UTERAmerican shad fishing in South Carolina freshwater
In South Carolina freshwater, American shad peak March–April and are around February–May, according to Fish Scouter's month-by-month season calendar. March: Santee and Edisto shad below the dams.
Not in South Carolina freshwater this month.
American shad in South Carolina freshwater, month by month
- JanuaryNot here
- FebruaryArriving
- MarchPeakSantee and Edisto shad below the dams.
- AprilPeak
- MayLeaving
- JuneNot here
- JulyNot here
- AugustNot here
- SeptemberNot here
- OctoberNot here
- NovemberNot here
- DecemberNot here
Where to fish American shad near Santee Cooper, Lake Murray, Lake Hartwell
Santee Cooper's blues, stripers and bass, Murray's stripers, Hartwell and the upstate highland lakes, blackwater rivers for redbreast, and Chattooga trout.
What to use for American shad
- Leader10–20 lb fluorocarbon
- Hook#2–3/0
- Jig head1/8–1/2 oz
- Braid10–30 lb
Feeds in 50–72°F water, best at 58–68°F.
Questions anglers ask
When is the best time to catch American shad in South Carolina freshwater?
Peak season is March–April. American shad are in South Carolina freshwater February–May. March: Santee and Edisto shad below the dams.
Where do American shad hold in South Carolina freshwater?
Look on river, bridge — around Santee Cooper, Lake Murray, Lake Hartwell, Lake Keowee, Edisto River, Chattooga River.
What is the best bait for American shad in South Carolina freshwater?
Tackle: leader 10–20 lb fluorocarbon, hook #2–3/0, jig head 1/8–1/2 oz, braid 10–30 lb.
What are the rules for American shad in South Carolina freshwater?
Size and bag limits and closed seasons are set by the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR) and change — read the current rule at https://www.dnr.sc.gov/regulations.html before you keep a fish. A licence is sold at https://www.dnr.sc.gov/licensing.html.
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All about American shad · South Carolina fresh water, the whole year