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The lake bed in 3-D: deep basin, drop-offs and shoreline. Shape estimated, not for navigation. Spot 1 (point drop-off) is open for everyone; the other 5 come with LakeScope PRO. Full screen

Wateree Lake

Fairfield County, South Carolina · 13,900 acres (21.7 sq mi)

61°F water, calm this morning.

Water61°F
Level—no gauge
Wind today9 mphNW
Best bite3:45 pmto 5:00 pm

About Wateree Lake

In Fairfield County, South Carolina, Wateree Lake covers 13,900 acres; it is a reservoir. It lies on the Wateree River. One of South Carolina's oldest man-made lakes, built for hydroelectric power on the Wateree River.

From end to end it runs about 14.2 miles and its shoreline adds up to about 100 miles. The water sits about 220 ft above sea level. The deepest water is about 64 ft. Great Falls lies about 2.8 miles to the north. The closest city is Columbia, about 28 miles away.

Size
13,900 acres (21.7 sq mi)
Deepest
About 64 ft
Shoreline
About 100 miles
End to end
About 14.2 miles
Elevation
About 220 ft
Type
Reservoir
River
Wateree River
County
Fairfield County

The lake from above

1 3 miles N
Spot 1 is open for everyone; grey dots are the PRO spots.

Best fishing times

Friday Good

  • 6:15 am – 8:30 amsunrise
  • 3:45 pm – 5:00 pm bestsunset, moon overhead · wind 9 mph

Saturday Good

  • 6:15 am – 8:30 amsunrise · wind 3 mph
  • 3:45 pm – 5:45 pm bestsunset, moon overhead · wind 7 mph

Based on sun and moon times and the wind forecast. A guide, not a promise. The app shows the whole week.

Fish in Wateree Lake

Anglers come to Wateree Lake for largemouth bass, striped bass, white bass, crappie and catfish. At 61°F on the surface right now, here is how each one should behave.

  • Good
    Largemouth bass

    Fall feed. They chase baitfish into creeks and coves.

  • Good
    Striped bass

    Comfortable range. Watch for birds and surface feeding.

  • Good
    White bass

    Schools chasing bait on points. Watch for splashes.

  • Good
    Crappie

    Active. Brush piles and docks in 8 to 15 ft.

  • Fair
    Catfish

    Waking up. Channels and creek mouths, especially after rain.

From today's water temperature and the season. A guide, not a promise.

Fishing spots

  1. 1
    Point drop-off

    The bottom falls away fast off this point; fish rest deep and move up the slope to feed.

  2. 2
  3. 3
  4. 4
  5. 5
  6. 6

5 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

61°F

At the surface, seen .

Water level

No daily level reading for this lake.

Weather and wind

Friday 60° / —° 9 mph NW Sunny · 2% rain
Saturday 57° / 35° 7 mph NW Sunny
Sunday 59° / 32° 3 mph NW Sunny

Sunrise 6:55 am · sunset 5:19 pm · waxing crescent moon (lake time).

Towns and places to stay near Wateree Lake

  • Great Fallsabout 2.8 mi north
  • Lugoffabout 7.4 mi southeast
  • Camdenabout 8.2 mi southeast
  • Winnsboroabout 10 mi west
  • Columbianearest city, about 28 mi south

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Questions about Wateree Lake

What fish are in Wateree Lake?

Wateree Lake holds largemouth bass, striped bass, white bass, crappie and catfish. Check the state fish and wildlife agency for stocking and limits.

How deep is Wateree Lake?

About 64 ft at the deepest point. The 3-D view shows where the deep water is.

How big is Wateree Lake?

13,900 acres, with about 100 miles of shoreline.

What town is near Wateree Lake?

Great Falls is about 2.8 miles north; Lugoff is about 7.4 miles southeast.

What is the water temperature at Wateree Lake today?

The surface was about 61°F on the latest clear reading. The page updates every day.

Wateree Lake on your phone

The whole week of bite times, lake alerts and the 3-D view, every morning.

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