Lake Marion is South Carolina's largest lake, spanning an impressive 110,000 acres with approximately 300 miles of shoreline. Created between 1939 and 1942 as part of the Santee Cooper hydroelectric project, this vast Inland Sea is connected to Lake Moultrie by the 6.5-mile Diversion Canal, forming the Santee Cooper Reservoir system. Lake Marion features diverse habitats, from shallow swamps and blackwater ponds to expansive open water areas. The lake is characterized by thousands of stumps, standing dead tree trunks, and live cypress trees, as it was not completely cleared during its creation. Unlike Lake Moultrie, which is more open and reaches 14 miles across at its widest point, Lake Marion offers more varied structure and cover for fish. With no closed fishing season and ice-free waters year-round, Lake Marion provides excellent fishing opportunities throughout the year, making it a premier destination for anglers of all skill levels.