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.
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
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.
- GoodLargemouth bass
Fall feed. They chase baitfish into creeks and coves.
- GoodStriped bass
Comfortable range. Watch for birds and surface feeding.
- GoodWhite bass
Schools chasing bait on points. Watch for splashes.
- GoodCrappie
Active. Brush piles and docks in 8 to 15 ft.
- FairCatfish
Waking up. Channels and creek mouths, especially after rain.
From today's water temperature and the season. A guide, not a promise.
Fishing spots
- 1Point drop-off
The bottom falls away fast off this point; fish rest deep and move up the slope to feed.
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5
- 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
At the surface, seen .
Water level
No daily level reading for this lake.
Weather and wind
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.