Enjoy Fall Fishing On Lake Murray

Lake Murray is one of South Carolinas major recreational lakes. Located in the midlands region just northwest of Columbia, Lake Murray has over 600 miles of shoreline. The lake offers a variety of opportunities for recreation and is a very popular destination for boaters and fishermen.
A number of boat ramps give easy access to the lake. Some of the more popular ones are located at Dreher Island State Recreation Area, Kempsons Bridge, Lake Murray Dam, Hilton Recreation Area, and Rocky Point Landing. A large number of marinas on the lake provide boaters and fishermen with everything needed for a day on the water. Popular marinas include South Shore Marina, Little River Marina, Saluda River Resort, Buffalo Creek Marina, and Jakes Landing.

Lake Murray is known as one of the best fishing lakes in the Southeast. Anglers will find that bass, stripers, catfish, bream, and crappie are plentiful in the lake. Fall is a busy season for fishing tournaments on Lake Murray. Local club tournaments as well as divisional and national tournaments are scheduled. Carolina Anglers Team Trail will hold four qualifiers on the lake this fall. The tournament dates are October 8 and 29, and November 12 and 19. The final is scheduled for December 3. These tournaments begin at safe daylight and conclude at 3pm. Dreher Island Park will be the venue for these events.

The American Bass Anglers American Fishing Tour will hold a division qualifier on Lake Murray on October 2. The venue for this one day tournament is also Dreher Island. The American Fishing Tour National Championship is scheduled for the week of October 22-29. This Angler of the Year competition is an invitational bass tournament in which the top point holders in each division will compete. The weeklong series of events usually draws 500 anglers. Weigh-ins will be at Dreher Island State Recreation Area. October 22 is also the date for the Berkley/Sebile Big Ball Challenge on Lake Murray. Only Berkley and Sebile baits can be used in this tournament. In addition, the South Carolina Crappie
Association will hold a tournament on the lake on October 22. This event will run from 7am-3pm. The weigh-in location will be at Station 2.

Currently the fishing conditions are producing good catches of bream, catfish, and stripers. Fishing for crappie has been fair, but fishing for largemouth bass has been slow. As the weather and the water temperatures cool, conditions should improve for bass fishing.

Thousands of people enjoy Lake Murray each weekend. There is plenty of room for everyone, and anglers will find many quiet coves for fishing. Those who dont own a boat have the option of renting one from a number of marinas on the lake. Bank and pier fishing are available at several recreation areas. Come out this fall and enjoy fishing on one of South Carolinas most popular lakes.

Fishing In The Newberry, South Carolina Area

Newberry is an historic town in the midlands of South Carolina, located just 35 miles northwest of Columbia. The areas mild climate affords residents and visitors the opportunity to enjoy a number of outdoor sports and activities year round. Fishing is particularly popular in the region, and the Newberry area offers several popular lakes and rivers for anglers to try.

Lake Murray, located just a few minutes south of Newberry, is a major recreation destination. The beautiful 50,000 acre lake offers some of the best largemouth and striped bass fishing in the South. In addition to bass, fishermen may also reel in catfish, crappy, yellow perch, rockfish, and bream. A number of local and national fishing tournaments are held at Lake Murray each year. Dreher Island State Recreation Area is popular with fishermen and has a marina, boat slips, boat ramps, and bait and tackle shop. Other public access points near Newberry are located at Sunset Ridge Recreation Area and Kempsons Bridge on Highway 395.

Lake Greenwood is located just a few minutes west of Newberry. Created by the construction of Buzzards Roost Dam on the Saluda River, Lake Greenwood is one of South Carolinas most scenic lakes. The lake contains over 200 miles of shoreline and offers great bass fishing. Lake Greenwood State Recreation Area provides one of the most popular access points on the lake. The park has three boat ramps for private boat access and a handicapped fishing pier.

Parr Shoals Reservoir is a 4,400 acre largely undeveloped lake a few miles east of Newberry. The lake was created by a dam on the Broad River. Two good points of access on the lake are located where Hellers Creek and Cannons Creek cross Broad River Road. Each of these areas has a boat ramp and a picnic area.

The Enoree River flows through the northern part of Newberry County. The Sumter National Forest maintains two boat ramps on the river. One is located on Brazelmans Bridge Road and the other is on Maybinton Road at Keitts Bridge. There are restroom facilities at each location.

The Saluda River on the south border of Newberry County is also popular with fishermen. There is a public boat ramp at Higgins Bridge, just off Highway 121 south of the town of Silverstreet. Access is also available at the Saluda River Resort in Silverstreet. The resort has a general store that stocks bait and tackle.

Visitors to the Newberry area may enjoy fishing at one of these popular spots. Newberrys mild weather allows for fishing and other outdoor activities most of the year.