What Lake Busbee offers and who fishes it

Lake Busbee is a small, shallow impoundment just outside Conway that holds largemouth bass and channel catfish in a setting that draws local anglers and families more than tournament crowds. The lake runs roughly 40 acres and sits in a residential area, which means it stays relatively calm and sees steady pressure from people who know the water rather than weekend traffic from distant spots. If you're based in Conway and want a quick evening trip or a place to introduce someone to freshwater fishing without driving an hour, Busbee works—especially in spring and early summer when the bass move shallow and catfish bite reliably after dark.

The water is stained to murky depending on recent rain, and that color actually helps here. Bass don't spook as easily, and catfish feed more actively throughout the day instead of waiting for dusk. Depth ranges from 4 to maybe 12 feet in the deepest holes, so you're not dealing with the structure and suspended fish you'd find in a reservoir. What you get instead is predictable shallow-water fishing where casting accuracy and bait choice matter more than electronics.

Key Takeaways

  • Lake Busbee holds largemouth bass and channel catfish in shallow water, making it a straightforward spot for anglers who know basic casting and bait techniques.
  • Spring through early summer is the strongest season for both species, with bass moving to shallow cover and catfish feeding actively in stained water.
  • Public access is available from a boat ramp and shoreline areas, though parking is limited and the lake sits in a residential neighborhood.
  • Live shiners and chicken liver work well for catfish; soft plastics and topwater lures produce bass in the shallows, especially early morning and late evening.

Seasonal patterns and when to fish

Spring (March through May) is when Busbee fishes best. Bass move into the shallows to spawn, and they'll hit crankbaits, soft plastics, and topwater around any visible cover—downed trees, cattail edges, and the shallow flats near the boat ramp. Catfish also become more active as water temperature climbs, and you can catch them on chicken liver or cut shad during the day, though night fishing produces more consistent results. Water clarity improves after spring rains settle, which actually helps because the stain that develops keeps bass from getting too spooky.

Summer (June through August) slows the bite during midday but doesn't kill it entirely. Bass retreat to slightly deeper water and shade, so focus on the deeper holes and any structure that holds cooler water. Early morning and late evening are your windows—fish the shallows hard from first light until the sun climbs, then switch to deeper presentations or take a break during the heat. Catfish bite better at night, and summer nights on Busbee can be productive if you're willing to sit with a rod and wait.

Fall (September through November) brings another good window as water cools and bass move back to the shallows to feed before winter. Catfish remain catchable, though the bite becomes less predictable. Winter fishing is possible but slow; most local anglers skip it or fish only on the warmest days when a brief warm spell triggers feeding.

Access and parking

Lake Busbee has a public boat ramp on the north side, accessible from residential streets near Conway. Parking is tight—there's a small lot that fills quickly on weekends—so arriving early or fishing on weekdays is smarter if you want a may provide spot. The ramp itself is in decent shape but narrow, so launching a large trailer can be awkward if other boats are coming and going.

Shoreline access exists in a few spots, particularly near the ramp and along the eastern bank where some public land abuts the water. Walking the shoreline is possible but limited by private property, so stick to obvious public areas. A small kayak or canoe is actually ideal here because you can launch from the ramp easily and explore the shallows without the hassle of a big boat.

Bass fishing techniques and lure choices

Largemouth bass in Busbee respond to shallow-water presentations because they have nowhere else to go. Soft plastics—4- to 6-inch worms rigged Texas-style or on a jighead—work year-round but especially in spring and fall. Cast them tight to cover, work them slowly, and let them sink on slack line. Crankbaits in the 1/4- to 3/8-ounce range cover water quickly and trigger strikes from aggressive fish, particularly in spring when bass are feeding hard.

Topwater lures produce explosive strikes in low-light conditions. A small popper or walking bait worked early morning or at dusk can draw bass from 10 feet away. The stained water actually helps here because bass rely more on vibration and sound than sight, so don't worry about matching the hatch perfectly. Spinnerbaits also work, especially around grass edges and fallen timber.

Live shiners are worth trying if you want to target bigger bass. A 3- to 4-inch shiner on a simple slip-sinker rig cast near deep cover can produce quality fish, though it requires patience and a willingness to sit and wait rather than cast constantly.

Catfish fishing after dark

Channel catfish are the most reliable bite on Busbee, especially if you're willing to fish at night. Chicken liver is the classic choice—it's cheap, travels well, and works consistently. Cut shad or bluegill also produce, and some anglers swear by stink baits, though the smell and mess make them less popular for casual trips. Use a simple three-way rig or a slip-sinker setup with a 2/0 to 4/0 circle hook, and cast toward the deeper holes or channel edges.

Night fishing from the bank near the ramp is straightforward and social—you'll often find other catfish anglers there, and the conversation passes the time between bites. Bring a headlamp, a cooler, and patience. Catfish bite best between 9 p.m. and midnight, then again in the hour before dawn. A single rod left to sit with a rod holder works fine; you don't need to cast constantly.

What to bring and what to expect

Lake Busbee is small enough that you don't need specialized gear. A 6- to 7-foot medium-action spinning rod, 10- to 15-pound monofilament, and a tackle box with soft plastics, crankbaits, and a few topwater lures will cover most situations. For catfish, bring heavier line (20-pound mono or braided) and a rod with a bit more backbone to set the hook and fight fish in the stained water.

The lake sits in a residential area, so respect quiet hours and don't run your motor at full throttle early morning or late evening. Weekday mornings are less crowded and often more productive. Bring sunscreen, water, and snacks—there's no concession stand, and the nearest gas station is a few minutes away. The shoreline has some shade, but it's limited, so plan accordingly if you're fishing midday in summer.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a boat to fish Lake Busbee?

No. Shoreline access exists near the ramp and along parts of the eastern bank, and a kayak or canoe is ideal for exploring the shallows without the cost and hassle of a motorboat. Most of the productive water is within casting distance of shore anyway.

What's the best time of day to fish here?

Early morning (sunrise to mid-morning) and late evening (two hours before sunset through dusk) are most productive for bass. Catfish bite throughout the day but are most active at night, especially between 9 p.m. and midnight. Midday in summer is slow for both species.

Are there size or catch limits?

South Carolina fishing regulations apply. Check the current SCDNR regulations for largemouth bass and catfish limits before you fish, as they can change. A valid South Carolina fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older.

Is the water safe to eat fish from?

Check SCDNR's fish consumption advisories for this specific lake before keeping any fish for eating. Some small impoundments have advisories due to mercury or other contaminants. The agency updates these regularly on their website.

Can I fish here in winter?

Yes, but the bite is slow. Bass move deeper and feed less frequently, and catfish become less active. Winter fishing is possible on warmer days when water temperature rises slightly, but most local anglers focus on other spots during these months.