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Congaree National Parkcanoers paddling under a large fallen tree
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Congaree National Park
Fishing
yellow perch swimming

REGULATIONS

  • Fishing is allowed within Congaree National Park with a valid South Carolina fishing license. All South Carolina laws pertaining to licensing, size, and creel limits apply.
  • Violation of the below fishing regulations could result in fines and/or seizure of fishing equipment.

Fishing Areas

  • Fishing is permitted in all areas of the park except for Weston Lake (located at the end of the elevated boardwalk), due to visitor safety concerns.
  • Use the service road, NOT the boardwalks, for access to fishing areas.

Watercraft

  • Do not use boats propelled by inboard/outboard motors.

Bait

  • To avoid introducing new, nonnative and/or potentially diseased, species to the ecosystem, please do not use minnows, amphibians or fish eggs as bait.
  • To preserve this natural environment for future generations, drugs, poisons, explosives, electrical devices or similar means in order to take or attract game and/or non-game fish are NOT allowed.
  • To ensure the natural condition of the park, do not dig for bait or chum for fish.
  • Game fish may be used to catch game fish but must be included in South Carolina regulated daily bag limit.

Equipment

  • Fish only with closely attended hook and line, fly rod, casting rod, pole and line or hand line.
  • Cast nets for catching bait fish may be used.

General Rules

  • To preserve the quantity and biodiversity of the fish population, only recreational fishing is allowed. Catch and release sportsmanship is encouraged.
  • Please return illegal or unwanted fish carefully and immediately to the water.
  • Help maintain the natural beauty and health of the park by refraining from littering.
Congaree National Park has many  

Did You Know?
Congaree National Park has the largest Loblolly Pine in the United States. It is as tall as a 16 story building.

Last Updated: August 12, 2009 at 10:35 EST