--- title: "Myrtle Beach Fishing" url: https://www.heremyrtlebeach.com/fishing-myrtle-beach-sc/ date: 2026-06-18T12:22:36+00:00 modified: 2026-06-18T12:22:36+00:00 author: "" site: "HERE Myrtle Beach" attribution: "HERE Myrtle Beach" --- # Myrtle Beach Fishing *Source: [HERE Myrtle Beach](https://www.heremyrtlebeach.com/fishing-myrtle-beach-sc/) β€” June 18, 2026 by * HERE Myrtle Beach # Myrtle Beach Fishing Report Live conditions, species status, solunar ratings, water body profiles, SCDNR regulations, and community fishing coverage for Horry lakes and rivers. Bass: Active Crappie: Active Catfish: Hot 9 Waters Profiled **9** Waters Profiled **Live** Conditions **Solunar** Rating **2026** Season First Look β€’ Fishing Conditions πŸŒ’ Waxing Crescent Illumination: 51% Air Temp 90Β°F Est. Water 95Β°F Wind 9 mph Pressure 1013 as of 6:00 PM ET Good β€” increasing moonlight; fish feed actively in the morning and evening hours. 75 GOOD Good fishing. Work structure and cover β€” fish are biting. Horry β€’ Grand Strand SC Your Local *Fishing Resource* HERE Myrtle Beach is your local source for fishing reports, conditions, and SCDNR regulations across Horry. Use the waters list to find lakes, rivers, and reservoirs near you, the regulations section for current limits, and the guides directory to book a trip. Current Conditions β€’ Myrtle Beach Waters Species *Status* Largemouth Bass ACTIVE Summer pattern β€” fish deep structure early and late. Frog fishing on lily pads productive at dawn. **Top Bait**Finesse Jig, Drop Shot **Depth**15-25 ft midday Smallmouth Bass HOT Prime smallmouth season on area rivers. Rocky shoals hold feeding fish. **Top Bait**Tube Jig, Crawfish Pattern, Ned Rig **Depth**Shoal tail-outs, 3-12 ft Crappie ACTIVE Pre-spawn or fall pattern. Crappie suspending over deeper structure. **Top Bait**Small Tube Jig, Live Minnow, Slip Float **Depth**12-20 ft brush Catfish HOT Catfish are highly active in warm water. Night fishing from bank is excellent β€” cut shad and chicken liver. **Top Bait**Cut Shad, Chicken Liver, Prepared Stink Bait **Depth**Channel edges, 10-30 ft Bluegill / Bream HOT Bluegill on the bed β€” largest fish of the year on spawning colonies in 1-4 ft gravel flats. Cricket fishing is magic. **Top Bait**Cricket, Worm, Small Jig (1/32 oz) **Depth**Spawning: 1-4 ft. Non-spawn: dock edges 4-10 ft Trout SLOW No summer trout stocking. Trout season paused β€” check for next stocking dates. **Top Bait**PowerBait, Night Crawler, Inline Spinner **Depth**Stocked areas β€” designated lakes and streams Species status is based on seasonal patterns and current conditions for Horry waters. Always verify SCDNR regulations for creel limits, size minimums, and any current advisories before heading out. [Report a Bite Update](/submit-a-tip/?topic=report-a-bite-update) Fishing Report Partners [Dick's Sporting Goods](https://www.dickssportinggoods.com/c/fishing) [Bass Pro Shops](https://www.basspro.com) [REI Co-op](https://www.rei.com/c/fishing) [Academy Sports](https://www.academy.com/fishing) First Look Weather & *Fishing Conditions* 90F Partly Cloudy Feels like 90Β°F as of 6:00 PM ET Wind 9 mph W Humidity 55% Pressure 1013 hPa Est. Water Temp 95Β°F Moon Waxing Crescent Sunrise / Sunset 10:03 am / 12:29 am Location Myrtle Beach, SC On-the-Water Tips - Hot air temps push fish deep. Fish 12-20 ft ledges and structure in the heat of the day. Early morning and evening are your windows. - Falling barometric pressure activates feeding. Fish are on the move β€” work moving baits and cover water quickly. Solunar Index Fishing *Conditions Dashboard* Air Temperature 90Β°F Warm β€” Fish Deep Wind Speed 9 mph Light Breeze Barometric Pressure 1013 hPa Falling β€” Feeding! Moon Phase πŸŒ’ Good GOOD Good fishing. Work structure and cover β€” fish are biting. Extended Outlook 5-Day Fishing *Forecast* TODAY Chance Showers And Thunderstorms 88Β° / 77Β° 18 mph wind β€’ 0% humidity SLOW JUN Showers And Thunderstorms Likely then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms 84Β° / 75Β° 18 mph wind β€’ 0% humidity SLOW SAT Mostly Sunny 84Β° / 75Β° 8 mph wind β€’ 0% humidity FAIR SUN Mostly Sunny 84Β° / 78Β° 6 mph wind β€’ 0% humidity GOOD MON Chance Showers And Thunderstorms 87Β° / 78Β° 13 mph wind β€’ 0% humidity SLOW Lakes & Rivers Water Body *Profiles* 9 fishing waters within Horry β€” with species, access, tips, and restrictions. Lake Busbee water Angler Tip Field Guide Coming Soon Lake Arrowhead water Angler Tip Field Guide Coming Soon Tanger Family Bicentennial Park Lake water Angler Tip Field Guide Coming Soon Withers Swash water Angler Tip Field Guide Coming Soon Intracoastal Waterway water Angler Tip Field Guide Coming Soon Atlantic Ocean water Angler Tip Field Guide Coming Soon Intracoastal Waterway water Angler Tip Field Guide Coming Soon Waccamaw River water Angler Tip Field Guide Coming Soon Withers Swash water Angler Tip Field Guide Coming Soon Did We Miss a Spot? Know a Myrtle Beach-area fishing lake, pond, or river stretch that should be on this list? Let us know. [Report a Fishing Spot](/submit-a-tip/?topic=report-a-fishing-spot) Local Experts Field *Guides* Hire a local fishing guide and put your line on the right water in Myrtle Beach. Expert captains who know Horry waters. CP Cliff Pitts Veteran Lake Wylie guide specializing in striped bass and crappie. Lake Wylie Catawba River [(803) 555-0100](tel:8035550100) Guide Service or Charter Captain? Get listed in the Field Guides section and reach active anglers across Horry and the HERE City Network. [List Your Guide Service](/contact/) [Launch Special$1 a day for up to 90 days β€” Best deal in Myrtle Beach Reach all the Fishing traffic in Myrtle Beach β€” it’s a deal! Find out how](#fr-banner-form) Launch Special Your Banner *Here* $1/day Up to **90 days** at the launch rate. Cancel anytime. - Drop us your website URL β€” we build the banner for you - Runs above the **Community Reviews** section - No contract. No setup fee. Cancel anytime. - Local Myrtle Beach anglers see your business every visit Your Name * Business Name * Website URL * Email * Phone (optional) How long would you like to reserve it? Daily $1 Weekly $7 30 days $30 60 days $60 90 days $90 Lock in $1/day β€” Build my banner No payment now. We email a preview within one business day. Your launch rate is locked when you approve. Community Reviews I Fished *Here* Share Your Trip Fished a Myrtle Beach-area lake or river? Tell us about it in 280 characters or fewer. Water Body Fished * Select a water body... Lake Busbee Lake Arrowhead Tanger Family Bicentennial Park Lake Withers Swash Intracoastal Waterway Atlantic Ocean Intracoastal Waterway Waccamaw River Withers Swash Other Lake / Pond Other River / Creek Your First Name * How Was the Fishing? * (280 characters max) Species Caught Select species... Largemouth Bass Smallmouth Bass Crappie Catfish Bluegill / Bream Trout Multiple Species Other Lure / Bait That Worked Best Spot / Area on the Water Submit Review Community Here *We...* Reel Them *In...* Big catches, personal bests, and tournament fish from Myrtle Beach anglers. Your First Name * Where Did You Catch It? Species * Select species... Largemouth Bass Smallmouth Bass Crappie Catfish Bluegill Trout Other Weight / Length / Details Tell Us About It * (200 chars max) Photo or Video (optional, max 8MB) Submit Catch Cast Them *Cold...