Latest SC September fishing outlook: coast heats up, lakes turn
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NEWBERRY, SC · MIDLANDS EDITION · SATURDAY, OCTOBER 10, 2026
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SC September fishing outlook: coast heats up, lakes turn SC shrimp baiting season opens with 60-day window Louisiana draws down six waters this fall to slow salvinia Lackawanna Lake drawdown starts as dam rehabilitation begins Michigan launches Great Lakes whitefish rescue this fall SC September fishing outlook: coast heats up, lakes turn SC shrimp baiting season opens with 60-day window Louisiana draws down six waters this fall to slow salvinia Lackawanna Lake drawdown starts as dam rehabilitation begins Michigan launches Great Lakes whitefish rescue this fall
HERE Newberry

Newberry SC
Fishing
News

Live conditions, species status, solunar ratings, water body profiles, SCDNR regulations, and community fishing coverage for Newberry lakes and rivers.

Bass: Hot Bite Crappie: Active Catfish: Active 4 Waters Profiled
4 Waters Profiled
Live Conditions
Solunar Rating
2026 Season
First Look • Fishing Conditions
🌑
New Moon
Illumination: 97%
68°F
65°F
11 mph
1018
as of 12:05 PM ET
Excellent — new moon triggers peak feeding activity. Fish are most aggressive near dawn and dusk.
94
EXCELLENT
Excellent bite conditions. Get on the water at first light.
Newberry • Midlands SC
Your Local Fishing Resource

HERE Newberry is your local source for fishing reports, conditions, and SCDNR regulations across Newberry. Use the waters list to find lakes, rivers, and reservoirs near you, the regulations section for current limits, and the guides directory to book a trip.

Current Conditions • Newberry Waters
Species Status
Largemouth Bass
HOT
Fall feeding frenzy. Bass are chasing shad and blueback herring. Crankbaits and swimbaits dominate.
Top BaitCrankbait, Swimbait, Jig
Depth10-20 ft structure
Smallmouth Bass
FAIR
River smallmouth in deeper holes and pools. Slower presentations required.
Top BaitTube Jig, Crawfish Pattern, Ned Rig
DepthShoal tail-outs, 3-12 ft
Crappie
ACTIVE
Pre-spawn or fall pattern. Crappie suspending over deeper structure.
Top BaitSmall Tube Jig, Live Minnow, Slip Float
Depth12-20 ft brush
Catfish
ACTIVE
Catfish feeding well in spring and fall. Target deeper holes and channel swings.
Top BaitCut Shad, Chicken Liver, Prepared Stink Bait
DepthChannel edges, 10-30 ft
Bluegill / Bream
FAIR
Bluegill in slower mode. Small jigs under a float near dock pilings and woody structure.
Top BaitCricket, Worm, Small Jig (1/32 oz)
DepthSpawning: 1-4 ft. Non-spawn: dock edges 4-10 ft
Trout
ACTIVE
Trout active in stocked waters. Cold water temperatures keep fish feeding.
Top BaitPowerBait, Night Crawler, Inline Spinner
DepthStocked areas — designated lakes and streams
Species status is based on seasonal patterns and current conditions for Newberry waters. Always verify SCDNR regulations for creel limits, size minimums, and any current advisories before heading out.
Report a Bite Update
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First Look
Weather & Fishing Conditions
68F
Fog/mist
Feels like 68°F
as of 12:05 PM ET
Wind 11 mph E
Humidity 93%
Pressure 1018 hPa
Est. Water Temp 65°F
Moon New Moon
Sunrise / Sunset 7:26 am / 7:00 pm
Location Newberry, SC
On-the-Water Tips
  • Water temps in the prime range — bass are active on shallow structure. Topwater lures effective morning and evening.
  • New and full moons are the best fishing phases. Solunar peak periods fall near sunrise and sunset — be on the water at first light.
Solunar Index
Fishing Conditions Dashboard
Air Temperature
68°F
Optimal Bite
Wind Speed
11 mph
Light Breeze
Barometric Pressure
1018 hPa
Stable — Active
Moon Phase
🌑
Prime
EXCELLENT
Excellent bite conditions. Get on the water at first light.
Extended Outlook
5-Day Fishing Forecast
TODAY
Showers And Thunderstorms
70° / 68°
14 mph wind • 0% humidity
SLOW
SUN
Rain Showers Likely
74° / 60°
12 mph wind • 0% humidity
GOOD
COL
Sunny
82° / 57°
8 mph wind • 0% humidity
FAIR
TUE
Sunny
86° / 61°
2 mph wind • 0% humidity
GOOD
WED
Sunny
86° / 61°
2 mph wind • 0% humidity
GOOD
Lakes & Rivers
Water Body Profiles
4 fishing waters within Newberry — with species, access, tips, and restrictions.
Lake Murray

