The lake bed in 3-D: deep basin, drop-offs and shoreline. Shape estimated, not for navigation. Spot 1 (back of a cove) is open for everyone; the other 6 come with LakeScope PRO. Full screen
Monticello Reservoir
Fairfield County, South Carolina · about 6,650 acres (10.4 sq mi)
65°F water, level 423 ft, calm this morning.
About Monticello Reservoir
Monticello Reservoir spreads over about 6,650 acres in Fairfield County, South Carolina. A cooling reservoir for the V.C. Summer Nuclear Station, known for large catfish.
It stretches about 6.7 miles end to end and its shoreline adds up to about 35 miles. The water sits about 420 ft above sea level. The deepest water is about 89 ft. The nearest town, Chapin, is about 9.3 miles south. The closest city is Columbia, about 25 miles away.
- Size
- About 6,650 acres (10.4 sq mi)
- Deepest
- About 89 ft
- Shoreline
- About 35 miles
- End to end
- About 6.7 miles
- Elevation
- About 420 ft
- Type
- Reservoir
- County
- Fairfield County
The lake from above
Best fishing times
Saturday Good
- 6:15 am – 8:30 amsunrise · wind 5 mph
- 3:45 pm – 5:45 pm bestsunset, moon overhead · wind 7 mph
Sunday Good
- 6:15 am – 8:30 amsunrise · wind 2 mph
- 4:15 pm – 6:00 pm bestsunset, moon overhead · wind 1 mph
Based on sun and moon times and the wind forecast. A guide, not a promise. The app shows the whole week.
Fish in Monticello Reservoir
Anglers come to Monticello Reservoir for catfish. At 65°F on the surface right now, here is how each one should behave.
- GoodCatfish
Active. Evenings and nights are best.
From today's water temperature and the season. A guide, not a promise.
Fishing spots
- 1Back of a cove
Sheltered, shallower water where baitfish gather.
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5
- 6
- 7
6 more spots with LakeScope PRO: fish, depth band, water temperature, best time and bait for each.
Picked from the shape of the lake bed. A guide, not a promise.
Water temperature
At the surface, seen .
Water level
7-day trend: not enough daily readings yet.
Latest reading .
Weather and wind
Sunrise 6:56 am · sunset 5:21 pm · waxing crescent moon (lake time).
Towns and places to stay near Monticello Reservoir
- Chapinabout 9.3 mi south
- Winnsboro Millsabout 12 mi east
- Winnsboroabout 12 mi east
- Lake Murray of Richlandabout 12 mi south
- Columbianearest city, about 25 mi southeast
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Questions about Monticello Reservoir
What fish are in Monticello Reservoir?
Monticello Reservoir holds catfish. Check the state fish and wildlife agency for stocking and limits.
How deep is Monticello Reservoir?
About 89 ft at the deepest point. The 3-D view shows where the deep water is.
How big is Monticello Reservoir?
About 6,650 acres, with about 35 miles of shoreline.
What town is near Monticello Reservoir?
Chapin is about 9.3 miles south; Winnsboro Mills is about 12 miles east.
What is the water temperature at Monticello Reservoir today?
The surface was about 65°F on the latest clear reading. The page updates every day.
Monticello Reservoir on your phone
The whole week of bite times, lake alerts and the 3-D view, every morning.