South Carolina § 50-13-260 - Season for possessing, taking, and retaining trout from specified waters in order to establish a catch and release fishery.
Full text of South Carolina South Carolina Code of Laws § 50-13-260 — Season for possessing, taking, and retaining trout from specified waters in order to establish a catch and release fishery., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 50-13-260. Season for possessing, taking, and retaining trout from specified waters in order to establish a catch and release fishery.
(A) In order to establish a "catch and release" fishery for trout it is unlawful to possess, take, and retain trout from November first of each year through May fourteenth of the following year inclusive on the following waters:
(1) that portion of the Chattooga River beginning at S.C. State Highway 28 upstream to its confluence with Reed Creek (Rabun County, GA);
(2) that portion of Cheohee Creek that runs through the Piedmont Forestry Center;
(3) Devils Fork Creek; Howard Creek from its confluence with Corbin Creek upstream to its confluence with Limberpole Creek; and Corbin Creek upstream from its confluence with Howard Creek to S.C. State Highway S-37-130 (Whitewater Road) in Oconee County;
(4) Chauga River from S.C. State Highway S-37-290 (Cassidy Bridge Road) upstream to its confluence with Bone Camp Creek in Oconee County; and
(5) Eastatoe Creek from the backwaters of Lake Keowee upstream to S.C. State Highway S-39-143 (Roy Jones Road) in Pickens County.
(B) Trout taken must be released immediately.
HISTORY: 2012 Act No. 113, SECTION 2, eff July 1, 2012; 2013 Act No. 6, SECTION 6, eff March 22, 2013; 2018 Act No. 207 (S.1044), SECTION 1, eff July 1, 2018.
Editor's Note
Prior Laws: Former SECTION 50-13-260 was entitled "Creels may be searched" and was derived from 1962 Code SECTION 28-594.2; 1961 (52) 136; 1993 Act No. 181, SECTION 1263.
2018 Act No. 207, SECTIONS 2 and 3, provide as follows:
"SECTION 2. The Department of Natural Resources shall make a study of the lower Saluda River trout fishery and make recommendations on any needed modifications to the fishery by November 1, 2023.
"SECTION 3. The provisions of this act are repealed on June 30, 2025."
Effect of Amendment
The 2013 amendment, in subsection (A)(5), substituted "Eastatoe Creek" for "Eastatoe River".
2018 Act No. 207, SECTION 1, added (C), relating to a year-round catch and release zone on the lower reach of the Saluda River.
Source: official South Carolina text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About South Carolina § 50-13-260
What does South Carolina Code of Laws § 50-13-260 cover?
Section 50-13-260 ("Season for possessing, taking, and retaining trout from specified waters in order to establish a catch and release fishery.") is part of the South Carolina Code of Laws, the codified statutory law of South Carolina. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite South Carolina § 50-13-260?
A common citation format is "South Carolina Code of Laws § 50-13-260" (South Carolina). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of South Carolina law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the South Carolina official source linked on this page or consult a licensed South Carolina attorney.
How does South Carolina § 50-13-260 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in South Carolina can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in South Carolina.