Angler Tip
SCDNR Fishing Rules
Saluda River

Angler Tip
SCDNR Fishing Rules
Enoree River

Angler Tip
SCDNR Fishing Rules
Sumter National Forest

Angler Tip
SCDNR Fishing Rules
Did We Miss a Spot?

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Local — Newberry and Midlands
Local
SC September fishing outlook: coast heats up, lakes turn
September marks the swing month for South Carolina anglers, when the water begins to cool from its late-summer peak, bait clouds concentrate...
Sep 12, 2026
Local
SC shrimp baiting season opens with 60-day window
South Carolina's recreational shrimp baiting season opened at noon Friday, Sept. 11, giving licensed shrimpers along the entire coast — from Beaufort...
Sep 12, 2026
Local
Santee Cooper Lakes Fishing Heats Up for Catfish, Bream
A public comment period for a proposed red snapper season, which could impact South Carolina anglers, is set to close on August 25. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Fisheries is currently accepting feedback on the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources' Exempted Fishing Permit proposal. If approved, this permit would allow South Carolina to
Aug 24, 2026
Local
Newberry Anglers Urged to Prioritize Summer Safety on Local Waterways
As summer continues to define the landscape of Newberry, local waterways like Lake Murray, the Saluda River, and the Bush River become...
Aug 10, 2026
National — Bass, Fishing Regulations, and Conservation
National
Michigan launches Great Lakes whitefish rescue this fall
Michigan will collect spawning Great Lakes whitefish this fall backed by $350,000 in state funding and Great Lakes Fishery Trust dollars.
Sep 9, 2026
National
Bassmaster Elite 2027 schedule set, Florida opener Feb. 11
The 2027 Progressive Bassmaster Elite Series will run nine events from Feb. 11 through Aug. 22, opening on Lake Okeechobee.
Sep 9, 2026
National
NJ Sea Birds Win Atlantic Fishing Championship
Newberry SC Fishing The New Jersey Sea Birds secured the Atlantic Division Championship on August 24, 2026, capping a weekend that saw them overcome a significant deficit on the final day. The team entered Championship Sunday trailing Lights Out Boston by 275 points but erased that gap within 23 minutes of lines in. The Sea […]
Aug 25, 2026
National
Lights Out Boston Leads Atlantic After Grand Slam
Newberry SC Fishing Lights Out Boston secured a significant lead in the Atlantic Division Championship on Sunday, August 23, 2026, by completing a billfish grand slam. This achievement pushed them to 1,025 points, establishing a 275-point advantage heading into Championship Sunday. The second day of the Atlantic Division Championship weekend in Ocean City saw intense […]
Aug 24, 2026
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South Carolina DNR
SCDNR Regulations
License requirements, bag limits, and size limits for Newberry waters. Always verify current regulations at dnr.sc.gov.
SC Fishing Licenses
SC Resident Annual
Age 16+ required to fish all public waters
$10.00
SC Resident Senior (65+)
Reduced rate for SC residents age 65 and over
$5.00
Non-Resident Annual
Required for all non-SC residents age 16+
$35.00
Non-Resident 3-Day
Short-term license for visiting anglers
$11.00
Free Fishing Days
May 25 (Memorial Weekend) and July 4 — no license required
FREE
Boating Permit (Lakes)
No Spartanburg Water / SJWD permit applies in Newberry County. Follow SCDNR registration rules on Lake Murray and other public water.
Varies
Bag & Size Limits — Newberry Waters
Largemouth Bass
5 combined black bass
Min Size:No statewide minimum; 14" on Lake Blalock and select lakes
Per SCDNR eRegulations. Combined limit includes smallmouth, redeye, spotted.
Smallmouth Bass
See black bass limit
Min Size:12" minimum statewide
Per SC Code 50-13-210. Pacolet and Tyger rivers included in 5-fish combined.
Crappie (Black & White)
20 per day
Min Size:8" minimum statewide
Per SC Code 50-13-220. 8-inch size limit effective 2012.
Blue Catfish
25 per day
Min Size:Only 2 fish over 32" per person
Per SCDNR eRegulations. Lake Edwin Johnson: 3 catfish creel limit.
Bluegill / Bream
30 per day statewide
Min Size:No minimum
Per SCDNR eRegulations. Lake Edwin Johnson: 10 bream creel limit. Redbreast sunfish: 15/day separately.
Trout (all species)
