SLV Rod & Gun Club

The South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is a South Carolina state agency charged with regulating hunting, fishing, boating, duck stamp orders, and the conservation efforts of the state government. DNR information and documents are listed below:

• SCDNR and Corp Public Boat Ramps
• Keep Our Native Fish
• GA SC Reciprocal Fishing
• 2025-6 SC Hunting & Fishing Regulations
• The Basic Handgun Familiarization Class
• SCDNR Range Info
• Hunter Education
• SCDNR Resident Hunting and Fishing Licenses
• SCNDR Wildlife Management Area Maps
• SCDNR Hunting Harvest Information
• SCDNR Small Game Seasons and Limits
• SCDNR Senior License
• SCDNR Where can I go Fishing?
• SCDNR Specific Fishing Regulations for Lake Thurmond
• SCDNR Boating Regulations
• SCDNR Boating FAQ's
• SCDNR Fish Consumption Advisories
• SCDNR Freshwater Fishing Trends
• SCDNR Fish Attractors
• The Meaning of Buoys (With SC DNR)
• Accessibility Accommodation for Persons with Disabilities
• SCDNR Public Lands (by activity)
• Public Bird Dog Training Areas

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Savannah District, April 29th: In support of Georgia Environmental Protection Division officially declaring a ‘Level 1 Drought Response’ for public water systems that use surface water and/or groundwater, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Savannah District encourages all Park and Campground visitors to: 
• Report leaks at hydrants, faucets, or bathhouses to campground hosts and Park Rangers
• Ensure all water taps are fully closed after use
• Limit unnecessary water consumption at campsites
By reducing water use now, we can help protect local water sources and potentially avoid more restrictive “level 2” or “level 3” Drought Response measures in the future.
More water conservation information can be found at: https://epd.georgia.gov/watershed.../water-conservation

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Savannah District, April 27th: Ever wonder why lake levels look different across Thurmond, Russell and Hartwell, especially during a drought? Here’s what’s going on:
The Savannah River system does not rely on local rain alone. It depends on basin-wide rainfall, water that falls across the entire watershed, often far upstream. Even if rain falls at the lake, levels may not rise if the broader basin remains dry.
All three lakes, Hartwell, Russell and Thurmond, are managed as a system using a “guide curve,” a seasonal target range for lake levels that balances flood control, water supply, hydropower, navigation, and fish and wildlife needs. Water is actively managed, it is not simply held in place. 
Even during drought conditions, water must be released downstream to maintain river flows for communities, industries and ecosystems. These releases continue even when lake levels are low. So why does Russell Lake usually stay near full pool?
Richard B. Russell Lake is designed as a re-regulation reservoir. It helps smooth out releases from Hartwell upstream and Thurmond downstream. It operates within a narrower range and is typically kept near full pool to support hydropower efficiency and consistent downstream flows.
Drought operations are triggered when basin conditions reach specific thresholds, not solely based on shoreline conditions. These triggers guide how much water is conserved, how much is released, and how the system responds over time. You can track current lake levels, guide curves and drought status. Low lake levels can be frustrating for those who live, work or recreate on the water, but rest assured that every drop of water is managed with the entire river system and all who depend on it in mind.

New Real-Time Water Tool Offers Precision Planning for Savannah River Basin Users: The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Savannah District, has launched a streamlined digital dashboard designed to give boaters, homeowners, and stakeholders instant access to critical water management data across the Savannah River Basin.  The new portal, available at water.usace.army.mil/office/sas, provides a one-stop shop for real-time information previously spread across multiple technical reports. This tool serves as a vital resource for safety and situational awareness for the three major dam projects the District manages -- Hartwell, Richard B. Russell, and J. Strom Thurmond Lakes and Dams. Read the article. 

Strong Roots, Safer Waters: Cypress Trees Planted at Thurmond Lake: The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ Savannah District recently planted bald cypress trees at J. Strom Thurmond Lake, also known as Clarks Hill Lake. The trees were installed at six hazardous shoal locations to improve safety, stabilize shorelines and create long-term habitat for fish and other wildlife. Read the article.

USACE refreshes fish attractor sites at J. Strom Thurmond Lake: The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ Savannah District recently refreshed five fish attractor sites in J. Strom Thurmond Lake, also known as Clarks Hill Lake. The Savannah District maintains a network of strategically placed fish attractor sites across the lake that improve fish habitat and create productive fishing locations for anglers. Read the article.

