Lake Murray fish are experiencing home renovations, so to speak, which started in 2025 and will continue over the next three years.

Biologists put 23 concrete, dome-like structures called reef balls in Lake Murray in January, according to the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources.

These reef balls “improve spawning and survival of juvenile fishes,” according to a news release. They’re about a foot and a half tall and a few feet wide, and more are planned.

“Each reef ball is made by placing a large bladder inside the mold and filling the space between the bladder and mold with concrete,” the release said. “Holes in the reef balls allow fish to swim in and out. Reef balls are durable, environmentally friendly structures that provide long-lasting, quality fish habitat and withstand exposure during winter reservoir drawdowns.”

This effort is part of a years-long project to improve Lake Murray’s fish habitat, combating issues caused by reservoir aging, sedimentation, shoreline development and vegetation management.

More specifically, the main concern these reef balls address is littoral habitat decline— the decline of shallow areas near shorelines—largely caused by nearby development.

“Abundant and complex littoral habitat is critical to fish diversity, juvenile fish survival and ultimately the quality of our fish populations and recreational fisheries,” the release said.

Funding for these reef balls is provided in part by Newberry County Water Recreational Resources.

SCDNR calls Lake Murray a 48,000-acre lower Piedmont reservoir. Owned by South Carolina Electric & Gas Co., the lake was constructed in 1920 to produce hydroelectric power.

“Fishing is one of the most popular pastimes on Lake Murray,” SCDNR said. “The SCDNR is responsible for the management of the lake’s diverse fishery resources. This reservoir is probably best known for its largemouth bass and striped bass fishery, but it serves host to a number of other popular game fish, including bluegill, redear sunfish, crappie and catfish.”

Lake Murray has 620 miles of shoreline and spans Lexington, Newberry, Richland and Saluda counties.

Here are some marinas around Lake Murray:

• Jakes Landing, 2 Jakes Landing Road, Lexington, S.C. 29072
• Lake Murray Marina, 1600 Marina Road, Ballentine, S.C. 29002
• Lighthouse Marina, 1925 Johnsons Marina Road, Chapin, S.C. 29036
• Southshore Marina, 3072 Highway 378, Leesville, S.C. 29070
• Windward Point Yacht Club, 167 Mystic Court, Columbia, S.C. 29229
• Dreher Island State Park, 3677 State Park Road, Prosperity, S.C. 29127