* Your favorite post-fishing spots. Where do you go when the rods are stowed? Your First Name * Bar / Restaurant Name * Go-To Drink Why This Spot? * (200 chars max) Photo of the Bar or Drink (optional, max 8MB) Submit Pick Coverage Fishing News *HERE* Presented by [Become a Sponsor](/section-sponsorship/?section=fishing) Local β€” Myrtle Beach and Grand Strand Coming Soon Local Myrtle Beach Fishing Coverage Coming Soon Local lake reports, stocking news, tournament results, and Grand Strand fishing coverage from the HERE Myrtle Beach newsroom. National β€” Bass, Fishing Regulations, and Conservation Coming Soon National National Fishing Coverage Coming Soon Bass fishing news, conservation legislation, national tournament results, gear reviews, and fishing stories with a Myrtle Beach perspective. [View All Myrtle Beach Fishing Coverage β†’](/tag/fishing-heremyrtlebeach-sc/) More at Outdoor Sports Hunting, camping, hiking, and all outdoor sports coverage for Myrtle Beach and Grand Strand SC [See All at Outdoor Sports](/outdoor-sports/) Partner [Advertise Here](/section-sponsorship/) Tackle, Rods and Reels Essential *Gear HERE* Gear reviews and picks for the Myrtle Beach angler β€” rods, reels, tackle, and kayaks tested for Grand Strand SC waters. Presented by https://www.amazon.com/?tag=heremyrtlebeach-20 Shop our hand-picked fishing gear on Amazon. Free Prime shipping, easy returns. [Become a Sponsor](/section-sponsorship/?section=fishing) Gear Reviews β€” Tested for Grand Strand SC Waters As an Amazon Associate, HERE earns from qualifying purchases. Prices and availability subject to change. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B088K2K149?tag=heremyrtlebeach-20 Fishing Rod Holder Smart Fish Catcher Fishing Pole Holders Automatic Spring Tip-Up Hook with… Rod Hand-picked by the HERE Fishing desk this week. Fishing Rod Holder Smart Fish Catcher Fishing Pole Holders Automatic Spring Tip-Up Hook with…. β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜† 4.6 / 5 $26.96 Best for: Recommended by the HERE Fishing desk [View on Amazon β†’](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B088K2K149?tag=heremyrtlebeach-20) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CQCB1HZ9?tag=heremyrtlebeach-20 HADORAM Robotic Swimming Lure 5.1” Fishing Lure 4-Segement Multi Jointed Swimbait Electric B… Lure Hand-picked by the HERE Fishing desk this week. HADORAM Robotic Swimming Lure 5.1” Fishing Lure 4-Segement Multi Jointed Swimbait Electric B…. β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜† 4.6 / 5 $22.99 Best for: Recommended by the HERE Fishing desk [View on Amazon β†’](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CQCB1HZ9?tag=heremyrtlebeach-20) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08LDZWMKF?tag=heremyrtlebeach-20 Garmin Striker Cast, Castable Sonar, Pair with Mobile Device and Cast from Anywhere, Reel in… Reel Hand-picked by the HERE Fishing desk this week. Garmin Striker Cast, Castable Sonar, Pair with Mobile Device and Cast from Anywhere, Reel in…. β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜† 4.6 / 5 $129.99 Best for: Recommended by the HERE Fishing desk [View on Amazon β†’](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08LDZWMKF?tag=heremyrtlebeach-20) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09BD7YYBJ?tag=heremyrtlebeach-20 Deeper PRO+ 2 Sonar Fish Finder - Portable Fish Finder and Depth Finder For Kayaks, Boats an… Fish Finder Hand-picked by the HERE Fishing desk this week. Deeper PRO+ 2 Sonar Fish Finder - Portable Fish Finder and Depth Finder For Kayaks, Boats an…. β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜† 4.6 / 5 $159.99 Best for: Recommended by the HERE Fishing desk [View on Amazon β†’](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09BD7YYBJ?tag=heremyrtlebeach-20) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DPMC52G7?tag=heremyrtlebeach-20 Chasing Gladius MINI S Upgraded Professional Underwater Drone Set, with 4k Resolution + EIS … Fishing Gear Hand-picked by the HERE Fishing desk this week. Chasing Gladius MINI S Upgraded Professional Underwater Drone Set, with 4k Resolution + EIS …. β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜† 4.6 / 5 $1399.00 Best for: Recommended by the HERE Fishing desk [View on Amazon β†’](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DPMC52G7?tag=heremyrtlebeach-20) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FL28MMF9?tag=heremyrtlebeach-20 【2025 New】FIFISH V-EVO 4K60FPS Underwater Drone with Robotic Arm, with Removable SD Card, QY… Fishing Gear Hand-picked by the HERE Fishing desk this week. 