Arcadia Lakes, SC Fishing: Exceptional Angling in the Palmetto State

Arcadia Lakes is part of Richland County, South Carolina, within the metropolitan Columbia area. It's situated in the 2288-acre lot known in the 1880s as the Douglas mill tract. Its earlier settlers were families who wanted to avoid the city rush of the metropolitan areas in Columbia. Arcadia Lakes is considered one of the best places to live in South Carolina. 

In 1991, the Town Council of Arcadia Lakes planted a time capsule set to be unsealed on October 6, 2041. It is buried behind the Tree of Life Congregation maintained by the First Citizens Bank. The Tree of Life Congregation is a reform synagogue in Arcadia Lakes. They have been supporting Jewish families in the Columbia Metropolitan Area since 1896. The TOL helps preserve the Jewish culture and tradition that has been long celebrated in South Carolina. Travelers who love to hike and camp can choose Sesquicentennial State Park, part of the Columbia Metropolitan Area. The Civilian Conservation Corps established the park during the Great Depression. Later on, the CCC gave the park to the City of Columbia to celebrate 150 years following its incorporation. The park is only 20 minutes away from the center of Arcadia Lakes. 

Meanwhile, golf enthusiasts can visit Forest Lake Country Club. It is only a 4-minute drive from Arcadia Lakes and boasts amazing sceneries and facilities. Forest Lake Country Club offers golf courses, entertainment venues, and tennis courts. The country club also allows visitors to take a swim in Forest Lake. 

Many lakes surround arcadia Lakes, making it a fishing paradise for anglers. If you are a seasoned or just a beginning angler who wants to test your skills, Arcadia Lakes is an excellent location to cast your line. 

Arcadia Lakes Fishing

Arcadia Lakes' famous tagline, Seven Lakes, One Town, was not created for nothing. This special place in Palmetto State provides anglers with some of the best fishing experiences.

South Carolina is known for incredible bass fishing; anglers can start with Carys Lake in the Columbia Metropolitan Area. Anglers can access the lake via Arcadia Lakes Dr and N Trenholm Rd. Carys Lake is home to fish like largemouth bass, bluegill, pumpkinseed, and striped bass. Spring Lake is just two minutes away from Arcadia Lakes and is located at the other end of Carys Lake. Bowfin, bluegill, black crappie, and chain pickerel are the typical catch in this lake. 

Meanwhile, largemouth bass fishing is abundant in this area of Cooper Pond. Connected to the Copper Pond, Burnside Lake boasts excellent largemouth bass fishing. Still, fish like striped bass, black crappie, and blue catfish are spotted here. Forest Lake and Rockyford Lake are lakes just minutes away from the center of Arcadia Lakes. This lake is perfect for bass and crappie fishing. Eightmile Branch is connected to Forest Lake and is only minutes away from Arcadia Lakes. The stream offers fish such as largemouth bass, bluegill, pumpkinseed, rock bass, spotted bass, striped bass, and blue catfish. Windsor Lake, another lake close to Arcadia Lakes, gives anglers an opportunity for redear sunfish and white crappie fishing. Aside from bass fishing, Springwood Lake is home to yellow bullhead. Jackson Creek, meanwhile, is abundant with golden shiner, yellow bullhead, and warmouth. Carys Lake, Spring Lake, Forest Lake, Eightmile Creek, Jackson Creek, Windsor Lake, Springwood Lake, and Rockyford Lake are all connected.

Baitcasting, fly fishing, jigging, and spinning are some fishing techniques anglers often use when fishing in these areas in Arcadia Lakes. Crankbaits, jerk baits, jigs, hoppers, minnows, plugs, and live baits can be used to target bass. Fly fishing is the best technique for crappie and yellow bullhead fishing, while spinning is perfect for bluegill fishing. While other fish are easily lured with live baits, catfish are different. They prefer bait that is steady and freshly cut up. Pole fishing and fly fishing are the standard techniques for pumpkinseed fishing. Kayak fishing is also an option, especially for beginning anglers.

Some of the biggest lakes and rivers are located just minutes away from Arcadia Lakes. Broad River is home to bass, catfish, bluegill, and longnose gar. Congaree River is also famous for fantastic bass and catfish fishing, but it is also where anglers can spot fish like bluegill and redbreast sunfish. Brown trout and bluegill are species caught in Saluda River, aside from bass and catfish. All three rivers are connected and are tributary to Lake Murray. Lake Murray is perfect for bass, catfish, and crappie fishing. Longnose gar, bluegill, and chain pickerel are also caught here. These areas are where fishing charters situate. Anglers can book a fishing charter and rent out bigger boats to venture in farther parts of the fishing site. Bait and tackle shops are also available.

Obtaining a fishing license is a must if you wish to catch some of the trophy fish in South Carolina. The South Carolina Department of Natural Resources oversees the rules and regulations for fishing. The department also has set possession and bag limits for the various species caught in saltwater and freshwater.

Top 10 Fish Species in Arcadia Lakes, SC

The top 10 fish species to catch in Arcadia Lakes, South Carolina are largemouth bass, bluegill, pumpkinseed, striped bass, bowfin, black crappie, chain pickerel, blue catfish, smallmouth bass, and channel catfish.

Seasonal Fishing

Anglers can come to Arcadia Lakes to fish year-round, but the most suitable months for fishing are April to December. Fishing for smallmouth bass, largemouth bass, and striped bass is open year-round, but bass fishing is best during early spring. Bass spawning season begins in March and lasts until April. Bluegill fishing is best done during the early spring, while their spawning season starts in April and continues until the summer. Pumpkinseed fishing is open any time of year. The fish spawning occurs around late spring to early summer. Bowfin are generally caught during spring while spawning from March to early June. Anglers cast their lines in March and April as these months are the prime time for crappie fishing. Black crappie spawn in late February and early May. Summer and winter are the best seasons to catch chain pickerel. They start to spawn when water temperatures drop to 45°F during March and April. While the spawning season for blue catfish happens in late spring or early summer, channel catfish spawning season occurs from May to July; however, they are best caught in June and throughout the summer months. 

Do More in Arcadia Lakes

While fishing is the main activity that tourists can try in Arcadia Lakes, this beautiful area in Richland County has more to offer.

1. Book a Fishing Charter

Arcadia Lakes and the rest of South Carolina brag exceptional bass and catfish experience. Anglers can choose to g for kayak fishing while others can rent a boat if they wish to cast their line in some lakes and rivers, while they can buy fishing equipment they need at local tackle shops found throughout and near Arcadia Lakes.

2. Future Perfect

The Town Council Arcadia Lakes planted a time capsule on October 6, 1991. It is located behind the Tree of Life Congregation and is kept by the First Citizens Bank in a Safety Deposit Box. The time capsule is to be unsealed on October 6, 2041, by the town council. 

3. Sesqui is The Place To Be

Sesquicentennial State Park, called by locals as "Sesqui," is a perfect space to spend time with your family after a long day of fishing. It is only 14 minutes away from Arcadia Lakes and offers different activities ideal for the whole family. Sesqui has hiking trails and camping grounds. Tourists can also rent a pedal boat, a canoe, or a kayak to explore the Sesquicentennial Lake.