Book Your Fishing Charter in Bamberg, SC

Nestled in the Coastal Plains is Bamberg, the county seat of its eponymous county in South Carolina. It is a beautiful city surrounded by rich farmlands and historical spots. With its proximity to the Edisto River, its namesake tribe of the Muskogean Indians was the first inhabitants of Bamberg. Like many cities in South Carolina, it was also a railroad product. But when Major William Seaborn Bamberg came to the place in the 1840s, he diligently pushed the city’s improvements to make it more than just a passageway. In 1855, Bamberg was incorporated because of his outstanding leadership, and the city and the county were named after him. The city remains a charming destination in the southern region of South Carolina. Bamberg remains a wholesome city with locals with a unique sense of community.

Bamberg Fishing: The Beauty of Natural Freshwaters

Bamberg offers year-round freshwater fishing to local and visiting anglers. When you come to Bamberg, the South Fork of Edisto River, Lake Marion, and Lake Moultrie are the primary water bodies to fish from. Apart from fishing, parks around the lakes offer fun recreational activities, including swimming, boating, camping, wildlife viewing, and paddling.

Running in the northeast of Bamberg, South Fork Edisto River is a healthy blackwater ecosystem for different plants, wildlife, and aquatic life. It offers productive fishing for species like largemouth bass, striped bass, northern pike, warmouth, flathead catfish, channel catfish, green sunfish, bluegill, redear sunfish, redbreast, black crappie, and yellow bullhead. Redbreast sunfish is the favorite game for locals in Bamberg. This fork branches out from the Edisto River, the longest free-flowing blackwater in the country. With the cool weather around the river, fly fishing is one of the most popular techniques. The South Fork Edisto River is listed among the most endangered rivers, but Bamberg and South Carolina strive to preserve it.

In Bamberg’s northeast, Lake Marion lies the largest lake in South Carolina. It is also known as the state’s inland sea. Within its 110,000 acres area, it is brimming with a variety of species, including largemouth bass, channel catfish, flathead catfish, blue catfish, black crappie, white crappie, bluegill, pumpkinseed, redbreast sunfish, redear sunfish, warmouth, white bass, white perch, yellow perch, striped bass, and chain pickerel. Its ecosystem is healthy and thriving, supporting the growth of big bass and fat catfish. Approximately 315 miles of shoreline are available for anglers to enjoy fun and scenic fly fishing. Parks in Lake Marion offer fishing access to the lake, and sixteen boat ramps around the lake offer boating access for drift fishing. However, navigating the lake through trees and aquatic plants can be challenging.

Immediately downstream of Lake Marion is Lake Moultrie. It is a 60,000-acre lake filled with a healthy game for anglers to catch, including largemouth bass, channel catfish, flathead catfish, blue catfish, black crappie, white crappie, bluegill, pumpkinseed sunfish, redbreast sunfish, striped bass, white perch, yellow perch, chain pickerel, white bass, redear sunfish, and warmouth. The lake’s shoreline measures 210 miles, a great space for fly fishing. Eight boat ramps are scattered around the lake, perfect for launching access to the lake for drift fishing.

Anglers must also be updated with state regulations to avoid consuming poisonous fish. Unless informed, anglers are advised to practice catch-and-release.

History and Nature in Bamberg

1. Battle of Rivers Bridge State Historic Site

Battle of Rivers Bridge State Historic Site is located southwest of Bamberg, on the county’s border. It is a ¾-mile trail that displays details of the Battle of Rivers Bridge using interpretive panels. Year-round tours with ranger guides are available here, a trip to an excellently preserved Civil War site in South Carolina. Drop by this historic spot on your next trip to Bamberg!

2. Lowcountry Raptors

In its neighboring county, Southeast of Bamberg, is Lowcountry Raptors, a wildlife refuge for birds of prey. They aim to educate the public on the value of natural resources and help them honor the role of wildlife.