GUIDE TO FRESHWATER FISHES - www.dnr.sc.gov/aquaticed - North Inlet-Winyah Bay
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Soulitnha’s GUIDE TO
Caro
FRESHWATER FISHES
www.dnr.sc.gov/aquaticed
SOUTH CAROLINA DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES
The South Carolina Department of Natural Resources has information to help you learn more about the aquatic
environment.
Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries 803-734-3886 Freshwater Fish Records 803-734-3891
Aquatic Education 803-737-8483 Licensing Information 803-734-3833
Boater Education 800-277-4301
For information on FREE FISHING DAYS, call the Office of Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries at the number above.
To speak to a Fisheries professional in your area, call the Freshwater Fisheries Office nearest you.
Region 1 Region 3
311 Natural Resources Dr. (Oconee, Pickens, 1000 Assembly Street (Newberry, Saluda, Aiken,
Greenville, Spartanburg, Lexington, Richland,
Clemson, SC 29631 PO Box 167
Anderson, Laurens, Calhoun, Orangeburg,
864-654-1671 Abbeville, Greenwood, Columbia, SC 29202 Barnwell, Allendale,
Union, Cherokee, 803-955-0462 Bamberg, Sumter and
McCormick and Edgefield) Clarendon)
Region 2 Region 4
295 S. Evander Drive (York, Chester, Fairfield, 217 Ft. Johnson Road (Horry, Hampton,
Florence, SC 29506 Lancaster, Kershaw, Lee, Georgetown, Berkeley,
PO Box 12559
Chesterfield, Marlboro, Charleston, Dorchester,
843-661-4767 Charleston, SC 29422
Darlington, Dillon, Colleton, Jasper and
Florence, Marion and 843-825-3387 Beaufort)
Williamsburg)
Table of Contents
Basic Fish Information.................... 2 Salmonid............................ 50 Livebearer........................... 84
Rainbow Trout Eastern Mosquitofish
Aquatic Education Programs............ 5
Brook Trout
Sunfish & Black Bass............ 6 Eel .................................... 86
Brown Trout
Largemouth Bass American Eel
Pike.................................... 56
Smallmouth Bass Sturgeon ........................... 88
Chain Pickerel
Redeye Bass Atlantic Sturgeon
Redfin Pickerel
Spotted Bass Shortnose Sturgeon
Bluegill Herring & Shad................... 60
Angler Ethics............................... 92
Redear American Shad
Redbreast Gizzard Shad Catch and Release Tips................. 93
Warmouth Threadfin Shad Invasive Species........................... 94
Pumpkinseed Hickory Shad
Spotted Sunfish Blueback Herring Rules & Regulations FAQs............ 96
Green Sunfish Bowfin................................ 70
Flier Bowfin
Black Crappie Indicates Native Species
White Crappie Sucker................................ 72
Spotted Sucker Native fish is defined as an organ-
Temperate Bass.................. 34
Striped Bass Gar.................................... 74 ism or species found naturally in
Hybrid Striped Bass Longnose Gar South Carolina or known to have
White Bass occurred in South Carolina prior to
Perch................................. 76 the first European settlers.
White Perch Yellow Perch
Catfish & Bullhead.............. 42 Walleye
Blue Catfish Minnow.............................. 80 Learn about SC Reel
Flathead Catfish Common Carp Kids and other free
Yellow Bullhead Grass Carp fishing programs at
Channel Catfish
www.dnr.sc.gov/aquaticed
1
Basic Fish Information
Fish are vertebrates, meaning they have a backbone. All fish have fins and most have scales (with a few exceptions, such as cat-
fish which do not). Fish are cold blooded animals that lay eggs and are well suited for living in water. Learn about the different
fish adaptations below that allow a fish to survive in water.
External Anatomy
Eyes: Used for sight, fish can detect colors and see short distances with their eyes. They use their vision to es-
cape predators and find food.
Nares: Similar to nostrils, except nares are used for smelling only (nostrils are used for both smelling and breath-
ing).
Mouth: The mouth is used to consume food.
Operculum: The operculum is the bony flap that protects the gills from harm. It opens and closes to allow water to pass over
the gills.
Pectoral Fin: The pectoral fin allows for abrupt changes in side-to-side direction and speed. It also acts as a brake to
decrease speed while swimming.
Pelvic Fin: The pelvic fin stabilizes the fish while swimming and allows for up-and-down movement in the water.
Vent: The vent removes waste and extra water. It is also the outlet for eggs or milt (sperm) during spawning.
Anal Fin: The anal fin stabilizes the fish while swimming.
Caudal Fin: The caudal fin moves, propels or pushes the fish through the water.
2
Dorsal Fin
Lateral Line Spiny Soft
Caudal Fin
Eye
Nares
Mouth
Gills
Operculum (underneath
Anal Fin
operculum) Vent
Pelvic Fin Pecteral Fin
3
Basic Fish Information
Adipose Fin: The adipose fin is not pictured; it is not present on a lot of fish species. Its purpose is unknown. Trout, salmon and catfish
have an adipose fin. It is the small, thick, fleshy fin located between the dorsal and caudal fins.
Dorsal Fin: The dorsal fin helps maintain balance while swimming.
Scales: Scales protect the fish from injury.
Barbels Barbels are not pictured. They are the "whiskers" found on the head area of fish such as catfish or bullheads. On the catfish
and bullheads, barbels are thought to be a sensory organ to help track down prey or food. Sturgeon also have barbels.
Internal Anatomy
Gills: Gills are the feathery tissue structure that allows fish to breathe in water. Water flows in through their mouth and over their
gills where oxygen is extracted and passed into the bloodstream.
Swim Bladder: The swim bladder is a long, skinny organ that can inflate/deflate with air allowing fish to float at different levels in the water
column.
Fish Senses
Eyesight: Fish can see in two directions (one eye focusing on an object independent of the other whereas human eyes can only focus
on one object at a time).
Hearing: Fish have ears but not external ear openings like humans do. Their ears lack a middle and outer ear because sound travels
faster in water than in air. Fish have internal ears with pairs of inner ear bones called otoliths. The otoliths allow fish to sense
sounds in the water. Fisheries biologists use these bones (otoliths) to age fish and determine the health of fish populations.
Smell: Fish use their sense of smell to locate food and to aid in migrating.
Taste: Some fish have taste buds, however, they are located on the outside of the fish’s head and fins in small pores. Some fish,
such as catfish, have a very developed sense of taste.
Lateral Line: The lateral line, found alongside a fish’s body from the operculum to the tail (caudal fin), senses vibrations or movements in
the water. It allows fish to locate predators and find prey. This system is made up of a series of fluid-filled canals just below
the skin of the fish’s head and alongside the body. The canals are filled with tiny hair-like structures that detect changes in
the water pressure via tiny pores connected to the system.
