Enjoy Fall Fishing On Lake Murray

Lake Murray is one of South Carolinas major recreational lakes. Located in the midlands region just northwest of Columbia, Lake Murray has over 600 miles of shoreline. The lake offers a variety of opportunities for recreation and is a very popular destination for boaters and fishermen.
A number of boat ramps give easy access to the lake. Some of the more popular ones are located at Dreher Island State Recreation Area, Kempsons Bridge, Lake Murray Dam, Hilton Recreation Area, and Rocky Point Landing. A large number of marinas on the lake provide boaters and fishermen with everything needed for a day on the water. Popular marinas include South Shore Marina, Little River Marina, Saluda River Resort, Buffalo Creek Marina, and Jakes Landing.

Lake Murray is known as one of the best fishing lakes in the Southeast. Anglers will find that bass, stripers, catfish, bream, and crappie are plentiful in the lake. Fall is a busy season for fishing tournaments on Lake Murray. Local club tournaments as well as divisional and national tournaments are scheduled. Carolina Anglers Team Trail will hold four qualifiers on the lake this fall. The tournament dates are October 8 and 29, and November 12 and 19. The final is scheduled for December 3. These tournaments begin at safe daylight and conclude at 3pm. Dreher Island Park will be the venue for these events.

The American Bass Anglers American Fishing Tour will hold a division qualifier on Lake Murray on October 2. The venue for this one day tournament is also Dreher Island. The American Fishing Tour National Championship is scheduled for the week of October 22-29. This Angler of the Year competition is an invitational bass tournament in which the top point holders in each division will compete. The weeklong series of events usually draws 500 anglers. Weigh-ins will be at Dreher Island State Recreation Area. October 22 is also the date for the Berkley/Sebile Big Ball Challenge on Lake Murray. Only Berkley and Sebile baits can be used in this tournament. In addition, the South Carolina Crappie
Association will hold a tournament on the lake on October 22. This event will run from 7am-3pm. The weigh-in location will be at Station 2.

Currently the fishing conditions are producing good catches of bream, catfish, and stripers. Fishing for crappie has been fair, but fishing for largemouth bass has been slow. As the weather and the water temperatures cool, conditions should improve for bass fishing.

Thousands of people enjoy Lake Murray each weekend. There is plenty of room for everyone, and anglers will find many quiet coves for fishing. Those who dont own a boat have the option of renting one from a number of marinas on the lake. Bank and pier fishing are available at several recreation areas. Come out this fall and enjoy fishing on one of South Carolinas most popular lakes.