Lake Thurmond

One of the largest inland bodies of water in the South, Lake Thurmond has a shoreline of 1,200 miles and covers 71,100 acres. Built by the U.S.Army Corps of Engineers for hydroelectric usage in 1952, it has more than 100 islands and is surrounded by pine and hardwoods. Formerly Clarks Hill Lake, the lake was renamed in honor of U.S. Senator J. Strom Thurmond of South Carolina in 1987. Lake Thurmond features white, striped and hybrid bass and holds good populations of largemouth bass, crappie and bluegill. Excellent hybrid and striper fishing begins in late April and early May. Lake Thurmond is the largest man-made body of water east of the Mississippi River. The Dorn Sports Fishing and Boating facility provides an added attraction for fishermen. One commercial marina in South Carolina serves Lake Thurmond boaters.