Night fishing brings out a very specific kind of confidence. Quieter water, fewer boats, and that feeling that a bigger bite is possible.
So, do “striped fish” hit lures at night?
Yes, striped bass can feed at night and will strike lures in many lakes.
But on Lake Greenwood, SC, there is a legal issue that matters more than lure choice. For a broader overview of nighttime rules, see Does Lake Greenwood have a night fishing season?
The Lake Greenwood rule that changes everything
South Carolina law sets a closed season on catching striped bass in the waters of Lake Greenwood, and it is also unlawful to possess striped bass on or immediately adjacent to the lake. The law even treats possession within a distance of the lake as evidence of a violation.
That means this blog needs to be very clear:
- If you are talking about striped bass (stripers) on Lake Greenwood, you should not be planning a night striper fishing in Lake Greenwood” trip.
- If you accidentally hook a striped bass while night fishing in Lake Greenwood, the safest, most compliant move is to release it immediately and do not keep it.
So, what are people actually feeling at night?
When anglers say “stripers are biting at night,” they are usually describing one of these situations:
1) They are fishing another lake where stripers are legal
This is also where confusion can creep in, especially if someone has fished places like Hartwell or Murray and assumes the same rules apply here. If you are comparing locations, Where is the best place for striper fishing in Lake Greenwood? can help clarify what anglers should know before planning around stripers.
2) They are catching a different “striped” fish
3) They are talking about chasing bait and surface activity
What you can target legally at night on Lake Greenwood (and still have a strong trip)
If your goal is a productive night session, focus on species that are commonly targeted after dark:
Catfish
Largemouth bass
Many anglers do well at night around light-to-dark edges, docks, and areas that concentrate bait.
Crappie (in the right seasons)
Night lure question: will fish hit lures after dark?
Yes. A lot of fish that feed by vibration, silhouette, and sound will still strike lures at night. The key changes are:
- Slower pace often wins
- Bigger profile can help when visibility is low
- You are usually fishing shallower than you think, especially near bait
This is why many anglers love night fishing in Lake Greenwood even when they are not chasing striped bass.
Safety and visibility basics that matter at night
Even a perfect plan falls apart if the night is unsafe.
South Carolina boating guidance stresses having proper navigation lights between sunset and sunrise and avoiding lights that interfere with required nav lighting. If this is your first time on the lake, Planning Your First Lake Greenwood Fishing Trip: What You Need to Know is a helpful place to start.
Common questions anglers ask
Is there any legal way to keep a striper from Lake Greenwood?
If you want to fish for stripers legally in South Carolina, you need a different waterbody with different regulations.





