Most visitors come to Table Rock for the hiking, waterfalls, and mountain views. What many do not realize is that some of the best fishing in South Carolina is within a short drive of the park. Whether you want to catch stocked trout in a mountain stream, largemouth bass from a kayak, or trophy fish in deep mountain lakes, the Table Rock area has an option for every angler.
1. Lake Oolenoy
158 Ellison Ln, Pickens, SC 29671
• (864) 878-9813
Distance from Table Rock Lodge: 5 minutes
If you only have time for one fishing destination, this is it.
Located inside Table Rock State Park, the 67-acre mountain lake offers some of the easiest fishing access in the Upstate. Two fishing piers, shoreline access, a public boat ramp, and calm water make it ideal for beginners and families. Gas motors are prohibited, creating a peaceful atmosphere perfect for kayaks and small fishing boats.
What You’ll Catch
- Largemouth bass
- Bream
- Catfish
- Occasional crappie
Best Techniques
- Worms under a bobber for bream
- Texas-rigged worms for bass
- Cut bait for catfish after sunset
Local Tip
Fish the coves near sunrise. During summer, bass often move shallow before retreating to deeper water as temperatures rise.
2. Lake Pinnacle
Distance from Table Rock Lodge: 2 minutes
Table Rock State Park
158 E. Ellison Lane
Pickens, SC 29671
Often overshadowed by Lake Oolenoy, Lake Pinnacle may actually offer the prettier fishing experience. Sitting directly beneath Table Rock Mountain, the 36-acre lake offers incredible scenery and supports many of the same fish species. Fishing is allowed from most of the shoreline except the designated swimming area.
What You’ll Catch
- Bass
- Bream
- Catfish
Why Fish Here?
- Less fishing pressure than Oolenoy
- Incredible mountain backdrop
- Easy access from the park campground
Best Time
Spring and fall when water temperatures are moderate.
3. Lake Jocassee
161 Holcombe CIR Salem, SC 29676
Distance from Table Rock: 25–30 minutes
This is where serious anglers go.
Lake Jocassee covers more than 7,500 acres and reaches depths of over 350 feet. It is the only lake in South Carolina known for both trophy trout and smallmouth bass. Multiple South Carolina state records have been set in these waters.
What You’ll Catch
- Rainbow trout
- Brown trout
- Smallmouth bass
- Spotted bass
- Largemouth bass
- Catfish
Best Access
Devils Fork State Park provides the primary public access and boat launch.
Local Tip
Many anglers target trout in summer because Jocassee’s deep, cold water allows trout to survive year-round, something uncommon in South Carolina.
4. Chattooga River
Highway 76 Bridge (Main River Access / SC-GA Line)
Distance from Table Rock: 35–40 minutes
The Chattooga is arguably South Carolina’s most famous trout stream.
Designated a Wild and Scenic River, the Chattooga offers miles of trout water flowing through some of the most beautiful mountain scenery in the Southeast. The river is regularly stocked and supports wild trout populations.
What You’ll Catch
- Rainbow trout
- Brown trout
- Brook trout
Best Access Points
- Ridley Fields parking
- Highway 28 bridge crossings
- Fish Hatchery Road access areas
What Makes It Special
You can spend an entire day fishing and never see a house, road, or power line. Few places in the Southeast offer that experience.
Know Before You Go
Certain sections have special trout regulations and delayed-harvest rules, so always check current SCDNR regulations before fishing.
5. Long Shoals (“Sliding Rock”)
Distance from Table Rock: 10 minutes
Cherokee Foothills Scenic Hwy (SC-11), Sunset, SC 29685
Most people know Long Shoals as a swimming hole.
Locals know it as one of the easiest trout-fishing spots near Table Rock.
Located within Poe Creek State Forest, Long Shoals provides easy access to Little Eastatoee Creek and year-round trout fishing. Brook, brown, and rainbow trout are all found here.
What You’ll Catch
- Brook trout
- Brown trout
- Rainbow trout
Best Time
October through April.
Local Tip
During summer, swimmers can make fishing difficult. Arrive early in the morning or fish during cooler months when crowds disappear.
6. Little Eastatoee Creek
Distance from Table Rock: 10–15 minutes
Eastatoe Road in Sunset, SC 29685
This creek may be the most underrated trout fishery in the Upstate.
Multiple pull-offs along the creek provide access to productive trout water. The stream remains cool thanks to mountain springs and shaded forest corridors.
What You’ll Catch
- Stocked rainbow trout
- Brown trout
- Native brook trout in some upper sections
Best Baits
- Small inline spinners
- Artificial flies
- Trout magnets
Local Tip
The farther you walk from the road, the larger the trout tend to be.
7. Lake Keowee
Distance from Table Rock: 20–25 minutes
Lake Keowee offers a completely different fishing experience than the mountain streams.
The lake’s warm-water fishery is known for bass fishing, crappie, and catfish. Numerous public access points allow both bank and boat fishing opportunities.
What You’ll Catch
- Largemouth bass
- Spotted bass
- Crappie
- Catfish
- Bluegill
Best Access Areas
- Keowee Town Landing
- Fall Creek Landing
Local Tip
Bass fishing is often best around points and submerged structure during spring and fall.
8. East Fork Chattooga River
Distance from Table Rock: 45 minutes
For anglers looking for solitude, this may be the hidden gem on the list.
The river near Foothills Trail – Fish Hatchery Rd Trailhead receives less pressure than the main Chattooga and provides excellent trout fishing opportunities.
What You’ll Catch
- Rainbow trout
- Brown trout
- Brook trout
Best For
- Fly fishing
- Backpacking anglers
- Photographers
Best Fishing Spot by Category
| Category | Best Choice |
|---|---|
| Family Fishing | Lake Oolenoy |
| Kids | Lake Oolenoy Fishing Pier |
| Trout Fishing | Chattooga River |
| Easy Trout Access | Long Shoals |
| Trophy Bass | Lake Jocassee |
| Scenic Fishing | Lake Pinnacle |
| Kayak Fishing | Lake Oolenoy |
| Fly Fishing | East Fork Chattooga |
| Beginner Anglers | Lake Oolenoy |
| Serious Anglers | Lake Jocassee |
Suggested Weekend Fishing Itinerary
Friday Evening: Fish Lake Oolenoy from the pier.
Saturday Morning: Trout fish Little Eastatoee Creek or Long Shoals.
Saturday Afternoon: Explore Table Rock State Park.
Sunday: Spend the day chasing bass or trout on Lake Jocassee.
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