Fishing in the Enoree District of the Sumter National Forest
South Carolina’s Sumter National Forest is a popular recreational area for hiking, fishing, camping, horseback riding, and other outdoor activities. The Enoree Ranger District is located in the central Piedmont area, a short drive from the major population centers of Columbia and Greenville. Fishing is allowed in the three main rivers that flow through the national forest, as well as several small lakes. The fishing areas are managed in cooperation with the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources. A valid South Carolina fishing license is required to fish on National Forest lands.
A small fishing pond is located at Molly’s Rock Picnic Area, once the site of a plantation. The one-acre pond was built in the 1930s by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC). It is run by the ranger district for catfish and there is a 5 fish limit. A fishing pier and restrooms are available on site. No boating or swimming is allowed in the lake. Molly’s Rock is located north of Newberry at US Hwy 176 and Forest Service Road 387.
Canoes and flat-bottomed boats under 14 feet in length are recommended on the Broad, Tyger, and Enoree rivers that flow through the Sumter National Forest. Woods Ferry Recreation Area, near the city of Leeds, allows easy access for fishing and boating on the Broad River on the eastern side of the national forest. Restrooms, water, and picnic facilities are available in the day-use area. Overnight camping is also allowed. River access is also available at the Broad River Boat Ramp east of Monarch Mills. Anglers wishing to launch small boats on the Tyger River can use the gravel boat ramp at Rose Hill Plantation State Historic Site, located on SC Hwy 16. An easily accessible concrete boat ramp is available at Beatty’s Bridge in US Hwy 176 south of Union. The Enoree River can be accessed at various points in the national forest. The ramps are located at the Jones Bridge at SC Hwy 98 and at Forest Service Roads 336A and 339.
Several small lakes in the Sumter National Forest are managed for a variety of fish, including channel catfish and largemouth bass. Only electric motors are allowed on these lakes. The Johns Creek Lake community is located near Cross Keys at SC Hwy 18 and Forest Service Road 347. Sedalia Lake is located near Johns Creek Lake on the same road. Wildcat Lake is also on Forest Service Road 347. Macedonia Lake is located on Forest Service Road 444, approximately 12 miles west of Union. Pittman Lake is located northeast of Whitmire off Highway 72 and Forest Service Road 434. Sumter National Forest maps are available for purchase at district offices and online.