4
Aquatic Education Programs
The Aquatic Education Section of SCDNR offers FREE Youth Bass Fishing Clubs
education programs on recreational fishing techniques,
SCDNR and The Bass Federation of SC have teamed
opportunities and angler ethics.
up to help bring youth bass fishing clubs to schools
Here are some of the unique, fun fishing and learning around the state. Students can establish school bass
opportunities available. fishing clubs to compete for prizes, scholarships and
SC Reel Kids more on a club, state and national level.
A free goal based fishing Family Fishing Clinics
program for kids under the Family Fishing Clinics are an
age of 15. Kids receive introductory class to fishing.
goals to complete like Families with kids ages 4
taking a friend fishing, and up can learn how to tie
learning how to tie fishing fishing knots, rig a rod and
knots, visiting a state park reel, cast and try their hand
and more. Once the goals at fishing.
are completed, prizes in the
form of fishing tackle and Fishing Tackle Loaner
equipment are mailed to Program
participants. The tackle loaner program
Reel Art has sites all around the state in various state and county
parks that allow adults, kids and families to try their
A component of the SC Reel Kids program, the hand at fishing. Checking out a rod, reel and tackle is
Reel Art program is an art competition for kids in free. Bring your own bait and pay the park entry fee
kindergarten through 12th grade. Kids learn about fish and the fishing fun is free!
and their habitats while creating their fun, creative fish
art. Deadline for the competition is March 1st of each To learn more about these education programs, visit
year. www.dnr.sc.gov/aquaticed for more information or call
803-737-8483 or email aquaticed@dnr.sc.gov.
5
Sunfish & Blackbass
LARGEMOUTH BASS
Micropterus salmoides
6
Description: The upper jaw extends back past the rear Spawning: Spawning usually begins when water
margin of the eye. Dorsal fin is deeply notched and the two temperatures range between 65-75°F, around April to June.
sections of the fin are nearly separated. The upper body is The male largemouth bass constructs a saucer-shaped nest
dark green to olive while the lower body and belly are white. at a depth of 2 to 10 feet. One or more females will deposit
It has a series of dark blotches that merge into a dark lateral 5,000 to 150,000 eggs over the nest while the male fertilizes
band. The largemouth bass usually has no teeth on the them. The eggs are guarded and fanned by the male until they
tongue. hatch in 3 to 4 days. The male continues to guard the fry until
Range: Statewide in all warm water habitats. they disperse several weeks after hatching.
Average Length: 4-25 inches. Miscellaneous: The largemouth bass is the most
important freshwater sport fish in South Carolina. More time
Average Size: 1-3 pounds, eight-pound individuals are not and money are spent in the pursuit of this fish by anglers than
uncommon. any other species. In addition to being an important sport fish,
Maximum Age: Approximately 23 years. the largemouth bass is an important part of the ecological
balance of fish populations. In farm ponds where they are
Preferred Habitat: Largemouth bass can be found in
stocked with bluegill and redear sunfish, the largemouth bass
slow moving streams, pools of large rivers, natural lakes and
are responsible for controlling the bream population through
all sizes of man-made impoundments. Largemouth bass prefer
predation. In large impoundments, they serve a similar
warm, moderately clear water that has no appreciable current.
but different function in preying on shad populations. The
Food Habits: Newly hatched bass feed on zooplankton, largemouth bass is the dominant predator in many of South
switching first to insects and then to larval and juvenile fish as Carolina’s fish populations.
they grow. Adult largemouth bass primarily consume other
Commonly Mistaken Species: Some species of fish
fish. In a large impoundment, the major prey species include
that are commonly mistaken for this species are spotted and
threadfin and gizzard shad, while in small impoundments
smallmouth bass.
sunfish will predominate in the diet. Basically, the largemouth
bass will consume any organism that opportunity allows.
7
Sunfish & Blackbass
SMALLMOUTH BASS
Micropterus dolomieu
8Description: The smallmouth has bronze to olive green sides Spawning: Smallmouth bass will begin their nesting activity in
with dark brown to bronze specks which sometimes look like bars the spring when water temperature reach 60 degrees Fahrenheit,
on the sides of the fish. There are no specks on the lower side. usually in April or early May. Nests, constructed of coarse gravel,
Extending outward from the eye are three dark stripes on the are usually located in shallow areas of reservoirs or in protected
cheek. The mouth is large and extends to about the middle of the areas of streams where the current is minimal. Several females
eye, which is usually red. The two dorsal fins—spiny and soft— may spawn in the nest of one male. The typical nest will contain
are separated by a shallow notch. This species does not have the about 2,500 eggs which are guarded by the male until they hatch
row of spots or specks on the lower side of its body like a redeye in two or three days. The newly hatched-fry are guarded by the
or spotted bass, nor does it have the dark horizontal stripe that is male until they disperse in 12 to 16 days.
present in the largemouth and spotted bass. Miscellaneous: Smallmouth bass were introduced to waters
Range: Lakes Jocassee and Keowee; Broad River. Not native in the northwestern part of the state and the central piedmont.
to South Carolina. These limited stockings have been successful in establishing
Average Length: 10-18 inches. this non-native sportfish species. The smallmouth bass both
ambushes and prowls for food. It is common for them to feed on
Average Size: ½-2 pounds; 6 pounds is large for South food organisms that are dislodged by suckers or turtles as they
Carolina smallmouth. disturb the stream bottom rooting for food. On a national basis,
Maximum Age: 15 years. the smallmouth bass is judged to be a favorite of anglers for its
exceptional sport fishing qualities.
Preferred Habitat: Smallmouth can be found in cooler waters
of the Foothill reservoirs or pool sections of clear, cool streams. Commonly Mistaken Species: Some species of fish that are
In streams, smallmouth limit their range to one pool or several commonly mistaken for this species are redeye bass, spotted bass
adjacent pools. and largemouth bass.
Food Habits: Young eat microcrustaceans and aquatic insects,
tadpoles, fish larvae and as they grow progress to crayfish and
fish such as darters, minnows, yellow perch and sunfishes.
9Sunfish & Blackbass
REDEYE BASS
Micropterus coosae
10Description: The redeye bass has a slender bronze-olive Spawning: Redeye bass spawn when water temperatures
body that fades into white on the belly. It has dark lateral are between 62 and 68 degrees Fahrenheit, usually from
blotches along the side and horizontal rows of spots on the May to early June. At this time, redeye males who have
lower side and distinguishing white edges along the upper and reached sexual maturity at three or four years of age begin
lower edges of the caudal fin which similar species don’t have. constructing a nest over coarse gravel for the female redeye
An orange margin is also often present on the caudal and anal to deposit between 2,000 and 3,000 eggs. The eggs are
fins. The mouth is large and extends to the rear edge of the maintained and guarded by the male throughout incubation
eye, but not beyond. and development of the fry.
