The Mountain Lakes are a pair of managed state fishing lakes a couple of miles southwest of Chester — one of 42 acres and a smaller one of 7 acres — fertilized and stocked for quiet, productive fishing.
Mountain Lakes at a glance
| Surface area | 42 acres + 7 acres (two lakes) |
| County | Chester (off SC 17/9) |
| Fish | largemouth bass, bluegill, shellcracker, channel catfish |
| Boating | paddle or electric only |
Fishing, rules and access
Both lakes hold largemouth bass, bluegill, shellcracker and channel catfish. The larger lake has a boat ramp and the smaller one an accessible fishing pier. Fishing is rod-and-reel only, minnows are not allowed as bait, and boats are limited to paddle or electric trolling motors. They are open Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday, sunrise to sunset; a South Carolina license is required.
Nearby lakes
- Lake Oliphant — another Chester County state lake
- Lake Fishing Creek — the Catawba River lake nearby
Mountain Lakes FAQ
How big are the Mountain Lakes in Chester County?
Two lakes of about 42 and 7 acres, southwest of Chester.
What fish are in the Mountain Lakes?
Largemouth bass, bluegill, shellcracker and channel catfish.
What are the boating rules?
Paddle or electric trolling motors only, rod-and-reel fishing, and no minnows for bait.
