The Middle Saluda River begins in the Mountain Bridge Wilderness Area. 10. The ten miles of the Lower Saluda River is a tailrace from Lake Murray and is indeed over 100 miles from the mountains. Spring is the best season for fly fishing the Middle Saluda River. Below the zoo, however, the water will usually be too warm for trout to exist. My creel is a plastic freezer bag and my rod and reel cost a total of $35.00. Gather inspiration with trip ideas for planning your next South Carolina vacation. USGS 02168504 SALUDA RIVER BELOW LK MURRAY DAM NR COLUMBIA, SC. The second key to fishing the Saluda is finding adequate access. The fly fishing starts at the dam managed by the South Carolina Electric and Gas and extends as far south as the Riverbanks Zoo, which is one of the best zoos in the nation. The go-to list for freshwater anglers in Central Florida in December – American shad, black crappie, blue channel catfish, sunshine …, © 2020 Coastal Angler Magazine Franchising, Inc. All Rights Reserved, Fly Fishing the Blue Ridge Mountains in Georgia, Lake Monroe & St. Johns River Fishing Forecast – December 2020. First, purchase the right rod and reel. Fly fishing the Middle Saluda River can be both fun and rewarding. Fishing during the winter can be good on warm days. The largest set of shoals can be easily found by taking a short walk down the paved Greenway Trail that begins near the Environmental Education Center. The stream has both stocked and wild rainbows, browns and brook trout. If you're intrested in learning more about fly fishing for trout in South Carolina and cold water conservation, come join us! See how and where the big ones …. Jake mainly fishes the Saluda River for trout and striped bass and the Broad and Congaree Rivers for smallmouth bass. They've been called the aristocrats of fishes. You can access the lower section in the town of Cleveland at the U. S. Highway 76 Bridge. Site-Specific Electro-fishing Study. In fact, I’m not using the latest and greatest expensive fly gear at all. A trail runs parallel to the river, providing angling … To make it even simpler, if you are fishing the Saluda in the catch and release section (Lower Saluda River from the east bound I-20 bridge downstream to Stacey’s Ledge) and you catch a trout any time, let it go. Streamers, nymphs and wet flies are the most effective flies 14 to 16 are common. It is mostly completely covered with a canopy of tree limbs that helps keep the water cool. The Official Website of the South Carolina Office of Tourism | © 2020 South Carolina Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism. PROVISIONAL DATA SUBJECT TO REVISION. It is a beautiful stream and one of South Carolina’s best wild trout streams. With over 1 million print readers per month and the industry’s most expansive distribution network, we have emerged as one of the largest outdoor publications in the United States and abroad, thus solidifying our place as a preferred resource. Wow! Site-specific electro-fishing was conducted at nine locations for each of eight months starting December 2013 and ending in October 2014. Below the special section, the lower Saluda River flows to its confluence with the South Saluda River. www.perfectflystore.com. There is more angler content on Social Media! Chauga River: From Cassidy Bridge Road upstream about 3 river miles to the confluence with Bone Camp Creek. Jones Gap Trail follows along the stream for over five miles. 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. Fly fishing the Middle Saluda River can be both fun and rewarding. 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. It’s a tributary of the Broad River. Saluda River is a stream located just 1.1 miles from West Columbia, in Lexington County, in the state of South Carolina, United States. SALUDA RIVER The Saluda River can be divided into two parts for Greenville fishermen. You can pick up your area’s local edition at over 11,000 marine specific businesses, retail outlets or big box stores. by Guest Contributor. The state and the Mountain Bridge Chapter of TU arranged for the trout to be fed in the catch-and-release section of the stream, so the trout do grow large. Autumn is a good time to fish the river for large holdover brown trout. All that, including links to your local fish and wildlife websites, records for a location, photos, videos, GPS coordinates for where the … Trout and striped bass fishing. This portion of the stream lies in the Jones Gap State Park. Popular freshwater catches throughout South Carolina include crappie, bream, … This area of the stream is stocked and does get warmer in the summer. Here are eight of the best spots for trout fishing in South Carolina: Built in the 1930s by the Civilian Conservation Corps, this is the only trout hatchery in South Carolina. Whether you're looking for a trophy or campfire dinner, you've come to the right place. All Rights Reserved. The water can get a little warm during the hot summer in the middle and lower sections but it stays well oxygenated and cool in the upper area. Fly-fishermen, spin-fishermen and bait-fishermen all enjoy the river's offerings, and often they fish side by side. From there it flows through two state parks, Jones Gap and Ceasars Head. Saluda Valley Guides offers both float trips with fly tackle as well as conventional rod on the Congaree. South Carolina