Lynches River

Last Updated: April 25, 2026

Total streamflow across the Lynches River was last observed at 298 cfs, and is expected to yield approximately 591 acre-ft of water today; about 20% of normal. River levels are low and may signify a drought. Average streamflow for this time of year is 1,526 cfs, with recent peaks last observed on 2015-10-06 when daily discharge volume was observed at 20,820 cfs.

Maximum discharge along the river is currently at the Lynches River At Effingham reporting a streamflow rate of 165 cfs. However, the streamgauge with the highest stage along the river is the Lynches River Near Bishopville with a gauge stage of 4.66 ft. This river is monitored from 2 different streamgauging stations along the Lynches River, the highest being situated at an altitude of 162 ft, the Lynches River Near Bishopville.

The Lynches River is a 140-mile-long river that flows through the Pee Dee region of South Carolina.


15-Day Long Term Forecast


River Details

Last Updated 2026-04-25
Discharge Volume 591 ACRE-FT
Streamflow 298.0 cfs
Past 24 Hours: +14.0 cfs (+4.93%)
Percent of Normal 19.53%
Maximum 20,820.0 cfs
2015-10-06
Seasonal Avg 1,526 cfs
       
River Streamflow Levels
Streamgauge Streamflow Gauge Stage 24hr Change (%) % Normal Minimum (cfs) Maximum (cfs) Air Temp Elevation
Lynches River Near Bishopville
USGS 02131500
133 cfs 4.66 ft 15.65
Lynches River At Effingham
USGS 02132000
165 cfs 1.89 ft -2.37
Seasonal Discharge Comparison
Maximum Streamflow Discharge
Streamflow Elevation Profile

Lynches River, named for Thomas Lynch, Jr., signer of the Declaration of Independence, rises in North Carolina near Waxhaw, North Carolina, at about 700 feet (210 m) elevation, flowing only a short distance to the South Carolina border, and thence to join the Great Pee Dee River near
Johnsonville. It is about 140 mi (225 km) long and the drainage area is 1030 square miles (2670 km²).
Several sections of the river have been designated by the state of South Carolina as a wild and scenic river, with the upper portions from Bishopville to the eastern boundary of Lynches River County Park receiving designation in 1994, and the lower 57 mile section designated in 2008. The river is a favorite for canoeing, but Hurricane Hugo in 1989 felled many trees, blocking the flow at places, making navigation difficult at low water and dangerous at high water. River enthusiasts have been gradually cleaning up the storm debris. The river is also a popular fishing spot, with sunfish, redbreast, catfish and bass.