Range: Located in the northwestern parts of the state, Miscellaneous: The redeye bass is a truly unique and
primarily in the Savannah River basin—including lakes interesting species. Its entire range is limited to Alabama,
Jocassee, Keowee, Hartwell and Russell. It is also present in Georgia and small areas of Tennessee and South Carolina.
some tributaries of the upper Saluda and the Broad rivers in Current, on-going research indicates the fish in South Carolina
the Santee basin. and parts of Georgia is actually a separate, not yet described,
Average Length: 6-9 inches. species, sometimes referred to as Bartram’s bass. Whether
redeye or Bartram’s bass, the species is a top predator
Average Size: 6 ounces in streams and 1 pound in lakes; in the streams where it occurs and offers exciting angling
rarely exceeds 2 pounds. opportunities in some of South Carolina’s most beautiful
Maximum Age: 10 years. settings. The redeye does hybridize with smallmouth and
spotted bass where they co-occur. Offspring typically possess
Preferred Habitat: Redeye bass occur naturally in rivers
physical characteristics of both parents. The spread of these
and streams with a lot of structure such as undercut banks,
introduced species—smallmouth and spotted bass—and their
vegetation, boulders and submerged logs. They seem to prefer
hybrids pose a significant threat to redeye bass throughout its
rocky areas with at least moderate current. Redeye can also be
range in South Carolina.
found in several upstate South Carolina reservoirs.
Commonly Mistaken Species: Some species of fish
Food Habits: Redeye predominantly eat terrestrial insects
that are commonly mistaken for this species are spotted bass,
but will also eat aquatic insects, crayfish, salamanders and
smallmouth bass and largemouth bass.
small fishes.
11Sunfish & Blackbass
SPOTTED BASS
Micropterus punctulatus
12Description: The spotted bass has a gold-green body with Food Habits: Major foods for spotted bass are crayfish, dark olive mottling that fades to a yellow-white belly. It has aquatic insects and fish such as shad. Spotted bass eat fewer small black spots below a dark band along the middle of its fish than other blackbass species. side with a distinct black spot on the body right before the tail Spawning: Spotted bass reach sexual maturity at age 2 or or caudal fin. The spotted bass’ large mouth extends to the 3 and begin spawning activity in April and May when water rear edge of the eye, but not beyond. Spotted bass have teeth temperatures reach 65 degrees Fahrenheit. Males construct on their tongue. shallow saucer-shaped nests on soft, clay bottoms or on Range: Upper Savannah River drainage, primarily lakes gravel bars. The female will lay 3,000 to 30,000 eggs. The Keowee, Russell, Jocassee and Hartwell; also introduced into male guards the nest with eggs hatching in 4 or 5 days. tributaries of the Enoree, Saluda and Savannah rivers and in Miscellaneous: Spotted bass are not native and readily the Catawba River reservoirs upstream of the state line. Not hybridize with other black bass species such as the redeye native to South Carolina. bass. Average Length: 11.8-24 inches. Commonly Mistaken Species: Some species of fish Average Size: 1-3 pounds. that are commonly mistaken for this species are spotted bass, Maximum Age: 5 years. smallmouth bass and largemouth bass. Preferred Habitat: The spotted bass is found in medium to large cool and warm mountain streams and reservoirs. It adapts well and outcompetes other black basses such as the largemouth or smallmouth as it is more tolerant of excess sediment. 13
Sunfish & Blackbass
BLUEGILL
Lepomis macrochirus
14Description: The bluegill is a laterally compressed or Spawning: Bluegills are colonial nesters with 100 or more
flattened sunfish, olive in color with an orange to yellow breast different bluegill nests in one area. This helps provide extra
with clear fins except for a distinguishing large black smudge protection for the eggs and fry from predators. Bluegill become
near the bottom of the soft dorsal fin. The operculum or gill sexually mature at 1 or 2 years of age and then construct
cover is tipped distinctly with black and there are several wide nests in shallow water over sand or mud bottoms as water
dark vertical bars on the side of the body. Bluegills have small temperatures exceed 75 degrees Fahrenheit, usually from May
mouths with no teeth on the tongue. The bluegill name comes to August. Females can produce up to 80,000 eggs per year.
from breeding males who exhibit pale blue to violet on the top A female may deposit eggs in several adjacent nests within
half of the body with powder blue on the lower jaw and lower a nesting colony. Highly unusual for sunfishes, male bluegill
portion of the operculum or gill cover. The breeding males also will sneak into nests of other males to deposit their sperm to
develop a red breast. produce more of their offspring versus another male. Males will
Range: Statewide including all rivers as well as small and guard their nests and aerate the eggs by fanning their fins until
large impoundments. the eggs hatch, within 1-2 days. Males continue to guard the
area as the young fry disperse.
Average Length: 5-10 inches.
Miscellaneous: Just like largemouth bass, bluegills are
Average Size: 3-8 ounces. one of the most common fishes stocked for angling and food.
Maximum Age: 11 years. It has been stocked extensively by state and federal agencies
into farm ponds, usually in combination with redear sunfish
Preferred Habitat: Bluegills are very tolerant of many
and largemouth bass. With proper farm management, bluegill
habitat types including pools of creeks and rivers, swamps,
can provide many years of successful fishing. Lack of proper
oxbow lakes, ponds, vegetated shores of impoundments, man-
management may result in crowded ponds with stunted
made lakes, ponds and retention basins. They prefer sluggish or
bluegill, only growing 4 to 5 inches in length. Successful and
slow moving water.
multiple reproduction of bluegill is important to provide an
Food Habits: Bluegills are opportunistic carnivores adequate food source for developing young largemouth bass.
feeding on a variety of prey types. They will feed on mature Concentrations of large numbers of nesting or bedding bluegill
and immature insects, small invertebrates, crayfish, mollusks produce an odor which is detectable by experienced anglers.
(mussels) and other fishes. They have small mouths however,
Commonly Mistaken Species: Some species of fish
the larger the bluegill the larger the prey type they can
which are commonly mistaken for this species are redear
consume. They mostly feed near the surface.
sunfish and the green sunfish.
