Congaree National Park guide · 1 min read
Fishing Rules on Congaree's Rivers and Lakes
Fishing is allowed in all areas of Congaree National Park, but you need a valid South Carolina fishing license before you cast a line.
All South Carolina laws covering licensing, size limits, and creel limits apply inside the park. Violations can bring fines and the seizure of fishing equipment.
Fishing is not allowed from a man-made structure or within 25 feet of one. That includes bridges, the boardwalk, and overlooks. Catch and release fishing is encouraged, so you can return the fish you catch to the water.
Cedar Creek flows from west to east through the middle of the park, and visitors have seen anglers along it while canoeing. A marked canoe trail of 20 miles follows the creek. The Congaree River forms the park's southern border, and the boardwalk loop trail provides access to Weston Lake.
The park sits in the Congaree River floodplain, and nearly 80 percent of it lies within that floodplain. Floods happen about ten times a year and can make backcountry trails and parts of the boardwalk inaccessible. Before you fish, check the water gauges. The flood stage on Cedar Creek is about 8 feet, and the Congaree River gauge at the park's west boundary has a flood stage of about 15 feet.
