The Reedy River in downtown Greenville is an overlooked option for fishing around Greenville, SC. While I worked downtown, I had the chance to break away and fish it often on my lunch break. I expected small bluegill. To my surprise, the Reedy holds a good population of big redbreast sunfish and largemouth bass, including a few big bass. The Swamp Rabbit Trail runs along the river, with public access points throughout downtown and all the way to Simpsonville.
Fly or spin
The area around the river is fairly developed, so there is room to backcast and fly fish. Having the option to spin fish helps in the spots that are tree-lined or have awkward angles. Most people on the river are running or walking and enjoying the outdoors, not fishing, so anglers generally have the water to themselves.
The Reedy also has natural waterfalls and shoals, which makes it a nice escape from an office building downtown.
What to expect
Fishing the Reedy is the classic small-river experience in the Piedmont. The river is full of rocks for fish to hide behind and, unfortunately, full of sand from the nearby development. On a good day the water is clear, but weather can churn up the sand and make it hard to see. After a rainstorm the river can turn into a dark, clay-colored torrent. The muddy water takes about three days to clear, which is worth remembering when planning a short outing on the Reedy.
Since the river is full of panfish and smaller bass, smaller lures, or even a dry-dropper or a nymph, can be very effective. Don't discount your standard bass tackle, though. Bigger bass are in there.
Don't overlook the Reedy next time you are in downtown Greenville. It can be a sanctuary of repose away from the city's stress.
