South Carolina Trout Catch and Release

The South Carolina Department of Natural Resources hosted a public meeting on Thursday, Feb. 1, 2018, to seek input on a proposal to establish a special management zone on the lower Saluda River for coldwater trout.

Consideration is underway concerning the establishment of a catch-and-release-only zone between Interstate 26 and Stacey's Ledge on the lower Saluda River. This reach of the river contains unique habitat from which SCDNR has documented evidence of trout reproduction. SCDNR welcomes public input on this proposal.

The current regulation is no more than five total combined, per person, per day of brook, brown or rainbow trout. Only one fish can be greater than 16 inches. No bait or tackle restrictions. Fish must be landed with head and tail intact.

The proposed regulation would establish a special management zone for all coldwater trout. The special management zone would establish a catch-and-release-only zone between the eastbound lanes of Interstate 26 and Stacey's Ledge, an approximately 1.3-mile stretch of river. Regulations will remain unchanged in all other waters of the Lower Saluda River.