15Sunfish & Blackbass
REDEAR
Lepomis microlophus
16Description: Like other sunfishes, the redear has a laterally Food Habits: Redear sunfish feed on the bottom and
compressed or flattened body that is olive in color with an therefore eat aquatic organisms that live on the bottom such
iridescent gold-green sheen that fades from the top side of as mussels, snails and insect larvae.
the fish to yellow. The redear's side is speckled with brown Spawning: Redear sunfish can begin spawning at age
spots. The operculum or gill flap cover is short, black and one, but most don’t until age two at temperatures above 70
distinguishably tipped with red or orange along the edge. The degrees Fahrenheit usually in late spring to early summer.
redear's operculum edge is flexible. The fins are clear but the They create shallow nests in water 6 inches to several feet
pectoral fin is long and pointed. The mouth is small with no deep on sand, gravel or mud. The nests may be solitary or in
teeth on the tongue. The nose of the fish is pointed. groups of several dozen and up to one hundred. The female
Range: Statewide. will lay up to 45,000 eggs which the male guards and aerates
Average Length: 6-10 inches. during incubation.
Average Size: 4-8 ounces. Miscellaneous: Anglers nicknamed the redear sunfish
“shellcracker” because they have teeth (called pharyngeal
Maximum Age: 8 years. teeth) located in the throat area of the fish that are used to
Preferred Habitat: Redear can be found in a variety crush the shells of some of the redear’s favorite prey items—
of habitat types including ponds, lakes, reservoirs, swamps, mussels and snails. Redear are often stocked in small farm
streams and small rivers. They prefer slow moving, sluggish ponds in combination with bluegill and largemouth bass.
or non-flowing waters and are often found in or near areas of Commonly Mistaken Species: One species of fish that
vegetation and over a mud or sand bottom. is commonly mistaken for this species is pumpkinseed.
17Sunfish & Blackbass
REDBREAST
Lepomis auritus
18Description: The redbreast sunfish is laterally compressed Food Habits: The redbreast sunfish feeds predominantly
or flattened like other sunfishes; however, it has a more on aquatic and terrestrial insects, crayfish, mollusks and other
elongated body than other sunfishes. The redbreast's body is fish.
a bluish-green that fades into a bright orange-yellow belly in Spawning: Redbreast sunfish spawn during late May
females and a deep orange-red belly in males. Both males and through the end of July when water temperatures are from
females have vertical rows of red-brown to orange spots on 65 degrees to 75 degrees Fahrenheit. Males construct large
the sides of the body. Traces of these spots can sometimes be saucer-shaped nests typically in shallow waters on sand or
seen tapering on the edge of the tail or caudal fin where the gravel substrates. Nests may be solitary or built in groups of
body connects. The caudal fin is generally an orange-red color. more than 80 nests. Fertilized eggs are sticky and clump
The operculum or gill cover has a distinguishing long black together in the nest.
lobe. Blue lines can be found on the face or cheek area of the
redbreast sunfish. Teeth are present on the roof of the mouth. Miscellaneous: The popularity afforded to South
Carolina’s lowcountry blackwater rivers can be attributed to
Range: Statewide. the redbreast sunfish fishery they support.
Average Length: 2-9 inches. Commonly Mistaken Species: Some species of fish
Average Size: 3-8 ounces. that are commonly mistaken for this species are dollar sunfish
Maximum Age: 8 years. and bluegill.
Preferred Habitat: The redbreast sunfish can be found
in areas with slow moving or sluggish water such as pools
and backwaters of streams and rivers and upstream reaches
of reservoirs. They can be found in areas with woody debris,
stumps, undercut banks, shoreline riprap and rocky points.
They prefer areas with a sandy bottom and generally avoid
areas that are stagnant or heavily vegetated.
19Sunfish & Blackbass
WARMOUTH
Lepomis gulosus
20Description: The warmouth gets its name from the large Spawning: Warmouth begin spawning in late spring
mouth that extends to beneath the pupil of the large red eye. through the summer months when water temperatures are
The body is an overall olive brown with a purple sheen. The above 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Male warmouth build multiple
sides of the body are mottled dark brown with dark red-brown nests sometimes in groups with other warmouths on top
lines that radiate out towards the gill flap or operculum from of gravel or sandy bottoms. Females then lay their eggs in
the eye. The edge of the operculum is stiff and short with a multiple nests, depositing as few as 2,000 eggs to as many as
reddish spot. A patch of teeth is found on the tongue and in 20,000 eggs. The eggs are guarded until hatching and after
the roof of the mouth. Breeding male warmouths develop a for a short period.
bright orange spot at the base of the dorsal fin. Miscellaneous: The larger mouth size of warmouths
Range: Statewide in all flowing and impounded habitats. allows the fish to consume a wider variety of food items than
Average Length: 5-8 ounces. other sunfish species. The warmouth grows better and is more
productive in coastal plain waters than in piedmont waters.
Average Size: 2 pounds.
Commonly Mistaken Species: Some species of fish
Maximum Age: 8 years. that are commonly mistaken for this species are juvenile
Preferred Habitat: The warmouth prefers slow moving bluegill and green sunfish.
streams, swamps, Carolina bays, ponds and reservoirs,
especially areas with submerged cover—riprap or vegetation.
Food Habits: Aquatic insects, mussels, crayfish and fish.
21Sunfish & Blackbass
PUMPKINSEED
Lepomis gibbosus
22Description: The pumpkinseed is easily recognized by the Food Habits: Aquatic insects, mussels, snails and crayfish.
wavy and iridescent blue lines that radiate from the mouth Spawning: Pumpkinseed begin to spawn when water
along the side of its head. The sides of the body fade from temperatures exceed 70 degrees Fahrenheit around late
olive, covered with gold and yellow flecks, to blue green spring to early summer. Males construct nests in shallow water
covered with orange spots, to a yellow or orange belly. The either singularly or in loose groups. Females can produce up
dorsal, anal and caudal fins are decorated with brown wavy to 14,000 eggs during a laying season, producing 2,000-
lines or orange sports. The pectoral fin is long and pointy and 3,000 sticky eggs at one time in the bottom of their sandy
usually extends far past the eye when bent forward. The gill nests. The male fertilizes the eggs, guards them throughout
cover or operculum is stiff, short and mostly black with a light incubation and protects them during their early development.
colored edge of bright orange to red-orange. The mouth is
small. Pumpkinseeds have pharyngeal teeth, which are molar- Miscellaneous: Pumpkinseed will often hybridize
shaped teeth located in the throat area of the fish. with other sunfish species, reproducing more than once if
conditions are favorable. They rarely reach a size to make
Range: Statewide. them recreationally important to anglers.
Average Length: 4-6 inches. Commonly Mistaken Species: One species of fish that
Average Size: 2-4 ounces. is commonly mistaken for this species is redear sunfish.
Maximum Age: 8 years.
Preferred Habitat: Pumpkinseeds can survive and
reproduce in a variety of habitat types including pools and
backwaters or streams, rivers, ponds and reservoirs over a
variety of bottoms. They prefer the vegetated areas of these
habitat types.
