Skip to main content
South Carolina

Fishing

Fishing

Department of Natural Resources Board

State of South Carolina

Henry McMaster, Governor

Department of Natural Resources Board

Norman F. Pulliam, Chairman
Michael E. “Mike” Hutchins, Vice Chairman
Dr. Mark F. Hartley
Jake Rasor, Jr.
James Carlisle Oxner III
Duane Swygert
Jerry A. Lee

Department of Natural Resources

Robert H. Boyles, Jr., Director
Shannon Bobertz, Esq., Chief of Staff

Deputy Directors

Emily Cope, Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries
Colonel Chisolm Frampton, Law Enforcement
Blaik Keppler, Marine Resources
Ken Rentiers, Land, Water & Conservation

Regulations

Published July 2024

Property-specific regulations outlined on this website could change due to the need for emergency regulations. Such changes will be publicized on the SCDNR website as any new emergency legislation is passed. Discrepancies between this website and any statute or regulation shall be governed by the statute or regulation. To research laws, visit http://www.scstatehouse.gov. SCDNR will issue news releases to clarify any changes to regulations, errors or omissions.

Other information is published only in SCDNR news releases. This includes announcements relative to shrimp baiting, public hearings, SCDNR Board decisions and position statements, new legislation, youth activities, mobility impaired US Dept. of Agriculture cost-share programs, special lottery hunts, schedules for newly acquired areas and many other items of interest. SCDNR news releases are available to the public on the SCDNR website.

Para obtener información en español concerniente a reglas, regulaciones, programas educativos, trámites para licencias de pesca, caza o registro de embarcaciones, por favor visite www.dnr.sc.gov/spanish, envíenos un correo electrónico a [email protected] o llame al 803-734-9885

Important Information

Eating Fish Caught in South Carolina

The South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (SCDHEC) and the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR) believe that fish are a healthy, low-fat source of protein. To make sure that the fish you catch are safe to eat, DHEC tests fish from lakes, rivers and streams throughout South Carolina.

To protect your health, DHEC issues fish consumption advisories in areas where contaminated fish have been found. For more information on the advisories, call DHEC, toll free, at 1-888-849-7241 or go to DHEC’s web page at www.scdhec.gov/foodsafety/FishConsumptionAdvisories/.

Natural Shorelines are Good for Fishing

By keeping shorelines natural, you can help protect water quality and improve fish habitat. A shoreline without trees and shrubs can get washed away, making the water muddy and unsuitable for fish. If you live near a lake or a river, plant a buffer strip along the water’s edge using trees, shrubs, wildflowers or other native plants. Trees and other vegetation filter pollution and provide shade, shelter, habitat, and food critical for bass, trout, and other fish to thrive and reproduce. Keep your favorite fishing spots well vegetated! For more tips and information, visit https://www.epa.gov/environmental-topics/water-topics

Thank You!

Thank you to the hunters, anglers, boaters and manufacturers for supporting SCDNR’s wildlife management and conservation efforts through this program for over 80 years.

Wildlife Restoration Cycle of Success Information

The South Carolina Department of Natural Resources, AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER, prohibits discrimination on the basis of gender, race, color, national origin, disability, religion or age. Direct all inquiries to the Office of Human Resources, PO Box 167, Columbia, SC 29202.

The information contained on this website is provided as summary information. The specific laws governing fish and wildlife may be found in Title 50, S.C. Code of Laws.

See http://www.scstatehouse.gov/code/title50.php

For individual bill searches see http://www.scstatehouse.gov/billsearch.php