Firelake Pay Lake
Best Family Catfishing in Anderson, SC
Fishing is The tradition
Our ponds are Surrounded by native pines and vegetation. They offer a peaceful sanctuary where deer and wildlife gather. This tranquil setting is perfect for both quiet reflection and family bonding, creating an ideal environment for memorable fishing experiences.
Our Ponds
Upper Pond
Catch & Release Trophy Catfish: Home to giant cats, this special pond is strictly catch-and-release to keep our trophy fish thriving for future anglers.
Lower Pond
Catch & Keep Catfish: This pond lets you take home the catch—each paid adult can keep up to 30 lbs of fresh catfish.
Prime Waters, Prize Fish
Our well-maintained ponds are regularly stocked and teem with catfish, ensuring every angler has the opportunity for an exceptional fishing experience.
Regular Catfish Stocking
72lb Caught this year
Equal opportunity
Experience the FireLake Difference
All Night Fishing
Enjoy peaceful, after-hours access to our stocked ponds with a Night Fishing Pass every Friday and Saturday starting at 6 PM and lasting till 7AM.
Clean Restrooms
Our regularly stocked ponds are managed sustainably to provide excellent fishing for generations to come.
Drive-Up Parking
Fire Lake's comfort amenities and southern hospitality make every fishing day feel like a getaway.
Outdoor seating
Our regularly stocked ponds are managed sustainably to provide excellent fishing for generations to come.
Family Friendly
Firelake provides excellent family-friendly catfishing with calm waters and abundant fish suitable for anglers of all ages and skill levels.
When are we open?
Pond Hours:
Sunday - Thursday: 6:00am to 10:00pm
Friday - Saturday: Open 24 Hours
Store Hours:
Sunday - Thursday: 6:00am to 9:00pm
Friday - Saturday: 6:00am to 11:00pm
Passes & Pricing
Passes
Day Pass: $15 before 6pm Monday - Sunday
Night Pass: $15 after 6pm - Friday & Saturday
Special Rates
Children 8-12 are $7.50
Children 7 and under are Free
Bait & Tackle
Call (864) 847-4200
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Live Bait Limited stock
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Call (864) 847-4200 - Live Bait Limited stock -
YOUR ONE-STOP FISHING SHOP
Whether you're a seasoned angler or just getting started, our fully stocked bait and tackle shop has you covered.
Fishing Bait
Night crawlers are among the most proven and versatile natural baits available, offering universal appeal that attracts virtually every freshwater species in Firelake's ponds. These large, active earthworms provide natural movement and scent that trigger feeding responses from catfish, bass, bluegill, and other species. Their substantial size and robust nature make them ideal for targeting everything from pan fish to trophy catfish while remaining one of the most reliable baits for consistent action.
Fresh night crawlers excel due to their natural place in the aquatic food web and their ability to remain active and attractive for extended periods on the hook. The natural oils and amino acids released by live worms create an irresistible scent trail that disperses through the water, drawing fish from considerable distances. Their writhing movement sends vibrations that predatory fish recognize as vulnerable prey.
For rigging night crawlers, use hooks sized #4 to 3/0 depending on worm size and target species. Thread the hook through multiple sections for catfish or use smaller pieces on lighter hooks for panfish. Night crawlers work effectively on bottom rigs for catfish, under bobbers for bluegill, or Texas-rigged for bass around structure. Their versatility allows for multiple presentation methods during a single fishing session.
Night crawlers perform exceptionally well in Firelake's pond environment where their natural scent and movement attract our diverse fish populations. The combination of universal appeal, natural presentation, and proven effectiveness makes night crawlers particularly valuable for family fishing outings and beginning anglers. This classic bait consistently produces results across all species and skill levels, making it an essential choice for any successful fishing trip.
Leeches are among the most versatile and effective natural baits for both catfish and bass, offering unique movement and scent characteristics that trigger strikes from multiple species in Firelake's ponds. These segmented aquatic worms provide an undulating swimming action that fish find irresistible, while their natural blood and body fluids create a scent trail that attracts predatory fish from significant distances.
Live leeches excel as multi-species bait due to their incredibly lifelike movement and ability to remain active for hours on the hook. The natural writhing motion of leeches triggers aggressive feeding responses from both our stocked catfish and native smallmouth bass populations. Their tough, elastic bodies stay securely attached to hooks while maintaining the natural movement that makes them so effective.
