Tar Lake, South Carolina: Fishing Spots and Seasons

• Overview

  Tar Lake is a Horry County water, South Carolina side. The bank gives way to dry hill. The whole thing is a single swim; walk it in a minute. Most waters listed here for Horry County are larger. Red Hill sits 10 miles from the bank. The big place round here is Wilmington, 80 miles distant. Also on the doorstep: Dill Lake (0.8 miles), Jordan Lake at 1.1 miles, Hemphill Lake (1.9 miles), Judy Lake at 2.1 miles and River Field Lake (2.1 miles). Local rules may differ a few miles either side of here.

• Where to Fish on Tar Lake

  Depth figures are not published for this one. A natural lake fishes on cover, and cover here means weed and timber. On a natural lake the weed line and the shelf beyond it do the work. Fish reported in the area, according to open records, include eastern mudminnow. It is a record of sightings and surveys, so use it as a guide. The shape of Tar Lake rewards a slow walk along one bank.

• Seasonal Patterns

  The warmest month averages 80°F, the coldest about 45°F. There is no frozen season to plan round. March through May is the strongest run, with autumn a second stretch. The cooler months are the comfortable ones to fish here. Expect Tar Lake to follow that timing. A steady wind fishes better than a still, bright day.

• Tackle & Baits

  Nothing on record says whether the bank is open or closed. There is no mapped parking or launch nearby, which keeps numbers down. One rod, a handful of hooks and floats, and a few small lures are enough for this water. Take the rules with you rather than trusting memory. A polite question at the farm gate opens more banks than anything else. Dill Lake at 0.8 miles is the sensible second choice. Treat Tar Lake as unsettled until someone local tells you otherwise.