Corps of Engineers announces 2026 turkey hunting dates at Bussey Point CMU: 
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Savannah District, is pleased to announce that the Bussey Point Corps Management Unit (CMU) at J. Strom Thurmond Project will be open for spring turkey hunting this season, the first hunts held in the area since 2019.
Hunters are encouraged to access the area by boat, bicycle, or foot, as the main gate will remain locked throughout the season. Hunting opportunities will be available on select Wednesdays and Saturdays during April and May 2026. Read the article.

Lake J. Strom Thurmond enters Drought Trigger Level 1: The three reservoirs on the upper Savannah River Basin operated by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Savannah District, declared the second flow reduction in less than two months in response to the pool elevation at Lake Thurmond dipping below Drought Trigger Level 2, Sunday, Jan. 24, 2026. As of Jan. 28, 2026, the current pool elevations are 653.91 feet above mean sea level (ft-msl) for Lake Hartwell, and Lake Thurmond is at 322.05 ft-msl. The drought management plan was developed based on scientific data and in coordination with various state, federal, local agencies and public input. To view the chart for trigger action levels, visit Drought Trigger Action Levels. To view the plan, visit the Drought Plan. Read the article.

Throughout 2025, SCDNR has been celebrating the 75th anniversary of Sport Fish Restoration - a federal program providing funds to fish and wildlife agencies for fishery projects, boating access and aquatic education. Since the act was passed in 1950, it has generated over $12 billion for the conservation and restoration of sport fish species and their habitats across the United States. South Carolina's apportionment has exceeded $157 million in that time.
These funds are critical to South Carolina's ongoing fishery management and access development for both fresh and saltwater. They allow our staff to monitor conditions of fish populations, operate fish hatcheries, stock public waters, put on free fishing clinics, place buoys, docks, and fueling stations for anglers, and so much more!
Programs such as this one are not possible without the cooperation of anglers, manufacturers and industry partners, the US Fish and Wildlife Service and state agencies. 

SC Game Wardens Case Highlight: On January 30, 2026, Region 1 Officers Webb and Officer Wilson acted on a tip and were stationed at Hartwell State Park when they stopped an individual returning to the boat ramp. After speaking with him, they inspected his boat and discovered 27 Crappie (a game fish species) in his live well. Additionally, they observed a cooler in the back of his truck, which contained another 37 Crappie. The individual admitted to returning to the boat ramp earlier in the day to drop off the first 37 Crappie before heading back out to continue fishing. The daily limit for Crappie is 20 per person per day.
As a result, the individual was charged with three counts of exceeding the crappie limit and operating with an expired boat decal, in addition to receiving warnings for not having a fire extinguisher and the required Type IV throwable device on board.
The fish were seized, photographed for evidence, and donated to the Fair Play Camp School, where children will learn how to clean and cook them.

US Army Corps of Engineers Forest Fish and Wildlife Section at J. Strom Thurmond Lake have planted donated bald cypress trees on six hazardous shoal locations and completed a full refresh of several popular fish attractor sites, making the lake safer and more productive for anglers. From shoreline to deep water, we are investing in the future of this fisheries. Bald cypress trees, donated by the Russell Lake Project Nursery, have been planted on six hazardous shoal locations to improve safety, stabilize shorelines, and create long-lasting habitat for fish and wildlife.
At the same time, fish attractors have been refreshed at:
Amity Bank/Fishing Dock; Fishing Creek Bank Fishing Areas; Fishing Creek/Murray Creek deep water attractors. These refreshed attractors, combined with the new bald cypress plantings, will give anglers better structure to target and provide critical cover for fish for years to come.

Curious about waterfowl harvest numbers on SCDNR waterfowl areas across the state? Check out the new, interactive harvest report for all SCDNR lottery hunt properties! Harvest data will update 10 days following each scheduled hunt - meaning if you are interested in harvest results from December 21, those harvest results will be available on December 31. Harvest results from properties that were hunted prior to December 20 are available now!

Boundary Line Maintenance Ongoing at J. Strom Thurmond Project: Workers with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ Savannah District at J. Strom Thurmond Project began inspecting and re-painting approximately 85 miles of the existing boundary line mid-October 2025.
R&D Maintenance Services, a contractor with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, uses bright orange paint to make boundary line “witness trees” more visible and easier to identify, as well as trimming heavy brush to clear the boundary line between witness trees. This routine boundary maintenance does not move present property lines. The work makes existing property lines more visible. Read the article.

