Paddling the Great Pee Dee

Kayak fishing on the Great Pee Dee River offers anglers a rich and immersive experience on one of the Southeast’s most storied waterways. Stretching from the Appalachian foothills in North Carolina to the coastal lowlands of South Carolina, the river provides a dynamic and ever-changing backdrop for those who prefer to cast their lines from the quiet, stealthy platform of a kayak.

The Great Pee Dee winds through thick forests, past ancient bluffs, and alongside open farmland, creating a diverse habitat that supports a wide range of fish species and makes every trip uniquely rewarding.

The river begins its lower course at Blewett Falls Lake in North Carolina, where the dam releases cool, oxygen-rich water into the upper Pee Dee.

Many landings

One common starting point for kayak anglers is the Grassy Island Boat Landing near the town of Wadesboro. From here, paddlers can head downstream, fishing deep pools, eddies, and wooded banks as they go. The waters are home to largemouth bass, channel catfish, flathead catfish, crappie, and bluegill.

As the river crosses into South Carolina, it passes through some of the most scenic and undeveloped stretches in the region. The Cheraw State Park Landing, just outside the historic town of Cheraw, provides a popular access point for anglers looking to explore the South Carolina portion of the Pee Dee. The park itself is surrounded by protected forestland, and the riverbanks here are often lined with cypress trees, tupelos, and dense underbrush. Wildlife sightings are common. Bald eagles, herons, otters, and deer often appear along the banks, and their presence enhances the serene, natural atmosphere that makes kayak fishing so appealing.

Be prepared

Further downstream, the river becomes broader and more sluggish as it approaches the coastal plain. Boat landings such as Highway 9 Landing near Bennettsville, Campbell Lake Landing in Florence County, and Punch Bowl Landing near Johnsonville offer strategic points for launching or taking out, depending on the length of the trip. Each section of the river has its own personality. Panfish like bluegills, shellcrackers, redbreast sunfish, along with lesser-known ones like fliers, warmouth, green sunfish, and pumpkinseed can be found throughout. In the lower sections, backwater sloughs and oxbow lakes provide excellent habitat for panfish and trophy-sized catfish, even at night.

Summer fishing here can be challenging due to high temperatures and thick vegetation, though early morning and evening hours still offer good fishing, particularly for topwater bass action.

Success on the Pee Dee often comes down to stealth and positioning. Kayaks allow access to shallow areas that powerboats can’t reach and make it easier to quietly approach fish-holding structure like submerged logs, creek mouths, and brush piles. Jigging, soft plastics, live bait, and crankbaits all have their place depending on target species and water conditions.

Kayak fishing on the Great Pee Dee River is more than just catching fish. It’s also about discovery, solitude, and connecting with a landscape that has remained largely unchanged for generations. For those willing to paddle its winding course, the river offers not only a chance at impressive catches but also a sense of peace that’s increasingly rare in today’s fast-paced world.