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LAKE MURRAY was constructed between 1927 and 1930. The Dreher Shoals Dam formed a 48,000 acre lake in the heart of South Carolina and only a short drive from downtown Columbia. The lake covers an area of 78 square miles with 620 miles of shoreline. The waters of the Saluda River that feed Lake Murray supply energy to the Saluda Hydroelectric Plant turbines and cooling water to the McMeekin Steam Generating Plant. Both plants are owned by South Carolina Electric & Gas Company (SCE&G). When completed, Lake Murray was the largest power reservoir and Dreher Shoals Dam the largest earthen dam in the world.
Today, Lake Murray stills supplies electric power, is the major source of drinking water for the city of Columbia, and has become the water playground for the Midlands. The Lake Murray adventure means boating, sailing, canoeing, fishing, skiing, swimming, camping and just plain fun at one of the South's most scenic playgrounds.
Lake Murray Business Guide
Accommodations (waterfront & Lake Murray area)
List your Lake Murray business at www.LakeMurray-SC.com . Call or email Mel Coker:
Lake Murray is BIG -- About 41 miles long and 14 miles wide at its widest point.
Plenty of room for fishing, boating and water skiing.
Safe boating reminders: Lookout for other boaters, skiers, swimmers and
jet skiers * Use caution at night and be sure to use boat running lights
when necessary and required * Be aware of overhead power lines that cross
the water at certain locations * Don't drink and drive * Carry necessary
safety equipment * Carry life preservers * Observe depth markers (avoid
rough water and shallow water) * Check the weather forecast before you
get on the water
Click Here for Boating in South Carolina Information: Safety & Laws, Boat ownership title & registration requirements.
SCE&G Lake Murray Hotline:
Fishing is GREAT at Lake Murray! The lake has hosted numerous fishing
tournaments. Although the lake is home to a large number of fish species, the
most popular are: largemouth bass, striped bass, bream and crappie.
Obtain a S.C. Fishing or Hunting License:
License Price List
FRESHWATER FISHING IN SOUTH CAROLINA: Black Crappie
Illustrations
by Duane Raver Jr., courtesy of Duane Raver Jr. and Maynard
The max full level at Lake Murray is 360'. This is normally not achieved -- the normal "full" level is about 358' which typically occurs from early spring to early summer. After that, the lake is drawn very gradually to a low level of about 354' from about December through mid February.
Check Lake Murray levels:
Columbia & Lake Murray Weather:
Lake Murray Association: Live on the Lake? Do Lake Murray business? Care about Lake Murray? You need to be a member of the Lake Murray association. Call Mel Coker at (803) 932-2144 for your membership application, or visit the
Lake Murray Association website.
Purchase Lake Murray MAP or Lake Murray POSTER online
Amazon Store - great recommended products and great prices!
Bait & Tackle
Boat Dealers
Camping - Dreher Island State Park
Dock Construction
Guide Service - Let's Go Fishing!
Marinas
Marine Service
Upholstery shops
e-mail:
Mel Coker * Telephone (803) 388-8011
Boating at Lake Murray...
1-800-830-LAKE
This hotline has the current Lake Murray water level and weather forecast.
Fishing at Lake Murray...
By Telephone: toll-free 1-866-714-3611 $3.00 processing fee is added to license fee
Internet: South Carolina Fishing/Hunting License Online $3.00 processing fee is added to license fee
License Sales Agents (by County)
Click Here for the Latest Fishing Report:
Updated fishing report for the state, including Lake Murray.
South Carolina Department of Natural Resources:
Info and regulations for fishing, boating, hunting & more
Largemouth Bass
Bluegill
Striped Bass
Reese, courtesy of Iowa Department of Natural Resources. All illustrations
copyrighted by the artists.
1940 Lake Murray View
from Mel Coker's Postcard Collection
1940 Lake Murray View
from Mel Coker's Postcard Collection
Lake Murray Homes & Water "Toys"
Lake Murray Water Fun
Lake Murray Water Levels & Weather...
U.S. Geological Survey
South Carolina Electric & Gas Co.
Columbia / Lake Murray Weather Page (from Mel Coker)
The 5 Towers Dreher Shoals Dam on Lake Murray - Photograph by Mel Coker
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See my NEW Lake Murray Welcome Video Below!