Conway, SC Fishing: Fishing in the Historic River Town of South Carolina

Conway is a city located in South Carolina’s easternmost county, Horry County. It is also the county seat and is part of the Myrtle Beach Metropolitan Area. Conway is one of the oldest townships in South Carolina. The village was named ‘Kings Town’ by early English colonists but was soon changed to ‘Kingston.’ Conway was founded in 1732 as part of Royal Governor Robert Johnson’s Township Scheme, which laid out the community on a bluff overlooking the Waccamaw River. From the 1730s to the 1750s, King George II was a significant public figure in the area. By the 1770s, the region of the state where Kingston was located was overwhelmingly English. In 1801, Horry County was created, and Kingston was renamed ‘Conwayborough’ in honor of local hero General Robert Conway. The South Carolina General Assembly eventually shortened the name to Conway in 1883. 

Conway possesses all the charm and grace of a historic Southern American community. Its streets are lined with oak trees, and its historic downtown area invites visitors to appreciate its picturesque beauty and learn more about its heritage. The city is home to a slew of popular events that will surely let visitors experience its true essence and culture. Conway is also neighbored by a wildlife refuge and forests where nature lovers can roam and enjoy outdoor activities. Anglers won’t have difficulty finding places to fish in Conway because a vast lake is present, Myrtle Beach is just a stone’s throw away, and a river winds through most of the community.

Conway Fishing

Conway is home to and is surrounded by plenty of freshwater and saltwater fishing spots that anglers can choose from. It has the advantage of being near the coast, providing plenty of opportunities for anglers to use different fishing techniques and catch various game fish while on their South Carolina saltwater fishing tours and freshwater fishing trips.

The Waccamaw River can be found meandering throughout the city and is a place for some of the best bass fishing in the area. Although it is partly known for its saltwater fishing, the river is a largemouth bass haven. Other fish anglers can find in the river are striped bass, blue catfish, channel catfish, white catfish, black bullhead, yellow bullhead, brown bullhead, flat bullhead, bluegill, redbreast sunfish, redear sunfish, pumpkinseed sunfish, black crappie, bowfin, chain pickerel, redfin pickerel, southern stingray, longnose gar, American eel, American shad, gizzard shad, threadfin shad, carp, warmouth, yellow perch, white perch, and a variety of shiner and minnow species. The river’s upstream part is a hotspot for brackish redfish. The Waccamaw River is a terrific waterway for bank fishing, but boat anglers can launch their vessels from the numerous boat ramps found in the city; Billy Witherspoon Landing, Pitch Landing, Cox Ferry Lake Landing, and J. Todd Landing. Search for current breaks, cuts, and fingers off the main river to fish for largemouths, making way through long, skinny waterways through cypress trees. Fishing during high tide is ideal because it floods clearings to the point that there is much submerged standing timber where fish like to gather. Baitcasting using a dark-colored floating worm is one of the most effective ways to land bass. Red jerkbaits in the river’s tidal section will work well during low tide. Square-billed crankbaits and spinnerbaits are also effective in catching bass. Target redfish by looking for grass lines, stumps, and any cover near the shoreline. Spinnerbaits and lipless crankbaits are preferred for catching redfish.

Lake Busbee is a viable fishing spot that primarily houses sunfish species and largemouth bass transferred to the Waccamaw River. Biologists with Santee Cooper and the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources have concluded that fishing in the lake would not be productive due to low fish populations and the continuous drop in its water levels. The remaining fish are left as forage for wildlife, such as wood storks, herons, egrets, shorebirds, gulls, bald eagles, ospreys, turtles, alligators, and raccoons. Still, the area is a good place for lakeside recreation.

Anglers also have the pleasure of having easy access to fish from Myrtle Beach. Its 60-mile-long coastal strip overlooks the Atlantic Ocean and runs along the Intracoastal Waterway. Deep sea fishing and bottom fishing are prevalent in Myrtle Beach because of its access to vast ocean waters through the Grand Strand. Anglers can also use one of the several piers onshore or go surf casting in designated areas. The nearest pier one can access from Conway are the Myrtle Beach Pier and the 2nd Avenue Pier. Inshore species one can hook are redfish, southern flounder, speckled sea trout, black drum, Atlantic spadefish, king mackerel, and sharks (blacktip, spinner, bull, tiger, and Atlantic sharpnose.) 

Further out the coast, one can nab southern flounder, bull redfish, southern stingray, sharks, sea trout, black drum, Atlantic spadefish, cobia, black sea bass, triggerfish, mahi-mahi, red snapper, grouper, wahoo, blackfin tuna, and yellowfin tuna. Light tackle fishing in shallow areas like creeks, shallow bays, and oyster bars is how to best target redfish. Another great target for the light tackle is king mackerel because they can be spotted near the water’s surface. Cobia are found around nearshore reefs or underwater structures with plenty of bait fish. The best way to hook mahi-mahi is to troll them using artificial lures over 15 miles offshore.

Anglers on an adventure with freshwater charters can also chase fish in the Intracoastal Waterway. Species in the waterway include redfish, largemouth bass, striped bass, catfish, shad, Atlantic herring, and white crappie. Redfish, black drum, mackerel, flounder, mahi-mahi, and sea bass can be caught in its marine areas. The area is popular among boaters, so expect heavy maritime traffic when boat angling. The waterway is also lined with several piers and marinas. Small creeks and cutoffs provide excellent fishing action for wade anglers.

The Conway Bassmasters club holds several tournaments in the city every year in the Waccamaw River. They use South Carolina BASS Federation official tournament rules for their competitions.

Top 10 Fish Species in Conway, SC

The top 10 species found in Conway, SC, are largemouth bass, redfish, striped bass, blue catfish, channel catfish, bluegill, black crappie, southern flounder, speckled sea trout, and black drum.

Seasonal Fishing

The best period to target largemouth bass, catfish, redfish, mahi-mahi, flounder, and mackerel is from May to September. Striped bass can be caught all year, with prime fishing months being April and May. Spring and summer are the best seasons for bream and sunfish fishing. March and April are the peak months to catch crappie. The peak season for tuna fishing in South Carolina is from May to July. Pickerel species are active during the cooler months until the waters start to warm up. Trout are most active from November to April.

Exploring Conway

Conway’s inviting atmosphere entices visitors to explore its interesting historical sites, charming nature areas, and fun community and events.

1. Book a Fishing Charter

Because of its proximity to Myrtle Beach, anglers can find plenty of fishing charters to book when they plan their fishing trips in Conway. Some guide services one can check out are Hooked Up On Striper Guide Service LLC, North Island Fishing Charters, Eye Deal Fishing Charters, and Saltbreak Charters. There are several areas where anglers can rent boats, fishing gear, and equipment and buy bait and tackle. 

2. Go On a Riverwalk

The Conway Riverwalk is one of the best ways to enjoy and learn more about the city. The trail provides waterfront access to the Waccamaw River that winds through the heart of the city, giving a glimpse of its history. People can end up at the Riverfront Park and the Conway Marina, where there are tons of shops and restaurants.

3. Go On a River Tour

Conway’s downtown area is home to Waccamaw Outfitters, a family-owned business that offers guided tours and rentals along the local scenic blackwater river. People can cruise on a pontoon boat or venture on a guided or solo trip in a kayak. The establishment also offers a selection of fishing lures, unique merchandise, cold beverages, and more.