5 per day trout season
Min Size:No minimum (stocked)
Stocking schedule posted by SCDNR each season
Special Rules & Alerts for Newberry Waters
  • Local reservoirs: Boating permit required from Newberry Water. Gas motor HP restrictions — check current Newberry Water rules before launching.
  • Size limits: Confirm black-bass minimums and closures for your specific lake in current SCDNR eRegulations.
  • Lake Craig & Edwin Johnson: No gasoline engines — electric trolling motors only. Lake Edwin Johnson also enforces SCDNR creel limits: 10 bream, 3 bass, 3 catfish.
  • Free Fishing Days 2026: May 25 (Memorial Day weekend) and July 4 — no fishing license required on these two days.
  • Rivers (Pacolet, Tyger, Lawson's Fork): Statewide creel limits apply. No boating permits required. SCDNR fishing license required for anglers 16+.
Regulations shown are for general reference. Always verify current rules with the SC Department of Natural Resources at dnr.sc.gov or by calling the SCDNR Wildlife Helpline. Regulations may change each season. Municipal reservoir rules (Newberry Water, SJWD) are set separately from SCDNR.
Spawn Timing & Key Dates
Season Calendar
Feb – Mar
Crappie Pre-Spawn Begins
Crappie begin staging near structure in 6-10 ft. Lake Cooley and Blalock bridge areas.
All Lakes
Late Mar – Apr
Crappie Spawn Peak
Peak spawn in shallows 2-6 ft. Lake Cooley late March through April. Best crappie fishing of the year.
All Lakes
Mar – May
Largemouth Bass Spawn
Bass move shallow when water reaches 60°F+. Lake Bowen docks and Blalock brush piles.
All Lakes
Apr – May
Bluegill / Bream Spawning
Bream spawn in gravel shallows. Easy catching near Lake Craig ramp and Edwin Johnson pier.
All Lakes
May (SCDNR)
Spring Trout Stocking
SCDNR stocks select Newberry area waters. Check stocking schedule at dnr.sc.gov.
Select Waters
May 25, 2026
Free Fishing Day — Memorial Weekend
No SC fishing license required. All public waters. Great day to introduce new anglers.
Statewide
June – Aug
Summer Bass & Catfish Peak
Fish early/late for bass. Catfish bite all night in summer heat on Lake Bowen and Pacolet.
All Waters
July 4, 2026
Free Fishing Day — Independence Day
No SC fishing license required. All public waters. July 4 Family Fishing Day.
Statewide
Sep – Oct
Fall Bass Turnover & Feed
Lake turnover triggers aggressive bass feeding. Topwater produces in early morning on all Newberry lakes.
All Lakes
Oct – Nov
Fall Crappie Run
Second best crappie window. Fish deeper 12-18 ft as water cools. Lake Cooley points.
All Lakes
Nov (SCDNR)
Fall Trout Stocking
SCDNR fall trout stocking program. Check dnr.sc.gov for Newberry schedule.
Select Waters
Dec (TBD)
Tournament Season Begins
Local bass club tournaments. Check HERE Newberry for local tourney dates.
Local Lakes
Spawn timing is approximate and based on typical Newberry water temperature patterns. Actual timing varies by year and water body. SCDNR trout stocking schedules are published annually — visit dnr.sc.gov for exact dates and stocking locations.
Questions and Answers
Fishing FAQ
Common questions about fishing in the Newberry area, answered.
  • Yes. All anglers age 16 and older need a SC fishing license to fish public waters in Newberry. SC residents pay $10 for an annual freshwater license. Non-residents pay $35 annually or $11 for a 3-day license. Licenses are available at SCDNR.sc.gov or at local sporting goods and tackle shops. Two Free Fishing Days — May 25 (Memorial weekend) and July 4 — require no license.
  • Newberry anglers fish Lake Murray’s upper arms, local ponds, and Broad / Saluda basin water within a short drive — not Spartanburg County municipal reservoirs. See the profiles above for waters listed for this site.
  • Crappie on upper Lake Murray and area ponds spawn from late February through April. Brush and docks in 2–8 feet are the spring pattern.
  • Yes. Murray coves and smaller public ponds near Newberry work well from a kayak when access allows.
  • Area rivers hold largemouth bass, sunfish, and catfish. Bridge access is common — stay within public rights-of-way.
  • Newberry is primarily warmwater fishing. Check SCDNR stocking reports if you plan to travel to Midlands or Upstate trout water.
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Latest Newberry Fishing News

