Florence SC
Fishing
Report
Live conditions, species status, solunar ratings, water body profiles, SCDNR regulations, and community fishing coverage for Florence lakes and rivers.
HEREFlorence is your local source for fishing reports, conditions, and SCDNR regulations across Florence. 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.
- Water temps in the prime range — bass are active on shallow structure. Topwater lures effective morning and evening.
- Calm winds make for ideal casting conditions. Fish will be spooky in clear water — use light line and natural presentations.
- Overcast and light rain conditions are often the best fishing weather. Fish shallow and aggressive — bass are less wary.
- New and full moons are the best fishing phases. Solunar peak periods fall near sunrise and sunset — be on the water at first light.
multiple public landings
Lynches River State Park
Hartsville-area landings (north of Florence)
Duke Energy public landing
limited public access
Know a Florence-area fishing lake, pond, or river stretch that should be on this list? Let us know.
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List Your Guide Service
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Learn About Gear Advertising- Local reservoirs: Boating permit required from Florence Water. Gas motor HP restrictions — check current Florence 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+.
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Yes. All anglers age 16 and older need a South Carolina fishing license to fish public waters in Florence. Licenses are available at dnr.sc.gov or at local sporting goods and tackle shops. Verify current resident and non-resident fees, senior discounts, and free fishing days with SCDNR.
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Florence anglers fish blackwater rivers and nearby reservoirs, not reservoirs from another SC region. The Great Pee Dee River and Lynches River are the core fisheries for largemouth bass, catfish, redbreast sunfish, and crappie, with public landings and Lynches River State Park access. Black Creek offers Hartsville-area landings north of town. Lake Robinson in Darlington County is the closest big reservoir for striped bass. Sparrow Swamp holds warmouth, bowfin, and panfish where public access allows.
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Crappie in the Pee Dee bite best in late winter through early spring as water warms into the upper 50s and low 60s. Target brush, laydowns, and creek mouths on the Great Pee Dee and Lynches, then slide out to Lake Robinson points and channel swings when fish push deeper after the spawn. A second window opens in fall as water cools.
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Yes — kayak fishing fits Florence waters well. The Lynches River State Park corridor and Great Pee Dee public landings support float-and-fish trips for redbreast, bass, and catfish. Black Creek sections near Hartsville are paddle-friendly. Always wear a PFD and check flow after heavy Pee Dee rains.
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The Great Pee Dee holds largemouth bass, channel and blue catfish, crappie, and redbreast sunfish around landings and creek mouths. The Lynches is a classic blackwater redbreast river with largemouth and catfish mixed in, especially around Lynches River State Park. Both rivers fish best on moderate flows — high muddy water after storms can shut the bite down.
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Florence County is warmwater country. SCDNR trout stocking focuses on Upstate and Midlands tailwaters, not Pee Dee blackwater rivers. Confirm any seasonal stocking notices at dnr.sc.gov before planning a trout trip from Florence.
Latest Florence Fishing News
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…
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…
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.
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.
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.
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.
Florence Anglers Advised on Summer Fishing Safety Amid Warm Weather
A new set of recommendations has been issued to help anglers in Florence and the broader Pee Dee region navigate the challenges of summer fishing safely. The guidance…
Florence Anglers Urged to Prioritize Safety During Summer Fishing
As summer temperatures persist across the Pee Dee region, anglers in Florence and surrounding areas are reminded to adhere to essential safety guidelines when fishing local rivers and…
Florence Anglers Urged to Review Summer Fishing Safety Protocols
As summer temperatures persist across Florence and the broader Pee Dee region, a comprehensive safety guide has been issued to assist anglers in mitigating risks associated with fishing…
Florence Guide Outlines Summer Fishing Safety Measures
As summer temperatures persist across the Pee Dee region, a comprehensive guide has been released to help anglers navigate the inherent risks of fishing in warm weather. The…
Florence Anglers Urged to Prioritize Summer Safety on Waterways
As the summer fishing season continues across Florence and the wider Pee Dee region, anglers are reminded to prioritize safety and responsible practices on local waterways. A recent…
Florence Anglers Advised on Summer Fishing Safety Amid Peak Heat
As summer temperatures remain a significant factor for outdoor activities, anglers in Florence and the wider Pee Dee region are encouraged to prioritize safety on the water. A…
