Lake Keowee
A deep, clear Duke Energy reservoir in the foothills of upstate South Carolina, between Seneca and Salem. It is best known for spotted bass, blueback herring and very clean water.
Species
Fishery rating out of 5.
Spotted Bass
The main bass here. Fish deep points and humps in fall and winter, vertical with blueback herring or jigging spoons.
Largemouth Bass
Docks, laydowns and creek arms. Shallow cranks and topwater at first light.
Catfish
Flatheads, channel and blue catfish hold deep. Cut or live herring works through winter.
Crappie
Brush piles and SCDNR fish attractors in the creeks. Small jigs and minnows.
Bluegill
Shallow coves and docks in late spring and summer.
Boat launches
7 launch sites. Fees and hours change, so confirm before you go.
- Mile Creek ParkPublicPickens County park ramp, 3 lanes, large parking lotDirections ↗
- High Falls County ParkPublicOconee County park with ramp and fishing pierDirections ↗
- South Cove County ParkPublicOconee County park near Seneca with ramp and ADA fishing pierDirections ↗
- Keowee Town AccessPublicPublic 2-lane ramp, Oconee CountyDirections ↗
- Fall Creek AccessPublicPublic 3-lane ramp, Oconee CountyDirections ↗
- Cane Creek AccessPublicPublic 2-lane ramp, Oconee CountyDirections ↗
- Lake Keowee MarinaMarina156 Keowee Marina Dr, Seneca. Marina with pumpoutDirections ↗
Size & creel limits
Minimum size and daily limit for each species in Lake Keowee are published by the state. Look up the current size and creel limits for this lake directly: South Carolina Department of Natural Resources ↗
Bait & tackle nearby
Closest shops to the lake and its boat launches. Call ahead for live bait and hours.
- Keowee OutdoorsNearbySenecaDirections ↗
- Jocassee Outfitters Fly ShopNearbySalemDirections ↗
Local tips
- The water is very clear, so use light line and downsize lures, especially in summer.
- Keowee has 17 SCDNR fish attractors; the coordinates are on the SCDNR Keowee page.
- Duke Energy moves water between Keowee and Jocassee, so check the Duke lake level page before launching at shallow ramps.
View on interactive map
Zoom and pan on a street, satellite or terrain map. Red pins are boat launches.
More South Carolina lakes
Lake Hartwell Lake Murray Lake Wylie Lake Wateree Lake Greenwood Lake Jocassee Lake Monticello Fishing Creek Reservoir All South Carolina lakes →
Always wear a life jacket and check your state's current regulations before you fish.