South Carolina Fishing Reports

NOAA buoy 41004 recorded a water temperature of 75°F off South Carolina's coast this morning — well into the warm range that activates the Lowcountry's most sought-after species. Fisherman's Post — Carolinas saltwater reports bull red drum working shoal areas along the Carolina coast, a pattern consistent with what anglers typically encounter in Charleston Harbor's tidal creeks and marsh edges during early May. The same source notes black drum and early pompano showing at nearshore Carolinas locations to the north, a sign that warming-water species are pushing through the region. Sheepshead are a reliable May target around dock pilings and oyster bars; regional interest in the species is elevated — North Carolina regulators recently adopted a temporary sheepshead harvest rule, per Fisherman's Post. Offshore, both Saltwater Sportsman and Sport Fishing Mag confirm that South Atlantic red snapper seasons have been significantly expanded under 2026 pilot programs, opening new opportunities for South Carolina anglers with offshore range.

2d ago

USGS gauge 02160390 on the Saluda River recorded a steady 138 cfs at 2:45 a.m. on May 7, reflecting stable tributary flow into Lake Murray — no water temperature was available from the gauge. With South Carolina firmly in early May, largemouth bass at both Santee Cooper and Lake Murray are well into the post-spawn transition. Tactical Bassin describes this window as "one of the most predictable times of year," with fish splitting between shallow cover and open-water structure. Their early-May coverage identifies topwater, swimbaits around laydowns, and a Karashi-style jig as the top-producing presentations right now. Flukemaster (YT) echoes the topwater push for May and calls out scent-based presentations as bass home in on bluegill spawning activity along the banks. No SC-specific charter, tackle-shop, or state-agency reports appeared in this feed cycle; conditions below are grounded in gauge data, regional bass-fishing intel, and typical seasonal patterns for this latitude.

2d ago

Anglers landing the inshore slam — redfish, trout, and flounder — in Port Royal Sound and surrounding creeks.

Apr 7

Landlocked stripers chasing threadfin shad on the surface. Gulls working over feeding fish visible from the dam.

Apr 6

Pier anglers catching whiting, croaker, and the occasional flounder. Spanish mackerel expected to show any day now.

Apr 4

Blue and channel catfish feeding heavily in the Santee Cooper system. Trophy blues to 40+ lbs being caught on cut bait.

Apr 3