23Sunfish & Blackbass
SPOTTED SUNFISH
Lepomis punctatus
24Description: The spotted sunfish has distinct black spots Spawning: Spotted sunfish spawn late spring to early
along the side of its head and body and noticeably on the summer once water temperatures have reached 70 degrees
operculum or gill cover. The body is olive in color with an Fahrenheit. The males build nests in shallow water frequently
orange or yellow tinge along the belly. The tips of the dorsal, near banks. Spotted sunfish are unlike other sunfishes in
caudal and anal fins are silvery to white. The operculum lobe that they tend to be solitary nesters. Courting males make a
is black with a white edge and is stiff. The bottom of the eye is grunting sound and are very aggressive when guarding their
underlined with a blue iridescent half moon. The mouth is small nests.
with no teeth on the tongue or the roof of the mouth. Miscellaneous: Spotted sunfish are often called
Range: Coastal plain of South Carolina. “stumpknockers.” This is probably due to their feeding activity
Average Length: 4-5 inches. for insects attached to submersed logs. This species will tolerate
higher salinities than other sunfishes, thus allowing it to exist in
Average Size: 3-7 ounces. coastal streams with some saltwater intrusion.
Maximum Age: Commonly Mistaken Species: None.
Preferred Habitat: Spotted sunfish are generally found
in sloughs, swamps, slow streams and rivers near dense
vegetation, debris and/or submerged logs and stumps.
Food Habits: Terrestrial and aquatic insects, snails and
crayfish
25Sunfish & Blackbass
GREEN SUNFISH
Lepomis cyanellus
26Description: Green sunfish have a slender, thick body with Food Habits: Aquatic insects, crayfish and small fishes.
a large mouth and an upper jaw that extends back to the near Spawning: From April through August, green sunfish
middle of the eye. Its body is greenish-brown with irregular spawn almost always making nest near some type of shelter
rows of metallic blue-green flecks along its sides. From the such as a log or clumps of vegetation over gravel or sand.
mouth to the cheeks and the operculum, iridescent blue lines Green sunfish nests are often located in large groups.
radiate. A distinctive large black blotch is present on the rear Depending on the female’s size, she can lay between 2,000
of the dorsal fin and on the anal fin. The soft dorsal and anal and 10,000 eggs per spawning season.
fins, pelvic and caudal fins are edged with white followed by
a faint, but distinct, yellow-orange edge. The pectoral fin is Miscellaneous: Green sunfish are the most resilient and
short and rounded. The opercular lobe is short and black with top competitors of all the sunfishes. They can withstand
a wide pale margin. extreme changes in temperature and most disturbed habitats.
They often out-compete and suppress native fish populations
Range: Mostly in the Blue Ridge and Piedmont foothills, but in disturbed or marginal habitats. They can rapidly colonize
may also be found in parts of the Coastal Plain. new habitats too.
Average Length: Commonly Mistaken Species: Some species of fish
Average Size: that are commonly mistaken for this species are bluegill and
Maximum Age: 7 years. warmouth.
Preferred Habitat: Green sunfish prefer slow pools
and backwaters of streams and rivers, but they also occur
in ponds, lakes and reservoirs. They are highly tolerant of
turbidity and drought conditions.
27Sunfish & Blackbass
FLIER
Centrarchus macropterus
28Description: The flier looks almost circular. The body is Food Habits: Small aquatic insects and small fishes.
olive green to silver in color and has interrupted rows of black Spawning: Spawning for fliers begins earlier than most
spots along the side. A distinct, large black teardrop-shaped sunfish around March to May when water temperatures are
marking occurs below the eye. The operculum or gill cover reaching 55-65 degrees Fahrenheit. The males build and
lobe is black. Young fliers have a dark spot outlined in an defend the nests which are often in groups. The females
orange ring on the dorsal fin. These spots fade and disappear deposit 20,000-35,000 eggs in the nest.
with age. The flier has 11-13 dorsal fin spines.
Miscellaneous: The flier is a species of sunfish which
Range: Predominantly found in the coastal plain of South establishes fishable population in the coastal plain section of
Carolina; however, there are records of the flier in tributaries South Carolina. It has the most dorsal fin spines, usually 11-
of the Broad, Saluda and Savannah rivers. 13, of any sunfish.
Average Length: 5 inches. Commonly Mistaken Species: Some species of fish
Average Size: 3 ounces. that are commonly mistaken for this species are white and
Maximum Age: 8 years. black crappie.
Preferred Habitat: The flier is commonly found in
the warm and heavily vegetated waters of the coastal plain
in swamps, creeks, ponds, backwaters, sloughs, roadside
drainage ditches and low flowing streams.
29Sunfish & Blackbass
BLACK CRAPPIE
Pomoxis nigromaculatus
30Description: The black crappie body is overall gray-green Spawning: As water temperatures approach 60 degrees
to bluish on the back that fades to a silvery side and belly. Fahrenheit in late February to early May, male black crappie
Black mottling is present on the sides of the body as well build their nests on top of sand, gravel or mud in shallow
as the anal, dorsal and caudal fins. The mouth is large and water. Females will deposit large amounts of eggs per
extends to beneath the eye. Black crappie appear to have spawn—3,000 to 15,000 eggs! Large females can lay up to
a “receding fin line,” as the area in front of the dorsal fin is 150,000 eggs. The male guards the fertilized eggs until they
highly arched. The black crappie has 7-8 dorsal fin spines. hatch and the fry leave the nest.
Range: Statewide. Miscellaneous: The black and white crappie can hybridize,
Average Length: 10 inches. but it is rare. The black crappie is the predominant crappie
species in the state. It is one of the most popular sport fishes
Average Size: ½ to 1 ¼ pounds. for South Carolina anglers. They are relatively easy to locate
Maximum Age: 13 years, but most will not live beyond 8 and catch as they congregate in large numbers around brush
years. piles and piers. As a service to anglers, the South Carolina
Department of Natural Resources constructs and marks fish
Preferred Habitat: Black crappie are found in vegetated
attractors designed to attract crappie. These fish attractors
areas of backwaters in streams, rivers, ponds and reservoirs.
do a good job of attracting crappie, but fishing pressure can
They prefer cool, clear waters.
reduce the number of fish at the site for short periods of time.
Food Habits: Predominantly feed on small fish, but may Commonly Mistaken Species: One species of fish that
also consume mussels, snails, crayfish, aquatic insects.
is commonly mistaken for this species is white crappie.
