Although it is home for a large number of species, Lake Murray and surrounding rivers are best known for four types of fish - striped bass, largemouth bass, bream and crappie. Stripers were first introduced into Lake Murray in 1961 and have since become a year round challenge for the dedicated fisherman. The record striped bass caught in Lake Murray weighed in at 49 pounds. The most productive techniques for catching stripers have been bait fishing, school fishing and bottom bumping with jigs. Anglers should pay particular attention to the presence of schooling shad near the surface as this will often entice stripers on a feeding spree.
Seagulls working the surface often indicate shad.