Catfish Fishing Regulations in South Carolina: What Every Angler Needs to Know
July 1, 2026
South Carolina is one of the Southeast’s premier catfish destinations, home to legendary waters that have produced world-record fish and continue to draw anglers from across the country. Whether you’re targeting trophy blue cats on the Santee Cooper lakes or running trotlines on a Lowcountry river, understanding the state’s catfish regulations is not optional — it’s the foundation of every legal, responsible trip.
The rules governing catfish in South Carolina cover bag limits, size restrictions, legal gear, and licensing requirements that vary by water body. This guide breaks down everything you need to know before you launch the boat or bait the first hook, based on the 2025–2026 South Carolina Hunting and Fishing Regulations Guide. Always verify current rules directly with the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR) before heading out, as regulations can change.
Important Note: The 2025–2026 SCDNR regulations guide is effective August 14, 2025, through August 14, 2026. A proposed legislative amendment (SC Bill 337, last amended April 15, 2026) would raise the statewide blue catfish daily limit to 75 fish on waters outside Lake Marion, Lake Moultrie, and the upper Santee River, but verify its final status with SCDNR before relying on it.
Catfish Species Found in South Carolina
South Carolina’s rivers, reservoirs, and coastal plain waterways support several catfish species that attract both recreational and trophy-oriented anglers. Knowing which species you’re likely to encounter helps you match your tactics to the fish and understand which regulations apply.
The blue catfish (Ictalurus furcatus) is the dominant trophy species in the state. Blue catfish can grow to massive sizes in South Carolina waters, with fish over 50 pounds caught regularly. They thrive in large impoundments and river systems, particularly in the Santee Cooper complex. Santee Cooper (Lakes Marion and Moultrie) produced the IGFA all-tackle world-record channel catfish (58 lb) and multiple striped bass records.
The channel catfish (Ictalurus punctatus) is the most widely distributed catfish in the state and the most common target for everyday anglers. Channel cats populate virtually every public reservoir, river, and even smaller impoundments stocked by SCDNR. SCDNR’s Urban Fishing Program stocks ponds with channel catfish and rainbow trout for family-friendly angling.
The flathead catfish (Pylodictis olivaris) rounds out the primary trio. Flatheads favor large rivers with slow-moving water, deep holes, and heavy cover. They are ambush predators that strongly prefer live bait, which sets them apart from blue and channel cats. Blackwater coastal plain rivers are productive habitat for catfish and bass alike. You’ll also occasionally encounter hardhead catfish and gafftopsail catfish in tidal and saltwater areas, though possession of hardhead and gafftopsail saltwater catfish is prohibited in South Carolina.
Catfish Season Dates in South Carolina
One of the best aspects of catfish fishing in South Carolina is that there is no closed season for freshwater catfish species. You can legally target blue, channel, and flathead catfish year-round on all public freshwaters of the state.
Catfish fishing is open year-round, with peak activity running from May through October. Summer nights are particularly productive, as warming water temperatures push catfish into shallower feeding zones. Strong nighttime catfish patterns are a consistent feature of South Carolina’s warm months.
Fall and winter bring their own opportunities. Productive catfish opportunities continue in major impoundments through the cooler months. Deep channel edges and dam tailraces hold fish when surface temperatures drop. For trophy catfish, drifting cut bait on Lake Marion and Lake Moultrie channel edges and flats is a proven approach.
Pro Tip: Trotline rules change by season. From April 1 through October 1, trotlines must be sunk to the bottom or at least four feet below the surface during daylight hours. From October 2 through March 31, trotlines may remain in the water 24 hours a day at any depth.
Daily Bag Limits for Catfish in South Carolina
South Carolina applies different daily bag limits depending on the water body and the species. Statewide general limits apply to most public waters, but several named waters — especially in the Santee Cooper system — carry stricter special regulations.
On all waters of the state, the possession limit for blue catfish is no more than two fish over 32 inches, with a total possession limit of 25 per person per day. This is the baseline rule that applies across most public freshwaters. On the Santee Cooper lakes (Marion and Moultrie), the combined catfish daily limit is 25 per day, with only 2 fish over 32 inches permitted.
