Cameron, SC Fishing: Experience Angling in South Carolina’s Pretty Little Town

Cameron is part of Calhoun County in South Carolina. Tourists can access Cameron easily through U.S. Route 176, also known as the Old State Road, which passes through the area.

Cameron lies below the fall line in Calhoun County and near the Congaree River. Old State Road travelers called Cameron "being that pretty, little town halfway between Charleston and Columbia, on Highway 176," which had become Cameron's motto ever since. Cameron is known for its wide streets shaded by aging oaks, which create a set of scenic calmness. Before Cameron was incorporated in 1896, the area was considered a part of the Four Holes Community. The Manchester and Augusta R. R., now known as the Atlantic Coast Line Railroad, finished its first road in 1894. Cameron was named for the conductor who brought the first train through the area. Germans are Cameron's early settlers. Cameron is known for the agricultural industry. 

With Cameron's geography located near the great Lake Marion, the area is a well-known area to fish and enjoy a fantastic fishing experience.

Cameron Fishing

Cameron sits near the great Lake Marion of South Carolina. Lake Marion is the largest lake in the state and is often referred to as South Carolina's inland sea. It was named after American Revolutionary War General Francis Marion, known legendarily as the "Swamp Fox." The general's former home of Pond Bluff was one of those flooded when the lake was formed. Lake Marion is huge and is found in five South Carolina counties: Berkeley, Calhoun, Clarendon, Orangeburg, and Sumter. The public can access the lake through several public boat ramps, the Santee State Park, and the Santee National Wildlife Refuge. Anglers can hook fish in the lake, such as largemouth bass, bluegill, blue catfish, channel catfish, flathead catfish, striped bass, black crappie, and bowfin. Bank fishing, fly fishing, kayak fishing, and drift fishing are practiced in the area. Lake Marion is known for its massive fish and extraordinary wildlife. The state fishing record for largemouth bass caught in the lake is 16.2 lbs.

Fishing in the waters of Lake Marion also gives anglers a good chance to fish in its neighboring lake, Lake Moultrie. The lake is the third largest lake in South Carolina and was created in the 1940s. The Cooper River, Lake Marion, and a diversion canal are the water sources that fill Lake Moultrie. Aside from a good fishing adventure, the lake also offers extensive recreational opportunities. Blue catfish, largemouth bass, channel catfish, striped bass, bluegill, flathead catfish, black crappie, and bowfin are the frequently caught species here. Public boat ramps, the Diversion Canal into Lake Marion, and the Pinopolis Locks into the Tail Race Canal flowing into the Cooper River all provide access for the public to visit the lake. A 58-pound channel catfish that set a world record was caught in Lake Moultrie. The lake also has an approximately 5-kilogram state record for black crappie.

Four Hole Swamp is a blackwater river tributary to the Edisto River in South Carolina. It rises in Calhoun County and flows 62 miles to the intersection. Four Hole Swamp hosts Francis Beidler Forest, a piece of land owned by the Audubon Society that safeguards the last unaltered stand of bald cypress and tupelo gum trees. There are no constructed entryways to Four Hole Swamp, but anglers can reserve a guided canoe tour in Francis Beidler Forest and paddle through the pristine cypress-tupelo forest. Boaters may use bridge crossings for throw-in access, but it can be challenging and complex. Anyone attempting to launch at a bridge crossing should respect private property and stay inside the public road right-of-way. Largemouth bass, redbreast sunfish, flathead catfish, bluegill, blue catfish, warmouth, black crappie, and bowfin are fish that anglers can catch in the swamp.

Cameron is also home to several bayous and marshes found within its borders. Cook Branch, Flea Bite Creek, T. C. Moss Pond, Moss Lake, Holman Pond, Bull Pond, Bull Swamp, and Zeiglers Pond are among the bodies of water where anglers can go fishing. Excellent bass, sunfish, and catfish fishing chances can be found at these spots. Halfway Swamp Creek is another important location. It's a creek that's close to Cameron. The most popular species caught here are largemouth bass, blue catfish, pumpkinseed, longnose gar, channel catfish, warmouth, bowfin, and flathead catfish.

For recreational fishing, anglers must be at least 16 years old. They can acquire a license online from the South Carolina Department of Resources. No matter where you fish, you need a permit for angling trips. It is advised to regularly study the state's fishing laws and regulations before casting a line.

Top 10 Fishes in Cameron, SC

The top 10 fish species found in Cameron, SC, are largemouth bass, redbreast sunfish, blue catfish, flathead catfish, bluegill, warmouth, black crappie, bowfin, longnose gar, and chain pickerel.

Seasonal Fishing

Bass fishing in Cameron is a year-round activity for anglers. Spring is the best season to go after the bass species, like largemouth bass spawn during spring. Redbreast sunfish are caught year-round but are not encountered in as many places as bluegill. They typically breed from May through July. Naturally, the increasing water temperature usually drives the breeding season of catfish. While anglers can still target catfish any time of the year, these species are preferred to be targeted during summer. Blue catfish breed every spring or summer, while the flathead catfish's spawning period takes place in late spring. Fishers typically target bluegill during spring and the early weeks of summer. Spring is also an ideal time to head out to the waters to target black crappie. They intend to spawn their eggs in warmer waters. Longnose gar's spawning period occur from May to June and takes place in shallow and vegetative fresh waters. July and August are anointed as the best months to target gar. Warmouth breed in the spring and continue to spawn through the summer period. During spring, warmouth are seen in shallow waters, making it the perfect season to catch them. Bowfin lay their eggs from March to early June. Anglers stand their chance at catching bowfin during spring. Chain pickerel breed in the early spring when water temperatures approach 50°F. Summertime is the perfect season to catch chain pickerel. 

Touring the Historic Town of Cameron

1. Book A Fishing Charter

Anglers with little details about fishing locations in Cameron are urged to book a fishing charter. Fishing charters and professional charter captains provide the equipment fishers might need for their fishing expedition. Anglers can study and learn more about fishing and proper navigation of the waters with the help of a fishing charter. Chances are also high for anglers to be more informed of the best fish species to capture in a specific area and some angling information and hacks that can help them along the way.

2. Cameron’s Historic Houses

Several large farms with homes located within the town limit are listed on the National Register of Historic Places, including the Ulmer-Summers House and Haigler House. The Haigler House was built in 1893 by Thomas Shadrack Haigler; meanwhile, the original section of the Ulmer-Summers House was built in the late 18th century. It was constructed on land originally granted to John Jacob Ulmer in 1757 and was remodeled in 1960. The families of Ulmer-Summers and Haigler are the first settlers in Cameron.

3. Museum Tour

Calhoun County Museum and Cultural Center is a 12-minute ride from the center of Cameron via the Old State Road. Calhoun County Museum aims to document, preserve, study, and exhibit artifacts relating to the history of Calhoun County in South Carolina. The museum also strives to increase public understanding of the importance of the County's heritage through preservation and interpretation.