Answering requests from hunters across the state for a place to train their bird dogs, the SC Bobwhite Initiative and the SCDNR established the first public training areas in 2018. Modeled after successful efforts in Georgia, all of Angelus and sections of Landsford Canal, Cliff Pitts, and Edisto River WMAs were set aside as spots where owners could release quail and pigeons and train their dogs. A fifth location at the Saluda River Tract of the Lake Murray WMA was added later. The current dog training season runs from Sept 15 - March 15. Read the highlights from this year’s data and more on the training areas and best bird dog breeds.

Fun Fact: Striped bass are highly sensitive to oxygen levels. At Thurmond Lake, water temperatures can rise above 80°F in the summer, and the oxygen levels can drop below critical thresholds at depths of 10 to 15 feet. The oxygen diffuser system ensures that these deeper zones maintain at least 5 mg/L of dissolved oxygen, keeping the habitat viable for striped bass, who thrive in waters with oxygen concentrations of 4-6 mg/L.
Behind the scenes at J. Strom Thurmond Lake, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) team is constantly monitoring water. Not just on the surface, but deep below. Through regular water quality checks, we track temperature, clarity, and one of the most critical factors for aquatic life: dissolved oxygen (DO).

Savannah District Secures Emergency Funds for Hurricane Helene Cleanup at Thurmond Lake. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), Savannah District, was informed by the Federal Highway Administration that the requested allocation of Emergency Relief for Federally Owned Roads (ERFO) has been approved and distribution of funds will be provided to support critical transportation infrastructure repairs and debris removal efforts at J. Strom Thurmond Lake for damage caused by Hurricane Helene. Read the article.

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers: Nationwide Recreation Operational Status Website Launched. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has launched its Recreation Operational Status website to keep the public informed about the operational status of USACE recreation areas nationwide. The public can visit the website at USACE Lakes prior to visiting and click on any state for the current overall status of a recreation area and for the status of campgrounds, boat ramps and beaches owned and operated by USACE within the area. It shows areas as fully operational, partially open and closed. The site will be regularly updated with any status changes. Read the article.

USACE Recreation Operational Status website shows the current recreation services status for USACE managed areas. View South Carolina's outdoor recreation areas.

The J. Strom Thurmond Largemouth Bass Nursery Habitat Enhancement Project is underway! Throughout fall to spring, the Forest, Fish, & Wildlife Section will target eight creeks per year to enhance nursery habitat for Largemouth Bass. Water fluctuations and soils highly influence a lake's woody and vegetative structure. Over time, manmade systems' woody and vegetation structure change through natural events (drought, flooding, and regular pool guidance regulation), and habitat supplementation is sometimes necessary.
Nursery habitat is critical in providing shelter and food opportunities for the fry of Largemouth Bass. The shelter is vital to the survival in providing safety from other predatory fish species and birds. In the backwater of creeks, 5-10 clusters of bamboo fish attractors will be placed in about an average of 10 ft of water near creek channels. With the enhancement project coupled with the lake's hefty aquatic plant planting program during the spring-summer months, adequate habitat will sustainably benefit.

The 2025-26 State Hunting and Fishing Laws and Regulations Guide has been updated online and is available for download.

Recreation Areas - Power Generation: The Thurmond power generation schedule is available by calling toll free 1-800-533-3478. The schedule is recorded daily and is subject to change.

Archery is available locally at three nearby locations:
Hickory Knob State Park, by appointment only (requires 24 hour notice), for ages 7 and up. Maximum amount of people per group is 4 per appointment. $15 per person includes a 30 minute session with a ranger and equipment provided by the park. $10 per person includes a 30 minute session with a ranger, and you provide your own equipment.
Bobby Brown Archery Range, is located in Bobby Brown Park & Outdoor Recreation Area in Elbert County. The Park offers both Static Archery Range with 4 Targets and a
20 3-D Target Trail. This range is made possible by a partnership with Elbert County Parks and Recreation and the Georgia DNR's Wildlife Resources Division. Range $7/day; Parking Pass $3/day or $30/year
Palmetto Shooting Complex in Edgefield, SC: The 3D Archery Range is back after extensive damage from Hurricane Helene! Explore 20 stations, wander scenic trails, and practice your aim from 10–50 yards on the practice range! Open Thursday-Sunday | 9am - 7pm

Call USACE at Russell Dam (800) 944-7207 to learn of dam operations at Hartwell, Russell, & Thurmond as well as if their aerators are working. There are several air lines underwater down by Modoc and when they operate, lines of bubbles breaking the surface can be seen. The lines are suspended about 45 ft down in 70-100 ft of water. Fishing downlines on the bubbles and drop offs near them can be pretty successful on hot days. The bubbles blind ‘fish finders’ so it is difficult to figure out what depth to fish, but if you find one, you’ll find more.

