Trout fishing in the South Carolina mountains is alive, and very well indeed, in the WHITEWATER RIVER, EASTATOE RIVER, and the CHATTOOGA RIVER, but did you know that you can trout fish in the LOWER SALUDA RIVER which is over 100 miles from the mountains. The Lower Saluda is the tailrace from Lake Murray managed by the S.C. Electric & Gas Company. You can fish as far south as the Riverbanks Zoo one of the most popular zoos in the nation.
GENERAL INFORMATION: Since the water flows from Lake Murray, it averages about 60 degrees year around as it leaves the dam, but as you know South Carolina summers can be hot indeed, so by the time the water gets to the zoo, it is not capable of consistently maintaining trout. However, nearer to the dam, it has some good fishing with catchable size rainbow trout stocked monthly from November through April. The SCDNR usually stock total about 40,000 trout per year.
ACCESS: The Lower Saluda unfortunately is bordered largely by private lands, so wading is difficult and permission must be obtained from the land owners. However, the best approach is to float from one access point to another. There are currently four public access points on the Lower Saluda River.
1.) Hope Ferry landing (on south bank) and Saluda Shoals Park (north bank) provide the only public ramps for trailered boat launches on the river. Hope Ferry landing is accessed from Corley Mill Road which connects with SC Hwy 6 and US Hwy 378.
2.) Saluda Shoals Regional Park Access facilities at this new park include canoe launch, boat ramp, decked overlook to the river, fish cleaning station, and picnic area. A fee is required to enter the park. Enter from Bush River Road which connects with SC Hwy 6 and I-20.
3.) Gardendale / SCE&G Put-in this access is 3.5 miles downstream from Hope Ferry and Saluda Shoals Park. The site provides access for boats that can be carried in. The location is on the north bank near the Gardendale community and WVOC radio station off Garden Valley Road which is accessed from Bush River Road near I-20.
4.) Riverbanks Zoo and Botanical Gardens offers nature trails and a pedestrian bridge with views of Mill Race Rapids, historic structures, and native wildlife. Carry-in boat access is available at the western (upstream) end of the parking lot by walking a short trail to the river. Riverbanks is located off Greystone Blvd which connects with I-126. Open daily from 9-5 pm, admission is charged.
CAUTION: Due to its cold water, as with any tailrace, hypothermia is always a consideration and the rapidly changing water levels are something that anglers must be constantly aware of. There is a telephone alert system in place where you can sign up for alerts when the conditions on the river change and of course water flow information for the Saluda is available by calling (800) 830-5253. A recorded message provides the number of generators South Carolina Electric and Gas intends to use any given day.
Also, there is a limit of 5 trout that can be taken on a single day as well as other considerations, so please check out the regs before you go fishing. For more information about fishing in South Carolina go to the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources where you will can learn about access points, loaner programs and research.