North Saluda Reservoir in Greenville County: How and When to Fish It

• Overview

  Set in Greenville County, North Saluda Reservoir is a South Carolina water. The surroundings are open plain. It measures some 1,037 acres, and wind has room to build across it. The shoreline runs about 11 miles, so it pays to pick a stretch and stay with it. Of the waters listed here in Greenville County, this is the largest. Supplies mean a trip to Tigerville, 6 miles off. Then Flat Rock, 8.6 miles, and East Flat Rock, 9 miles. Two sets of local rules meet not far from this water.

• Where to Fish on North Saluda Reservoir

  Without a survey to go on, judge depth from how the bank falls away. Rip-rap along the wall holds fish that the open bank never does. Levels move with the draw rather than the rain on water like this. Open biodiversity records for Greenville County list bluegill, redbreast sunfish, seagreen darter and striped jumprock. It is the county picture; the agency list is water-specific. North Saluda Reservoir gives up its fish to patience rather than distance.

• Seasonal Patterns

  July runs about 76°F on average, January about 39°F. Winter is the comfortable season here rather than the difficult one. October and November give a second good stretch as it cools. November and March are the quiet, comfortable months to be out. Time your trip to North Saluda Reservoir by conditions rather than dates.

• Tackle & Baits

  Nothing on record says whether the bank is open or closed. There is no recorded infrastructure here; expect to find your own way in. For the bass here, soft plastics worked slow along cover and a spinnerbait for searching do most of the work. Ask in the nearest town if you are unsure. Some ground is open by custom rather than by right, so tread carefully. Lake Shelia at 3 miles is the sensible second choice. Rules at North Saluda Reservoir are worth checking on the day.