Fishing Semmes Lake in Richland County, South Carolina

• Overview

  South Carolina holds Semmes Lake, in Richland County. It lies 200 feet above sea level. Around 29 acres of surface means several distinct areas to work. For a base, Forest Acres sits 3 miles out. Woodfield is 3.7 miles and Dentsville 4.1 miles. The line between counties passes nearby, which can change who manages the water. The approach is plain, and a car park is not always part of it.

• Where to Fish on Semmes Lake

  Our records carry no depth, so judge it from the bank. Draw-down through summer strips the margins, so follow the water out. The arms fish better than the open middle whenever the water is up. Records collected within a few miles name bluegill, yellow bullhead and redbreast sunfish. Presence in the area does not guarantee a fish on the day. The near bank of Semmes Lake is often the one people ignore.

• Seasonal Patterns

  The range across the year is 44°F to 82°F. Winter is a mild inconvenience here, nothing more. The first and last hours carry the summer; the middle is slow. April and May are the settled weeks, with October close behind. Expect Semmes Lake to follow that timing. Wind on the bank for a day or two lifts the fishing there.

• Tackle & Baits

  The rules here are undocumented as far as public sources go. You will be walking about half a mile from the nearest car park. Public data records a pier about half a mile out. For the bass here, soft plastics worked slow along cover and a spinnerbait for searching do most of the work. Some banks are open only from a marked point. Some water is controlled locally without a sign saying so. Failing this one, try Upper Legion Lake, 0.7 miles away. Nothing here settles the position at Semmes Lake for certain.