Honey Lake Fishing in Marion County, South Carolina

• Overview

  Honey Lake lies within the bounds of Marion County, South Carolina. It sits at 7 feet above sea level. Small at around 14 acres: two anglers spread out cover most of it. On our Marion County list it sits near the top for size. Johnsonville sits 5 miles from the bank. Red Hill is 12 miles and Pamplico 14 miles. Rules can differ a short way off, since the county line is near.

• Where to Fish on Honey Lake

  Nothing in our records gives a depth for this one. Where the bottom changes texture, fish gather; find that line. Weed, then depth: that is the order to fish a water of this kind. Documented catches and surveys in the area cover common carp, flathead catfish, longnose gar, shorthead redhorse and snail bullhead. Check the state or provincial list before planning around one species. Read Honey Lake before you fish it and the day goes better.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Expect July near 80°F and January near 45°F on the long-run figures. No part of the year shuts this water. March through May is the strongest run, with autumn a second stretch. June to September is hot work, so the first and last hours are what count. Expect Honey Lake to follow that timing.

• Tackle & Baits

  The paperwork position is blank for this one. Mapping classes it as an oxbow: an old river bend cut off from the main channel. We find no slipway, car park or made path within a short radius, so treat access as rough. Catfish want bait on the bottom: cut bait or worms, a simple running rig, and patience after dark. Sort the permit out before you load the car. Where parking is tight, arriving early solves most problems. Crooked Lake sits 1 mile off and takes the overflow. Check the position on Honey Lake before loading the car.