Fishing Season: Year round

Chattooga River - SC

Fishing Outlook & Conditions

Water Temp:

70

Orvis Greenville's Tip of the Week

Fish early or late in the day. Find the shade and the water with the most oxygen. Get those fish in quickly and keep them in the water.

Directions open in app

Map of Chattooga River

Water Flow Data

Tidal Conditions

5-Day Outlook as of 6/23/25

Temps are going to be really hot this week. Time to start fishing smaller creeks in the higher elevations and the headwaters. Or, do yourself a favor and check out the SC Black Bass Slam! Did you know that the Chattooga is home to a native species of Bass? It’s called the Bartam’s Bass.

Techniques & Tips as of 6/23/25

Dry / dropper rigs are effective for trout (PMX dry & Copper John) Bass and Bluegill in ponds and lakes remain active with top water (poppers) and streamers (Bass Bully’s, Wooly Buggers, Clousers) fished around structure and points early and late.

Local Species Available Year round

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    Rainbow

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    Brown

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    Brook hatchery supported and wild trout along with native Bartram's bass.

Orvis Greenville's Recommended Fly Patterns

"Must-have" fly fishing patterns in descending order of importance:

Name: Colors: Size(s):
Chernobyl Ant Tan 10-14
Hopper Green 10-12
Adams Parachute Dry Fly Grey 12-18
TH Duracell Jig Purple 14
Pat's Rubber Legs Brown, Black, Golden 8-12
Acticulated Streamers Brown, Olive, Black, 04-12
Shaky Worm Red 14
Fly Formerly Known As Prince Natural 12-18
Eggstasty Egg chartreuse 12-16
Crawdad Natural 06-10

Chernobyl Ant

This foam ant and hopper fly is great as an indicator with any type of nymph hanging below it.

2.99

Item #90H6

Buy Now

Orvis Greenville's Recommended Gear

Description: About Chattooga River

The crown jewel of trout fishing in South Carolina is the Wild & Scenic Chattooga River. This is where "Deliverance" was filmed and it's just as untamed today as when Burt Reynolds canoed it. 15 minutes of walking from access points could put you in a prime spot where you won't hear or see another soul all day. 34°58'16.71"N, 83° 6'52.59"W is a public parking lot for the Burrel's Ford Campground.There is a short, easy, hike to the campground and river. The beauty of the Chattooga is it's choose-your-own-adventure style terrain. There is a great trail system here with multiple easy access points. The river is pretty easy wading for the most part but if you're feeling froggy, you can get your heart pumping in plenty of places. The fishing can be great here. It can also humble the most seasoned of anglers at times.

Nearest Airport:

Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport

Hatches:

Caddis Sulphur Stonefly Midges Streamers

Best Time to Fish:

Dawn and dusk.

Best Stretch:

Burrells Ford Upstream

Best Access:

Burrells Ford or Hwy 28 Delayed Harvest section.