The Lake Wateree Catfish Tournament draws anglers every year to compete for prizes on one of South Carolina's largest reservoirs
Lake Wateree Catfish Tournament is an annual fishing event held on Lake Wateree, a 13,000-acre reservoir in Kershaw County. The tournament brings together catfish anglers of different skill levels to fish specific dates and weigh their catch at an official location. The event typically runs for a set period — usually a weekend or a few days — and competitors fish during designated hours, then bring their catch to be weighed and recorded.
The tournament is organized by local fishing clubs or the Lake Wateree area chamber of commerce, depending on the year. Entry fees vary, and prizes are awarded based on weight categories and total catch. The event is open to both experienced tournament fishers and people fishing for the first time, though rules about boat registration, life jackets, and fishing licenses apply to all participants.
Key Takeaways
- Lake Wateree Catfish Tournament is held annually on Lake Wateree in Kershaw County, with specific fishing dates and weigh-in times that change year to year.
- You must have a valid South Carolina fishing license and register your boat before the tournament begins.
- Entry fees, prize structures, and exact tournament dates are set by the organizing group each year and should be confirmed before you register.
- Catfish are the target species, and most tournaments have rules about minimum size, catch limits, and which methods are allowed.
- Weigh-in happens at a designated location on a specific day, and fish must be brought in alive or on ice to be counted.
How to Register and What It Costs
Registration for Lake Wateree Catfish Tournament usually opens several weeks before the event and closes a few days before fishing begins. You register through the organizing group — contact the Kershaw County Chamber of Commerce or search for the current year's tournament coordinator online, as the organizer changes. Registration typically requires your name, boat information if you're bringing your own, and payment of the entry fee.
Entry fees range depending on the tournament structure, but most catfish tournaments in the region charge between $25 and $75 per angler. Some tournaments offer team registration, where multiple anglers fish from one boat and split winnings. Ask the organizer whether the fee includes a meal or awards ceremony, as some tournaments do and others do not.
What You Need Before You Fish
A valid South Carolina fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older. You can purchase a license online through the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources website, at sporting goods stores, or at bait and tackle shops near Lake Wateree. A three-day temporary license costs less than a full-year license if you only fish the tournament.
Your boat must be registered with South Carolina if you own it, and you must display the registration numbers. If you're fishing from someone else's boat, the boat owner's registration is what matters. All passengers must wear a Coast Guard-approved life jacket while the boat is moving, and the boat operator must have one within reach at all times — this is state law, not just tournament rule.
Bring a cooler with ice to keep catfish fresh after they're caught. Most tournaments require fish to arrive at weigh-in alive or on ice; fish that have been left in the sun or in a dry livewell may not be counted. A net, rod and reel suitable for catfish, and appropriate tackle are standard equipment. Check the tournament rules for any restrictions on rod count, hook size, or bait type before you buy new gear.
Tournament Rules and Fishing Methods
Lake Wateree Catfish Tournament rules typically specify which catfish species count toward your total — usually channel catfish, blue catfish, and flathead catfish all may have access to. There is usually a minimum size requirement, often 12 inches, though this varies by year. Fish smaller than the minimum do not count, even if you catch them.
Most tournaments allow live bait, cut bait, and prepared stink baits. Some restrict the use of trotlines or multiple rods per angler, so read the full rules before you arrive. Fishing hours are set — you cannot fish before the official start time or after the official end time, and fish caught outside those hours do not count. The organizer will provide exact times when you register.
Weigh-in is usually held at a single location on a single day, often at a marina or boat ramp on Lake Wateree. You must bring your fish to the weigh-in station during the announced window, usually a few hours in the afternoon. Late arrivals are typically not weighed, so plan to finish fishing with enough time to reach the station.
Lake Wateree Catfish and What to Expect
Lake Wateree holds a healthy population of channel catfish, blue catfish, and flathead catfish. Channel catfish are the most common and easiest for beginners to catch; they respond well to chicken liver, cut shad, and commercial catfish baits. Blue catfish grow larger and are more aggressive, often taking live baitfish. Flatheads are nocturnal hunters that prefer live bluegill or shad and are caught mostly at night.
The lake is 13,000 acres with depths ranging from shallow coves to channels over 60 feet deep. Catfish hold near structure — fallen trees, rock piles, channel ledges, and bridge pilings. If you're new to the lake, fish the areas you can see from the boat ramp first, or ask local bait shop staff where tournament catfish are being caught that week. Water temperature and recent weather affect where catfish feed, so conditions change throughout the season.
Preparing Your Catch for Weigh-In
Keep catfish alive in a livewell with fresh water circulating, or on ice in a cooler if your boat does not have a livewell. Change the water in your livewell every few hours if the water is warm, because catfish need oxygen. If you use ice, pack the fish so they are surrounded by ice but not crushed by it — a cooler with a drain plug works well because you can add ice as it melts.
Do not remove the fish from water or ice until you reach the weigh-in station. Catfish can survive out of water for several hours, but they dry out and lose weight, which hurts your tournament score. At weigh-in, the official will weigh each fish and record the total. Some tournaments pay out based on total weight; others award prizes for the largest single fish, the most fish caught, or both.
Where to Stay and What to Bring
Lake Wateree is in Kershaw County near the town of Camden, about 30 miles northeast of Columbia. Hotels and motels are available in Camden and nearby towns. If you prefer to camp, several campgrounds operate around the lake, including private RV parks and South Carolina state park facilities. Book lodging early if the tournament falls on a weekend, because rooms fill up.
Bring sunscreen, a hat, and water to drink — you will be on the water for hours. Bring a headlamp or flashlight if you plan to fish at dawn or dusk. Pack rain gear even if the forecast looks clear, because weather on the lake can change quickly. Bring your fishing license, boat registration, and any tournament paperwork with you in a waterproof bag.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does Lake Wateree Catfish Tournament happen each year?
The tournament date changes year to year. Contact the Kershaw County Chamber of Commerce or search online for the current year's tournament to find the exact dates. Most tournaments are held in spring or fall when catfish are most active.
Can I fish alone, or do I have to be on a team?
Most tournaments allow individual registration, though some offer team options where multiple anglers fish together and split prize money. Check the tournament rules when you register to see which options are available that year.
What if I don't have a boat?
Some tournaments allow you to fish from shore at designated public access points, though most are boat tournaments. Ask the organizer whether shore fishing is permitted and where you can fish from land. You may also be able to join another angler's boat if you find a team looking for an extra person.
Do I need a fishing license if I'm only fishing the tournament?
Yes, a valid South Carolina fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older, even for a single tournament. You can purchase a three-day temporary license, which costs less than a full-year license and is valid for the tournament dates.
What happens if my fish die before weigh-in?
Dead fish can still be weighed at most tournaments, but they should be kept on ice to stay fresh. Check the specific tournament rules, as some have restrictions on the condition fish must be in. Keeping fish alive or on ice throughout the day is the safest approach.