Most visitors come to Table Rock State Park for the hiking trails, waterfalls, and mountain views. Anglers know there is another reason to visit: some of South Carolina’s most diverse freshwater fishing can be found in the lakes, rivers, and streams surrounding the park.
From mountain trout and trophy bass to catfish, crappie, and colorful sunfish, the waters around Table Rock support an impressive variety of fish species. Lake Oolenoy, Lake Pinnacle, Lake Jocassee, Lake Keowee, the Chattooga River, and Little Eastatoee Creek all offer opportunities to catch fish that many people never realize live in the Upstate. Lake Jocassee alone is famous for producing state-record trout and bass.
Here are 25 fish species you may encounter near Table Rock State Park.
Bass Species
1. Largemouth Bass
The most popular game fish in the area. Found in Lake Oolenoy, Lake Pinnacle, Lake Keowee, and Lake Jocassee.
Typical Size: 1–5 pounds
Best Time: Spring and fall
2. Smallmouth Bass
One of the most sought-after fish in Lake Jocassee. The lake has produced state-record smallmouth bass.
3. Spotted Bass
Often mistaken for largemouth bass, spotted bass thrive in the clear waters of Lake Jocassee.
4. Redeye (Bartram’s) Bass
A unique native bass species found in mountain streams throughout the southern Appalachians.
Trout Species
5. Rainbow Trout
Found in Lake Jocassee and many mountain streams in Pickens and Oconee Counties.
6. Brown Trout
A favorite among experienced anglers. Brown trout inhabit both Lake Jocassee and mountain streams near Table Rock.
7. Brook Trout
South Carolina’s only native trout species. Found in the coldest mountain streams of the Upstate.
Catfish Species
8. Channel Catfish
Common in lakes and rivers throughout the region.
9. Blue Catfish
Found primarily in larger reservoirs.
10. Flathead Catfish
Large predators capable of reaching impressive sizes.
Crappie Species
11. Black Crappie
A favorite among spring anglers.
12. White Crappie
Less common in mountain waters but found in nearby lakes.
Sunfish and Bream
13. Bluegill
One of the easiest fish for children to catch.
14. Redear Sunfish (Shellcracker)
Known for feeding on snails and growing larger than many other sunfish.
15. Redbreast Sunfish
Often found in flowing streams and rivers.
16. Green Sunfish
A hardy species found in ponds and small lakes.
17. Pumpkinseed Sunfish
Among the most colorful freshwater fish in the Upstate.
18. Warmouth
Aggressive fish often caught around logs and brush piles.
19. Spotted Sunfish
A smaller but beautiful native species.
Other Popular Game Fish
20. Chain Pickerel
A toothy predator sometimes called the “Southern Pike.”
21. Redfin Pickerel
A smaller cousin of the chain pickerel.
22. Striped Bass
Found in larger Upstate reservoirs including nearby Lake Keowee and Lake Hartwell.
23. Hybrid Striped Bass
A fast-growing sport fish stocked in some South Carolina waters.
24. Carp
Often overlooked but capable of providing some of the strongest fights in freshwater.
25. Blacknose Dace
While not a game fish, this small native fish inhabits pristine mountain streams in the Jocassee Gorges region and serves as an indicator of excellent water quality.
Where to Find These Fish
Lake Oolenoy
- Largemouth bass
- Bluegill
- Catfish
- Crappie
- Bream
Lake Pinnacle
- Bass
- Catfish
- Sunfish
Lake Jocassee
- Rainbow trout
- Brown trout
- Largemouth bass
- Smallmouth bass
- Spotted bass
- Catfish
Chattooga River
- Rainbow trout
- Brown trout
- Brook trout
Little Eastatoee Creek
- Rainbow trout
- Brown trout
- Brook trout
Which Fish Is the Hardest to Catch?
Many local anglers would nominate wild brook trout. These colorful native fish live in small, cold mountain streams and are extremely sensitive to water quality and temperature. Their remote habitat makes them one of the most rewarding catches in the Upstate.
Which Fish Gets the Biggest?
Among commonly targeted species near Table Rock, blue catfish and striped bass can reach impressive sizes. However, Lake Jocassee has become famous for producing state-record trout and bass, making it one of the most unique fisheries in South Carolina.
Whether you are fishing from a dock on Lake Oolenoy, casting into the clear waters of Lake Jocassee, or exploring a hidden mountain stream, the Table Rock area offers an incredible diversity of fish species. The next time you head to the water, remember that you may be sharing it with far more fish than you ever imagined.
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