There’s no doubt casting a line in the summer sun can be a wonderful way to spend an August day, fishing in Greenville and its surrounding area can really be done year-round, which makes this outdoor activity even more enticing.
Before you plan your trip, however, make sure you have your South Carolina fishing license. You’ll need it to fish in public places in the state. A one-year freshwater fishing license is $10. You can register for one by visiting https://dnrlicensing.sc.gov/DNRLicensingSales/SalesCategories.aspx.
You’ll also need to remember your bait for the fish in the Greenville area, you can’t really go wrong with standard worms or crickets.
Bring a lunch in a cooler, slide your fishing license in your pocket, grab your rod and reel and make a trip to one of these fishing holes around Greenville.
Jones Gap State Park
Visitors can find the Middle Saluda River in the park. There’s a trail to get there, but visitors will be able to fish for trout along with it. As a bonus, visitors can also visit the Cleveland Fish Hatchery. While there’s not fishing of these fish, visitors can find out information about brook, rainbow and brown trout.
Lake Jocassee
Besides the scenic views, the lake is home to some mighty trout. Some large fish have been caught in the lake, including recording-breaking brown trout of 17 pounds, 9.5 ounces and rainbow trout of 11 pounds, 5 ounces, according to Discover South Carolina. People fishing can also find smallmouth bass in the lake as well.
Lake Keowee
Fishermen can find catfish and a variety of bass in Lake Keowee’s waters. Some prime spots to fish are at Jocassee Dam and near the SC 11bridge.
Lake Robinson
Located in Greer, there’s a picturesque park with a few fishing piers and a boat ramp. The lake is about 800 acres and was made to be a source of drinking water for the city. Not only will you need your SC fishing license, but you’ll have to get a fishing permit from the Lake Warden by visiting the Lake Warden’s office at 2544 Mays Bridge Road.
Paris Mountain State Park
The Park holds bass, crappie and bream in Lake Placid, the body of water closest to the main parking lot. However, another body of water, Reservoir #3, is a 2-mile hike inside the park.
Saluda Lake
The 331-acre reservoir borders Greenville and Pickens counties. Visitors can find bass, catfish, crappie and bluegill in the lake. The best marina to get on the lake is at 605 Motor Boat Club Road, Greenville, SC 29611.
Table Rock State Park
Select your pick from two lakes: Lake Oolenoy or Pinnacle Lake. Both give visitors wonderful views of the surrounding mountains, and both are filled with bass, bream, panfish and trout.
