Regulations - Species Limits, Possession, Size

Brown trout

Regulations effective July 1, 2012

Possession Limit: No more than five trout per person per day

Size limit: No statewide length limits

Exceptions to the limits above:

• On Lake Jocassee, there is a three fish combined total possession limit for all trout species.
• On Lake Jocassee from October 1 through May 31, there is a 15 inch minimum size limit except only one of the three fish may be more than 20 inches per person per day.
• From November 1st through May 14th of each year, it is unlawful to possess, take and retain trout on the following waters:
  • that portion of the Chattooga River beginning at S.C. State Highway 28 upstream to its confluence with Reed Creek (Rabun County, GA);
  • that portion of Cheohee Creek that runs through the Piedmont Forestry Center; o Devils Fork Creek; Howard Creek from its confluence with Corbin Creek upstream to its confluence with Limberpole Creek; and Corbin Creek upstream from its confluence with Howard Creek to S.C. State Highway S-37-130 (Whitewater Road) in Oconee County;
  • Chauga River from S.C. State Highway S-37-290 (Cassidy Bridge Road) upstream to its confluence with Bone Camp Creek in Oconee County; and
  • Eastatoe River from the backwaters of Lake Keowee upstream to S.C. State Highway S-39-143 (Roy Jones Road) in Pickens County.
  • Trout taken during the defined time period from the identified areas listed above must be released immediately.
• From January 1 through December 31, it is unlawful to take and retain trout on the Middle Saluda River (approximately 1.5 river miles) from Hugh Smith Road (Bridge) upstream to the foot-bridge at Jones Gap State Park.

Bait & Tackle restrictions: Artificial lures and bait can be used when fishing for trout except on the following:

• It is unlawful to take trout by snagging.
• On Lake Jocassee, it is unlawful to use or possess corn, cheese, fish eggs, or imitations of them.
• It is unlawful to use or possess any lure or bait except artificial lures in the following waters:
  • Whitewater River;
  • Matthews Creek from Asbury Drive Bridge at Asbury Methodist Camp upstream including all tributaries and headwaters;
  • Middle Saluda River from the foot bridge at Jones Gap Natural Area Office upstream to U.S. Highway 176 in Greenville County; and
  • Eastatoe River on Eastatoe Heritage Preserve in Pickens County.
• From November 1st through May 14th, it is unlawful to use or possess any lure or bait except single hook artificial lures in the following waters:
  • that portion of the Chattooga River beginning at S.C. State Highway 28 upstream to its confluence with Reed Creek (Rabun County, GA );
  • that portion of Cheohee Creek that runs through the Piedmont Forestry Center;
  • Devils Fork Creek; Howard Creek from its confluence with Corbin Creek upstream to its confluence with Limberpole Creek; and Corbin Creek upstream from its confluence with Howard Creek to S.C. State Highway S-37-130 (Whitewater Road) in Oconee County;
  • Chauga River from S.C. State Highway S-37-290 (Cassidy Bridge Road) upstream to its confluence with Bone Camp Creek in Oconee County; and
  • Eastatoe River from the backwaters of Lake Keowee upstream to S.C. State Highway S-39-143 (Roy Jones Road) in Pickens County.
• From January 1 through December 31, it is lawful to use or possess only artificial lures with single hooks on the Middle Saluda River (approximately 1.5 river miles) from Hugh Smith Road (Bridge) upstream to the foot-bridge at Jones Gap State Park.

Other Restrictions:

• Game fish must be landed with head and tail fin intact.