Family Fishing at Its Best
Croft State Park, located just south of downtown Spartanburg, offers two of the most accessible and family-friendly fishing spots in the county. The 165-acre Lake Tom Moore Craig and the nearby 40-acre Lake Edwin Johnson provide bass, crappie, catfish, and bluegill fishing in a setting surrounded by 7,000 acres of wooded park land.
Lake Craig is the centerpiece. The lake sits on Kelsey Creek within the park boundaries, with mostly wooded banks and plenty of submerged stumps that hold bass and crappie year-round. A paved boat ramp and fishing pier provide access without needing a private boat. The park rents fishing boats for 10 dollars for four hours or 20 dollars for the full day. Kayak and canoe rentals start at 5 dollars for two hours.
What Bites at Lake Craig
Largemouth bass are the primary target for most anglers. The submerged stumps along the wooded banks are the key structure. Plastic worms worked slowly through the timber produce the most consistent bass action. Texas-rigged trick worms and shaky head jigs in natural colors like watermelon and green pumpkin are proven producers.
Crappie fishing is productive in the spring when fish move shallow to spawn. Trolling minnows along the creek channel and around submerged brush is the traditional approach. The area near the boat ramp offers good bank fishing access with reasonable casting room.
Bluegill and bream provide nonstop action for younger anglers. Crickets under a bobber fished around the dock pilings and along the shoreline vegetation will keep kids busy all morning. Catfish are present throughout the lake and respond well to cut bait and chicken liver fished on the bottom near the deeper creek channel.
Lake Edwin Johnson
Just outside the state park, Lake Edwin Johnson is a 40-acre SCDNR public fishing lake managed specifically for recreational angling. The lake is fertilized to promote bass and bluegill growth. Access is free with a boat ramp, fishing pier, and picnic shelter. Hours are sunrise to sunset, seven days a week. Electric trolling motors only. The creel limits are specific: 10 bream, 3 bass, and 3 catfish per day.
Park entry for Croft State Park is 3 dollars per vehicle. No gasoline engines are permitted on Lake Craig, keeping the water quiet and the fishing pressure manageable. A South Carolina fishing license is required at both lakes.
What is Happening
Q: How much does it cost to fish at Croft State Park?
A: Park entry is 3 dollars per vehicle. Fishing boat rentals are 10 to 20 dollars. Kayak and canoe rentals start at 5 dollars. A South Carolina fishing license is required.
Q: Can I use a gas motor on Lake Craig?
A: No. Only electric trolling motors and human-powered boats are permitted on Lake Craig. Private boats with electric motors are allowed. The same restriction applies to Lake Edwin Johnson.
Q: What fish are in Lake Craig?
A: Largemouth bass, crappie, channel catfish, bluegill, and bream. The lake is surrounded by wooded banks with submerged stumps that provide excellent fish habitat.
