LAKE MURRAY

Lake Murray spreads across the heart of South Carolina just west of Columbia, with 48,579 acres of water and roughly 620 miles of shoreline stretching through Lexington, Newberry, Richland and Saluda counties. Largemouth bass are one of Murray’s signature fisheries, and striped bass add another major reason anglers travel here. Blueback herring help drive some of the lake’s most exciting feeding activity, from shallow points and pockets to roaming fish over open water. Crappie, catfish, bluegill and shellcracker give anglers even more options throughout the year. Murray is just as inviting when the rods are put away, with broad open water for boating, swimming, island exploring and long summer days on the lake. Its size means the upper lake, mid-lake and deep lower end can feel completely different, so choosing where to launch can shape the entire day.