31Sunfish & Blackbass
WHITE CRAPPIE
Pomoxis annularis
32Description: Overall body color is a gray-green with a Spawning: As water temperatures approach 60°
silver side and white belly. The dark spots on the side tend to Fahrenheit, the male crappie will prepare a nest by fanning
form wavy vertical bars. The white crappie has a deep and out a shallow depression on top of sand, gravel or mud in 2 to
highly compressed body, a large mouth that extends rearward 8 feet of water. Nests range from 8 to 15 inches in diameter
to beneath the eye and a concave nape. and are usually found in colonies, with as many as 30 nests
Range: Statewide. found in a 9-square yard area. Females deposit from 3,000 to
15,000 eggs per spawn, but may spawn with several different
Average Length: 6.7-20.9 inches. males. Large females have the potential to lay up to 150,000
Average Size: ½ to 1¼ pounds, approximate maximum eggs. The male guards the fertilized eggs for 2 to 3 days
size five-pounds. until hatching after 2 to 3 days and continues to guard for an
additional 3 to 4 days until fry leave the nest.
Maximum Age: Approximately 10 years.
Miscellaneous: The black crappie is very similar to
Preferred Habitat: The two species of crappie are found
the white crappie, differing slightly only in some body
in almost all waters with the exception of mountain streams.
characteristics, color patterns and habitat preference. In most
They are more abundant in large impoundments, natural lakes
impoundments, one species or the other will predominate.
and backwaters. White crappie are more tolerant of turbid
The crappie is one of the most popular sport fishes in South
conditions with the black crappie preferring clearer lakes.
Carolina. It is relatively easy to locate and catch and it has a
Food Habits: Young crappie feed on invertebrates such very good flavor. Crappie are often found in large numbers
as zooplankton and insects. When they reach a size of about around piers and brush. These loose aggregations are not
7 inches, fish become more prevalent in the diet. In large really schools of fish but they can appear to come and go
impoundments, adult crappie feed on threadfin shad and small as they are fished out of a small area. The South Carolina
gizzard shad throughout the year; however, they will feed Department of Natural Resources constructs and marks brush
extensively on mayfly nymphs during the summer months. piles designed to attract crappie as a service to anglers. These
fish attractors do a good job of attracting crappie but fishing
pressure can reduce the number of fish at the site for short
periods of time.
Commonly Mistaken Species: One species of fish that
is commonly mistaken for this species is white bass.
33Temperate Bass
STRIPED BASS
Morone saxatilis
34Description: The coloration of the dorsum ranges from Spawning: Prior to spawning in early spring, striped bass
deep olive to steel blue and changes to a silvery abdomen, migrate up rivers. Spawning occurs when water temperatures
flanked by 7 to 8 longitudinal dark stripes running from reach 60-70° Fahrenheit. The semi-buoyant eggs are released
behind the gills to the base of the tail. It is common for adult in the flowing water and fertilized by several males in a
fish to exceed 10.8 inches and weigh 20 pounds. The size thrashing event known as a "fight.” As many as 3 million
helps distinguish this species from Striped bass x White bass eggs may be released by one female. The eggs require a flow
Hybrid, which rarely exceeds 10 pounds. adequate to prevent their settling to the bottom during the
Range: All of South Carolina's coastal rivers support striped incubation period of approximately 50 hours. During their
bass, the largest populations occurring in the Savannah, first few days of life, the larval fish are sustained by a yolk
Cooper and Santee rivers. Excellent reservoir fisheries exist material while they develop. Eventually they begin to feed on
in lakes Marion, Moultrie, Murray and Wateree. Smaller zooplankton.
populations are found in lakes Hartwell, Thurmond, Secession Miscellaneous: Because striped bass need flowing
and Greenwood. water to spawn successfully, most reservoir populations
Average Length: 20-36 inches. are maintained solely by stocking. In South Carolina, only
the Santee-Cooper reservoirs have suitable tributary rivers,
Average Size: 3-10 pounds, about 60 pounds in the Congaree and Wateree, to meet their spawning needs.
freshwater or 120 pounds in saltwater.
Other reservoirs have limited upstream river systems due to
Maximum Age: Approximately 30 years. extensive dam construction. Unimpounded coastal rivers still
Preferred Habitat: Striped bass are found in major provide adequate stream flow for hatching. The “landlocked”
rivers and large impoundments of South Carolina as well as reproducing population of the Santee-Cooper reservoirs
estuarine and coastal areas. They prefer cool waters and are was a unique phenomenon until recent discoveries of other
diadromous throughout their range, except in South Carolina. reproducing populations in the Southeast and far west. South
Diadromous fishes use both marine and freshwater habitats Carolina was a pioneer in developing striped bass hatchery
during their life cycle. techniques. As a direct result of work at the Dennis Wildlife
Food Habits: The diet of striped bass consists mostly Center in Moncks Corner, striped bass fisheries now exist in
of fish. Preferred species in freshwater are threadfin shad, many reservoirs across the country.
gizzard shad and blueback herring. Commonly Mistaken Species: Some species of fish
that are commonly mistaken for this species are white bass
and striped bass x white bass hybrid.
35Temperate Bass
STRIPED BASS x
WHITE BASS, Hybrid
Palmetto Bass Hybrid
36Description: Similar to the striped and white bass that it is a Spawning: Despite being a hybrid, this fish has been spawned
product of, the Palmetto bass has an elongated body. However, under laboratory conditions. Hybrids will migrate upstream with
its sides fade from a dark olive to steel green in color along the white bass and striped bass during their seasonal spawning run.
top edge to a silver along the side and belly. Hybrids commonly The hybrid has been observed conducting spawning behavior
have distinctly broken lines along their sides. Its back is arched similar to the striped bass; however, reproduction is questionable.
similar to that of the white bass but it has a longer sloping Miscellaneous: The Palmetto bass is a cross between a
forehead than typically seen in striped bass. striped bass female and a white bass male. The hybridization
Range: The Palmetto bass hybrid is found in the Savannah of this species was developed in the mid-1960s by the South
River drainage, particularly lakes Hartwell and Thurmond and Carolina Department of Natural Resources at the Dennis Wildlife
Stevens Creek Reservoir. Center in Moncks Corner in an attempt to produce a fish that
Average Length: 11-23 inches. would have higher survival rates than striped bass when stocked
at a smaller size. Unlike small striped bass, the striped bass x
Average Size: 2-3 ¼ pounds. white bass hybrid is much less sensitive to the stress of movement
Maximum Age: and stocking. Since its introduction into lakes Hartwell and
Thurmond, it has become one of the favorite sport fish of local
Preferred Habitat: Due to the limited distribution of the
anglers.
hybrid, little is known about the potential variety of preferred
habitats. However, in those waters where the hybrid has been Commonly Mistaken Species: Some species of fish that
introduced, it appears to prefer open waters. are commonly mistaken for this species are white and striped
bass.