For rigging leeches, use hooks sized 1/0 to 4/0 depending on leech size and target species. Thread the hook through the sucker end, allowing the body to move freely and naturally. Leeches work effectively on both bottom rigs for catfish and suspended under bobbers for bass and bluegill. Their durability means one leech can catch multiple fish before replacement.
Leeches perform exceptionally well in Firelake's diverse pond environment where their natural movement attracts various species throughout the water column. The combination of realistic action, natural scent, and multi-species appeal makes leeches particularly valuable for anglers wanting to target different fish during a single outing. This bait consistently produces results across our entire ecosystem, from trophy catfish to aggressive smallmouth bass.
Frozen herring are among the most convenient and effective baits for targeting catfish, offering the same high oil content and natural appeal as fresh herring with the added benefits of availability and durability. These previously frozen baitfish from the herring family retain their powerful scent-producing oils while developing a softer texture that releases attracting compounds more readily into the water. Their silver-sided appearance and concentrated oils make them irresistible to both channel and blue catfish in Firelake's ponds.
Frozen herring excel as catfish bait due to the breakdown of cell walls during the freezing process, which actually enhances scent dispersal compared to fresh bait. The thawing process releases natural oils and amino acids more quickly, creating an immediate and powerful scent trail that catfish detect from remarkable distances. Their softened texture allows for easy hook penetration while maintaining enough integrity to stay securely attached during extended fishing sessions.
For rigging frozen herring, use strong circle hooks sized 2/0 to 8/0 depending on herring size and target catfish. Allow the bait to thaw completely before use, then cut into chunks appropriate for your target size or use whole smaller herring for trophy presentations. The head section, with its concentrated oils and blood, makes exceptional cut bait that stays on the hook well while releasing maximum scent.
Frozen herring perform exceptionally well in Firelake's pond environment where their enhanced scent dispersal can attract catfish from across the entire pond system. The combination of convenience, enhanced scent release, and proven effectiveness makes frozen herring particularly valuable for planned fishing trips and extended sessions. This reliable bait consistently produces results for both casual anglers and serious catfish hunters targeting our regularly stocked populations.
Salties are specially prepared salted baitfish that rank among the most productive catfish baits available. These cured fish undergo a salting process that intensifies their natural oils and creates an incredibly potent scent signature that catfish detect from remarkable distances. The salt-curing process not only preserves the bait but actually enhances its fish-attracting properties.
The salting process draws out moisture while concentrating the natural oils and amino acids that trigger aggressive feeding responses in both channel and blue catfish. This preparation creates a bait that releases a steady scent stream throughout your fishing session, maintaining its effectiveness for hours in the water.
Salties are designed to stay securely on your hook while allowing natural movement that attracts curious catfish. Use circle hooks sized 2/0 to 6/0 depending on your target size. The firm texture achieved through the curing process means less bait loss to smaller fish, keeping your hook baited longer for the trophy cats.
These prepared baits excel in Firelake's pond environments where the concentrated scent can disperse effectively through the water column. The salt-cured preparation makes them particularly effective during slower bite periods when catfish need extra encouragement. Salties consistently produce results for anglers targeting our regularly stocked channel and blue catfish populations.
PFGs (Poor Fish Goldfish) are among the most proven live baits for consistently catching large catfish, offering the perfect combination of size, durability, and natural appeal that trophy cats cannot resist. These hardy goldfish provide exceptional action and longevity on the hook, making them ideal for targeting the biggest channel and blue catfish in Firelake's ponds. Their bright coloration and active swimming create visual attraction that draws strikes from considerable distances.
Live goldfish excel as catfish bait due to their robust nature and ability to remain active for extended periods on the hook. The natural oils and movement of these baitfish create an irresistible presentation that triggers feeding responses from even selective trophy catfish. Their size makes them perfect for targeting larger specimens while their hardiness ensures they stay lively throughout your fishing session.
For rigging PFGs, use strong circle hooks sized 4/0 to 8/0 depending on your target catfish size. Hook through the back behind the dorsal fin or through the lips to maintain natural swimming action. The goldfish's durability allows for longer presentations without frequent bait changes, keeping your line in the water where it matters most.
PFGs perform exceptionally well in Firelake's pond environment where their bright coloration and active movement can attract catfish from deeper holes and structure areas. The combination of visual appeal, natural swimming action, and extended liveliness makes goldfish particularly effective for patient anglers targeting our largest stocked catfish. This bait consistently produces trophy-class fish for serious catfish hunters willing to wait for the big bite.
