Chesterfield, SC Fishing: Fishing in the Heart of the Carolinas

Chesterfield is a town and the county seat of Chesterfield County in northern South Carolina. Its county is between Charlotte in North Carolina and Columbia in South Carolina. Chesterfield’s history is 225 years in the making, starting when Welsh settlers from Pennsylvania and Delaware moved to the area for agricultural opportunities in the mid-18th century. One of the main historical points of interest in the community is its courthouse which has gone through a lot over the centuries. Its original courthouse was built in 1785 and was rebuilt in 1825. During the Campaign of the Carolinas, General William T. Sherman burned the courthouse, and another was built in 1884. That courthouse was where one of South Carolina’s Secession meetings took place. In 1865, General Sherman’s troops passed through the region and occupied Chesterfield. During their brief stay, they torched the courthouse and destroyed all records. A new courthouse was constructed in 1978. Chesterfield is named after Philip Stanhope, the 4th Earl of Chesterfield.

Chesterfield is not only a community with a rich history and heritage. Its natural environment is at the forefront of what makes it a fantastic destination. It has celebrated over 20 years of being part of the Tree City USA program, proving that trees, conservation, and the environment are important to the community’s life. People can also spend time in local parks, state parks, and historical sites throughout the town. For anglers, Chesterfield is surrounded by vast waters filled with a diverse selection of fish.

Chesterfield Fishing

Chesterfield has the advantage of being surrounded by fantastic fishing spots recognized by avid anglers who go on fishing tours in the area. Whether one wants to present bait from land or a boat, one can find a place in Chesterfield to meet their angling expectations.

A couple of miles east of Chesterfield is the Great Pee Dee River, a designated State Scenic River. The 232-mile-long river’s favorable natural conditions and composition make it the perfect place for recreational fishing and boating. Commercial fishing is prevalent during winter because the river sees an annual shad run. This free-flowing, unaltered coastal plain river system provides critical habitat for resident and migratory fish species. Fish such as blue catfish, flathead catfish, channel catfish, largemouth bass, bluegill, black bullhead, common carp, bowfin, and longnose gar can be found in the freshwater sections of the river. For avid saltwater anglers, there are excellent opportunities to catch species such as red drum, black drum, sea trout, mullet, southern flounder, striped bass, white bass, yellowtail amberjack, and southern stingray. Several public access and boat ramp sites give anglers easy access to the river’s waters. Riverside Park at Laney Landing in Cheraw is the nearest boat ramp from Chesterfield. 

The scenic river segment can be navigated by using small vessels so that anglers won’t need large fishing boats. However, larger powerboats can be seen moving through the river’s lower sections. The Great Pee Dee River is an excellent spot for bank fishing or small motor boats and canoes, especially in its narrow abandoned channels and oxbow lakes. The river is known as South Carolina’s catfish fishing paradise because of its excellent catfish fishery. Most of the fish in the river came from upstream impoundments in North Carolina. The best place to find catfish in the Great Pee Dee River is its marshy areas. Anglers can spot many flatheads and monster blues in rocky regions, drop-offs, and steep banks. The best way to catch these fish is by baitcasting with eel, bream, gizzard shad, and mullet. Flathead catfish are terrific targets for those who want to go night fishing because they’re very active in the dark. Alternatively, blue catfish are best caught during the daytime. Fly fishing for red drum is also commonly done in the river’s saltwater section. The river also has a distinct population of stripers, making it popular among striped bass fishing charters.

Anglers can enjoy lake fishing around the Sand Hills State Forest, which stretches from Chesterfield County and eastern Piedmont to the inner coastal plain and Darlington County. The Carolina Sandhills Wildlife Refuge is part of the state forest, where Lake Robinson can be found. This 800-acre, pristine recreational lake is a terrific spot for bass, crappie, and bream fishing. It has been referred to as the ‘small jewel’ of the community because of the abundance of fish. Bass and crappie fishing trips are common there. Fish species in the lake include bluegill, largemouth bass, blue catfish, white perch, white crappie, and black crappie. Lake Robinson has a boat ramp, three fishing piers, restrooms, a picnic area, a boathouse, an event space, and public shelters. A boating permit and fishing license are required, which can be purchased from the Lake Warden’s office. Outboard motors exceeding 10 HP are not permitted. Anglers are also not allowed to fish around the dam area. The lake has a streamlined food supply for largemouth bass, the main forage being threadfin shad. They also prey on undersized black crappie, which helps them grow into trophy sizes. Anglers can use deep diving crankbaits, topwater plugs, and live bait, such as minnows, to get the bass to bite their hooks. People can also go canoeing, kayaking, and paddle boarding in the lake.

Teal Millpond can be found near Cheraw State Park, where more populations of largemouth bass, black bullhead, longnose gar, and warmouth can be found. The 105-acre pond can be accessed from Bear Creek Road or Hunts Mill Road.

Top 10 Fish Species in Chesterfield, SC

The top 10 fish species found in Chesterfield, SC, are largemouth bass, bluegill, black bullhead, blue catfish, flathead catfish, channel catfish, white perch, white crappie, black crappie, and longnose gar.

Seasonal Fishing

Fish species such as bass, catfish, red drum, and flounder are best targeted from May to September. Winter is the worst season for South Carolina fishing, but species such as red drum and northern pike can withstand cold temperatures. Bream fish like bluegill are best caught during their spawning season, which occurs from May through August, sometimes lasting until September. The peak months for crappie are March and April. Anglers who want to go fishing for carp and white perch can do so from April to June. Bowfin are active from March to early June. Longnose gar and black bullhead are best caught from May to early June when they spawn.

Chesterfield’s Historical Sites

Chesterfield is riddled with historic structures on the National Register of Historic Places. It’s also a great place to relax and enjoy being surrounded by nature.

1. Book a Fishing Charter

Anglers can find plenty of fishing charters in South Carolina. Some nearest services to Chesterfield include Fishin’ Adventures, Catfishing with Capt. Mark Lawson, Captain Leroy’s Striper Charters, and Hooked Up On Striper Guide Service. Boat rental services, fishing gear, equipment, bait, and tackle can be provided if you book with a charter. Anglers are urged to have a South Carolina fishing license before planning a trip anywhere in the state.

2. Visit the County Complex

The Chesterfield Courthouse and county complex now serve as the town’s Visitor’s Center, where one can find the Chamber of Commerce, a gift shop, the Historical Society of Chesterfield County Museum, the art gallery, the Genealogical Society, and the First Steps. It is the perfect place for visitors who want to learn more about the community and its history. The complex is located on Main Street.

3. Check Out a Historic House

The Dr. Thomas E. Lucas House, found on West Main Street, was built around 1868. The home is a two-story, three-bay, central-hall plan, frame farmhouse with a one-story rear wing. An antebellum smokehouse, gazebo, and other outbuildings are also found on the property. The house is linked to farmer, physician, and politician Dr. Thomas E. Lucas, who served in the South Carolina House of Representatives in the 1860s. In 1982, the building was included in the National Register of Historic Places.