Clarendon County, SC · Reservoir
Lake Marion
The larger of the two Santee Cooper lakes — world-famous for trophy blue and channel catfish, with strong largemouth, crappie, and a landlocked striped-bass fishery (where stripers were first found to reproduce in fresh water).
Live · updated
Top pick today
Striped Bass — Skip the Striped Bass trip today.
Best conditions of 5 species tracked at Lake Marion.
Special Weather Statement issued July 21 at 9:07PM EDT by NWS Columbia SC
Atmosphere
Water
Sun & Moon
Species at Lake Marion
5 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 Skip the Striped Bass trip today. In season 23/100
What's helping
- incoming tide — striped bass prefers incoming tide
- 10 mph wind — light chop — baitfish active, fish willing to feed
What's hurting
- 89°F water — above striped bass's active range (50–72°f) — fish move deep
- NWS alert active — check the alert before heading out
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.
Last verified 54 days ago on 2026-05-29. Open source page →
- 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 Largemouth Bass Skip the Largemouth Bass trip today. In season 13/100
What's helping
- 10 mph wind — light chop — baitfish active, fish willing to feed
What's hurting
- 89°F water — above largemouth bass's active range (55–85°f) — fish move deep
- NWS alert active — check the alert before heading out
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.
Last verified 54 days ago on 2026-05-29. Open source page →
- Min size
- 14"
- Daily creel
- 5
14" minimum, 5/day (Santee Cooper and most reservoirs).
Source: South Carolina regulations · verified 2026-05-29.
#2 Blue Catfish Skip the Blue Catfish trip today. In season 13/100
What's helping
- 10 mph wind — light chop — baitfish active, fish willing to feed
What's hurting
- 89°F water — above blue catfish's active range (55–85°f) — fish move deep
- NWS alert active — check the alert before heading out
About. Ictalurus furcatus — Invasive apex predator, now abundant throughout the tidal Potomac, Patuxent, and Nanticoke. MDDNR actively encourages harvest. Caught on cut bait (bunker, white perch, gizzard shad) fished on bottom. 50+ lb fish are routine on the Potomac.
Prefers. Water 55–85°F (ideal 72°F) · either tide · depth 10–60 ft.
Last verified 54 days ago on 2026-05-29. Open source page →
- Daily creel
- 25
Santee Cooper: 25/day combined, only one over 36".
Source: South Carolina regulations · verified 2026-05-29.
#2 Channel Catfish Skip the Channel Catfish trip today. In season 13/100
What's helping
- 10 mph wind — light chop — baitfish active, fish willing to feed
What's hurting
- 89°F water — above channel catfish's active range (60–85°f) — fish move deep
- NWS alert active — check the alert before heading out
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.
Last verified 54 days ago on 2026-05-29. Open source page →
- Daily creel
- 25
Santee Cooper: 25/day (catfish combined), no more than two over 32".
Source: South Carolina regulations · verified 2026-05-29.
#2 Crappie Skip the Crappie trip today. In season 13/100
What's helping
- 10 mph wind — light chop — baitfish active, fish willing to feed
What's hurting
- 89°F water — above crappie's active range (50–80°f) — fish move deep
- NWS alert active — check the alert before heading out
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.
Last verified 54 days ago on 2026-05-29. Open source page →
- Daily creel
- 20
20/day (8" minimum on Lake Murray and some waters).
Source: South Carolina regulations · verified 2026-05-29.
Location Info
Water Body
Reservoir
Access
Pier, shore, and ramp
Jurisdiction
South Carolina
Coordinates
Local reports & rules for Lake Marion: South Carolina DNR fishing report → · fish-consumption advisories (EPA directory) →
Nearby Access Points
Frequently Asked
Do I need a fishing license to fish at Lake Marion?
Yes (anglers age 16 and older). To fish at Lake Marion you need the appropriate state fishing license. See the agency's current rules: the state agency website
What fish are commonly targeted at Lake Marion?
Lake Marion is listed on this site for 5 commonly-targeted species: Largemouth Bass, Blue Catfish, Channel Catfish, Striped Bass, and 1 more. 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 Lake Marion?
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 Lake Marion 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 Lake Marion have?
Lake Marion has multiple access types — pier, shoreline, and at least one public boat ramp.
Which state's fishing regulations apply at Lake Marion?
state agency regulations apply at Lake Marion. 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 Lake Marion tidal water?
No. Lake Marion is non-tidal — water level varies with rainfall, seasonal flow, and (where applicable) upstream dam releases rather than tidal exchange.