Do I Need a Fishing License for Camp Croft?

Croft State Park, located near Spartanburg, South Carolina, offers a variety of outdoor activities, including fishing on Lake Craig. But before you cast a line, you might be wondering: do I need a fishing license to fish at Camp Croft?

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Yes, You Need a Fishing License!

Anyone over the age of 16 needs a valid South Carolina fishing license to fish in Lake Craig at Croft State Park. This applies whether you’re fishing from the shore, a pier, or a boat.

The park rangers patrol the lake and check for fishing licenses, so it’s essential to have yours with you.

Where to Get Your Fishing License

You can purchase a South Carolina fishing license online through the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR). You can also buy a license at local fishing stores and some sporting goods retailers.

Types of Fishing Licenses

SCDNR offers various fishing licenses, including:

Annual Freshwater Fishing License: This license is valid for one year from the date of purchase and allows you to fish in all freshwater lakes and rivers in South Carolina.
14-day Freshwater Fishing License: If you’re only visiting for a short time, you can get a 14-day license.
Nonresident Licenses: If you’re not a South Carolina resident, you’ll need to purchase a nonresident fishing license.

Fishing Regulations at Croft State Park

In addition to having a fishing license, it’s important to be aware of the fishing regulations at Croft State Park:

Only electric trolling motors are allowed on Lake Craig. You can’t use gas-powered motors.
There are creel limits on certain fish species. For example, you can only keep 3 largemouth bass and 20 bream. You can find the complete list of regulations on a sign at the boat ramp.

Fishing Tips for Lake Craig

Lake Craig is known for its largemouth bass, bream, catfish, and crappie. Here are some tips for fishing success:

Try fishing with plastic worms in the early spring, especially around the banks. This is a good technique for largemouth bass.
For crappie, try slow trolling with minnows in the middle of the lake.
The lake has many trees around the banks and submerged stumps, so be careful not to snag your line.

Enjoy Your Fishing Trip!

Now that you know the answer to “Do I need a fishing license for Camp Croft?”, you can relax and enjoy your fishing trip! Just remember to get your license, follow the regulations, and have fun.