Red worms are among the most effective and productive baits for targeting panfish and smaller game fish, offering the perfect size and natural appeal that bluegill, redear sunfish, and crappie find irresistible. These smaller, active earthworms provide ideal movement and scent characteristics that trigger aggressive feeding responses from our abundant panfish populations. Their manageable size makes them perfect for family fishing and teaching young anglers the fundamentals of successful bait fishing.
Live red worms excel as panfish bait due to their optimal size match with the natural feeding preferences of bluegill, redear, and crappie populations in Firelake's ponds. The natural oils and movement of these worms create an irresistible presentation that consistently produces multiple fish per worm. Their tender texture and natural scent dispersal make them particularly effective during spawning periods when panfish are actively feeding in shallow areas.
For rigging red worms, use small hooks sized #6 to #1 depending on target species and worm size. Thread the hook through the worm once or twice, leaving plenty of movement for natural action. Red worms work exceptionally well under small bobbers for bluegill and crappie, or on light bottom rigs near structure. Their small size allows for precise presentations that don't overwhelm smaller fish.
Red worms perform exceptionally well in Firelake's pond environment where they perfectly match the size preferences of our thriving panfish populations. The combination of ideal sizing, natural movement, and proven effectiveness makes red worms particularly valuable for introducing children to fishing and for anglers seeking consistent action with multiple species. This classic panfish bait consistently delivers fast-paced fishing that keeps everyone engaged and successful.
Crickets are a time-tested, natural bait choice that deliver high success rates when targeting panfish, trout, and catfish. These lively, protein-packed insects create irresistible vibrations and surface movement that trigger instinctive strikes from a wide variety of freshwater species.
Their natural scent, subtle motion, and familiar appearance make crickets a go-to bait for anglers who want to keep things simple and effective. Whether you’re fishing under a bobber or free-lining in shallow structure, crickets perform especially well in warmer water when fish are actively feeding near the surface or along the banks.
For best results, hook crickets just behind the head using a size 6 to 10 bait hook, allowing them to kick naturally and draw attention. Crickets are ideal for families, beginners, and experienced anglers alike—offering consistent bites and an engaging, hands-on fishing experience that’s hard to beat.
Live herring are among the most irresistible natural baits for trophy catfish, offering the movement, scent, and visual appeal that triggers aggressive strikes from even the most cautious cats. These active baitfish from the herring family possess high oil content that creates a natural scent trail, while their silver-sided appearance and lifelike movement draw catfish from across the pond.
Fresh, lively herring provide the ultimate presentation for targeting Firelake's trophy-sized channel and blue catfish. The natural swimming action of live herring creates vibrations and visual cues that catfish instinctively recognize as an easy meal. Their oily composition releases attracting scents continuously while the bait remains active, creating an irresistible combination.
For rigging live herring, use strong circle hooks sized 3/0 to 8/0 depending on your target catfish size. Hook through the back behind the dorsal fin or through the lips to maintain natural swimming action. The key is allowing the herring to swim naturally while keeping it in the strike zone where our stocked catfish patrol.
Live herring excel in Firelake's pond environment where their natural movement can attract catfish from deeper water and cover areas. The combination of visual attraction, natural movement, and scent dispersal makes live herring particularly effective during active feeding periods when catfish are aggressively hunting. This bait consistently produces the largest catfish in our regularly stocked ponds.
Eel are among the most deadly and effective baits for targeting large catfish, offering an irresistible combination of size, oil content, and natural movement that trophy cats simply cannot ignore. These snake-like fish provide exceptional scent dispersal and visual appeal that draws the biggest channel and blue catfish from the deepest holes in Firelake's ponds. Their substantial size and tough skin make them perfect for targeting true trophy-class catfish that other baits cannot entice.
Fresh eel excel as big catfish bait due to their incredibly high oil content and natural swimming action that triggers aggressive strikes from even the most cautious trophy fish. The natural oils and blood from eel create an intense scent trail that disperses through the water for hours, while their elongated body provides substantial bulk that appeals to catfish seeking a significant meal. Their tough, rubbery skin stays securely on hooks during long soaks.
For rigging eel, use heavy circle hooks sized 6/0 to 10/0 depending on eel size and target catfish. Cut into chunks for maximum scent dispersal or use whole smaller eels for the ultimate trophy presentation. Thread the hook through the head section for whole eel or through the meat for cut sections. The oils will continue leaching for hours, maintaining the powerful scent signature that makes eel so devastatingly effective.