Food Habits: Hybrids consume primarily threadfin and gizzard
shad, blueback herring and yellow perch. However, the Palmetto
bass hybrid is opportunistic and will consume insects and other
targets when possible.
37Temperate Bass
WHITE BASS
Morone chrysops
38Description: The white bass is a wide bodied fish with an Spawning: White bass migrate upstream from reservoirs
overall dark bluish green to gray color with yellow eyes. The to shoals upriver or to the heads of reservoirs and into smaller
two dorsal fins—spiny and soft—are completely separated. streams during March and April as water temperatures reach
The white bass has stripes running laterally down its sides 55 degrees Fahrenheit. Spawning occurs at the surface where
that may be broken. The lower jaw sticks out further than several males congregate around one female in shallow areas
the upper jaw on the mouth. A tooth patch is present on the of the stream where up to one million eggs can be released
tongue. by the large female and fertilized. These sticky eggs adhere
Range: Scattered throughout South Carolina in the to submerged trees and other substrates where they hatch
Piedmont and in the Coastal Plain in the Pee Dee, Santee and unattended after approximately 45 days.
Savannah river drainages. Miscellaneous: Not native to South Carolina, the white
Average Length: 10 inches. bass was introduced in 1954 when stocks of adult fish were
moved from Tennessee to Lake Wylie by South Carolina
Average Size: 1 pound. Game and Fish Commission personnel. From these early
Maximum Age: 6 years. stocks, introductions were made into other rivers and
impoundments of the state. Schools of the species may
Preferred Habitat: White bass prefer the deeper pools of
be seen at the surface of large reservoirs as they pursue
large reservoirs and rivers.
threadfin and gizzard shad. Sport fishing for white bass is most
Food Habits: Aquatic insects and fish, primarily threadfin productive during these schooling periods and during their
shad, young gizzard shad and blueback herring spawning migration.
Commonly Mistaken Species: Some species of fish
that are commonly mistaken for this species are striped bass
and white perch.
39Temperate Bass
WHITE PERCH
Morone americana
40Description: White perch are silver-green to olive in color. Spawning: White perch are a schooling species that are
The underside of their lower jaw is often purple. The spiny and semi-anadromous, meaning they move between estuarine
soft dorsal fins are joined by a membrane. The anal fin contains and freshwaters to spawn. From April to June, when water
three spines; the second spine is thicker than and almost as temperatures average 50-60 degrees Fahrenheit, white perch
long as the third. There are no teeth on the tongue of the white migrate from estuarine waters into large rivers where females
perch. release up to 150,000 adhesive eggs. Populations that are
Range: All reservoirs except Keowee and Jocassee locked within reservoirs do not follow this pattern, but instead
migrate within the reservoir. Immediately following the laying
Average Length: 6-9 inches. of the eggs, males release millions of sperm cells. In spite of
Average Size: Less than 1 pound, most landlocked this haphazard spawning ritual, the ratio of hatched eggs is
specimens less than 1/3 pound. enormous when compared to other fish. Eggs can hatch in
as little as 30 hours or take as long as six days, depending on
Maximum Age: 17 years.
water temperature.
Preferred Habitat: White perch were primarily found in Miscellaneous: Fisheries biologists are concerned about
estuarine and marine habitats throughout the Atlantic coast
white perch because its prolific reproductive capabilities give
southward to areas near Charleston, SC. Now, they commonly
it a competitive advantage over some more desirable species.
inhabit the Piedmont in the Pee Dee, Santee, Cooper, Broad,
Although scorned by some fishermen as a pest (small size), the
Saluda and Savannah rivers and many of the inland reservoirs
white flaky flesh of the white perch is among the best tasting.
such as lakes Murray, Greenwood, Thurmond and Wateree.
Commonly Mistaken Species: Some species of fish that
Food Habits: They have a diverse diet including worms,
are commonly mistaken for this species are white and striped
shrimp, crabs, insects and small fishes.
bass.
41Catfish & Bullhead
BLUE CATFISH
Ictalurus furcatus
42Description: Blue catfish has a deeply forked tail fin. This Food Habits: The blue catfish feeds on a variety of
large catfish is distinguished by its bluish back and side, lack of organisms including clams, snails, aquatic insects, freshwater
black spots and humped back near the dorsal fin. mussels, fish and plant material.
Range: Blue catfish are native to the Mississippi River basin. Spawning: Spawning occurs in late spring or early summer
In South Carolina, blue catfish are found in almost every in water temperatures of 70-75° Fahrenheit. Egg masses
drainage. This species is found in South Carolina Department are deposited in cavities afforded by logs, brush or undercut
of Natural Resources’ public fishing lakes and large riverbanks. Unlike other catfish, the male and female both
impoundments such as lakes Wateree, Marion and Moultrie. assist in guarding the eggs and the young while they remain in
Average Length: 20-45 inches. the nest.
Average Size: 3-40 pounds. Miscellaneous: The blue catfish is one of the largest
freshwater fishes found in North America. They were first
Maximum Age: Approximately 34 years. introduced into South Carolina in 1964 when they were
Preferred Habitat: Blue catfish prefer rivers and large stocked into Lake Marion.
creeks with moderate to swift current over rock, gravel or Commonly Mistaken Species: Some species of fish
clean sandy bottoms; however, they also do well in large that are commonly mistaken for this species are channel and
impoundments. white catfish.
43Catfish & Bullhead
FLATHEAD CATFISH
Pylodictus olivaris
44Description: The flathead catfish is very large in size Miscellaneous: The flathead catfish is an introduced
compared to other catfish in South Carolina. It has a broad species to South Carolina. Its native range is in the Ohio,
and flat head with small eyes atop. The mouth’s lower jaw Mississippi and Missouri river basins. Since its introduction
sticks out farther than the top jaw. The flathead’s body into the Santee-Cooper Reservoir, flatheads have become
is mottled yellowish brown which fades to a gray belly. established in nearly every reservoir or river system in the
The upper tip of the square caudal fin may be white. This state. The spread of this non-native fish has negatively
coloration is absent in large adults. affected several native species, most notably redbreast sunfish.