has year-round trout fishing. The upper part of the Middle Saluda River drops on a good decline and has lots of fast pocket water with some runs and a few riffles. This morning I am not “matching the hatch” to determine what pattern of hand-tied fly I will choose. The lake is deep enough that the Saluda River tailwater stays cold enough to support trout and the state stocks both rainbows and brown trout there. Saluda River Fishing Trip. If you are fishing the Lower Saluda after June 15 and catch a striper, let it go. “The Saluda is … Fall: Autumn is a good time to fish the river for large holdover brown trout.. Winter: There is a catch-and-release section that starts at the footbridge at the Jones Gap State park line and continues downstream to Hugh Smith Road. primarily as a dropper fly. Welcome to Frank's Fly Arts, Columbia's locally owned and operated fly fishing guide service. The Chattooga is recognized as one of the Southeast's premier whitewater rivers and the most famous whitewater paddling spot in the state.... or uncover more great South Carolina trip ideas on: A former staffer with The Miami Herald, Marie moved to SC in 1992. The river is known for … Access is fairly easy in the upper section of the stream but you will have to do some hiking. The Palmetto State's culinary scene is famous for quality and originality, from unique Gullah cuisine to our thriving farm-to-table movement. The shoals in the Saluda River are trout hot spots where many fishermen have found success. Getting started in saltwater fly fishing can seem like an overwhelming task, but it is really uncomplicated. Fly fishing on the Mitchell River transports you into a dreamlike rainforest that’s full of trout. It is managed as catch-and-release on a year round basis. Fly Fishing Outings ... See Map #4 of the "South Carolina Trout Fishing Guide" described above. We will be fishing for striped bass and trout. James Marsh is the Owner of The Perfect Fly online and catalog mail-order store. The fish community study involves an inventory of the Lower Saluda River fish community with an emphasis on documenting species composition, abundance, distribution, and length/weight data. South Carolina’s Middle Saluda River became the first stream in the state to be designated in the Scenic River program. The river above Saluda Lake is different in character from the river below the lake and you should approach each differently. We are avid fly fishermen and women who are dedicated to the conservation, preservation and restoration of coldwater fisheries. Lower Saluda River Trout Study Summary of Second Year Study Results ... 34% fly fishing, and 5% still fishing with bait. The Middle Saluda River in Jones Gap State Park. The shoals are located at the upper end of Corley Island and are very visible from the trail. From late May to early September, the river also boasts one of … April is far and away the most productive month for fly fishing in SC due to the stockings that take place. He recommends fishing the Saluda fall, winter and spring for trout and then all three rivers in the warmer months to catch smallmouth and stripers. Captain Mark Henderson breaks down the step-by-step process of rigging outriggers in this easy-to-follow video. SC Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism. Though the water level can come up dramatically and quickly at any time, you can check current water flow conditions and planned water releases before you go. Whether rigging one, two or three lines, this video has everything you need to know to get your outriggers ready for fishing. Accessible from Cassidy Bridge parking lot on lower end, or Hell Hole Road (USFS Road) on upper end. The first key to fishing the Saluda is to check for the water release schedule and flow. Early spring offers our anglers the chance at the large stripers as they migrate from as far as the coast to summer in the Lower Saluda. The following waters are within an hour's drive of most Greenville cat fishermen and offer you good fishing. , including visa information, regional overviews and tour operator credentials from unique cuisine... To know to get your outriggers ready for fishing its confluence with the Carolina... Flies are the most effective flies 14 to 16 are common this Area of the Broad.. Trout and brook trout here of second Year Study Results... 34 % fishing... Tour operator credentials it go long-distance travel resources, including the rare, native brookie the Perfect fly online catalog... Historic River is known for … the first stream in the state to be designated in the River! Started in saltwater fly fishing Outings... See Map # 4 of the stream lies in Saluda... Upcountry 's South Saluda River trout Study Summary of second Year Study...... 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Overwhelming task, but it is mostly completely covered with a canopy of tree limbs that keep... Fishing, spinning or baitcasting your chances of getting a bite here good. Effective flies 14 to 16 are common planning your one-of-a-kind South Carolina adventure today second key to fishing the Saluda. The right place my creel is a tailrace from Lake Murray and is indeed over miles. Murray and is indeed over 100 miles from the River, providing angling … we will be for. Perfect fly online and catalog mail-order store warm for trout in South Carolina ’ s tributary.