The table below summarizes the key daily bag limits for catfish across South Carolina’s major water bodies, based on the 2025–2026 regulations guide.
| Water Body | Daily Bag Limit | Size/Trophy Restriction |
|---|---|---|
| Most public freshwaters (statewide) | 25 blue catfish per day | No more than 2 over 32 inches |
| Lake Marion & Lake Moultrie (Santee Cooper) | 25 combined catfish per day | No more than 2 over 32 inches |
| Pee Dee River (NC border to Hwy 301 bridge) | 25 blue catfish per day | No more than 2 over 32 inches |
| Congaree and Wateree Rivers | 25 blue catfish per day | No more than 2 over 32 inches |
| Channel and flathead catfish (statewide) | No statewide limit specified | Check SCDNR for water-specific rules |
Note that a proposed amendment (SC Bill 337) would provide for a daily limit of 75 blue catfish in state waterways other than Lake Marion, Lake Moultrie, and the upper reach of the Santee River. As of June 2026, this bill was last amended on April 15, 2026, and was still residing in the Senate. Confirm its current status with SCDNR before relying on any change to the statewide limit. For comparison, you can also review catfish regulations in North Carolina and catfish regulations in Georgia to understand how neighboring states manage their fisheries.
Size and Length Limits for Catfish in South Carolina
South Carolina does not impose a minimum length limit on catfish for most waters — meaning you can legally keep fish of any size up to the daily bag limit. The size-related restriction that does exist focuses on protecting large, trophy-class blue catfish rather than setting a minimum keeper size.
The possession limit for blue catfish over 32 inches is no more than two fish per person per day, statewide. This slot-style trophy limit applies across all public freshwaters, including the Santee Cooper system, the Pee Dee River corridor, and the Congaree and Wateree rivers. The intent is to protect the largest, most reproductively valuable fish in the population while still allowing generous harvest of smaller fish.
When measuring catfish to determine compliance, total length is measured from the tip of the snout with the mouth closed to the tip of the tail, with the tail pinched. All freshwater fish species in South Carolina are measured using total length.
Key Insight: If you catch a blue catfish over 32 inches and already have two such fish in your possession, you must release it immediately. SCDNR encourages catch-and-release for trophy blue catfish. Practicing voluntary release of large fish beyond the legal limit helps sustain the population that makes South Carolina a world-class catfish destination.
For anglers interested in how South Carolina’s approach compares to other states, see our guides on catfish regulations in Virginia and catfish regulations in Florida.
Legal Methods for Catching Catfish in South Carolina
South Carolina allows a wide range of fishing methods for catfish, from standard rod and reel to traditional nongame fishing devices like trotlines and jug lines. However, many of these methods require additional permits beyond a standard fishing license, and specific gear rules apply to each device.
Rod and Reel Fishing
Standard rod and reel fishing with a single hook or multiple hooks on a line is legal for catfish throughout the state. Stainless steel hooks are prohibited statewide. Hooks used in Lakes Marion and Moultrie only must measure 7/16 inch or less between point and shank. Cut bait, chicken liver, stink bait, and live bream are all effective and legal options on most waters.
Trotlines
Trotlines are a popular and legal method for catfish in South Carolina’s rivers and reservoirs, but they come with detailed requirements. A nongame fishing permit and tags are required, in addition to a valid South Carolina fishing license, to use up to 3 trotlines with not more than 150 hooks for recreational purposes.
A trotline tag is required for each trotline with up to 50 hooks. Trotlines with more than 50 hooks require a tag for every 50 hooks or less. Trotlines must be inspected and fish removed at least every 24 hours. No trotlines are allowed within 100 feet of the mouth of any tributary stream.
Bait rules for trotlines are also specific. The only permitted baits for trotlines, set hooks, and jugs are: soap, dough balls, nongame fish or bream cut into two or more equal parts, shrimp, meat scraps (not including insects, worms, or other invertebrates), and grapes. On the Black, Great Pee Dee, Little Pee Dee, Lumber, Lynches, and Waccamaw rivers, live nongame fish and bream (excluding redbreast) may be used on a trotline having not more than 20 hooks with a shank-to-point gap of fifteen-sixteenths inches or greater.
Jug Fishing
Jug fishing is a beloved tradition on South Carolina’s catfish waters. A jug permit is required, allowing up to 50 jugs per licensee, subject to the specific body of water. All jugs used in freshwaters must be between a minimum capacity of one pint and a maximum capacity of one gallon, with the licensee’s name and SCDNR customer identification number clearly marked on each jug. All jugs must be removed from the water no later than one hour after sunrise each day and may not be placed in the water earlier than one hour before official sunset.
The attachment of more than one hook and line to a jug fishing device is prohibited. Permits and tags can be purchased through any regional SCDNR office, online, or by calling 803-734-3833.
Other Legal Devices
A recreational fisherman may also use the following devices for taking nongame fish (including catfish) in waters where they are permitted: archery equipment, cast net, gig, hoop net (one), set hooks (up to 50), seine, skimbow net, spear, traps (up to two), and landing net.
