Cordesville, SC – According to Carolina Sportsman, the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR) has announced the continuation of adult-youth fishing opportunities at the Bonneau Ferry Wildlife Management Area (WMA) through the end of October 2026. This initiative provides families with a dedicated space to engage in recreational fishing in a serene, natural environment away from crowded public waters.
The Bonneau Ferry WMA, situated near Cordesville in Berkeley County, encompasses diverse aquatic habitats ideal for family outings. Accessible areas for fishing include the expansive Quarterman Lake, which spans nearly 100 acres, along with New Lake and several smaller ponds. These locations offer ample opportunities for young anglers and their guardians to connect with nature while honing fishing skills.
Fishing at the WMA is permitted on Thursdays through Sundays during daylight hours only, ensuring a structured and safe experience for participants. An exception applies during April, when the area closes on Saturday mornings until 11 a.m. to accommodate youth turkey hunts. Additionally, full-day closures occur during scheduled deer hunts in the fall, as detailed in the SCDNR’s annual Rules and Regulations guide. These measures balance fishing access with other wildlife management activities essential to preserving the area’s ecosystem.
To participate, each fishing party must include at least one youth angler aged 17 or younger, who must be actively engaged in fishing. Accompanying adults, limited to no more than two per youth and aged 18 or older, may only fish when in the company of the youth. This requirement underscores the program’s focus on fostering intergenerational bonding and introducing the next generation to outdoor conservation practices.
Boats are permitted on the waters, but they must be propelled solely by electric motors or non-motorized means such as paddling, promoting a low-impact approach to recreation. The consumption of alcoholic beverages is strictly prohibited to maintain a family-friendly atmosphere.
Anglers should adhere to specific creel limits to support sustainable fishing practices: two largemouth bass, ten panfish—including crappie, bluegill, redear, pumpkinseed, and redbreast—and five catfish per person per day. Crappie must measure at least eight inches to be kept, while other species have no minimum size restrictions. These regulations, enforced by the SCDNR, help maintain healthy fish populations within the Bonneau Ferry WMA.
Visitors are advised to respect vehicle closures on certain areas and roads, with signage posted at the main entrance for guidance. For detailed maps of lake and pond locations, participants can visit the kiosk at the main entrance or request one by contacting the Dennis Wildlife Center in Bonneau at (843) 761-8820 or (843) 825-3388, available Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Comprehensive information on Bonneau Ferry WMA and other SCDNR-managed public lands is accessible via the official website at www.dnr.sc.gov.
This annual program, which began earlier in March 2026, highlights the SCDNR’s commitment to accessible outdoor recreation and conservation education. By designating the Bonneau Ferry WMA as an adult-youth only zone during the specified season, the department creates an inclusive environment that encourages families to explore South Carolina’s rich natural resources responsibly. Such initiatives not only promote fishing as a lifelong hobby but also instill values of environmental stewardship in young participants, contributing to the long-term health of the state’s wildlife areas. For more information, visit Carolina Sportsman.