What's Actually Fishable Near the Park

Horry County Bike & Run Park itself is built for cycling and running, not fishing — but it sits within walking or short driving distance of several freshwater spots worth your time. The park is located off Highway 501 near Conway, and that location puts you close to the Waccamaw River, a few small impoundments, and access points that most Myrtle Beach tourists never find. If you're staying in the area and want to fish without driving an hour inland, these nearby waters hold largemouth bass, catfish, and bluegill year-round.

The real value of the park's location is that it's central to a cluster of fishing water. You can run or bike in the morning, fish in the afternoon, and be back near your lodging by evening. The surrounding area is less developed than the beach itself, so the fishing pressure is lighter and the fish tend to be less spooky than they are in heavily trafficked spots.

Key Takeaways

  • The Waccamaw River, a 15-minute drive from the park, holds largemouth bass and catfish and has public boat ramps at Conway and near Socastee.
  • Small ponds and impoundments scattered through the area hold bluegill and bass but require permission to access — ask at local bait shops for current access information.
  • Spring and fall are the most reliable seasons; summer heat pushes bass deep and catfish nocturnal, while winter slows everything down.
  • Bring your own boat or plan to wade and fish from the bank — most nearby water is not walkable from the park itself.

The Waccamaw River: Your Closest Real Option

The Waccamaw River runs roughly north-south through Horry County and is the most accessible freshwater fishery near the park. It's a slow, dark-water river typical of the coastal plain — tannin-stained, lined with cypress and tupelo, and home to a solid population of largemouth bass in the 2- to 5-pound range. Catfish are abundant here too, especially channel cats and the occasional flathead, and they bite reliably from spring through fall.

The two main public boat ramps are at Conway (off Church Street, near downtown) and near Socastee (off Highway 17 Business). Both are free and maintained by the county. The Conway ramp is closer to the park — roughly 15 minutes by car — and gives you access to a stretch of river that holds fish year-round. The Socastee ramp is slightly farther but accesses a different section with its own character.

If you don't have a boat, you can fish from the bank in a few spots, but access is limited. Ask at local bait shops like Barefoot Bait & Tackle (on Highway 501) about current bank-fishing spots; they change seasonally and depend on private land permissions that shift year to year.

Seasonal Patterns on Local Freshwater

Spring (March through May) is the strongest season for both bass and catfish. Water temperatures climb into the 60s and 70s, and fish move shallow to feed and spawn. Bass will hit topwater and shallow crankbaits early in the morning, and catfish bite reliably at night on cut bait or chicken liver. The Waccamaw during spring is often your best bet for numbers and size.

Summer (June through August) slows the action considerably. Bass move deep into the darkest water and the thickest cover — cypress trees, fallen timber, and dense vegetation. Early morning and late evening are your only reliable windows. Catfish become almost entirely nocturnal. If you're fishing during summer, plan to fish dawn or dusk, or switch to night fishing for catfish.

Fall (September through November) picks back up. Water cools, bass move back to shallower feeding zones, and catfish become active throughout the day again. October and early November are often as good as spring. Winter is slow but not impossible — catfish will still bite on the warmest days, and bass can be caught, but you'll work harder for fewer fish.

What to Bring and How to Fish

For bass, bring a medium-power spinning rod with 8- to 10-pound monofilament or braided line. Topwater plugs, shallow crankbaits, and soft plastics (4- to 6-inch worms or creature baits) all work. Fish structure — fallen trees, cypress knees, vegetation edges — rather than open water. The Waccamaw is not a clear-water river, so fish rely heavily on vibration and silhouette; don't overthink lure color.

For catfish, a heavier setup works better: a medium-heavy rod with 15- to 20-pound line and a simple three-way rig or slip sinker rig. Cut mullet, cut shad, chicken liver, or stink baits all produce. Fish the deeper holes and channel edges, especially near current breaks. Catfish are most active at night, so plan accordingly if you want consistent action.

Bluegill and other panfish are abundant in small ponds throughout the area but require permission to access. A light spinning rod with small jigs or live crickets will catch them quickly. Ask at bait shops about which ponds are currently open to public fishing.

Getting to the Water from the Park

Horry County Bike & Run Park is on Highway 501 near Conway. From the park, the Conway boat ramp is about 3 miles south on Highway 501, then east on Church Street — roughly 10 to 15 minutes by car depending on traffic. The Socastee ramp is farther north and west, closer to 20 minutes. Neither is walkable from the park itself, so you'll need a vehicle to reach the water.

If you're staying near the park and want to combine recreation with fishing, plan your day around the drive time. Bike or run in the morning, drive to the ramp by mid-morning, fish through early afternoon, and be back by evening. This works well in spring and fall when the weather is mild.

Local Bait and Tackle Shops

Barefoot Bait & Tackle (on Highway 501 near the park) is your closest option for live bait, tackle, and current information about what's biting and where access is open. The staff there fish the local water regularly and can tell you which spots are producing and whether any private ponds are currently allowing public access. They also know about seasonal closures and water conditions better than any online source.

Stop in before you fish, especially if you're new to the area. A five-minute conversation with someone who fishes here regularly will save you hours of trial and error.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I fish from the bank near the park without a boat?

Bank access near the park itself is very limited. Your best bet is to ask at Barefoot Bait & Tackle about current public bank-fishing spots on the Waccamaw or nearby ponds. Access changes seasonally and depends on private land permissions, so local knowledge is essential.

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

Spring (March through May) and fall (September through November) are most reliable. Summer is slow except at dawn and dusk, and winter is tough. If you're visiting during summer, plan to fish early morning or night.

Do I need a South Carolina fishing license?

Yes. You can purchase a short-term license (1-day, 3-day, or annual) online through the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources website or at most bait shops. Licenses are inexpensive and required for anyone 16 and older.

What size bass and catfish are common here?

Largemouth bass typically run 2 to 5 pounds, with occasional fish to 7 or 8 pounds. Channel catfish average 2 to 4 pounds, and flatheads can reach 20 pounds or more, though they're less common. Bluegill and other panfish are abundant and bite readily.

Is the Waccamaw River safe to fish?

Yes. It's a slow, well-established river with regular boat traffic and established ramps. Wear a life jacket if you're in a boat, watch for cypress knees and submerged logs, and fish during daylight if you're unfamiliar with the water. The river itself is not dangerous, but like any natural water, it demands basic caution.