Lake Murray is a large, man-made reservoir in central South Carolina, just west of Columbia, and one of the state’s most popular destinations for boating, fishing, and lakefront living. Lake Murray is located just 1/2 hour drive from Columbia and has been coined “The Jewel of South Carolina”. It features 650 miles of shoreline surrounding 50,000 acres of water surface area.
Originally impounded in the 1920’s to harvest power through a sizable hydro-electric facility, it is fed directly by the Saluda River. The powerplant is situated on the aptly named “Lake Murray Dam” (officially Dreher Shoals Dam) after William Spenser Murray, the chief engineer who designed it. The subsequent creation of the reservoir which was completed in 1930, used red clay and bedrock making it the largest earthen dam in the world at the time. The dam itself is an impressive 1.5 miles long, 220 feet high, and 14 miles wide at its largest point. It provides spectacular views of the lake which stretches 14 miles and boasts a depth of over 189 feet. Two sunken towns actually lay far beneath the surface. Dutch Fork and Saxe Gotha, as the settlements were named, now can only be explored with deep-dive scuba equipment.
Lake Murray can be accessed through the surrounding counties of Lexington, Newberry, Saluda, and Richmond. Here you can take part of all the water activities associated with a lake of this size. Sailing, motorboating, swimming and snorkeling are commonplace pretty much everywhere on this body of water. Fishing is also a major draw attracting anglers from all over. While largemouth bass and stripers (rockfish) are the central quarry of these sportsmen, many other species are targeted by fishermen in this fishery. Catfish, breem, and panfish (crappie, blue eared sunfish for example) are prevalent. A valid South Carolina fishing license is required to partake in this sport. They are available as seasonal, weekly, or daily permits and proceeds go directly to the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR). This entity provides funds in conservation, management, research and restoration efforts as well as support in fish stocking which all ensures sustainable fish populations and ecosystems. These funds are also an integral of recreational access to the lake with the maintenance of boat ramps and other fishing access points.
See also Rivers of Columbia
Another option for fishing are the many guide services located in proximity of the fishery. These small businesses offer years of experience fishing Lake Murray, instructing patrons in timing and location for successful angling an addition to the best techniques to boat each species. The captains have all of the necessary equipment and hold licenses designed to cover any customers, making procuring the permits unnecessary. A quick internet search can inform you of the many guide services but the “Marina at Martin’s Landing” (849 Marina Way in Prosperity) can provide more detailed reviews. This newly renovated recreational destination offers a well kept campground, a gift shop, and highly recommended dockside dining.
One of the attractions unique to Lake Murray is sought after by ornithologists and bird enthusiasts. Carolina Safari Co., led by Captain Zach Steinhauser, offers a unique pontoon experience showcasing a phenomenon that runs from June 25th to August 23d. The Purple Martin winters in Brazil and, between these dates, predictably nest on Bomb Island located on the lake. At daybreak these beautiful songbirds leave the island to hunt insects and train their young, preparing them for the long migration back to South America. At sunset they return in droves to overnight on the island. It is certainly a spectacle to behold. Capt. Zach also offers tours to feed dolphins (in season) and snorkeling to find prehistoric Megalondon teeth. These unique tours are not to be missed! Carolina Safari Co. (located at 1241 Karlane Ave in Cayce).
A main point of interest located on the western part of the lake “Dreher Island State Recreation Area“. It lies just 30 miles from Columbia in Chapin. Created in 1990, this heavily wooded isle offers primitive camping as well as more comfortable sleep options ( RV sites, villas, and cabins). All grant access to 3 well maintained hiking trails and the water.
Lady Street Builders commonly has new construction projects in and around Lake Murray! We’ve built a great many custom homes, build-on-your-lot and spec homes in the Lake Murray area. If you’d like to build near or on the popular and sought-after Lake Murray, be sure to CONTACT US at Lady Street Builders today!!