Fishing is big in South Carolina and some of the best freshwater fishing in the state is found at Lee State Park along the banks of the Lynches River or in the Artesian Lake. In the Lynches River, your catch may include sunfish, redbreast, catfish, and bass while the Artesian Lake is stocked with catfish. Keep in mind that fishing isn’t allowed in the swimming area at the Artesian Lake. Both the Artesian Lake and Lynches River inside Lee State Park require a valid South Carolina fishing license. If you find yourself at Lee State Park without fishing tackle and a desire to fish either the lake or the river, contact the park ranger to borrow a fishing rod as part of SC DNR’s Fishing Tackle Loaner Program. For more information visit https://southcarolinaparks.com/lee/things-to-do#jump. Lee State Park isn’t just for fishing, and also offers camping, boating, bird watching, picnic shelters, and a park store with a gift shop.
Another great fishing spot is Lake Ashwood approximately 7 miles south of Bishopville on Highway 15. Recently reopened after some much-needed dam repairs, Lake Ashwood is a 73- acre public fishing lake stocked annually with blue and channel catfish, largemouth bass, sunfish, black crappie, bluegill bream, bowfin, chain pickerel, and shell-cracker. This is a wonderful place with a boat ramp, fishing pier, picnic area and is also handicap accessible. Open ½ hour before sunrise until ½ hour after sunset, fishing is allowed only with rods and reels or poles for fishermen or women ages 16 years and older. Daily fish limits apply so check out https://www.dnr.sc.gov/lakes/state/ashwood/regs.html for more information.
Another aspect many enjoy at Lake Ashwood is the 2 miles of walking trails featuring the Carolina Wren, Northern Cardinal, and Blue Jay, and a number of Red-headed Woodpeckers. Fish or fowl, add Ashwood to your must-see fishing spots list if you haven’t had the pleasure to fish her waters or hike her trails. Visit https://www.sctrails.net/trails/trail/lake-ashwood for some good info on Ashwood trails.
As we slide into the last few weeks of summer, take advantage of Crossroads Outdoors end of summer sale on Heybo, Coco & Carmen, Tidewater Flip Flops, and more! We’d also like to take a moment to let you know we’ve added several new lines recently including Carmie’s Kitchen, Bogg Bags, and The Naked Bee for the gift side of Crossroads Outdoors. Plus CHUMS, Case Knives and Glock brands to the outdoor lines we carry. Groove Life silicone wedding bands and rings are in store now and be on the lookout for Girlie Girl clothing & accessories along with the other new brands to arrive soon…check back often!!
Crossroads Outdoors is your one-stop-shop in Bishopville for fishing gear, camping supplies, hunting supplies, clothing, shoes, guns, and more! Crossroads Outdoors, where work meets play!