15 Awesome Places to Fish Near Greenville

Are you looking for places to fish near Greenville, SC? Fishing is a super fun activity to do with the kids, and we have a list of great fishing spots for families. So, grab your fishing pole, tackle, and line because we are sharing a list of great places for fishing in Greenville, SC, and the Upstate.

There is something quite magical about the moment when a small child wrestles a tiny fishing rod with a wriggling bream at the end. Their smile can be seen from outer space. No matter if the poor tiny thing will be tossed back or become dinner, everyone remembers their first fish. Read on for some great fishing lakes under an hour’s drive from Greenville where you can take your kids for their next worm-and-hook adventure.

Our glistening upstate lakes are home to many species of fish that are fun to catch, including sunfish (aka bream), largemouth bass, redeye bass, spotted bass, smallmouth bass, striped bass, brown trout, rainbow trout, brook trout, catfish, and more! Many of the lakes listed below offer fishing piers, boat ramps, and even boat rentals.

Some of these locations require an entry fee (like the state parks), so be sure to check the provided website for information on fees. Be sure to also check the site for any particular regulations. In South Carolina kids under the age of 16 are not required to have a fishing license. Kids 16 and over and adults are required to carry a valid fishing license.

Fishing in Greenville, SC

Don’t know how to begin? There are nine Upstate locations that offer a ‘South Carolina Fishing Tackle Loaner Program’ where you can borrow a rod, reel, and tackle box for free! They will also give you some helpful hints on baits to use, tying knots, rigging a line, and more. Some of the Upstate parks that participate in this program are: Paris Mountain SP, Table Rock SP, Devil’s Fork SP, Oconee SP, Croft SP, Lake Hartwell SP, the SCDNR Clemson Office, Saddlers Creek SP, and Musgrove Mill State Historic Site.

Most small kiddos will not know the difference between a trophy striper and a laughable baby bream. They will still have a blast reeling it in and watching it flop. So dig up (or purchase) some nightcrawlers, pack the snacks, put on the hats, and get ready for a reel-y great time.

Fishing in Greenville, SC: Under 20 Minutes Away

Saluda Lake – Greenville, SC
This 331-acre reservoir is just 10 miles from downtown and is home to crappie, bass, bream, and catfish.

Paris Mountain State Park – Greenville, SC
The picturesque 8-acre Lake Placid is stocked with bass, crappie, and bream and is a short walk from the parking area. Reservoir #3 is a 15-acre lake also stocked with bass, crappie, and bream on the backside of the park, but it is a two-mile hike in. Paris Mountain makes for some great fishing in Greenville, SC!

Fishing in Greenville, SC: Greer

Lake Cunningham – Greer, SC
A 20-minute ride will take you to this 200-acre lake which is home to bass, crappie, and catfish. There is also a boat ramp and fishing pier.

Lake Robinson – Greer, SC
Get your camera ready for this stunning 800-acre lake with mountain views. There are two piers and a boat ramp.

Fishing in Greenville, SC: Under 45 Minutes Away From Home

Lake Cooley – Inman, SC
Bass, bream, crappie, and catfish call this 330-acre reservoir home. There is also a fishing pier and boat ramp.

Table Rock State Park – Pickens, SC
This park offers two great fishing spots. Fish for bass, bream, panfish, or trout in either 67-acre Lake Oolenoy or 36-acre Pinnacle Lake. Both are set in a gorgeous mountain scenery.

Broadway Lake – Anderson, SC
This 300-acre lake is home to bass, crappie, bream, and catfish.

Lake Bowen – Inman, SC
A sizeable 1,534-acre reservoir with a boat ramp and fishing pier. Come looking for bass, crappie, and catfish.

Boyd Mill Pond – Ware Shoals, SC
A 184-acre lake where you can drop a line for catfish and bass.

Long Distance for Great Fishing: An Hour+ Away

Lake Hartwell – Fair Play, SC
This massive 56,000-acre lake is a popular boating destination. A state park just past Fair Play offers loads of amenities and is home to bass, crappie, bream, stripers, and catfish.

Lake Jocassee – Salem, SC
Panoramic mountain views line this 7,500-acre waterfall-fed lake. Fish the crystal clear waters for trout, bass, bluegill, or crappie.

Lake Thicketty – Cowpens, SC
This 100-acre lake is home to bass, bluegill, shellcracker, and catfish.

Lake Secession – Iva, SC
Acclaimed for its crappie fishing, this 1,450-acre lake is also popular for bass, catfish, and bream.

Lake Wylie – Rock Hill, SC
This 13,000-acre lake offers fishing of several subspecies of bass, crappie, catfish, bluegill.

Lake Craig in Croft State Park – Spartanburg, SC
Fish for bass, crappie, catfish, and bream in this 150-acre lake.

Holmes Educational State Forest: This Living Outdoor Classroom in NC is Perfect for Exploring