What special fishing regulations apply at Saluda River below Lake Murray Dam (Columbia tailwater)?

Saluda River below Lake Murray Dam (Columbia tailwater) carries 2 special-regulation overlays that override South Carolina's statewide 2026 rules, covering Trout (rainbow + brown + brook). One of them reads: "Delayed Harvest Nov 1 – May 14 catch-and-release artificial-only on the upper tailwater; cold-water release supports trout into the midlands; freshwater licence required (no separate trout permit)." Every overlay on this water body is listed in full above.

Do I need a fishing license to fish Saluda River below Lake Murray Dam (Columbia tailwater)?

Yes. Saluda River below Lake Murray Dam (Columbia tailwater) is in South Carolina, so a valid South Carolina fishing license is required just as it is anywhere else in the state, issued by South Carolina Department of Natural Resources. The special regulations on this page change the bag, size, slot, or gear rules for Saluda tailwater; they do not waive the license requirement. Free-fishing days and youth exemptions follow the statewide South Carolina rules.

Do Saluda River below Lake Murray Dam (Columbia tailwater)'s special rules replace South Carolina's statewide limits?

Only where they conflict. South Carolina's statewide 2026 regulations apply on Saluda tailwater by default; the overlays above replace the matching statewide rules for the species or gear they name, while everything not specifically overridden still follows the statewide rule. When a water-body rule and the statewide rule disagree, the water-body rule wins.

Which species have special rules on Saluda tailwater?

Trout (rainbow + brown + brook) has a water-body-specific rule on Saluda River below Lake Murray Dam (Columbia tailwater), each linking to its full South Carolina regulations above. Species not listed here follow the statewide South Carolina limits.

2026 regulation year

Saluda River below Lake Murray Dam (Columbia tailwater) 2026 — South Carolina Fishing Regulations

South Carolina statewide rules apply unless overridden below.

Last updated June 9, 2026

Saluda River below Lake Murray Dam (Columbia tailwater) carries 2 special-regulation overlays on top of South Carolina's 2026 fishing rules — covering Trout (rainbow + brown + brook). Verify the agency booklet before launching: in-season changes are not yet wired to this page.

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State-level special regulation

Delayed Harvest Nov 1 – May 14 catch-and-release artificial-only on the upper tailwater; cold-water release supports trout into the midlands; freshwater licence required (no separate trout permit)
Source: South Carolina special-water list

Per-species rules on Saluda River below Lake Murray Dam (Columbia tailwater)

Trout (rainbow + brown + brook) regulations →
Lower Saluda (Broad River confluence to Lake Murray Dam): possession 5, only 1 fish over 16 in; the I-20 bridge to Stacey's Ledge reach is catch-and-release only; cold-water release supports trout into Columbia

Official source

South Carolina Department of Natural Resources publishes the authoritative 2026 South Carolina fishing regulations. Special-regulation lakes and rivers are listed in the agency booklet — always verify before fishing.

Visit official South Carolina fishing regulations →

Emergency-order channel

In-season closures, slot-limit changes, and run-count-driven harvest pauses are posted to South Carolina Department of Natural Resources's emergency-order feed — check it before any South Carolina trip during the active season.

Other special-regulation waters in South Carolina

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Frequently asked questions

What special fishing regulations apply at Saluda River below Lake Murray Dam (Columbia tailwater)?: Saluda River below Lake Murray Dam (Columbia tailwater) carries 2 special-regulation overlays that override South Carolina's statewide 2026 rules, covering Trout (rainbow + brown + brook). One of them reads: "Delayed Harvest Nov 1 – May 14 catch-and-release artificial-only on the upper tailwater; cold-water release supports trout into the midlands; freshwater licence required (no separate trout permit)." Every overlay on this water body is listed in full above.
Do I need a fishing license to fish Saluda River below Lake Murray Dam (Columbia tailwater)?: Yes. Saluda River below Lake Murray Dam (Columbia tailwater) is in South Carolina, so a valid South Carolina fishing license is required just as it is anywhere else in the state, issued by South Carolina Department of Natural Resources. The special regulations on this page change the bag, size, slot, or gear rules for Saluda tailwater; they do not waive the license requirement. Free-fishing days and youth exemptions follow the statewide South Carolina rules.
Do Saluda River below Lake Murray Dam (Columbia tailwater)'s special rules replace South Carolina's statewide limits?: Only where they conflict. South Carolina's statewide 2026 regulations apply on Saluda tailwater by default; the overlays above replace the matching statewide rules for the species or gear they name, while everything not specifically overridden still follows the statewide rule. When a water-body rule and the statewide rule disagree, the water-body rule wins.
Which species have special rules on Saluda tailwater?: Trout (rainbow + brown + brook) has a water-body-specific rule on Saluda River below Lake Murray Dam (Columbia tailwater), each linking to its full South Carolina regulations above. Species not listed here follow the statewide South Carolina limits.

← Back to South Carolina regulations overview