Destination Fishing

The Santee-Cooper Lakes offers some of the best freshwater fishing in the state. We have a wide variety of campgrounds, boat ramps, marinas, and fishing guides that will make it easy for you to enjoy a waterfront getaway.

The Santee-Cooper Lakes

In December 1941 as a part of the New Deal, the Santee Cooper Lakes were created by damning the Santee and Cooper Rivers. The system consists of two lakes connected by a 6.5-mile diversion canal. These lakes, named after Revolutionary War heroes General Francis Marion and General William Moultrie, are home to endless past times from water sports to sightseeing along with some of the nation’s best fishing.

Lake Marion is the northernmost of the two lakes. Covering 110,000 acres and stretching across five different counties, it holds the title of the largest lake in South Carolina with acres of cypress-covered swamp land and open water to explore. Lake Moultrie is the southernmost lake, covering 60,000 acres. 

Because construction occurred during World War II, labor was scarce, and Lake Marion had only a partial clearing of trees before impoundment. The trees, stumps and other underbrush left beneath the surface provide much-desired cover for a wide variety of fish species. 

As one of the best fisheries in the nation, the Santee Cooper Lakes are a prime location for tournament fishermen. We are proud to partner with tournaments that range from open team competitions to elite level anglers giving everyone an opportunity to enjoy the lakes! Check out our social media (Destination Clarendon, SC) to stay up to date on tournament results. 

2023 Tournament Schedule

March 4 – Major League Fishing (MLF) BFL, John C Land Landing
March 18 – Fishers of Men, John C Land Landing
March 25 – Bassmaster State HS Championship, John C Land Landing
April 1 – Hobie BOS – Queen City Kayak Bass Fishing
April 8 – Kayak Bass Fishing
April 15 – Santee Cooper Open Team Tournament, John C Land Landing
April 22 – CBC – Carolina Bass Challenge, John C Land Landing
April 27-30 – Bassmaster Elite Series, John C Land Landing
May 6 – Phantom Open Team Tournament, John C Land Landing
May 13 – Fishers of Men, John C Land Landing
May 25-27 -NPFL – National Professional Fishing League, John C Land Landing
June 3 – Woods to Water, John C Land Landing
October 7 – Queen City Kayak Bass Fishing

Learn More

Learn more about Fishing Rules & Regulations

Purchase a map of The Santee Cooper Lakes

One-sided 24″x36″ Waterproof & Tear Resistant Map! GPS Compatible, Marina Listings, Boat Ramps, Lake Structure, Road Networks and more!