Are you searching for local, kid-friendly fishing holes? Fishing is a budget-friendly activity that the whole family can enjoy, year-round. Lucky for us, Columbia is home to one of the best fishing places in the country as well as several smaller lakes and ponds that can be just as exciting.
Whether you’re a Columbia native looking for a new place to cast a line, or a visitor looking for some bragging rights, we’ve got tons of great fishing information for you!
How to Get a Fishing License in SC
In the state of South Carolina, everyone over the age of 16 is required to have a valid SC fishing license. You can purchase either a temporary, annual, or 3-year license. However, there are several different licenses to choose from depending on the type of fishing you’re most interested in such as freshwater, saltwater, or combination, just to name a few.
Getting a fishing license is a relatively easy thing to do once you decide which one is best suited for your needs. The best way to purchase a license is by going online to the SC Department of Natural Resources.
You will need your social security and driver’s license numbers in order to complete the application. If you would rather purchase your license in person, you can also find a list of places that offer this service on the SCDNR website.
How Much Does a SC Fishing License Cost?
The price of fishing licenses varies greatly depending on the type of license you get. Here are a few of the most popular for SC residents, non-residents will have to pay a bit more:
- 3-year freshwater
- SC Resident: $30
- Annual freshwater
- SC Resident: $10
- 14-day freshwater
- SC Resident: $5
- 3-year saltwater
- SC Resident: $45
- Annual saltwater
- SC Resident: $15
- 14-day saltwater
- SC Resident: $10
Tackle Loaner Programs: Fishing on a Budget
Want to take the whole family fishing, but don’t have enough supplies? These state parks are part of the Tackle Loaner Program which allows you to check out fishing equipment such as rods, reels, and even stocked tackle boxes! You will also be given great tips on which bait to use, how to tie knots, and everything you need to know in order to make your family’s adventure a great one!
Lake Wateree State Park
Details: You can fish for tons of different fish at Lake Wateree State Park where fishing is allowed from anywhere along the banks. Along with fishing, you can also enjoy a swimming area, walking and biking trails, a playground, and so much more for the whole family!
Cost: $3 adults, $1 ages 6 – 15, 5 and under free
Address: 881 State Park Road, Winnsboro
Dreher Island State Park
Details: At Dreher Island State Park you will be fishing in Lake Murray and be able to find bass, catfish, crappie, and more! More than just your average fishing hole, you will also find camping, a playground, swimming areas, and trails – the perfect recipe for family fun!
Cost: $3 adults, $1 ages 6 – 15, 5 and under free
Address: 3677 State Park Road, Prosperity
Where to Fish in Columbia, SC
Lake Murray Dam
Details: With more than 650 miles of shoreline and several different species of fish, did you know that Lake Murray is one of the world’s top fishing destinations? How lucky are we to have it so close to home! There are several ways you can take advantage of this great fishing hole, but one of the most popular is at the Lake Murray Dam. Here you will find fishing docks, restrooms, a boat launch, and picnic tables.
Cost: $5 from April – Labor Day, otherwise free
Address: 2101 North Lake Drive, Columbia
Doko Meadows
Details: There is a small pond behind the playground at Doko Meadows Park where fishing is allowed! A small dock sits out into the water where you can often find families with young children casting a line. Along with a fishing dock and playground, you will also find a huge green space, amphitheater, and clean restrooms.
Cost: Free
Address: 171 Langford Road, Blythewood
Sunset Park in Lake Carolina
Details: Test your luck at Sunset Park, found within the Lake Carolina neighborhood in Northeast Columbia. The lake has been fully stocked with more than 200,000 fish since 1999 and fishing is allowed in designated areas. At Sunset Park you will find a small dock, relaxing swings, parking lot, and picnic area.
Cost: Free
Address: Amber Ridge Drive, Columbia
Pinewood Lake Park
Details: Pinewood Lake is a 20-acre lake full of bass, bream, and more! You can easily fish right from the shoreline all throughout the park. Pinewood Park is known for being peaceful, scenic, and providing tons of outdoor recreation, making it a great fishing spot for the whole family!
Cost: Not specified
Address: 1151 Old Garners Ferry Road, Columbia
Hope Ferry Landing
Details: Hope Ferry Landing gives you fantastic fishing access to the Saluda River. The Saluda River is well-known for trout fishing, but there are a variety of other fish that can oftentimes be caught here. Along with great fishing you can also find a boat launch, picnic tables, and an awesome rope swing – great for providing endless entertainment!
Cost: Free
Address: 1047-1099 Hope Ferry Road, Lexington
Sesquicentennial State Park
Details: You can find a small lake within Sesquicentennial State Park perfect for fishing for bass and bream. At the park you can also rent non-motorized fishing boats for $5/hour or $25/day. This area is a noteworthy fishing hole for kids because IF, or rather, WHEN, they get bored there are plenty of other amenities to enjoy!
Cost: $6/adult, $3.50 children ages 6 – 15, ages 5 and under free
Address: 9564 Two Notch Road, Columbia
Thomas Newman Boat Landing
Details: Along the Congaree River, in Cayce, you will find the Thomas Newman Boat Landing. There is a small area to fish off of as well as a short hiking trail that runs along the river’s edge.
Cost: Free
Address: Granby Landing Road, Cayce
Where do you love to go fishing?
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