【2025 New】FIFISH V-EVO 4K60FPS Underwater Drone with Robotic Arm, with Removable SD Card, QY…. β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜† 4.6 / 5 $1699.00 Best for: Recommended by the HERE Fishing desk [View on Amazon β†’](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FL28MMF9?tag=heremyrtlebeach-20) Tackle Shop, Guide Service, or Marina? Get featured in the Essential Gear section and reach active anglers across the HERE City Network β€” 100+ cities. [Learn About Gear Advertising](/contact/) South Carolina DNR SCDNR *Regulations* License requirements, bag limits, and size limits for Horry waters. Always verify current regulations at dnr.sc.gov. SC Fishing Licenses SC Resident Annual Age 16+ required to fish all public waters $10.00 SC Resident Senior (65+) Reduced rate for SC residents age 65 and over $5.00 Non-Resident Annual Required for all non-SC residents age 16+ $35.00 Non-Resident 3-Day Short-term license for visiting anglers $11.00 Free Fishing Days May 25 (Memorial Weekend) and July 4 β€” no license required FREE Boating Permit (Lakes) Myrtle Beach Water / SJWD permit required for Lake Bowen, Blalock, Cooley, Lyman Varies Bag & Size Limits β€” Myrtle Beach Waters Largemouth Bass 5 combined black bass **Min Size:**No statewide minimum; 14" on Lake Blalock and select lakes Per SCDNR eRegulations. Combined limit includes smallmouth, redeye, spotted. Smallmouth Bass See black bass limit **Min Size:**12" minimum statewide Per SC Code 50-13-210. Pacolet and Tyger rivers included in 5-fish combined. Crappie (Black & White) 20 per day **Min Size:**8" minimum statewide Per SC Code 50-13-220. 8-inch size limit effective 2012. Blue Catfish 25 per day **Min Size:**Only 2 fish over 32" per person Per SCDNR eRegulations. Lake Edwin Johnson: 3 catfish creel limit. Bluegill / Bream 30 per day statewide **Min Size:**No minimum Per SCDNR eRegulations. Lake Edwin Johnson: 10 bream creel limit. Redbreast sunfish: 15/day separately. Trout (all species) 5 per day trout season **Min Size:**No minimum (stocked) Stocking schedule posted by SCDNR each season Special Rules & Alerts for Myrtle Beach Waters - **Lake Bowen & Blalock:** Boating permit required from Myrtle Beach Water. Gas motor HP restrictions β€” check current Myrtle Beach Water rules before launching. - **Lake Blalock Special:** 14-inch minimum size for black bass. 5 combined black bass daily limit. Check closure status after Hurricane Helene impacts. - **Lake Craig & Edwin Johnson:** No gasoline engines β€” electric trolling motors only. Lake Edwin Johnson also enforces SCDNR creel limits: 10 bream, 3 bass, 3 catfish. - **Free Fishing Days 2026:** May 25 (Memorial Day weekend) and July 4 β€” no fishing license required on these two days. - **Rivers (Pacolet, Tyger, Lawson's Fork):** Statewide creel limits apply. No boating permits required. SCDNR fishing license required for anglers 16+. Regulations shown are for general reference. Always verify current rules with the SC Department of Natural Resources at **dnr.sc.gov** or by calling the SCDNR Wildlife Helpline. Regulations may change each season. Municipal reservoir rules (Myrtle Beach Water, SJWD) are set separately from SCDNR. Spawn Timing & Key Dates Season *Calendar* SC DNR stocks May-June annually SC DNR stocks November-January Bottom fishing with cut bait