Range: The flathead can be found in the Pee Dee, Santee, Although the flathead catfish provides a great sportfishing
Edisto and Savannah river drainages of the Coastal Plain and opportunity, the highly predacious flathead has negatively
Piedmont. impacted native species such as bullheads and redbreast
sunfish creating ecosystem imbalance. The flathead catfish
Average Length: 15-45 inches. maintain a solitary existence, usually inhabiting the same
Average Size: 1-45 pounds. site on a daily basis. Like most catfish, the flathead catfish is
a nocturnal feeder, becoming more active as light intensity
Maximum Age: 26 years.
declines. This fish makes excellent table fare. Unlike other
Preferred Habitat: The flathead catfish prefers deep catfish species, flatheads are reluctant to take decaying bait
holes in sluggish or slow water in medium to large rivers and prefer live bait.
in areas with good structure such as fallen trees, stumps
Commonly Mistaken Species: Some species of fish
and undercut banks. Flatheads have also done well in large
that are commonly mistaken for this species are channel and
reservoirs, though growth rates tend to be slower in non-river
blue catfish.
habitats.
Food Habits: Primarily a diet of fish
Spawning: In South Carolina, flathead catfish spawn
from mid-May to mid-July in areas around hollow logs and
undercut banks. The males create nests that are 3-15 feet in
depth. The yellow gelatinous eggs masses that can contain
4,000 to 100,000 eggs are tended by the males. They guard
and aerate the eggs with fin movements during incubation.
Parental protection continues until the young fish absorb their
yolk sacs and disperse.
45Catfish & Bullhead
YELLOW BULLHEAD
Ameiurus natalis
46Description: The yellow bullhead has a body that fades Spawning: Yellow bullhead spawning occurs from
from olive to yellow to bright yellow on the sides to a white May through June when water temperatures reach 75-80
belly. The chin barbells, commonly known as whiskers, are degrees Fahrenheit. Both the male and female participate
distinctly white to yellow in color. The yellow bullhead also in nest construction, but only the male guards the nest. The
has a distinctly long anal fin and a rounded or nearly straight nests may be located under logs, rocks or in open areas.
caudal fin. Approximately 2,000-4,000 eggs are deposited in a mass by
Range: Statewide. one female. The eggs hatch in 5-7 days.
Average Length: 6-10 inches. Miscellaneous: Like most catfish, the yellow bullhead
feeds mainly in the early evening and at night. Although
Average Size: 1 pound. edible, it is the least prized of the catfishes. Its prolific
Maximum Age: 7 years. reproductive nature most often causes stunting of sunfish
populations in farm ponds by competing for available food.
Preferred Habitat: Yellow bullheads can be found in a
variety of habitat types but they typically are found in pools Commonly Mistaken Species: Some species of fish
with soft bottom of silt or accumulated leaves in small- and that are commonly mistaken for this species are black and
medium-sized rivers. brown bullheads.
Food Habits: Crayfish, mussels, insects, fish and fish eggs.
47Catfish & Bullhead
CHANNEL CATFISH
Ictalurus punctatus
48Description: The channel catfish has a slender body that is Miscellaneous: The channel catfish is the principal species
pale blue to olive on the back and side with a white belly. Dark in freshwater aquaculture in the Southeast. State and federal
spots are usually present on the back and sides, but these tend fishery agencies have stocked channel catfish extensively
to fade in larger adults. The caudal fin is deeply forked. through South Carolina with special emphasis on selected
Range: Statewide. farm ponds.
Average Length: 16 inches. Commonly Mistaken Species: One species of fish
that is commonly mistaken for this species is the blue catfish.
Average Size: 1-1 ½ pounds. Both the blue and channel catfish have deeply forked tails and
Maximum Age: 24 years. similarly shaped bodies, but differ in that channels have black
spots and a shorter, rounder anal fin.
Preferred Habitat: The channel catfish inhabits a
variety of habitat types including small to large creeks, rivers,
reservoirs and ponds over a range of substrates.
Food Habits: Fish, crayfish, mollusks, immature mayflies
and caddisflies, as well as aquatic vegetation.
Spawning: Spawning occurs from May to July when
the water temperature is approximately 70-80 degrees
Fahrenheit. A gelatinous mass of eggs is deposited in a nest
constructed by the male below undercut stream banks, logs
or other secluded areas. The nest is guarded by the male for
some time after the eggs hatch.
49Salmonid
RAINBOW TROUT
Oncorhynchus mykiss
50Description: The rainbow trout is an elongated fish with known to deposit eggs in several redds during the spawning
sides that fade from green below the dorsal fin to yellow to process. Wild self-sustaining rainbow trout populations occur
white. A pink to red stripe runs laterally along the sides of the in South Carolina’s mountain region, generally east of the
rainbow. Small, dark spots are found on the head, body and Chattooga Ridge along the Blue Ridge Escarpment in streams
most of the fins. The black spots on the caudal fins appear to with elevations from 1,300 to 3,000 feet. The South Carolina
be in rows. Department of Natural Resources has an active trout stocking
program which expands rainbow trout fishing opportunities
Range: Mountain streams of Oconee, Pickens and Greenville
seasonally, particularly in lower elevation streams.
counties. Also present in Lake Jocassee and the tailraces of
lakes Murray and Hartwell. Miscellaneous: Rainbow trout are sensitive to their
environment; increases in water temperature and siltation are
Average Length: 7 to 8 inches.
two main threats to its well-being. Man’s land use practices
Average Size: 4-5 ounces. have accounted for most of the loss of trout habitat in South
Maximum Age: 11 years (wild southern Appalachian Carolina. Improper road construction and logging practices
populations, 4 years). often leave no buffer zone to shade and protect streams from
solar heating and soil erosion. Silt works its way into streams
Preferred Habitat: The rainbow trout prefers clear and and smothers trout eggs before they can hatch and decreases
cold waters (not in excess of 68 degrees Fahrenheit) in creeks, the amount and diversity of food available. A significant portion
rivers, lakes and reservoirs. This habitat exists in tailraces of of SC’s limited trout waters have been impounded by utility
large impoundments or occasionally in the deeper waters companies and private individuals. The rainbow trout is not
of certain reservoirs. In a normal mountain stream habitat, native to the state, but the popular gamefish has inhabited the
rainbow trout will inhabit the faster moving waters such as at state’s mountain streams and pleased anglers for well over
the head of a pool area. a century. Rainbow trout are the most intensively stocked of
Food Habits: Aquatic and terrestrial insects, crayfish and the three trout species in SCDNR’s trout stocking program,
fishes. accounting for more than 60% of all trout stocked. This is
Spawning: Rainbow trout spawning occurs in February largely a result of the versatility and ease of culture of the
and March in the riffle areas of South Carolina mountain species. Annual stocking of just under 300,000 rainbow trout
streams. The females prepare nesting areas, called redds, by by the SCDNR greatly expands the recreational fishery for
fanning out a shallow depression several inches deep. The rainbow trout in the state's mountain streams, Lake Jocassee
eggs are laid, fertilized, covered with gravel and left unattended and the tailraces of lakes Hartwell and Murray.
to incubate and hatch some 30-50 days later. Females are Commonly Mistaken Species: None.
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