Eel perform exceptionally well in Firelake's pond environment where their intense scent can draw the largest stocked catfish from cover and deeper water areas. The combination of massive scent dispersal, substantial size, and natural appeal makes eel particularly effective for patient anglers specifically targeting trophy-class fish. This premium bait consistently produces the largest catfish in our ponds for serious anglers willing to wait for that once-in-a-lifetime bite.
Frozen Shrimp are a proven, high-performance bait choice for anglers targeting catfish with scent-driven tactics. These store-grade shrimp release a steady, natural scent trail that catfish hone in on—even in murky or low-visibility water. Their soft texture and potent aroma make them a favorite among seasoned anglers chasing both channel and blue catfish.
Once thawed, frozen shrimp offer an easy-to-use bait option that stays on the hook while releasing strong scent signals as they break down in the water. Their natural oils, combined with the slight funk that develops during thawing, make them especially appealing to hungry catfish on the hunt.
For best results, thread a whole or half shrimp onto a circle hook (2/0–5/0), securing it through the body or tail. Whether fished off the bottom or suspended under a float, frozen shrimp offer reliable action and are an affordable, effective choice for bringing in steady bites all day—or all night.
Minnows are among the most universal and productive live baits available, offering natural appeal that virtually every game fish species recognizes as prime forage. These small, active baitfish provide the realistic movement, flash, and scent that trigger feeding responses from catfish, bass, bluegill, and crappie throughout Firelake's three ponds. Their natural swimming action and silvery sides create visual attraction that draws strikes from fish of all sizes.
Live minnows excel as all-purpose bait due to their natural place in the aquatic food chain and their ability to remain active for extended periods when properly hooked. The erratic swimming patterns of stressed or injured minnows send vibrations through the water that predatory fish instinctively recognize as vulnerable prey. Their small size makes them perfect for targeting everything from pan fish to trophy catfish.
For rigging minnows, use hooks sized #6 to 2/0 depending on minnow size and target species. Hook through the lips or behind the dorsal fin to maintain natural swimming action. Minnows work effectively on bottom rigs for catfish, suspended under bobbers for crappie and bluegill, or free-lined for bass around structure. Their versatility allows anglers to adapt presentations throughout the day.
Minnows perform exceptionally well in Firelake's pond environment where they match the natural forage base that our fish populations feed on regularly. The combination of realistic movement, natural flash, and universal appeal makes minnows particularly valuable for family fishing trips where different anglers may target various species. This bait consistently produces results across our entire fish population, making it the perfect choice for introducing newcomers to successful fishing.
Frozen menhaden are among the most powerful and proven baits for targeting trophy catfish, offering the legendary oil content and scent dispersal that makes menhaden the gold standard of catfish baits. These previously frozen baitfish from the herring family retain their exceptional oil concentration while developing enhanced scent-releasing properties through the freezing process. Their oily, silver-sided composition creates an irresistible scent trail that draws the largest channel and blue catfish from across Firelake's ponds.
Frozen menhaden excel as premium catfish bait due to the cellular breakdown that occurs during freezing, which actually intensifies scent dispersal compared to fresh bait. The thawing process releases concentrated oils, blood, and natural attractants more rapidly, creating an immediate and powerful scent signature that catfish find impossible to resist. Their substantial size and oil-rich composition make them ideal for targeting the trophy-class catfish that demand a significant meal.
For rigging frozen menhaden, use heavy circle hooks sized 3/0 to 10/0 depending on menhaden size and target catfish. Allow complete thawing before use, then cut into chunks sized for your target fish - larger pieces for trophy cats, smaller sections for channel catfish. The oil-rich head section makes devastating cut bait that releases maximum scent while staying securely on the hook during long soaks.
Frozen menhaden perform exceptionally well in Firelake's pond environment where their legendary scent dispersal can attract the largest stocked catfish from the deepest holes and heaviest cover. The combination of maximum oil content, enhanced scent release, and proven trophy-producing capability makes frozen menhaden the ultimate choice for serious catfish anglers targeting our biggest fish. This premium bait consistently produces the trophy-class catfish that other baits simply cannot reach.
Need different bait?
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Contact:
Location:
1955 Cheddar Rd
Belton, SC
Mon-Thurs:
6:30AM - 10PM
Friday-Sun:
6:30AM - 10PM