Introducing BassmastHER Workshops: Workshops focused on bass fishing fundamentals hosted by professional female anglers and Bassmaster staff in conjunction with Elite Series tournaments. Plus, network with a community of anglers to develop skill sets and confidence on and off the water.

The most convenient way to report your harvest is with the SC Game Check feature in the Go Outdoors SC mobile app on your smartphone. The Go Outdoors SC app was recently updated with improvements, new features and available tags for the current season. To ensure a trouble-free experience, make sure your device is set for automatic app updates or download the latest update from the app store.

At the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Savannah District, annual passes are available at the Hartwell, and J. Strom Thurmond Lake Project Visitors Centers. Read the article.

J. Strom Thurmond Lake, also known as Clarks Hill Lake, nestled between the states of Georgia and South Carolina, is not only a scenic haven for outdoor enthusiasts, but also a thriving ecosystem teeming with diverse wildlife. Read the article.

Guns

• SC Constitutional Carry or Permitless Carry Law (current)
• SC Concealed Carry Reciprocity Map & Gun Laws (current)
• SC Online Concealed Weapons Permit (CWP) Process
• SC CWP Application
• SC CWP Classes (by County)
• Firearm Safety - Spring (Piedmont Technical College)
• A Practical Guide to Ammunition Casings from Aluminum to Zinc
• Choosing Your Firearm & Ammo (plus Ammo Glossary)
• Checklist for New Gun Owners
• USCCA’s Gun Buyer’s Checklist
• The Best Handguns for Beginners
• Self and Home Defense Classes near you
• How to Clean a Pistol
• The Best Gun Cleaning Solvents of 2025
• How to Properly Clean Your Gun
• Gun Terminology: A Guide to Concealed Carry Language
• Palmetto Shooting Complex

Skeet

• How to Shoot Skeet – 8 Helpful Skeet Shooting Tips
• Skeet Basics
• Beginner’s Guide to Skeet Shooting
• Skeet Shooting-Instructional Videos
• How Does Trap and Skeet Shooting Differ?

Boats

• South Carolina Public Boat Ramps-Department of Natural Resources
• GA and SC Recreation Areas - Current Status of Corps Boat Ramps
• How to Use a Trolling Motor
• What is Garmin Livescope?
• All About Your Livewell
• DYI Boat Livewell
• Watercraft Titling & Registration
• SC Fees: Title and Register a Watercraft or Outboard Motor

Lakes and Fishing

• Where can I fish?
• Georgia Lake Levels
• Moon Phases
• Lake J. Strom Thurmond Map
• CSRA Kayak Fishing
• Lake Strom Thurmond Diffuser Lines
• Fishing Guide for Hartwell, Richard B. Russell & J. Strom Thurmond Lakes
• Walleye Fishing in Georgia
• Black Bass Slam: The Spotted Bass
• Savannah River Yellow Perch
• National Oceanic and and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)
• Striper Seminar Notes (11/24)
• Bill McDonald (Dr Crappie) Seminar Notes (12/24)
• Local Bait Shops

Fishing How To's

• Easy Fishing Knots
• DYI Marker buoys
• Beginner's Guide to Fishing
• Different Types of Fishing Lines Explained
• How to Clean Fish
• How to use Planer Boards
• Lead core line: a highly-efficient way to troll!
• Lake Hartwell stripers respond to controlled-depth trolling

Fishing Tournaments

• 2026 Big Bass Tour Fishing Tournaments
• 2026 Clarks Hill Classic Tournaments
• 2025 South Carolina Fishing Tournaments
• 2026 Carolina Fishing Tournaments
• 2026 Carolinas Bass Challenge Tournaments
• 2026 Georgia Bass Trail Schedules
• 2026 Bassmaster Tournament Schedules
• 2026 Bassmaster Kayak Series
• South Carolina B.A.S.S. Nation Kayak Series
• 2026 BassmastHER Workshops
• 2026 SCDNR Youth Bass Fishing Championship

• Club By-Laws
• Board of Directors
• RGC Event Board Approval Form
• Rod & Gun Club History (Updated May 2024)
• Want to Join the Rod & Gun Club?
• Rod and Gun Club Application with Wavier (current)
• Fishing Contest Rules
• Pistol Range SOP
• Range Rules and Information
• Monthly Range Shooting Events
• Club Pictures
• Fish Fry Recipes