Thread: Lakes to fish in 2016

Monticello is a good lake to fish, especially big catfish. It would not be on my list as a residence for several reasons. It is a pump in/out lake for the nuclear plant there so the water goes up and down a good bit every day, plus I would not like to look out on the lake every morning and see that big plant sitting there, safe or not.
Monticello is in a very rural area so access to major facilities and amenities requires a good ride to reach. But, for some it is just the ticket. There is no lake front property that I know of in SC that is not highly inflated because of where it is.
A lake for comparison is Lake Secession in the upstate. No gators there I don't think and it is not too terribly far to a major city (Greenville) and the little town of Abbeville is a delight just to ride through. There is some property for sale on the lake and if there is such a thing as "reasonably priced" waterfront, this would probably be it.
Very good fishing lake for crappie and it is loaded with spotted bass as well.

I'll take a look at Secession and see what is avail. Really appreciate the input. Wouldn't like the fluctuating water level's at all. That is what I'm looking for. Only doing this once. Gotta have a great fishery or I wouldn't be interested. Spent most of my life wishing and prefer to spend the rest fishing. It's The one thing that I could do every day if the weather allows. Thanks again and sorry if I hijacked the thread.

I wouldn't let the alligators scare you from Santee. Since they started a select harvest program a few years back gator sightings are becoming more and more rare. Few lakes can match Santee Coopers beauty, and ability to fish without crowds. I've spent time on most SC lakes, and would recommend Santee first, Clarkshill (Thurmond) secondly. I also enjoy Wateree and Greenwood.

I second what Ink said about the gators. If you locate in a developed area the only way you will see one is to go in the swamp looking for one and then it is no guarantee. We see them in the flooded woods during the summer, but they have never posed a threat and since they started a hunting season on them they are more wary of boats.
I would not let that influence my decision. Heck I've heard of a few being spotted it the upper part of Lake Murray and it is as highly developed as you can get. They would have been way in the back waters if indeed they were actually spotted. Lots of logs get called alligators and every snake is a Water Moccasin (even though 98% are harmless water snakes)

All great input. Not having much luck with lake front property without HOA's and a lot of fees/restrictions. Going to change my strategy some and find a house close to a lake and short travel to a couple of others. I saw where you were located SeaRay and Lexington area looks like good access to several lakes within an hour or so. Also spotted Camden/Lugoff with access to several smaller lakes within an hour of some bigger water also. Have to google them for some info.Decisions decisions.

I LOVE living right here in Elberton. Less than 30 minutes to Clark Hill and Hartwell, and only 10 minutes to Russell. AND....theyre some great fishing lakes too. I dont spend alot of time on Hartwell but it's a superb striper lake. Russell is a trophy striper lake and holds the record on striper, great catfishing and crappie. Bass fishermen LOVE Russell as it's slap full of spots. Clark Hill has it all. Oh yea, you can hunt all the corp property around all those lakes where there's plenty of deer and turkey not to mention the small game (squirrels). Plenty of hogs around the lakes too.

Worth taking a look. I have no family closer than Jacksonville Fl. so I really have no pre-destined location. Main concern is being able to fish at the drop of a hat without driving an hour or more to get to a lake. Any town big enough to have a Wal Mart is big enough for us. I really appreciate the input and will google Elberton. That's what i'm looking for is people who LOVE where they are. Personally I feel like I've been stuck in the desert for 20 years.

Nearly everyone could or would reccomend the area where they live as being the best for an assorted amount of reasons. Gabowman makes some valid points about being near 3 lakes, but looking at Google maps and now knowing what you're looking for I would reccomend the town of Greenwood SC. Small town feel with all the amenities. You are centrally located between some fine major fishing lakes, many of which are considered the best in the state, and many smaller bodies of water if that interest you. Property is reasonably priced, with acreage available, if desired.