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8 of the Best Trout Fishing Spots in the Upstate

Marie McAden Marie McAden
A former staffer with The Miami Herald, Marie moved to SC in 1992. She is passionate about the outdoors, and enjoys exploring the state’s many natural treasures from the Lowcountry to the Upstate.
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They've been called the aristocrats of fishes. Those oh-so-edible brown, brook and rainbow trout, prized by sporting fisherman everywhere, can be found all over the Upstate in quiet mountain streams, remote headwaters and crystal clear lakes. The diversity of locations for trout fishing even includes a Midlands tailwater.

Whether you're looking for a trophy or campfire dinner, you've come to the right place. So tie up a new batch of flies and get ready to test them on some of the prettiest fishing venues in the Southern Appalachians.

 

Here are eight of the best spots for trout fishing in South Carolina

The Middle Saluda River in Jones Gap State Park provides prime trout fishing. Credit: SCPRT/Photo by: Dave Harmer

1. The Middle Saluda River in Jones Gap State Park

A trail runs parallel to the river, providing angling access and a scenic hike through a stunning mountain gorge.

 

The National Wild and Scenic River Chattooga River provides a stunning backdrop for fly fishing.
South Carolina streams feature brown rainbow and brook trout.

3. The East Fork of the Chattooga River

A trail from the Walhalla State Fish Hatchery parallels the stream that serves as habitat for wild brown trout and stocked rainbow and brook trout.

 

The Chauga River offers a remote setting for trout fishing.

4. The Chauga River

Anglers willing to hike into the backcountry are rewarded with beautiful scenery, excellent fishing and the serenity of a remote mountain forest.

 

The Eastatoe River runs through the beautiful Jocassee Gorges.

5. The Eastatoe River

With its fast pocket water and deep plunge pools, the upper section of this scenic river offers great trout habitat.

 

Lake Jocassee has four main streams perfect for fly fishing.

6. Lake Jocassee

Record-breaking brown trout (17 pounds, 9.5 oz.) and rainbow trout (11 pounds, 5 oz.) were caught in this picturesque mountain reservoir.

 

The Lower Saluda River offers both rainbow and brown trout.

7. The Lower Saluda below the Dreher Shoals Dam on Lake Murray

The higher gradient shoal areas in this 10-mile section of river are the most popular fishing spots for rainbow and brown trout.

 

The rugged setting adds to the experience of trout fishing on the Whitewater River.

8. The Whitewater River

The section of river above Lower Whitewater Falls offers fantastic wild trout fishing.

Marie McAden
A former staffer with The Miami Herald, Marie moved to SC in 1992. She is passionate about the outdoors, and enjoys exploring the state’s many natural treasures from the Lowcountry to the Upstate.