South Carolina
Saluda River below Lake Murray Dam near Columbia
Location Snapshot
Saluda River below Lake Murray Dam near Columbia is a cold South Carolina tailwater distinct from Lake Murray itself and the warmer lower river. Rainbow trout are the primary supported target, with brown trout adding another coldwater opportunity and smallmouth bass appearing as the tailwater warms downstream.
Current River Rating
Fair · 64
Conditions are mixed. Review the details below before heading out.
Scores are model-specific and are not directly comparable across water types.
Partial water evidence · Medium confidence
Should I Go?
Consider
Recommended Window
Wednesday, 7:00 AM–10:00 AM
Why
- Water temperature is within the preferred trout range.
- Light wind should make casting and boat control easier.
- Very clear skies may make trout more cautious in shallow water.
Favorable Factors
- Recent precipitation has been light.
Timing Evidence
Window confidence: High
Current Readings
- Flow
- 2410 CFS
- Gage Height
- 5.78 ft
- Water Temperature
- 61.5 °F
- Observation Time
- Oct 21, 2026, 10:00 AM
Updated recently · USGS station 02168504 · Direct monitoring location
Readings from past 7 Days
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Historical readings are provided for context. Readings outside the current freshness window are not used to rate current conditions.
Better Nearby Options
Checking nearby StrikeTracks waters…
Preliminary guidance only. Always assess current weather, access, water depth, current speed, and your own ability before entering the river.
Changing Conditions Advisory
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Weather Near Gauge
Current Weather
Clear
Temperature
46°F
Feels like
43°F
Wind
2 mph NE
Wind gust
8 mph
Current precipitation
0.00 in
Updated
Oct 21, 2026, 6:15 AM
Recent Rainfall
Estimated precipitation near this gauge
Last 6 hours
0.00 in
Last 24 hours
0.00 in
Last 48 hours
0.00 in
Little recent rainfall near this river.
Next 24 Hours
Wed 7 AM
Clear
Temp 46°F
Chance 0%
Precip 0.00 in
Wind 4 mph
Wed 11 AM
Clear
Temp 64°F
Chance 0%
Precip 0.00 in
Wind 8 mph
Wed 3 PM
Clear
Temp 74°F
Chance 0%
Precip 0.00 in
Wind 9 mph
Wed 7 PM
Clear
Temp 67°F
Chance 0%
Precip 0.00 in
Wind 5 mph
Wed 11 PM
Clear
Temp 57°F
Chance 0%
Precip 0.00 in
Wind 4 mph
Thu 3 AM
Clear
Temp 52°F
Chance 0%
Precip 0.00 in
Wind 2 mph
Four-Day Forecast
Wed, Oct 21
Clear
High 75°F / Low 46°F
Chance 0%
Precip 0.00 in
Max gust 15 mph
Thu, Oct 22
Clear
High 75°F / Low 47°F
Chance 0%
Precip 0.00 in
Max gust 12 mph
Fri, Oct 23
Clear
High 73°F / Low 49°F
Chance 0%
Precip 0.00 in
Max gust 16 mph
Sat, Oct 24
Overcast
High 72°F / Low 50°F
Chance 0%
Precip 0.00 in
Max gust 26 mph
Weather and rainfall are estimated for this river's coordinates. Local conditions can vary, especially in mountainous terrain and during isolated storms.
Recent rainfall can influence river flow, but the timing and magnitude depend on watershed size, soil conditions, upstream reservoirs, and dam releases.
Weather data: Open-Meteo
Historical Flow
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Fishing Overview
The lower Saluda near Columbia is trout water from Lake Murray Dam down to the Broad River.
Fishery Profile
Documented species you may encounter at Saluda River.
Species images are AI-generated illustrations for visual reference and may simplify natural variation. Fishery records are based on the cited agency sources. About fish illustrations
Target species
Rainbow Trout
Oncorhynchus mykiss
- Expectation
- Primary
- Population
- Stocked
- Native status
- introduced
- Confidence
- High confidence
Brown Trout
Salmo trutta
- Expectation
- Common
- Population
- Stocked
- Native status
- introduced
- Confidence
- High confidence
Smallmouth Bass
Micropterus dolomieu
- Expectation
- Present
- Population
- Wild
- Native status
- native
- Confidence
- High confidence
Fishery characteristics
- Composition
- Mixed wild and stocked
- Great Lakes tributary
- No
- Flow regime
- Tailwater
Best seasons
- Spring
- Summer
- Fall
Common techniques
- Dry flies
- Fly fishing
- Nymphing
- Spinning
- Streamers
Stocking information
- Stocked
Rainbow Trout
Stocked · South Carolina Department of Natural Resources
- Stocked
Brown Trout
Stocked · South Carolina Department of Natural Resources
Official sources
Hatch Match
General fly suggestions
- Parachute-style dryGeneral attractor dry family — not a claim that a named mayfly is hatching.
- Pheasant-tail-style nymphGeneral nymph family for trout rivers without destination hatch timing.
- Elk-hair-style dryGeneral dry/attractor family. Pattern choice only — not a report that caddis are hatching.
- Woolly-bugger-style streamerGeneral streamer family. Not a forage or insect Hatch event.
These are general fishing suggestions, not a report of insects currently hatching at this destination.
Location and Access
USGS monitoring location
Lexington, South Carolina
The map marker represents the cataloged waterbody or monitoring location and may not indicate legal parking or public access. Confirm access through the official information before visiting.
River Details
County
Lexington
Management Category
Inland trout tailwater
Regulation Scope
Saluda River below Lake Murray Dam near Columbia.
Regulation Summary
Saluda below Lake Murray Dam: SCDNR inland trout-tailwater rules. Confirm current official regulations.
Target Species
rainbow-trout, brown-trout, smallmouth-bass
Access, Parking, and Regulations
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