Cross, SC Fishing: Ample Rural Lake Fishing in South Carolina

The unincorporated community of Cross is found in northwestern Berkeley County in southwest South Carolina. It is situated on South Carolina Highway 6 and South Carolina Highway 45. Cross sits upon Lake Moultrie’s west, providing effortless access to the lakeside and water-bound amenities and activities. Cross is a part of the county established in 1682 and was named after Province of Carolina co-owners John and William Berkeley. The current Berkeley County was created in 1882 following two previous incarnations. 

Cross has the potential to be a very relaxing destination, with its suitable location right next to the third largest lake in South Carolina and emitting a rural and welcoming atmosphere. Aside from the natural beauty it offers, the community is also home to landmarks listed under the National Register of Historic Places. Cross is also the hometown of NFL linebacker and coach Rod Wilson. Numerous campgrounds are peppered across its area, with some themed around specific activities like fishing. Anglers will have no problem finding a place to fish in Cross, especially when it overlooks a recreational and fishing lake.

Cross Fishing 

Being a lakeside community means Cross can be a viable option for anglers looking for their next adventure. Cross embodies a particular calmness that will have people appreciate their relationship with nature. It provides plenty of fishing opportunities, whether fishing from the shore or setting out by boat. 

One can find Lake Moultrie right to the east of Cross. It is South Carolina's third-largest lake. In the early 1940s, the 60,000-acre lake was made for flood control and hydroelectric power. Anglers will experience the lake's varied fishing environment as it contains tree stumps and live cypress trees, shallow swamps, black water ponds, and a large open area of water. World and state record catches of channel catfish and black crappie has been recorded from Lake Moultrie. Other prominent species found in its waters include largemouth bass, white bass, striped bass, flathead catfish, blue catfish, white crappie, bluegill, pumpkinseed sunfish, redbreast sunfish, redear sunfish, warmouth, white perch, yellow perch, chain pickerel, and bowfin. Sea-run anadromous fish passage for species like American shad and blueback herring occur at St. Stephen Dam and Pinopolis Dam. Fish attractors are set up around the lake to enhance the growth and development of different fish and baitfish. Lake Moultrie has plenty of shorelines, docks, and structures for anglers who prefer to fish on land. 

The Fred L. Day Boat Ramp for boat anglers has a one-lane ramp, a fishing pier, and a gravel parking lot to accommodate up to 50 vehicles or trailers.  The Cross / Santee Cooper Lakes Kampgrounds of America boat ramp can be accessed through Ranger Drive. Bottom fishing, drift fishing live bait, and jigging spoons and jigs are effective ways to reel fish. Anglers cannot go ice fishing in the lake in the winter because it doesn’t form ice. Deeper sections of the lake and the edges of drop-offs can find striped bass. Largemouth bass can be spotted around visible structures in shallow water. They move into deeper waters when the climate gets colder. Plenty of aquatic vegetation is sprinkled throughout the lake, providing a fantastic habitat for fish like largemouth bass, chain pickerel, and bream species. Catfish species are best caught by dragging bait such as cut herring, shad, mullet, and worms on the bottom of the lake floor. Anglers can find schools of white bass in open water areas over bare sandy points. Additionally, the lake area has a marina, boat rental services, RV hookups, lodging, and bait and tackle shops.

To the north, a diversion canal connects Lake Moultrie to Lake Marion. Lake Marion hosts similar species of fish found in Lake Moultrie. It also has largemouth bass, various catfish species, black and white crappie, bluegill, sunfish species, warmouth, white bass, white and yellow perch, striped bass, and chain pickerel. Boats, canoes, and kayaks can be portaged from boat ramps, landings, and fishing access areas readily available around the lake. Hundreds of miles of shoreline will accommodate those who want to reel in fish from land. The lake’s main draw is large bass, monster catfish, and healthy sunfish. A marina, boat rental services, RV hookups, lodging, and bait and tackle shops are located around the lake.

Anglers can head to Cross’ south for inland options and find Buzzard Bay, Pigeon Bay, and Chinquapin Bay. They all have good largemouth bass populations.

Cross has hosted the Annual Fishing with Heroes tournament at Blacks Camp and Restaurant. The Wounded Warrior Project has benefited from the event. The non-profit organization helps physically or mentally injured veterans and service members transition back into civilian life and help them deal with PTSD.

Top 10 Fish Species in Cross, SC

The top 10 fish species found in Cross, South Carolina are largemouth bass, channel catfish, black crappie, white bass, striped bass, flathead catfish, blue catfish, redear sunfish, warmouth, and chain pickerel. 

Seasonal Fishing

Spring is the best time to catch big largemouth bass. That season is also when they spawn. They are best caught early and late in the day in the summer. Fall fishing for bass is best done early in the morning in shallow areas near trees. Anglers can also catch them in the winter if they scout deeper waters. The best time to target catfish is from April to October. One can find a lot of crappie in local waters from March to May when they spawn. They move into deeper waters in the summer and winter. In the fall, anglers can catch them from shallow areas. Striped bass can be targeted throughout the year. March, April, and May move through canals and concentrate in deep holes. Schools of stripers are easily sight-fished in October. Anglers are not allowed to catch them from June to September in the summer. Schools of white bass are most active from April to May and from August to September. Fishing for bream species such as bluegill, sunfish, and warmouth can also be done throughout the year.

Lakeside Leisures in Cross

Cross’ suitable location next to one of the largest lakes in the state makes it a fantastic lakeside destination that offers several exciting attractions.

1. Book a Fishing Charter

Plenty of fishing charters can be found in and around Cross. This is because its lakeside location makes it a viable fishing destination. There are boat rental services and bait and tackle shops surrounding the main lake.

2. Go Camping

Cross is home to many campgrounds, some of which are themed around fishing. Blacks Camp is one of the most popular options, letting visitors fish and hunt in some Santee Cooper Lakes. Johnston Landing will let people enjoy over 170,000 acres of water and all of Carolina’s low country’s natural splendor. S&S Campgrounds allow people to enjoy lakeside camping while surrounded by fertile forestry.

3. Visit Historical Landmarks

Cross has some sites found in the National Register of Historic Places list. Lawson’s Pond Plantation was built in 1823. The house can be found off South Carolina Highway 6. Loch Du is another historic plantation house built around the early 1800s. The origin of its names comes from the Scottish Gaelic words meaning ‘black lake.’