Nongame fishing devices of any kind may not be used in SCDNR State Managed Lakes. Nongame fish may not be taken by explosives, electrical devices, poison, or similar means. Always check the nongame device limits by location on the eRegulations site before deploying any gear, as device types and quantities vary by water body. For a look at how other states handle these methods, see our guide on catfish regulations in Illinois.
Fishing License Requirements for Catfish in South Carolina
A valid South Carolina fishing license is required to catfish on any public water in the state. South Carolina requires anglers aged 16 and older to possess a valid fishing license, which can be obtained online through the SCDNR website or at authorized retailers. Children under 16 do not need a license but must still follow all size and bag limit rules.
License fees as of the 2025–2026 season are as follows, per Fishing World Guide (last updated April 18, 2026):
- Resident freshwater annual: $10
- Resident combination (freshwater + saltwater): $25
- Non-resident freshwater annual: $35
- Non-resident 14-day freshwater: $11
- Residents 64 and older qualify for a $9 Gold lifetime license covering almost everything.
A fishing license is required of all persons who fish nongame fishing devices such as trotlines and jug lines — this includes anglers under 16 when using those devices. Tags, permits, and commercial freshwater fishing licenses are available by visiting any regional SCDNR office, through the internet, or by writing to: SCDNR-License Section, PO Box 167, Columbia, SC 29202-0167, or calling 803-734-3833.
No license is required when fishing in privately owned ponds or lakes, provided the waterbody is entirely enclosed within the property and does not connect to public waterways. For a full breakdown of South Carolina’s license types and exemptions, see our detailed guide on fishing license requirements in South Carolina. You can also compare requirements in nearby states through our guides on North Carolina catfish regulations and Georgia catfish regulations.
Pro Tip: You can purchase your license in person from 800+ agents, including Walmart, Bass Pro Shops, and county clerk offices. Save your license digitally on the SC Fish and Hunt App, which also provides real-time regulation updates.
Best Catfish Fishing Spots in South Carolina
South Carolina’s geography — from Upstate reservoirs to coastal plain rivers and tidal blackwater systems — gives catfish anglers a remarkable range of options. The following waters consistently produce the best results for all three major species.
Santee Cooper Lakes (Lake Marion and Lake Moultrie)
The Santee Cooper complex is the crown jewel of South Carolina catfish fishing. Santee Cooper (Lakes Marion and Moultrie) produced the IGFA all-tackle world-record channel catfish and multiple striped bass records, and it was the first landlocked striper population in the US. Blue catfish in the 50-pound-plus class are caught with regularity here. Cut bait, chicken liver, and live bream are top producers. Fish deep holes, river channels, and dam tailraces for best results. Note that special bag and hook-size regulations apply on these lakes, so review them carefully before fishing.
Lake Murray
Lake Murray, in the Columbia area, is renowned for striped bass, largemouth bass, and catfish. The reservoir’s deep channels and creek arms hold blue and channel catfish throughout the year. Drift fishing with cut shad along the main channel edges is a reliable technique, particularly from late spring through early fall.
Lake Wateree
Lake Wateree is a Midlands reservoir known for consistent bass, crappie, and catfish action. The lake’s abundant timber, flooded structure, and nutrient-rich water create ideal habitat for both channel and blue catfish. Night fishing with stink bait or cut bream near submerged timber is especially productive during summer.
Coastal Plain Rivers
The Great Pee Dee, Little Pee Dee, Black, Waccamaw, and Edisto rivers all support strong catfish populations, particularly flathead catfish. Blackwater coastal plain rivers are productive for catfish throughout the year. These rivers also allow the use of live nongame fish and live bream on set hooks and trotlines under specific gear rules, giving anglers more bait options than on most other waters. The Congaree River below the I-77 bridge is another productive stretch, particularly for blue cats in the river’s deep holes and channel bends.
Lake Hartwell
Lake Hartwell is an Upstate border lake known for excellent bass, crappie, and hybrid striped bass — but it also holds a solid population of blue and channel catfish. The lake’s rocky points, creek channel intersections, and dam tailwater all produce fish. The Hartwell tailwater on the Savannah River below the dam is a particularly strong flathead fishery in cooler months.
For more South Carolina fishing resources, explore our guides on bass fishing regulations in South Carolina, bass fishing season in South Carolina, and trout fishing season in South Carolina. If you fish multiple states, our catfish regulation guides for Missouri, Indiana, and Pennsylvania are also worth bookmarking.
South Carolina’s catfish fishery rewards anglers who take the time to learn the rules. The state’s combination of trophy-class blue cats, accessible channel catfish, and hard-fighting flatheads makes it one of the best catfish destinations in the Southeast. Verify current regulations at the SCDNR regulations page before every trip, and always carry your license and any required nongame device permits on the water.