Fly Fishing the Lower Saluda River in Columbia, SC

Lower Saluda River Fly Fishing

Columbia, SC

Targets

Brown Trout

Rainbow Trout

Striper

Fly Fishing Lower Saluda River in Columbia, SC

The Lower Saluda river is one of the most unique waterways in all of South Carolina. Located just a 15 minute drive away from downtown Columbia, SC, the Lower Saluda offers one of the most diverse fisheries in the state. The water in the lower Saluda River is cool due to the depth of Lake Murray. This cool water allows trout to not only survive, but thrive. The state actually stocks the ten mile stretch from Lake Murray to the Congaree River with thousands of trout every winter. The water stays cool enough in the summer for some trophy sized trout to hold over through the heat of summer.

The cool water also serves as a summertime haven for striper that migrate up the Congaree River to spawn. Many fly fishermen are able to catch huge trophy striper in the same waterway where they catch rainbow and brown trout. This incredible combination makes the lower Saluda a gem in the midlands that attracts fly fisherman from around the state. In this guide we will break down the gear and tactics that will help you enjoy a morning, evening, or even a full day of fly fishing on the beautiful Lower Saluda River in Columbia, SC.

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Trout Fishing Lower Saluda River

When most people think of fishing in the midlands of South Carolina they don’t usually think about fly fishing for rainbow trout and brown trout. The Lower Saluda River that stretches from Lexington County down to Richland County offers cool swift water that is stocked with thousands of trout every winter. These trout come from hatcheries in the upstate and are then transported to the Lower Saluda River via both helicopter and truck. The fish coming from the hatcheries supplement fish that hold over from the previous year’s population. Since stocking began many years ago, a solid number of fish are able to hold over through the heat of summer. This has resulted in an incredible stretch of river where anglers are able to fly fish for trophy trout. Even in the heat of summer when air temperatures soar into the upper 90’s, the water stays cool enough to fly fish for monster brown and rainbow trout. Whether you are new to fly fishing for trout or a seasoned veteran who is looking for a unique fly fishing experience, the Lower Saluda is a must experience.

What Flies to Use on The Lower Saluda River in Columbia, SC

If you are a regular fly fisherman you know the importance of fly selection and matching the entomology of the waterway you are fishing. When fly fishing on the lower Saluda River, it is important that you choose flies that not only match the entomology of the river, but also target the species you are trying to catch. Here is a breakdown of the best flies for trout in the Lower Saluda River.

Spring

Spring time means the introduction of a wide variety of insects into a Trout’s diet. Many different insects begin hatching and are presented to trout in many different stages of their life cycle. Here are some of the best fly patterns to fish in the Spring on the Lower Saluda River.

Best flies to use in the spring on the Lower Saluda River in Columbia, SC

Nymphs:

Dry Flies:

Summer

While a large number of trout are able to survive the intense heat of summer in Columbia, SC they can become stressed on the hottest days. For the best results it is recommended to fish as close to dusk or dawn as possible. The water temperature is more conducive to feeding around these times. Here are some of the best flies to use during the summer on the Lower Saluda River.

Best flies to use in the summer on the Lower Saluda River in Columbia, SC

Nymphs:

Dry Flies:

Fall

As temperatures begin to cool off the trout on the Lower Saluda River become less stressed and more active. The bite really starts to pick up and anglers can really start taking advantage of one of the best places to fly fish in South Carolina. The trout will continue feeding on the same diet that they enjoyed during the summer. Again here are some great flies to use to catch trout on the Lower Saluda River during the fall.

Best flies to use in the fall on the Lower Saluda River in Columbia, SC

Nymphs:

Dry Flies:

Winter

Winter time fly fishing for trout on the Lower Saluda River may not be as active as the three other seasons, but the mild temperatures in Columbia make it possible to hook into trophy fish. Even in the middle of January and February it is possible to catch trout that are hunkered down for the winter. Here are some of the best flies to use to catch trout during the winter on the Lower Saluda River. Try fishing these patterns during the warmest parts of the day in sunny stretches of water.

Nymphs:

Hare’s ear
Prince
Stonefly
Woolly Bugger- brown, olive, black
Muddler minnow