Lexington, SC 12/29/2021 – Just before Christmas, the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR) Freshwater Fisheries Section started the process of stocking thousands of catchable-sized (8 – 11-inch) trout into the Lower Saluda River near Lexington and Columbia. This prized trout fishery is accessible off Corley Mill Road, Old Bush River Road, and at several other points in Lexington and Richland counties.
The rainbow and brown trout were raised and transported from the Walhalla State Fish Hatchery in Oconee County. They are delivered by trucking the fish to multiple locations along the Lower Saluda River. The cold waters released from the bottom of Lake Murray provide suitable habitat for the trout creating a unique and very popular fishery in the Midlands of South Carolina.
SCDNR stocks nearly 30,000 trout each year in the lower Saluda from December through February in what's called a "put, grow and take" fishery. This relies on stocking to maintain the fish populations. Trout grow rapidly after stocking and can exceed 20 inches in one to two years. This is considered trophy size for this type of fishery.
Anglers should keep in mind that the lower reach of the Saluda River, from the eastbound I-20 bridge downstream to Stacey's Ledge, is year-round catch and release fishing for all species of coldwater trout. It is unlawful to take and retain trout at any time in this particular section of the river.
In order to learn more about fishing for trout in the Lower Saluda, follow this link to the SCDNR’s Trout Book on their website (LINK).
Comments