Thousands of trout to be stocked in lower Saluda River

The South Carolina Department of Natural Resources Freshwater Fisheries Section (SCDNR) has begun stocking thousands of catchable-sized rainbow and brown trout into the lower Saluda River near Columbia.

The trout, raised at the Walhalla State Fish Hatchery in Oconee County, will be delivered to various locations along the river.

Each year, the SCDNR stocks nearly 30,000 trout in the Saluda River from December through February as part of its “put, grow and take” fishery program, which relies on stocking to maintain fish populations.

These trout grow quickly after being stocked and can exceed 20 inches in one to two years, reaching trophy size. Anglers should be aware that the section of the Saluda River from the eastbound Interstate 20 bridge downstream to Stacey’s Ledge is a year round catch and release area for coldwater trout.

It is illegal to take and retain trout in this stretch of the river.