About
Wateree River, South Carolina — 1670s-1770s Catawba, 1840s-1880s Logging, 1919 Wateree Dam 75-mi Camden. Below Lake Wateree Dam through Kershaw and Sumter counties, the Wateree River runs 75 miles of Class I water with occasional riffles at an average 3,200 CFS. The upper section from the dam tailrace supports a striped bass fishery in the cold water discharge. Through Camden to Manchester, the middle river slows into bass and catfish water, while the lower stretch from Manchester to the Santee River confluence broadens into lowcountry character. The Wateree people, affiliates of the Catawba, lived along these banks before European contact. South Carolina designated the Wateree River Blue Trail in 2014, and it now forms part of the state paddle trail system. Optimal flows run 1,000 to 4,000 CFS on USGS gauge 02148000. Palmetto Outdoor Center provides outfitting services for the river.
River conditions are community-verified. CFS ranges, difficulty ratings, and access points may not reflect every flow level or seasonal change. Always check current conditions, scout unfamiliar rapids, and paddle within your skill level.