Fishing Creek Reservoir is a 3,112-acre lake on the Catawba River in South Carolina, created in 1916. With 78 miles of shoreline and little development, it offers a quiet paddling experience ideal for kayaking, canoeing, and fishing. The lake has an average depth of 24 feet and a maximum depth of 90 feet.

Duke Energy maintains several boat access sites around the reservoir. Paddlers should exercise caution due to frequent floating debris and numerous shallow areas that can make navigation hazardous. The lake is considered a "run-of-the-river" reservoir with little storage capacity, so water levels can fluctuate.

Popular fish species include largemouth bass, bluegill, crappie, and catfish. The South Carolina Department of Natural Resources has installed five fish attractors to enhance angling opportunities. Bald eagles and snowy egrets are commonly sighted, with the area serving as habitat for several endangered bird species during migration periods.

The reservoir is part of a series of lakes, with an informal portage path around Fishing Creek Dam leading to Great Falls Reservoir and Rocky Creek Lake (Stumpy Pond) downstream. Local canoe clubs regularly paddle all three reservoirs, enjoying the diverse wildlife and serene environment.

Paddlers can explore numerous coves and inlets, with the 30-mile stretch of the Catawba River above Fishing Creek Lake being the longest undammed portion of the river. The lake's historical significance includes its role in early Native American trade routes and as the site of Revolutionary and Civil War battles.

For those interested in nearby attractions, Landsford Canal State Park upstream offers walking trails and views of preserved canal ruins. The park is also home to the world's largest population of Rocky Shoals spider lilies, which bloom spectacularly in May and early June.