McCormick County, SC · Reservoir
Clarks Hill Lake (J. Strom Thurmond)
The largest Corps lake east of the Mississippi — a 71,000-acre Savannah River reservoir on the Georgia–South Carolina line, a top largemouth bass and crappie fishery with strong striped and hybrid bass and channel catfish over open water. Ramps line both shores.
Live · updated
Top pick today
Striped Bass — Great day to fish for Striped Bass.
Best conditions of 4 species tracked at Clarks Hill Lake (J. Strom Thurmond).
Atmosphere
Water
Sun & Moon
Species at Clarks Hill Lake (J. Strom Thurmond)
4 species tracked, ranked by today's conditions. The top pick is open below — tap any species to expand it, or a chip to focus.
#1 Striped Bass Great day to fish for Striped Bass. In season 80/100
What's helping
- In the current report — striped bass is showing up in this week's state fishing report for the area
- incoming tide — striped bass prefers incoming tide
About. Morone saxatilis — Maryland's state fish. Anadromous — runs into Bay tributaries to spawn each spring. Targeted by trolling, jigging, live-lining, and surf casting. Locally called "rockfish."
Prefers. Water 50–72°F (ideal 62°F) · incoming tide · depth 5–35 ft.
- Min size
- 26"
- Daily creel
- 3
Santee Cooper: 26" minimum, 3/day; harvest Oct 1–Jun 15, catch-and-release in the summer closure.
Source: South Carolina regulations · verified 2026-05-29.
#2 Crappie Great day to fish for Crappie. In season 70/100
What's helping
- In the current report — crappie is showing up in this week's state fishing report for the area
About. Pomoxis spp. — Covers both black crappie (P. nigromaculatus) and white crappie (P. annularis). Schooling panfish around brush, docks, and submerged timber. Spring pre-spawn is the prime season — small minnows and 1/16-oz jigs are the go-to.
Prefers. Water 50–80°F (ideal 65°F) · either tide · depth 3–20 ft.
- Daily creel
- 20
20/day (8" minimum on Lake Murray and some waters).
Source: South Carolina regulations · verified 2026-05-29.
#2 Channel Catfish Great day to fish for Channel Catfish. In season 70/100
What's helping
- In the current report — channel catfish is showing up in this week's state fishing report for the area
About. Ictalurus punctatus — Native catfish of MD non-tidal rivers, reservoirs, and farm ponds. Bottom-feeder that takes chicken liver, stinkbait, nightcrawlers, and cut bait. Most active at night and in warm water.
Prefers. Water 60–85°F (ideal 75°F) · either tide · depth 5–30 ft.
- Daily creel
- 25
Santee Cooper: 25/day (catfish combined), no more than two over 32".
Source: South Carolina regulations · verified 2026-05-29.
#4 Largemouth Bass Workable day for Largemouth Bass. In season 58/100
About. Micropterus salmoides — Most popular gamefish in MD non-tidal waters. Ambush predator around cover — lily pads, submerged timber, docks, grass edges. Hits plastics, spinnerbaits, jigs, and topwater across the season.
Prefers. Water 55–85°F (ideal 72°F) · either tide · depth 3–25 ft.
- Min size
- 14"
- Daily creel
- 5
14" minimum, 5/day (Santee Cooper and most reservoirs).
Source: South Carolina regulations · verified 2026-05-29.
Location Info
Water Body
Reservoir
Access
Pier, shore, and ramp
Jurisdiction
South Carolina
Coordinates
Notes
SC: 14" bass minimum, 5/day. Striped and hybrid bass chase blueback herring on the main lake.
Local reports & rules for Clarks Hill Lake (J. Strom Thurmond): South Carolina DNR fishing report → · fish-consumption advisories (EPA directory) →
Nearby Access Points
Frequently Asked
Do I need a fishing license to fish at Clarks Hill Lake (J. Strom Thurmond)?
Yes (anglers age 16 and older). To fish at Clarks Hill Lake (J. Strom Thurmond) you need the appropriate state fishing license. See the agency's current rules: the state agency website
What fish are commonly targeted at Clarks Hill Lake (J. Strom Thurmond)?
Clarks Hill Lake (J. Strom Thurmond) is listed on this site for 4 commonly-targeted species: Largemouth Bass, Striped Bass, Crappie, Channel Catfish. Which species is currently in season and which is scoring highest today is shown in the per-species ranking on this page.
When is the best time to fish at Clarks Hill Lake (J. Strom Thurmond)?
It depends more on the species and the day's conditions than on a fixed "best hour." Water temperature, weather, and — at tidal locations — the stage of the tide drive activity most. The per-species ranking on this page scores every target species at Clarks Hill Lake (J. Strom Thurmond) against today's live conditions, so the fish near the top are your best bets right now; check back as conditions change through the day.
What kind of access does Clarks Hill Lake (J. Strom Thurmond) have?
Clarks Hill Lake (J. Strom Thurmond) has multiple access types — pier, shoreline, and at least one public boat ramp. SC: 14" bass minimum, 5/day. Striped and hybrid bass chase blueback herring on the main lake.
Which state's fishing regulations apply at Clarks Hill Lake (J. Strom Thurmond)?
state agency regulations apply at Clarks Hill Lake (J. Strom Thurmond). Size limits, creel limits, and seasonal closures are listed per species on each species page. Always confirm against the agency source linked from each regulation block — emergency closures can take effect mid-season.
Is Clarks Hill Lake (J. Strom Thurmond) tidal water?
No. Clarks Hill Lake (J. Strom Thurmond) is non-tidal — water level varies with rainfall, seasonal flow, and (where applicable) upstream dam releases rather than tidal exchange.