Spring Lake Fishing Guide, Richland County, South Carolina

• Overview

  Richland County in South Carolina is where Spring Lake sits. Land around it is oak and grass. Roughly 37 acres: a morning covers one end, an afternoon the other. On our Richland County list it sits near the top for size. Supplies mean a trip to Dentsville, 1.6 miles off. It is 5 miles to Columbia, the nearest city. This one sits near enough to a boundary to be worth checking.

• Where to Fish on Spring Lake

  Our records hold no depth for this water. Look for where the old bank line still shows under the surface. The old creek line under the surface is the feature worth finding. Fish reported in the area, according to open records, include black crappie, redbreast sunfish, yellow perch, bluegill and channel catfish. Treat it as evidence of what swims in the area. Spring Lake gives up its fish to patience rather than distance.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Between January at about 44°F and July at about 82°F, the water has a wide range to work through. The hard part of the year is the heat, not the cold. Late winter and spring fish steadiest here. February into May fishes hardest as the water warms. That is the shape of the year on Spring Lake.

• Tackle & Baits

  There is no clear statement anywhere on who can fish it. The closest car park is half a mile away, so pack accordingly. There is a pier recorded roughly half a mile away. For the bass here, soft plastics worked slow along cover and a spinnerbait for searching do most of the work. Look for a notice board at the entrance. Some water is controlled locally without a sign saying so. Failing this one, try Rockford Lake, 0.6 miles away. Rules at Spring Lake are worth checking on the day.