This wooden fishing pier parallels with the Saluda River bank. Through efforts of SC DNR, SCE&G, local officials, and local fishing groups, the water in the river has improved to a point that some fish are surviving for longer than a year. 3; Details; James Beach. The Saluda has a few spots that get quite rocky, and with the right river flow can be excellent class IV rapids. This was the case on each of our three previous experiences on the Saluda River. We then floated and fished downstream through the calm water, back past the canoe launch at the park, dodging rented kayaks as we went. We saw everything from fly fishermen to out of control kayak renters to bass boats on the river. Fly Fishing the Great Smoky Mountains National Park DVD, Fly Fishing Yellowstone National Park DVD, Discovery - The Underwater World of Trout Volume 1 DVD, Fly Fishing with the Quill Gordon Spinner. A big factor in landing a Saluda Striper is luck. The rainbow trout usually die off during the summer, and probably only a few of the browns make it through the warm months. Furthermore, between the depth and the weeds, wading is also limited. Chattooga River Chapter Trout Unlimited . Trout range from 10 inches to 25 inches. 828.848.4060 435 Main Street Saluda, NC 28773. Maybe next time. The TroutProStore Community is growing fast - join in! They provide great entertainment. See the embedded, narrated video for a look at our day on the river. This body of water covers just over 330 acres of surface area and has a maximum depth of 40 feet with an average of 8 feet. Wow! Floating the river is probably the best way to access the Saluda River, as long as the water release permits. The Lower Saluda River is the tailrace of Lake Murray. Saluda River Trout Unlimited. It’s a tributary of the Broad River. Gear Up! Summer: The water can get a little warm during the hot summer in the middle and lower sections but it stays well oxygenated and cool in the upper area. Troutprostore is here to help you fish smarter by offering the most innovative and highest quality trout fishing products. Fly fishing the Middle Saluda River can be both fun and rewarding. Price Range $$$ Hours . The Saluda River Watershed is rich in diversity of both plant and animal species. Also, the trout are stocked via helicopter. You better hold on tight, because this fish is going to take you for the ride of your life. Kayaks are much more stealthier than traditional boats. We focus on cold water conservation, and protecting and ehancing our local fisheries. The Saluda is also home to an enormous number of beavers, muskrats, minks and otters. They migrate up from the upper lakes of the Santee-Cooper. Facebook is showing information to help you better understand the purpose of a Page. If those times won’t work for you, 12:00AM to 12:00AM looks promising , as does 12:00AM to 12:00AM Remember to adjust these times based on barometric pressure, and weather changes. There are sizeable bass and catfish ot be caught here. The Saluda River is formed by the confluence of its north and south forks, which is about 10 miles northwest of the city of Greenville. Keep in mind, there are fees for park admission, the shuttle service, and canoe/kayak rental. We beached the canoe, and waded in the area of the island. Striped bass are by far the largest predators in the river during the summer months. Streamers, nymphs and wet flies are the most effective flies 14 to 16 are common. Remember to adjust these times based on barometric pressure, and weather changes. Best of Salida - Fishing the Arkansas River . They are excellent substitutes, but are much harder to come by. Almost the only way to do it is out of a kayak. The cold turbid water of the Saluda almost super charges the stiper. In order for striper to breed their eggs must get caught in current and not touch the bottom. Striped bass in the ten pound range are common. Herring is also the best bait, live herring by far works the best, but cut bait is also a good alternative. The higher the water gets, the more intense the rapids get. Winter: Fishing during the winter can be good on warm days. They provide a source of food for the larger fish (gar, striped bass) while also being high enough in the food chain to feed on bait fish and insects. Saluda Shoals Park Saturday, June 8, 2019. Trout University will never recommend a generic fly either! Email: info@saludaoutfitters.com. Where else can you fish for trout, pickerel, and stripers all at once? Their slides and dens can be seen all over the shoreline. This short stretch of the lower Saluda River has become a “put and take” fishery where the fish are stocked each year to be caught by fishermen. Saluda Shoals Park Fishing Pier – off Old Bush River Road, between St. Andrews Road and Lake Murray, south of Irmo, SC, on the Saluda River. They provide great entertainment. Though the water level can come up dramatically and quickly at any time, you can check current water flow conditions and planned water releases before you go. The Saluda is FILLED with rocks, trees, and branches that the fish know will set them free. Check out some of the best places in South Carolina to cast your line. Check out the map below for some key points on the Lower Saluda River. Along the way, Tommy caught several average sized pickerel, and I hooked a good fish of some sort that took my lure down deep and got off. It turns out that fishing the lesser flow on the backside of the island was a pretty good idea. The Saluda River is a principal tributary of the Congaree River, about 200 mi (320 km) long, in northern and western South Carolina in the United States. The Middle Saluda River rises in Jones Gap State Park and flows southward through Greenville County. Striper are seasonal fish in the river. Once again, we beached the canoe and waded in the river to fish. One of the greatest challenges of fishing for Striper on the Saluda is the constant threat of snags. The second key to fishing the Saluda is finding adequate access. Nonprofit Organization. Lake Keowee . I have met people that come as far as Florida to experience the man-made rapids that can rival many of the northern rivers on the east coast. Floating the river is probably the best way to access the Saluda River, as long as the water release permits. The small section of the river between Lake Summit and the Fishtop Access Area along the Green River Cove Road in Saluda is managed as wild trout waters. Come In! I've never seen a bass boat going up rapids before, but it looked like the driver had done it a time or two. The best part of kayak fishing in the Saluda is when you hook up with a big one. This creates an excellent environment for trout year round and is ideal for the seasonal summer striper migration. Updated August 6, 2014. Fly Fishing the Saluda River Tailwater in South Carolina The Lower Saluda River is about the last place you would think of fly fishing for trout in the state of South Carolina. You can rent a canoe or kayak at the park, or bring your own. Explore . The North Saluda River flows generally south to southwest through Greenville County. The first key to fishing the Saluda is to check for the water release schedule and flow. You can be right on top of the fish, while they have no clue that you are ever there. That's the only way I can describe trout fishing on the Lower Saluda River Tailrace in Columbia, SC. Saluda Shoals Park offers canoe/kayak rental and launching, as well as sidewalks/trails that follow the river for some distance. Summer: The water can get a warm during the hot summer but it stays cool enough for some trout to survive in the uppermost section near the dam. Without the trout in the river the other species would be very stressed to survive. AB's Fly Fishing Guide Service. Furthermore, between the depth and the weeds, wading is also limited. From there it flows through two state parks, Jones Gap and Ceasars Head. The Saluda River is the longest river flowing through the Upstate and runs through Pumpkintown, Cleveland, Slater-Marietta, Piedmont, Pelzer, Williamston, and Ware Shoals. The park employees were very friendly and helpful, even to the point of waiting on us at the takeout point after we missed our deadline. Saluda Lake, South Carolina Fishing. Rainbow Trout with a Salmon Eggs. 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