Three-year-old Griffin Rac-Hewitt proved that big fish stories can come true when he landed a whopping 9-pound, 9-ounce catfish on Lake Murray. Using a lure and plastic worm his dad purchased at Lake World, Griffin reeled in a fish that’s almost as big as he is. Judging by the smileContinue Reading
18-year-old skips graduation, claims $100,000 title and REDCREST berth in record-setting performance COLUMBIA, S.C. — Jack Story of Atlanta delivered a performance beyond his years, going wire-to-wire to win the 43rd annual Phoenix Bass Fishing League All-American on Lake Murray and taking home the $100,000 top prize. The 18-year-old —Continue Reading
More than 100 powerboats expected; helicopter tours offer new way to view the event The Dam Boat Run returns to Lake Murray May 28–30, bringing more than 100 powerboats from across the country to the Midlands. This year introduces a new way for spectators to experience the event, with publicContinue Reading
Major League Fishing brings three-day national tournament to Columbia, showcasing region as premier bass fishing destination COLUMBIA, S.C. – Major League Fishing returns to the Midlands May 28–30 for the 43rd annual Phoenix Bass Fishing League All-American Championship Presented by T-H Marine at Lake Murray. The three-day tournament, hosted byContinue Reading
Columbia, S.C. – One of the Midlands’ most beloved summer traditions will return Saturday, July 4, 2026, as Lake Murray’s Independence Day Celebration lights up the sky with fireworks launched from Spence Island and Dreher Island. Hosted by Capital City/Lake Murray Country Regional Tourism Board (CCLMC), the annual patriotic eventContinue Reading
Lake Murray is once again earning national recognition, securing a nomination for Best Lake for Water Sports in the USA Today 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards for the third consecutive year. Following its first-place finish in the 2025 rankings, the Capital City/Lake Murray Country Regional Tourism Board is encouraging residents andContinue Reading
B.A.S.S. has announced the inaugural Newport Bassmaster Kayak Series Championship presented by Native Watercraft will be held October 14-16 on Lake Murray, marking a significant milestone for one of the organization’s fastest-growing competitive platforms. Previously held in conjunction with the Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Classic presented by Under Armour, theContinue Reading
The 2026 Progressive Bassmaster Elite Series is coming to Lake Murray, May 7–10. Top professional anglers will compete across four days of world-class fishing action. Daily take-offs begin at 6:30 am, with live weigh-ins each afternoon at 3 pm, giving fans the chance to watch the competition unfold in realContinue Reading
This is Brice R. (12), who was visiting his grandparents this weekend. Yesterday, his granddad stopped by Lake World and picked him up a new baitcaster rod and reel combo, along with some lures and soft plastics. Well—it didn’t take long! Within just two hours, Brice landed this beautiful largemouthContinue Reading
By Thomas Grant Jr. Competitive fishing, live entertainment, and a run for a healthy cause highlight this weekend’s Tedy’s Team Bassmaster Elite at Lake Murray. The tournament begins Thursday and runs through Sunday, with anglers launching daily from Dreher Island State Park before returning for afternoon weigh-ins. Organizers expect participationContinue Reading
Just a week ago, Mike Hoskins became one happy fisherman after landing a 20-pound, 32-inch striped bass on live herring purchased at Lake World. Lake Murray offers more than 50,000 acres of freshwater fishing and is well known for its largemouth bass and especially its striped bass. The lake’s averageContinue Reading
Banks W. is all smiles after reeling in a striper from the dock, just days after stopping by Lake World Bait and Tackle for advice. According to staff at the shop, Banks and his dad visited last week looking for the right lures to target striped bass from the shoreline.Continue Reading
MIDLANDS, S.C. — Dominion Energy will reopen its Lake Murray public parks for the 2026 recreation season beginning April 1. The Lexington-side beach and recreation area at Lake Murray Dam will operate through Labor Day on Sept. 7. Visitors must reserve $5 day passes in advance through Dominion Energy’s onlineContinue Reading
COLUMBIA, S.C. (Feb. 3, 2026) — Hundreds of the nation’s top collegiate bass anglers will converge on Lake Murray Feb. 12–14 for the 2026 Columbia PFG College Fishing Presented by Abu Garcia National Championship. Hosted by Capital City/Lake Murray Country Regional Tourism, the 17th annual championship will feature up toContinue Reading
CAYCE, S.C. (January 15, 2026) — Dominion Energy will conduct its annual test of the Lake Murray Dam inundation siren system on Tuesday, January 20, at 1 p.m. The test will last approximately three minutes. The annual January test includes 10 rotating sirens located along the Saluda River in RichlandContinue Reading
COLUMBIA, S.C. – Capital City/Lake Murray Country (CCLMC) will host the National Crappie League (NCL) Wild Card Tournament on October 3–4, 2025 at Lake Murray. The two-day fishing competition will bring top anglers from across the nation to one of the Southeast’s premier fishing destinations. Public Highlights: Daily Weigh-Ins: HeldContinue Reading