Who Needs a South Carolina Fishing License?
Anyone 16 years of age or older must carry a valid fishing license while fishing in South Carolina. This applies to both residents and visitors, in freshwater and saltwater, whether fishing from shore, a boat, a dock, or while wading.
A freshwater fishing license is required unless you are fishing in a privately owned pond. A saltwater fishing license is required for harvesting all marine resources, including finfish, oysters, clams, shrimp, and crab.
Who Is Exempt
- Children under 16 — No license required unless fishing commercially or using nongame devices
- Private pond fishing — Anyone fishing in a privately owned pond, or anyone with the owner’s permission
- Charter boat passengers — Your license fee is included in the charter trip cost
- Licensed public fishing pier users — Covered by the pier’s commercial license
- Active duty SC residents on leave — Must present earnings and leave statement showing SC as home state
- Disabled veterans and residents receiving disability benefits — Eligible for a free 3-year disability fishing license through SCDNR
- Residents born on or before July 1, 1940 — Eligible for a free Gratis License covering freshwater, saltwater, and hunting
License Types and Costs for SC Residents
South Carolina residents must be domiciled in the state for at least 30 days and provide proof of residency (a valid SC driver’s license or state ID).
Freshwater Fishing
- 14-day Freshwater License: $5.00
- Annual Freshwater License: $10.00
- 3-Year Freshwater License: $30.00
Saltwater Fishing
- 14-day Saltwater License: $10.00
- Annual Saltwater License: $15.00
- 3-Year Saltwater License: $45.00
Combination and Sportsman Licenses
- Annual Combination License (hunting + big game + freshwater fishing): $25.00
- 3-Year Combination License: $75.00
- Annual Sportsman License (hunting + big game + WMA + freshwater fishing): $50.00
- 3-Year Sportsman License: $150.00
- Junior Sportsman License (ages 16-17, includes hunting + big game + WMA + freshwater fishing): $16.00
Senior Licenses (Age 64 and Older)
- Senior Combination License (freshwater + saltwater + hunting + big game + WMA): $9.00
- Senior Fishing License (freshwater + saltwater): $9.00
Lifetime Licenses
- Under age 2: Combination (hunting + big game + freshwater) — $300.00
- Ages 2-15: Combination — $400.00
- Ages 16-63: Freshwater Fishing — $300.00 | Saltwater Fishing — $300.00 | Combination — $500.00
License Costs for Non-Residents
Visitors to South Carolina pay higher license fees but have access to the same waters.
Freshwater
- 14-day Freshwater License: $11.00
- Annual Freshwater License: $35.00
- 3-Year Freshwater License: $105.00
Saltwater
- 1-day Saltwater License: $10.00
- 7-day Saltwater License: $35.00
- Annual Saltwater License: $75.00
Where to Buy Your License
The easiest way to purchase is online through the official SCDNR system at Go Outdoors South Carolina (license.gooutdoorssouthcarolina.com). You can also download the free Go Outdoors SC mobile app to purchase and store your license on your phone.
You will need your Social Security number to purchase. Residents must also provide proof of SC residency.
Warning: SCDNR has flagged fraudulent license websites. Only purchase through the official Go Outdoors South Carolina portal at license.gooutdoorssouthcarolina.com.
Free Fishing Days in 2026
South Carolina offers two free fishing days each year when residents can fish freshwater without a license:
- Memorial Day — May 25, 2026
- Independence Day — July 4, 2026
Free fishing days apply to South Carolina residents fishing in freshwater only, as specified in S.C. Code Section 50-9-730. Saltwater licenses and non-resident requirements still apply.
Freshwater vs. Saltwater: Where’s the Line?
Highway 17 is the official dividing line between freshwater and saltwater fisheries in South Carolina. Everything west of the highway (landward) is freshwater. Coastal waters east of the highway (seaward) are saltwater. Spartanburg County is entirely freshwater.
What Spartanburg Anglers Should Know
Spartanburg County sits in the heart of the Upstate, which means all fishing here falls under freshwater regulations. Popular fishing spots include Lake Bowen, Lake Blalock, Lake Cooley, and the Pacolet and Tyger Rivers. An annual freshwater license at $10 covers all of these waters.
Anglers heading to the coast for saltwater fishing at Myrtle Beach, Charleston, or Hilton Head will need a separate saltwater license. The drive from Spartanburg to the nearest saltwater access is roughly three hours.
What’s Happening
Do I need a license to fish at Lake Bowen or Lake Blalock?
Yes. Both lakes are public freshwater bodies in Spartanburg County, so anyone 16 or older needs a valid South Carolina freshwater fishing license. An annual resident license costs $10.
What happens if I fish without a license?
Fishing without a required license is a violation of South Carolina wildlife law. SCDNR law enforcement officers can issue citations. Fines and court costs apply.
Can I use my phone as proof of my license?
Yes. The Go Outdoors SC mobile app lets you store your license digitally. SCDNR officers can verify your license electronically in the field.
My child is 15 — do they need a license?
No. South Carolina does not require any hunting or fishing license for anyone under 16 years of age, unless the child is fishing commercially or using nongame fishing devices.
I’m a disabled veteran. How do I get a free license?
South Carolina residents receiving disability benefits from the Social Security Administration, VA, SC Retirement System, Railroad Retirement Board, Federal Civil Service, or Medicaid can apply for a free 3-year Disability Fishing License. Contact SCDNR Licensing at (803) 734-3833 or apply by mail with proof of disability and a valid SC ID.
