The Hatchery, or Pinopolis Pool as it is sometimes known, provides an easily accessed and reasonably well protected area for paddlers. The 2,254 acres provides an area largely enclosed by dikes and containing numerous small islands as well as canals along much of the dike.
About the Trail
The shallow stump fields of the central and eastern portion provide excellent largemouth bass fisheries and the north shore of the main canal is a very popular and productive fishery for bluegills and speckled perch (crappie). The unnamed island off of the entrance to the north/south canal where the launching ramp is located contains a large pond inhabited by bluegills. It can be accessed by canoe or kayak from the southern tip of the island. Alligators can be sighted over much of the area as well as a variety of wading birds, songbirds, and small game. Santee Cooper as well as DNR often place experimental plantings in this area to determine their suitability in the lakes environment. Please obey any signage in the area relative to the plantings.
Photo Gallery
