The Great Lakes of South Carolina

Spanning 60,000 acres, Lake Moultrie is the third-largest lake in South Carolina. It connects to the largest lake in the state—the colossal 100,000-acre Lake Marion—through a diversion canal. Together, these two lakes bring in $415 million worth of tourism to the surrounding five counties. So, it’s easy to see why the locals affectionately refer to them as the ‘Great Lakes of South Carolina.’

Hope in Hard Times

Unlike Lake Marion—which extends into five counties—Lake Moultrie rests entirely within Berkley County. However, its impact stretches far beyond a singular county, permeating the lives of many South Carolinians—past and present. 

Named for Governor and Revolutionary War hero William Moultrie, Lake Moultrie was constructed along with Lake Marion during the Great Depression. President Roosevelt commissioned its development to supply hydroelectric power, provide jobs, and enhance the state’s economic future. At one point, the lake’s formation was the most extensive land-clearing project in United States history. 

In 1941, 12,500 South Carolinians cleared 177,000 acres of swamp and timberland to construct Lakes Marion and Moultrie. They also built the Pinnopolis Dam, stretching 75 feet high, and the six-and-a-half-mile canal connecting the two lakes. 

Outstanding Fishing Prospects

What we today know as Lakes Marion and Moultrie was once a densely timbered region. And although the workers cleared away most of the timber, they still left many live Cypress trees and stumps—much to anglers’ delight. Moreover, since fish love to congregate near these timbered areas, Lake Moultrie boasts a formidable fish population. 

To enter these prolific waters, fishing enthusiasts can launch their boats from eight public boat ramps. They can navigate Lake Moultrie confidently, knowing that many state-record catches have occurred here. At any moment, an experience—or novice angler—could be the next one to reel in a monster fish. 

In 1957, a fisherman reeled in a five-pound crappie, and in 1964, another caught a 58-pound channel catfish. Even more impressively, Paula Haney—a native of nearby Anderson—hooked a 113.8-pound Arkansas blue catfish in 2017. Other state-record catches include black crappie, warmouth, largemouth bass, flathead, shell cracker bream, and white perch. 

Possibly Lake Moultrie’s most lucrative fishing secret, the Hatchery is a 2,254 hotspot full of stump fields, Cypress trees, and abundant wildlife. The waterscapes and aquatic vegetation here make it the ideal largemouth bass fishing spot. Anglers can access the Hatchery by using the nearby boat ramp, or they can fish from the shores or a kayak. 

The Wildscapes of Moultrie

The outdoor adventures never end at Lake Moultrie. Enveloped by the 250,000-acre Francis Marion National Forest, Lake Moultrie shares its shores with wild turkeys, hawks, deer, alligators, and doves. It is also one of the top locations in the Southeast for birdwatching. 

Furthermore, hiking enthusiasts in Lake Moultrie can walk on the Palmetto Trail, which runs along the banks. Additionally, the Berkley Blueways offers a fun activity for kayakers. Comprised of 24 unique trails, the course winds through blackwater creeks, coves, and tranquil rivers.

One of the Few Truly Wild Lakes

Although Lake Moultrie provides quick access to grocery stores, restaurants, and more, it is most beloved for its natural landscapes. As many locals claim, it is one of the last truly wild places far from the loud hum of the interstates.