Lake Wateree is a 13,700 acre reservoir located in the eastern part of South Carolina. It is a very old lake built in 1920 on the Wateree River. Wateree is owned and managed by Duke Energy Corporation that owns several other lakes in South Carolina including Lake Keowee, Lake Greenwood, Lake Wylie, and Lake Jocassee.
Lake Wateree’s 242 miles of shoreline is mostly covered in wooded land that lies within three different counties: Fairfield, Kershaw, and Lancaster. Compared to other lakes in South Carolina, Lake Wateree is one of the shallowest in the state with a maximum depth of 64 feet. On trips to this lake, I personally have seen average water depths of 20 feet in the center of the lake. With mostly open water, Wateree does not have the standing timber that other lakes in the state have. However, the shoreline does have it share of fallen trees which make for some great fishing opportunities.
| Surface area | ≈ 13,700 acres (21 sq mi) |
| Average depth | about 23 ft |
| Maximum depth | about 64 ft · full pond 225.5 ft |
| Built / managed by | 1919, Duke Energy (Catawba-Wateree chain) |
| Counties | Kershaw, Fairfield, Lancaster |
Created in 1919 by damming the Wateree River, Lake Wateree is one of the oldest man-made lakes in South Carolina — the southernmost link in Duke Energy’s long Catawba-Wateree chain. It averages about 23 feet deep, with the old river channel running to around 64 feet, and sits at a full pond of 225.5 feet. The lake’s shallow flats, stump fields and feeder creeks make it a fertile, fishy place.
Wateree is best known as a catfish lake — channel, flathead and big blue catfish all swim here, and drifting cut bait over the flats is a local art form. It is also a strong largemouth bass and crappie fishery, with white perch, bream and striped/hybrid bass rounding out the catch. More than a dozen access points and eight boat ramps ring the lake, so launching is easy from almost any shore.
On Desportes Island, Lake Wateree State Park packs a lot into 238 acres: roughly 70-plus campsites (several right on the water), a park store and tackle shop with a fuel dock, a public boat ramp and a two-mile nature trail through the pines. It is a favorite jumping-off point for anglers and an easy drive from historic Camden.
Wateree offers some of the more affordable big-water living in the Midlands, with cottages, year-round homes and lots spread around Great Falls, Ridgeway and the Camden side of the lake. To list your Lake Wateree home or rental here, reach out through our contact form.
Lake Wateree on google maps
It averages about 23 feet and reaches roughly 64 feet at its deepest, with a full pond elevation of 225.5 feet.
In 1919, by damming the Wateree River — one of the oldest reservoirs in South Carolina and the southern end of Duke Energy’s Catawba-Wateree chain.
Trophy channel, flathead and blue catfish, plus largemouth bass, crappie, white perch, bream and striped/hybrid bass.
Yes — Lake Wateree State Park on Desportes Island has waterfront campsites, a boat ramp, a tackle shop with fuel and a nature trail.
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