Neal Shoals Reservoir Fishing Guides
A small run-of-river impoundment on the Broad near Carlisle, gauged for elevation and turbidity, which between them decide the day.
Guides on the Neal Shoals Reservoir
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About the Neal Shoals Reservoir
Neal Shoals Reservoir is a small hydroelectric impoundment on the Broad River in Union County, near Carlisle in the central South Carolina Piedmont. It is run-of-river rather than a storage lake, which is the single most important thing to understand about it: the dam raises the level over a relatively short reach of the Broad and passes water through more or less as the river delivers it, so the reservoir keeps much of the character of the river that feeds it rather than becoming a true lake.
The gauge reports reservoir elevation together with a turbidity series. Both matter and they matter together. Elevation on a run-of-river pool moves far more than it would on a storage lake, rising quickly when the Broad comes up and falling back as it recedes. Turbidity is the more practical of the two for deciding a trip, because the Broad carries a heavy sediment load after rain and the pool colours up with it. Clear water and a stable elevation are the conditions worth waiting for; high, brown and rising is a wasted drive.
The fishery reflects the river character. Largemouth bass hold in the backwaters and around the shoreline wood, while spotted bass and the native redeye bass occupy the faster, rockier water in the upper pool and the shoals, which is an unusual and welcome combination to find in one place. Redbreast sunfish are abundant and a genuine pleasure on light tackle. Catfish are the heavyweight draw, with blue and flathead catfish reaching serious size in the Broad system and the deeper holes below the shoals holding them. White bass and striped bass move through with the current. Access is limited and mostly informal around the dam and the local road crossings, so this is a water for small craft and anglers willing to scout.
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Pool right now
- 24 hours-0.07 ft → steady
Reading taken 32 min ago at USGS 02156449, NEAL SHOALS RESERVOIR NEAR CARLISLE, SC. Elevation is the surface of the lake above the survey datum, not depth. Source.
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Access
Carlisle - the small town nearest the reservoir, the gauge reference and the closest local access.
Broad River - the river above and below the pool, offering shoals fishing of a different character.
Union - the county seat a short drive west, with fuel, groceries, tackle and lodging.
Sumter National Forest - surrounding much of the area, with public land and river access.
Lake Monticello - southeast, a much larger reservoir offering a full lake fishery.
Chester - north, with further services, restaurants and accommodation.
Parr Reservoir - downstream on the Broad, another impoundment worth a look on the same trip.
Seasons
Spring: high and coloured with river flow at times, but very good between events as bass move shallow.
Summer: low, clear and stable, the best conditions of the year for redeye and spotted bass in the shoals.
Fall: settled water and cooling temperatures bring the bass back onto the shoreline and the catfish feeding hard.
Winter: cold and often turbid with winter rain, with catfish in the deep holes the most reliable target.
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Questions
What species can you catch on the Neal Shoals Reservoir?
Anglers target Black Crappie, Blue Catfish, Bluegill, Channel Catfish, Common Carp, Flathead Catfish, Freshwater Drum, Largemouth Bass, Longnose Gar, Redbreast Sunfish, Redeye Bass, Spotted Bass, Striped Bass, White Bass on the Neal Shoals Reservoir in South Carolina.
Where can you access the Neal Shoals Reservoir?
Carlisle - the small town nearest the reservoir, the gauge reference and the closest local access. Broad River - the river above and below the pool, offering shoals fishing of a different character. Union - the county seat a short drive west, with fuel, groceries, tackle and lodging. Sumter National Forest - surrounding much of the area, with public land and river access. Lake Monticello - southeast, a much larger reservoir offering a full lake fishery. Chester - north, with further services, restaurants and accommodation. Parr Reservoir - downstream on the Broad, another impoundment worth a l...
When is the best time to fish the Neal Shoals Reservoir?
Spring: high and coloured with river flow at times, but very good between events as bass move shallow. Summer: low, clear and stable, the best conditions of the year for redeye and spotted bass in the shoals. Fall: settled water and cooling temperatures bring the bass back onto the shoreline and the catfish feeding hard. Winter: cold and often turbid with winter rain, with catfish in the deep holes the most reliable target.
Where are the fishing regulations for the Neal Shoals Reservoir?
Regulations change by season and section. Read the current rules on the South Carolina agency site: https://www.dnr.sc.gov/regulations.html