Do Stripers Hit Lures at Night on Lake Greenwood SC?

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

Some South Carolina waters do have seasonal rules for striped or hybrid bass that differ by location. The statewide table shows those differences by waterbody.

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

People sometimes use “striper” loosely, but Lake Greenwood nights can still produce action from other species that feel similar in the dark, especially when bait is present.

3) They are talking about chasing bait and surface activity

Night feeding often looks like shad flicking, surface pops, or sudden swirls. That does not automatically mean legal striped bass fishing is on the menu at Lake Greenwood.

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

Night is one of the easiest times to build a consistent plan. Quiet water helps, and you can fish a simple spread with scent-based baits.

Largemouth bass

Largemouth bass are legal to target, but keep the key rule in mind: no largemouth under 14 inches may be kept on Lake Greenwood.
Many anglers do well at night around light-to-dark edges, docks, and areas that concentrate bait.

Crappie (in the right seasons)

Crappie can be caught around structure and docks, depending on time of year and water conditions.

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?

Under the Lake Greenwood striped bass law, possession is unlawful.

If you want to fish for stripers legally in South Carolina, you need a different waterbody with different regulations.

Can I still throw lures at night?

Yes, for legal species. Just avoid building a trip around targeting striped bass on Lake Greenwood due to the closed-season rule.

What if I hook one by accident?

Release it right away and do not keep it near the lake.

Conclusion

If you want a night trip that is productive and stays compliant with Lake Greenwood rules, book a trip with Lake Greenwood Fishing Guides. You will get a clear plan for what is actually biting, where to start after dark, and how to fish it safely.

Do striped fish hit lures at night in Lake Greenwood?