Spawn timing is approximate and based on typical Horry water temperature patterns. Actual timing varies by year and water body. SCDNR trout stocking schedules are published annually β€” visit dnr.sc.gov for exact dates and stocking locations. Questions and Answers Fishing *FAQ* Common questions about fishing in the Myrtle Beach area, answered. - Do I need a fishing license to fish in Myrtle Beach SC? Yes. All anglers age 16 and older need a SC fishing license to fish public waters in Horry. SC residents pay $10 for an annual freshwater license. Non-residents pay $35 annually or $11 for a 3-day license. Licenses are available at SCDNR.sc.gov or at local sporting goods and tackle shops. Two Free Fishing Days β€” May 25 (Memorial weekend) and July 4 β€” require no license. - What are the best fishing lakes near Myrtle Beach SC? Horry has four public fishing lakes. Lake Bowen (1,534 acres) near Inman is the largest and best for largemouth bass and crappie. Lake Blalock (1,200 acres) near Chesnee is excellent for crappie around the bridge pilings and Buck's Creek. Lake Cooley (330 acres) is the clearest and holds the county's biggest crappie. Lake Lyman (500 acres) produces high numbers of smaller crappie. Lake Craig and Lake Edwin Johnson offer peaceful fishing with electric motors only. All municipal lakes require a boating permit from Myrtle Beach Water or SJWD. - When is the best time to fish for crappie in Myrtle Beach? The best crappie fishing in Horry is during the spring spawn, which typically runs from late March through April when water temperatures reach 55-65 degrees F. Fish move into shallower water (2-6 feet) around structure, brush piles, and bridge pilings. Lake Cooley is the top pick for big crappie during the spawn. Lake Blalock's bridge area and stump flats near the dam are also productive. A second run occurs in fall (October-November) when fish stage deeper at 12-18 feet as water cools. - Can you kayak fish on Horry lakes? Yes β€” kayak fishing is well-suited for Myrtle Beach lakes, especially the smaller electric-only lakes. Lake Craig at Croft State Park offers kayak and canoe rentals ($5 for 2 hours) β€” you can bring your own or rent on-site with no boating permit required for human-powered craft. The Pacolet River and Tyger River system are excellent for kayak fishing β€” both offer scenic float trips combining paddling and bass fishing. The Pacolet River Blueway (50+ miles) includes multiple put-in and take-out points. Electric-only rules at Lake Edwin Johnson also make it kayak-ideal. - What species can I catch in the Pacolet and Tyger Rivers? The Pacolet River is Myrtle Beach's best-kept secret β€” a diverse bass fishery with largemouth, smallmouth, spotted bass, and rock bass in rocky shoals. Catfish (channel, blue, and flathead) are abundant. The Tyger River system features smallmouth bass introduced by SCDNR, Alabama bass, Bartram's bass, largemouth, and various sunfish. Both rivers offer excellent catch-and-release bass fishing exceeding 18 inches. Fly fishing for bass on subsurface patterns is particularly productive on the Pacolet near Glendale Shoals. Access multiple road crossings for wade fishing or run float trips by kayak. - Do Myrtle Beach lakes get trout stocked? SCDNR stocks select Horry waters with trout, typically in spring and fall when water temperatures are suitable. Stocking locations and schedules are posted annually on the SCDNR website at dnr.sc.gov β€” search for the freshwater trout stocking report. The standard trout bag limit is 5 per day during stocking season. Check the current SCDNR schedule for specific lakes and streams stocked near Myrtle Beach. Lake Edwin Johnson (managed by SCDNR) has historically received stocking β€” verify current status with SCDNR. ITS ALL HERE! 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