As spring starts blooming across South Carolina, a familiar pattern begins to take shape. Water temperatures rise, fish become more active, and opportunities to connect people with the outdoors expand across the state.
This year, the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources is offering a comprehensive schedule of Fishing Rodeos and Family Fishing Clinics, spanning both freshwater and saltwater environments. These events are designed to provide accessible, educational, and engaging experiences for anglers of all ages and skill levels.
A Statewide Effort to Expand Access
From community lakes and state parks to coastal piers and estuarine systems, SCDNR’s summer programming reaches every corner of South Carolina.
Freshwater rodeos and clinics will take place in locations such as:
- Charles Towne Landing State Historic Site (Charleston)
- Blue Heron Nature Center (Ridgeland)
- Historic Camden Revolutionary War Site
- Croft State Park (Spartanburg)
- Lake Rabon (Laurens)
- Georgetown’s 8 Oaks Park
- Numerous county and municipal parks statewide
In addition, Family Fishing Clinics will be hosted at key locations including Dreher Island State Park and Table Rock State Park, offering structured, hands-on instruction for participants looking to build foundational skills.
Expanding Into Saltwater Opportunities
Complementing the freshwater programs, SCDNR has developed a robust lineup of saltwater clinics and youth-focused rodeos, introducing participants to South Carolina’s dynamic coastal fisheries.
Key events include:
- Saltwater Fishing Clinic – Yemassee (Nemours Plantation area)
- Saltwater Fishing Clinic – North Inlet-Winyah Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve (Georgetown)
- Ironclad Anglers Youth Fishing Rodeo – Colonial Lake (Charleston)
A series of Pier Fishing Clinics will also be held throughout the spring and early summer at Springmaid Pier, with additional coastal instruction offered at Hunting Island State Park.
These saltwater programs provide participants with exposure to tidal systems, changing conditions, and species-specific techniques unique to coastal environments.
Building the Next Generation of Anglers
SCDNR’s Fishing Rodeos and Clinics serve as an important entry point for new anglers and families. They reduce barriers to participation, provide access to knowledgeable staff, and create an environment where learning and enjoyment go hand in hand.
Whether attending a local pond rodeo or a coastal pier clinic, participants gain practical skills and a deeper understanding of the ecosystems that support South Carolina’s fisheries.
Learn More
These programs represent a coordinated effort to connect communities with the outdoors while promoting long-term stewardship of the state’s aquatic resources.
For full event details, schedules, and participation information, visit:
SCDNR Fishing Rodeos & Clinics Schedule (Spring–Summer 2026)
| Date | Event | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Apr 17 | Chester State Park Family Fishing Clinic | Chester State Park, Chester |
| Apr 25 | Blue Heron Nature Center Fishing Rodeo | Ridgeland |
| Apr 25 | Charles Towne Landing Fishing Rodeo | Charleston |
| May 2 | Hampton County Fishing Rodeo | Garnett |
| May 2 | Historic Camden Fishing Rodeo | Camden |
| May 2 | Horry County Fishing Rodeo | Horry County |
| May 2 | Lake Craig at Croft State Park Fishing Rodeo | Spartanburg |
| May 2 | Lake Thicketty Fishing Rodeo | Cherokee County |
| May 2 | Marlboro County Fishing Rodeo | Clio |
| May 2 | Williston Town Park Fishing Rodeo | Williston |
| May 2 | Family Fishing Clinic – Avery Davis Memorial Tournament | Dreher Island State Park, Prosperity |
| May 6 | Family Fishing Clinic | Table Rock State Park |
| May 9 | Colleton County Fishing Rodeo | Walterboro |
| May 9 | Darlington County Fishing Rodeo | Hartsville |
| May 9 | Draper WMA Fishing Rodeo | McConnells |
| May 9 | Georgetown County Fishing Rodeo | Georgetown |
| May 9 | Goose Creek Fishing Rodeo | Goose Creek |
| May 9 | Lick Fork Lake Fishing Rodeo | McCormick County |
| May 9 | Piedmont Forestry Center Fishing Rodeo | Tamassee |
| May 9 | Lexington Wildlife Chapter Fishing Clinic | Lexington |
| May 16 | Foster Park Fishing Rodeo | Union |
| May 16 | Lake Rabon Fishing Rodeo | Laurens |
| May 20 | Family Fishing Clinic | Table Rock State Park |
| Jun 10 | Family Fishing Clinic | Table Rock State Park |
Saltwater Clinics & Rodeos
| Date | Event | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Apr 7 | Saltwater Fishing Clinic | Yemassee (Nemours Plantation area) |
| Apr 23 | Pier Fishing Clinic | Springmaid Pier |
| Apr 29 | Saltwater Fishing Clinic | Georgetown (North Inlet–Winyah Bay NERR) |
| Apr 30 | Pier Fishing Clinic | Springmaid Pier |
| May 2 | Ironclad Anglers Youth Fishing Rodeo | Charleston (Colonial Lake) |
| May 7 | Pier Fishing Clinic | Springmaid Pier |
| May 9 | Pier Fishing Clinic | Hunting Island State Park |
| May 14 | Pier Fishing Clinic | Springmaid Pier |
| May 21 | Pier Fishing Clinic | Springmaid Pier |
| May 28 | Pier Fishing Clinic | Springmaid Pier |
| Jun 4 | Pier Fishing Clinic | Springmaid Pier |
| Jun 11 | Pier Fishing Clinic | Springmaid Pier |
| Jun 18 | Pier Fishing Clinic | Springmaid Pier |
| Jun 25 | Pier Fishing Clinic | Springmaid Pier |
