIn Season Now: Charleston Fishing · Oct. 28
- Striped Bass harvest (salt water & Cooper/Ashley/Edisto) Oct 1, 2026 – Jun 15, 2027
- Red Drum Year-Round
- Spotted Seatrout Year-Round
- Flounder Year-Round
- Sheepshead & Black Drum Year-Round
- Recreational shrimping (no bait) May 1 – Dec 15, 2026
From this page's species calendar. Check current SCDNR size and creel limits before you fish.
AROUND HERE! Charleston Fishing News
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Learn About Gear Advertising- Free fishing days for South Carolina residents in fresh water: Memorial Day (May 31, 2027) and July 4, 2027 (S.C. Code § 50-9-730).
- A total of 40 game fish may be kept per person per day across all freshwater species limits.
- State parks, city reservoirs and county lakes can set their own limits — check posted rules.
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Yes. Anyone 16 or older fishing from shore, a boat, a private dock, a free public dock, or while wading needs a SC saltwater recreational fishing license. Exceptions: a licensed public fishing pier, a licensed charter or headboat while under hire, 3 or fewer drop nets or fold-up traps, or 3 or fewer handlines when chicken-necking for crabs.
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1 per person per day, not to exceed 2 per boat per day, in the 18–25" total-length slot. Possession is prohibited in federal waters (3–200 miles). Effective July 1, 2026 (Act 231).
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Sept. 11 (noon) through Nov. 9 (noon). Daily limit 48 quarts whole or 29 quarts headed per set of poles; 10 poles maximum per license per day, each marked with reflective tape and a numbered tag, no more than 1" in diameter, set within 100 linear yards. Resident shrimp baiting license $25; nonresident $500.
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Shem Creek Landing (end of Mill Street, Mt. Pleasant) — Charleston County landing on Shem Creek, direct access to Charleston Harbor and the inshore creeks. Remley's Point Public Boat Landing (298 5th Ave, Mount Pleasant) is the larger alternative for harbor and Wando access — 3-lane ramp, 2 courtesy docks, fishing pier, 45-vehicle paved lot.
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Oct. 1 through June 15. Daily limit 3 fish in the 23–25" slot, with one fish over 26" allowed. Closed June 16–Sept. 30.
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The two 2026 dates (May 25 and July 4) have passed. SCDNR's 2026–2027 regulations list Memorial Day, May 31, 2027 and July 4, 2027 — for SC residents, freshwater only, with all size, creel, and gear rules still in force.
FISHING NEWS NEAR CHARLESTON SC
Latest Charleston Fishing News
SC September fishing outlook: coast heats up, lakes turn
September marks the swing month for South Carolina anglers, when the water begins to cool from its late-summer peak, bait clouds concentrate in the creeks and lakes, and…
SC shrimp baiting season opens with 60-day window
South Carolina’s recreational shrimp baiting season opened at noon Friday, Sept. 11, giving licensed shrimpers along the entire coast — from Beaufort County waters up to the Grand…
Santee Cooper Lakes Fishing Heats Up for Catfish, Bream
A public comment period for a proposed red snapper season, which could impact South Carolina anglers, is set to close on August 25. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric…
Charleston Fishing Safety Guide Emphasizes Summer Precautions
A comprehensive guide has been issued to help anglers navigate the inherent risks of fishing, particularly during the intense summer conditions prevalent in the Charleston area. The recommendations…
Charleston Anglers Advised to Heed Summer Safety Guidelines
A comprehensive safety guide has been circulated in Charleston, underscoring the importance of preparedness for those engaging in fishing and other outdoor activities on the region’s numerous waterways.…
Charleston Anglers Advised on Summer Fishing Safety Amid Heat Concerns
A new safety guide has been issued, providing detailed recommendations for anglers and recreational boaters navigating the waterways around Charleston, particularly during the warmer months. The guide, which…
A Beginner’s Guide to Freshwater Fishing in Charleston and Beyond
Freshwater fishing continues to attract a growing number of participants across the United States, with an estimated 40 million individuals now engaging in the activity. For those new…
SC Fishing Regulations Every Angler Should Know: Bag Limits, Size Limits, Seasons
A plain-language summary of South Carolina's key bag limits, size limits, and seasons for Charleston anglers fishing Cooper River — from bass and crappie to redfish and flounder…
How to Fish Cooper River: A Complete Guide to South Carolina’s Premier Fisheries
A Charleston angler's guide to Cooper River, with the five SC lake and river tactics — from herring-fed stripers to full-moon shellcracker beds — that work across every…
South Carolina Freshwater Fishing License Guide 2026-2027: Fees, Permits, Where to Buy
Everything Charleston anglers need to know about SC fishing license fees, the combination hunting-fishing option, senior and disabled veteran discounts, and the fastest ways to get licensed before…