  1. SC September fishing outlook: coast heats up, lakes turn

    September marks the swing month for South Carolina anglers, when the water begins to cool from its late-summer peak, bait clouds concentrate in the creeks and lakes, and…

  2. SC shrimp baiting season opens with 60-day window

    South Carolina’s recreational shrimp baiting season opened at noon Friday, Sept. 11, giving licensed shrimpers along the entire coast — from Beaufort County waters up to the Grand…

  3. Louisiana draws down six waters this fall to slow salvinia

    Louisiana wildlife officials are lowering five lakes and one complex this fall to slow giant salvinia; drawdown windows are now set.

  4. Lackawanna Lake drawdown starts as dam rehabilitation begins

    A drawdown of 198-acre Lackawanna Lake began this week as construction starts on the 69-foot dam and fishing rules have been eased.

  5. Michigan launches Great Lakes whitefish rescue this fall

    Michigan will collect spawning Great Lakes whitefish this fall backed by $350,000 in state funding and Great Lakes Fishery Trust dollars.

  6. Bassmaster Elite 2027 schedule set, Florida opener Feb. 11

    The 2027 Progressive Bassmaster Elite Series will run nine events from Feb. 11 through Aug. 22, opening on Lake Okeechobee.

  7. NJ Sea Birds Win Atlantic Fishing Championship

    The New Jersey Sea Birds secured the Atlantic Division Championship on August 24, 2026, capping a weekend that saw them overcome a significant deficit on the final day.…

  8. Lights Out Boston Leads Atlantic After Grand Slam

    Lights Out Boston secured a significant lead in the Atlantic Division Championship on Sunday, August 23, 2026, by completing a billfish grand slam. This achievement pushed them to…

  9. Santee Cooper Lakes Fishing Heats Up for Catfish, Bream

    A public comment period for a proposed red snapper season, which could impact South Carolina anglers, is set to close on August 25. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric…

  10. Newberry Anglers Urged to Prioritize Summer Safety on Local Waterways

    As summer continues to define the landscape of Newberry, local waterways like Lake Murray, the Saluda River, and the Bush River become popular destinations for anglers. However, the…

  11. Newberry Anglers Urged to Review Summer Safety Guidelines Amid Persistent Heat

    As summer temperatures continue across the Midlands, a comprehensive safety guide has been issued, emphasizing crucial precautions for individuals engaging in fishing activities in and around Newberry. The…

  12. Newberry Anglers Urged to Review Summer Fishing Safety Guide Amid High Temperatures

    As summer temperatures persist across the Midlands, a newly released safety guide is providing essential information for anglers in Newberry and the surrounding areas. The comprehensive document outlines…