Rock Hill SC Fishing Report

Fishing News HERE

• Do I need a fishing license to fish in Rock Hill SC?
  Yes. All anglers 16 and older need a South Carolina fishing license. Licenses are available through SCDNR at dnr.sc.gov or at authorized license agents throughout York County. Annual resident freshwater licenses are available at low cost. Children under 16 fish free. Because Lake Wylie straddles the SC/NC line, anglers fishing both sides should carry both a South Carolina and a North Carolina (NCWRC) license, or remain on the side matching their license.
• What are the best fishing lakes near Rock Hill, SC?
  Rock Hill anglers are within reach of three main public fisheries. Lake Wylie (13,443 acres) on the SC/NC border is the dominant choice — accessible from the Fort Mill (Lake Wylie Dam) public ramp and multiple county landings. Largemouth bass require a 14-inch minimum per SCDNR; spotted/Alabama bass have become the dominant black bass species. Fishing Creek Reservoir downstream is SCDNR-managed with five fish attractors and regular striped bass stocking. The Catawba River through Rock Hill itself is the most convenient — Riverwalk and River Park offer free public bank and ramp access.
• When is the best time to fish for crappie in Rock Hill?
  The best crappie fishing on Lake Wylie is during the spring spawn, mid-March through April when water temperatures reach 58–65 degrees F. Fish move into 2–6 feet of water around brush, dock pilings, and standing timber in the South Fork and Big Allison Creek pockets. Statewide creel is 20 crappie per day with an 8-inch minimum. A second productive run occurs in fall (October–November) when fish stage on brush in 12–18 feet as water cools.
• Can you kayak fish on York lakes?
  Yes — kayak fishing is well-suited for the Rock Hill area. The Catawba River from Lake Wylie Dam through Landsford Canal State Park is a designated SCDNR Scenic River with multiple put-in and take-out points. The Riverwalk Access Area (575 Herrons Ferry Rd) and Catawba Nation Access Area (Charley Horse Rd) are free 24/7 launches. Recreational dam releases Friday through Sunday from late April through September raise the river to ideal float levels. Use caution near the Lake Wylie Dam — SCDNR maintains a warning siren system, but it is only audible near the dam itself.
• What species can I catch on the Catawba River?
  The Catawba River through Rock Hill is a diverse fishery holding largemouth bass, spotted (Alabama) bass, channel catfish, blue catfish, flathead catfish, crappie, bluegill, and redbreast sunfish. Recent SCDNR studies have documented over 31 fish species in this stretch. Largemouth bass do not compete with native smallmouth here, so the population is strong. Kayak and wade access from Riverwalk and Catawba Nation Access produces consistent catches. Float trips during weekend dam releases work spinnerbaits, swimbaits, and topwaters near rocky shoals.
• Do Rock Hill lakes get trout stocked?
  SCDNR does not stock trout in York County — water temperatures and elevation are not suitable. The nearest stocked trout waters are in the upstate mountain zone (Oconee, Pickens, Greenville counties). Annual stocking schedules are posted on the SCDNR website at dnr.sc.gov in the freshwater trout stocking report. Rock Hill anglers wanting cool-water sport fishing typically target striped bass at Fishing Creek Reservoir or downstream Lake Wateree instead.