Flathead Catfish

If you're hunting for monster flathead catfish in South Carolina, the area around Batesburg-Leesville offers some excellent opportunities. The Saluda River, particularly the stretch below Lake Murray, is a prime location. These fish thrive in the deep holes and around submerged structure like fallen trees and rock piles. Spring and fall are generally considered the best times to target them, as the water temperatures are moderate and the fish are actively feeding. Summer nights can also be productive. For bank access, try the areas near the Highway 1 bridge or look for smaller access points along dirt roads that run parallel to the river. If you have a boat, the Dreher Island State Park ramp provides good access to Lake Murray and the upper Saluda. Be prepared for some heavy lifting – these fish can easily exceed 50 pounds! Local tip: Use live bait like bream or bullheads for the best results, fished on a Carolina rig near the bottom.