Batesburg-Leesville, SC Fishing: The Poultry Center of South Carolina

Batesburg-Leesville is named after Captain Tom Bates in Lexington County, South Carolina. Many people refer to it as The Twin Cities or the "B-L." It is also famous for its poultry production in the state. 

The place was formed in 1992 when the separate cities of Batesburg and Leesville consolidated into one territory. After being established in 1875 and 1877, each area initially served as a trading hub. Batesburg was the market center of farmers in Saluda counties. At the same time, Leesville was the distribution center of merchants in Lexington County. In 1920, both cities collaborated to construct a local high school, and many joint ventures followed until their consolidation in 1992. 

Most of the Batesburg-Leesville economy revolves around poultry harvesting and the revenue generated by two of its largest plants: Amick Farms and Columbia Farms. Over the years, it has been a consistent contributor to the growth of Lexington County's poultry industry. This industry has significant value to the city. Every second Saturday of May, this small city holds The Poultry Festival, attracting thousands of tourists. Festival activities include cake and fireworks displays, a parade, and food stalls. 

Since the poultry industry is always Batesburg-Leesville’s highlight, not many know its fishing culture and environment. This place is near numerous bodies of water that have excellent fishing spots. 

Batesburg-Leesville Fishing 

Batesburg-Leesville is on the country's East Coast, and many fishing opportunities await you. One of the famous fishing locations in the city is the Davis Pond. It is a conserved reservoir open for fishing from Monday through Sunday. 

To maximize your catch in Davis Pond, you should be on the water fishing from 12 midnight until 6 in the morning. You might be surprised by the number of largemouth bass, striped bass, bluegill, channel catfish, and blue catfish swimming here. Indeed, you do not want to miss out on these delicious bottom feeders, and you might reel in a heavyweight if you start fishing during the earlier hours of the day. Make sure you bring a South Carolina Freshwater Fishing License valid for at least a year. You can buy valid licenses for three years if you are planning on coming back. 

Another fishing location that you may want to try out is the Batesburg Reservoir lake, which is 19 acres in size and has more fishing holes than Davis Pond. The lake is near urban structures like the Batesburg-Leesville High School and Batesburg Commercial Historic District. Even though it is near a metropolitan area, the lake's water quality is viable for fishing and recreational activities. 

Fish such as chain pickerel, bowfin, redbreast sunfish, american gizzard shad, and crevalle jack are abundant in Batesburg Reservoir. The lake mostly has lazy waters, but there are fast currents as you go further into the open waters. You have to look out for these currents because fish use them to swim and migrate into deeper parts of the lake.

When fishing in Batesburg-Leesville, you would often encounter slow water currents. It would be tiresome to paddle your way to cover more ground, and you might lose the chance to catch fishing swimming in the currents. That is why many local anglers in the city use drift fishing, a technique in which your boat's movement is affected by the wind and the currents. When fishing on Batesburg Reservoir or Davis Pond, you can try this technique, but make sure you travel light on your boat. 

Carrying heavy tackle or loading too much in the boat will prevent you from succeeding in drift fishing. Since you would rely on currents and the speed of the wind, you can use your boat's steering wheel or a paddle to maneuver your boat's directions. 

Another technique popular in Batesburg-Leesville is trolling, where you drag multiple baits into the water column from the stern. This technique complements drift fishing because you slowly lower multiple lures on a long fishing line and let the currents drift your boat. As you cover more ground while your boat is drifting, you will have schools of fish following your boat along with the current. Once you stop to pull the line, you will have caught a lot of fish. 

While trolling, it is best to use live bait and multiple hooks on a long fishing line. Your fishing line will present your lure like a slow-moving prey to fish swimming along currents. Make sure to stop every once in a while to reel in the fish that bites on your bait. Surely, you do not want to leave the fish in the currents. 

Top 10 Fish Species in Batesburg-Leesville, SC

The top 10 fish species to catch in Batesburg-Leesville are largemouth bass, striped bass, bluegill, channel catfish, blue catfish, chain pickerel, bowfin, redbreast sunfish, american gizzard shad, and crevalle jack.

Seasonal Fishing

Fishing recreationally in Batesburg-Leesville is allowed all year round by Lexington County. However, suppose you want to experience the peak season. In that case, you should visit this place before June to have ample time to prepare and scout fishing locations. 

The peak season in Batesburg-Leesville is from June until September when mornings are longer and water temperatures are higher. During this season, the fish becomes more active. The fish search for food or mate during the day, often swimming along the currents. The best time to start fishing during peak season is from 3 until 11 in the morning. 

Later in the year, lakes and streams near Batesburg-Leesville do not freeze over, so fishing can continue. You could fish here from December until February to experience the cold winter breeze over the waters. During this time, fish frequently ignore cold waters, searching for safe places to form schools. They are easily attracted to smelly live bait, and they will chaise it down towards your boat.

On regular days, you would still find many fish to catch, and locals recommend starting from 7 until 9 in the morning. Make sure to familiarize yourself with fishing rules set by Lexington County before heading out to your fishing hole. 

Discover Batesburg-Leesville, the Western Part of Lexington County 

Batesburg-Leesville is rich in American history. It has often been the subject of civil rights debates and radio commentaries by radio personality Orson Welles. These places will help you discover more about the city and its rich history. 

1. Woodard Case plaque

One of the most historic yet tragic events that happened in Batesburg-Leesville was the civil rights incident of Sergeant Isaac Woodard. He was a World War II veteran beaten by local police. His case garnered national attention, and it paved the way for then-President Truman to submit the Civil Rights Bill in February 1948. 

You can find the plaque commemorating The Woodard Case plaque in West Church Street and Fulmer Street. The place is often referred to as "Old Batesburg" because this is the original location of the city’s police station. 

2. Cotton Branch Farm

The city of Batesburg-Leesville is among those who support animal rights, aside from supporting civil rights. Cotton Branch Farm is among the most prominent sanctuaries in South Carolina dedicated to pigs. Since pigs are viewed primarily as meat sources in the agricultural industry, factories often mistreat and neglect them. 

Cotton Branch farm offers visitors the opportunity to see what life is like for pigs and typical farm animals used in poultry production. You could volunteer here or be part of their adoption programs so that you could bring a companion back with you after your vacation in this place. 

3. Lake Murray

Lake Murray is among the beautiful US reservoirs in South Carolina, and it also serves as a source of hydroelectric power for Batesburg-Leesville city. The lake’s size is close to 50,000 acres, and it provides space for kayaking, swimming, and other recreational activities.