Fishing Creek in South Carolina

by  guest-paddler

A self-supported trip created by guest-paddler

Trip Overview

This is where we grew up! Fishing Creek is an easy day trip or could be turned into a weekend campout. There are plenty of sand bars on each turn of the creek, so bring your hammock, picnic, and camping gear. We have been doing this trip for years and still love it. The put in is on High Tower Road in Great Falls, S.C.. There are deer, turkey, beaver, and otters to be found as you FLOAT this adventurous creek. When the water level is low you will only have 1 main channel; it will take you 5.5 hours to float down to the take out at Nitrolee Bridge. Kayaks that are 8' to 14' are best. There are no straight, speedy spots on Fishing Creek until you get to the end.

High Water levels will get you down the creek to the take out in an hour; but this is very dangerous! Only do this creek at Medium/Low levels. An easy way to know the proper level is by observing the banks:

  • If the water is from side to side but not totally covering everything- Great Float/Half the time.(2-4 hrs.)
  • If the water is 1/4 to 1/2 of the width of the creek- Great Float with short portages through sand bars.(5.5 hrs)
  • If the water level is totally covering everything and within it's banks- dangerous and risky with stong under tows and log jams. Strong currents and fallen strainers.
  • If the water level is out of it's banks- Do not attempt!

You are safer and more intelligent to "Float the Creek" at Medium/Low levels. The reward of doing this particular trip is once you have completed the float down the creek you will enter into the Great Falls Reservoir which takes about an hour and a half to complete(shore line paddling). Take out once you pass under the bridge and paddle around the bend toward the Nitrolee Bridge. There are camping spots throughout this paddle.

- Report Submitted by: Carolina Kayaks and Canoes

Accommodations:

There is nothing on the creek, you will need to supply all food and water along the way.

Outfitting:

Portaging can be supplied by Carolina Kayaks and Canoes at:
803 482 3387 or carolinakayaks@yahoo.com in Great Falls S.C.

Directions:

From the only Traffic Light in Great Falls S.C. head west toward Chester drive about a mile and take a right on Hwy 99. Drive on Hwy 99 until you get to Hightower Rd. Go down Hightower until you get to the bridge. This is the put in.

Launches:

Put in is located on Hightower Rd. There is only one bridge on this road. The take out is at Nitrolee Bridge(Tom Mangum) on hwy 200 in Great Falls, S.C.

Trip Details

  • Trip Duration: Day Trip
  • Sport/Activity: Kayaking, Canoeing
  • Skill Level: Beginner
  • Water Type: River/Creek (Up to Class II)

Trip Location