Charleston SC
Fishing
News
Live conditions, species status, solunar ratings, water body profiles, SC DNR regulations, and community fishing coverage for Charleston County lakes and rivers.
HERE Charleston is your local source for fishing reports, conditions, and SC DNR regulations across Charleston County. 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.
- Overcast and light rain conditions are often the best fishing weather. Fish shallow and aggressive — bass are less wary.
- New and full moons are the best fishing phases. Solunar peak periods fall near sunrise and sunset — be on the water at first light.
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.
Report a Fishing SpotGet listed in the Field Guides section and reach active anglers across Charleston County and the HERE City Network.
List Your Guide ServiceAROUND HERE! Charleston Fishing News
Coverage from the HERE Charleston local desk starts here — check back daily.
AROUND HERE! South Carolina Fishing News
AROUND HERE! USA Fishing News
Hand-picked by the HERE Fishing desk this week. Fishing Rod Holder Smart Fish Catcher Fishing Pole Holders Automatic Spring Tip-Up Hook with….
Hand-picked by the HERE Fishing desk this week. HADORAM Robotic Swimming Lure 5.1” Fishing Lure 4-Segement Multi Jointed Swimbait Electric B….
Hand-picked by the HERE Fishing desk this week. Garmin Striker Cast, Castable Sonar, Pair with Mobile Device and Cast from Anywhere, Reel in….
Hand-picked by the HERE Fishing desk this week. Deeper PRO+ 2 Sonar Fish Finder - Portable Fish Finder and Depth Finder For Kayaks, Boats an….
Hand-picked by the HERE Fishing desk this week. Chasing Gladius MINI S Upgraded Professional Underwater Drone Set, with 4k Resolution + EIS ….
Hand-picked by the HERE Fishing desk this week. 【2025 New】FIFISH V-EVO 4K60FPS Underwater Drone with Robotic Arm, with Removable SD Card, QY….
Get featured in the Essential Gear section and reach active anglers across the HERE City Network — 100+ cities.
Learn About Gear Advertising- Charleston Harbor & inshore state waters: circle-hook requirement (non-stainless, non-offset) for natural bait on 4/0+ hooks when fishing cobia, red drum, spotted seatrout, tarpon, striped bass; effective July 1, 2026.
- Wando River: saltwater regulations apply below the saltwater/freshwater dividing line; red drum, seatrout, striped bass, cobia and tarpon are gamefish and may not be sold.
- Cooper River: recreational device caps (Berkeley & Charleston Cos.): 2 eel pots, 2 traps, 1 trotline with 50-hook max, 50 set hooks; not allowed upstream of Wadboo Creek.
- Stono & Folly rivers: flounder cannot be gigged in salt waters during daylight hours; red drum and spotted seatrout gigging prohibited Dec. 1–Feb. 28.
- Lake Moultrie (Santee Cooper): striped bass closed June 16–Sept. 30; when open (Oct. 1–June 15) 3 per day in the 23–25 in. slot with one fish over 26 in. allowed.
-
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.
-
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).
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
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 Anglers Advised on Comprehensive Summer Safety Measures
As summer continues across the Lowcountry, recreational anglers navigating the Ashley, Cooper, Wando, and Stono Rivers, along with Charleston Harbor, are being reminded of comprehensive safety protocols designed…
Charleston Anglers Advised on Summer Safety Protocols
As fishing activity continues across Charleston’s extensive network of waterways, including the Ashley River, Cooper River, and Stono River, a comprehensive safety guide has been issued to help…
Charleston Anglers Urged to Prioritize Safety on Summer Waterways
Charleston’s extensive network of waterways, including the Ashley River, Cooper River, Wando River, Stono River, and Charleston Harbor, draws countless anglers, particularly during the warmer months. With the…
Charleston Anglers Advised on Summer Safety Amid High Temperatures
As summer continues, anglers venturing onto Charleston’s waterways are reminded to prioritize safety, particularly concerning sun exposure and heat-related risks. A recently compiled guide emphasizes practical measures for…
Charleston Anglers Advised to Heed Summer Fishing Safety Guide
As recreational and commercial fishing continues across Charleston’s extensive waterways, a newly emphasized safety guide provides crucial recommendations for anglers navigating the unique challenges of the Lowcountry’s summer…
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 Rising Temperatures
As fishing remains a popular pursuit on the Ashley, Cooper, Wando, Stono, and Edisto Rivers, and throughout Charleston Harbor, a new safety resource has been made available to…
Charleston Anglers Advised on Summer Heat and Sun Safety for Fishing
As summer continues in Charleston, anglers are reminded to prioritize safety on the water, particularly concerning sun exposure, hydration, and the risks of heat-related illness. A recently detailed…
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…
