Fishing at Ballington Pond, Lexington County, South Carolina

• Overview

  Set in Lexington County, South Carolina, this is Ballington Pond. Elevation runs to 282 feet. The nearest place of any size is Red Bank, 4.5 miles away. South Congaree lies 7.6 miles off, Lexington another 7.9 miles. If this one is busy: Bachman Ponds within 0.6 miles, Redmonds Pond 1.3 miles away, Shealy Pond within 1.4 miles, Redmond Pond 1.6 miles away and Durham Pond within 2.3 miles. It lies deep inside the county rather than near an edge.

• Where to Fish on Ballington Pond

  There is no published depth for this one, so start shallow and work out. Levels move with the draw rather than the rain on water like this. Held water runs deepest at the wall and shallows back to the inflow. Records collected within a few miles name redbreast sunfish, largemouth bass, warmouth, bluegill and margined madtom. Reported species tell you what lives around here, nothing more. Fish Ballington Pond where the bottom changes rather than where it looks deep.

• Seasonal Patterns

  The range across the year is 44°F to 80°F. Winter is a mild inconvenience here, nothing more. Shade and hour of day matter more than month. June to September is hot work, so the first and last hours are what count. Keep it in mind when planning a trip to Ballington Pond. The first warm days of the year bring fish shallow quickly.

• Tackle & Baits

  There is no clear statement anywhere on who can fish it. Access points are not mapped for this water, which suits people who like quiet. Largemouth respond to soft plastics tight to cover; go weedless where the growth is heavy. Rules differ from one water to the next round here. Access can change hands, so last year's answer may not hold. Failing this one, try Bachman Ponds, 0.6 miles away. The position on Ballington Pond is worth confirming on the day.