When perusing a map of Georgia, it is impossible to miss the abundance of lakes, the 14 rivers and its extensive coastline all virtually screaming, “Gone fishing”. Whether it is catfish or crappie, bream or bass that call out, Georgia has a “fishin’ hole” just right for the occasion.
Georgia Fishing Locations to Get One Started
Just outside of the greater Atlanta area is the 38,000 acre Lake Lanier. Home to a wide variety of fish, impressive Lake Lanier is a favorite for numerous fishermen-not to mention many water sport enthusiast. There are fishing docks, several boat slips, and plenty of lakeside opportunities for casting a line to hook the one “that didn’t get away”.
A bit farther north, in the always beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains, is the 450 feet deep Carter Lake. Fed by the Coosa River Basin, Carters Lake is ideal for fishing for walleye, bass, crappie, catfish and blue gill. Its mountain location, however splendid, does mean that there is limited boat access, so be sure to bring along waders or plan to fish from the bank.
To fish for bass, crappie, as well as other freshwater species, then spending some time on Lake Allatoona is a must. Located on Red Top Mountain, Allatoona is one of Georgia’s prime locations for water activities such as fishing and boating.
Along the Georgia-Alabama border is Lake Walter F. George. This 45,180 acre lake offers the ideal quiet get away. While fishing here, expect to catch bass, bream, blue gill, catfish and crappie. There are a number of boat slips along the shore and nearby there are campgrounds and accommodations to make it easy to spend several days fishing.
Georgia Fishing with the Pros
To fish where the professionals go, head to Lake Oconee or West Point Lake. These beautiful lakes are just brimming with a variety of fish species and are the sites of the ESPN BassMaster Weekend Series. Expect to see the pros from television as well as regional championship fishermen when fishing here.
An additional BassMaster location is Thurmond Lake. Located in east central Georgia, this lake is the largest Corps of Engineers project east of the Mississippi River. The impressive lake has a shoreline that is 1,200 miles long and its waters have been called the “Best Top Water Fishing Lake in the Southeast”. The lake is known for its largemouth bass, bream, crappie, catfish, striped bass and hybrid bass.
In the northeast central region of Georgia is the eye-catching Russell Lake. Known for striped bass, largemouth bass, bream, and crappie the lake is a favorite fishing spot for many and the site of the annual Big Bass Tournament which is frequented by fishing pro, Ray Scott.
Georgia’s map is well dotted with waterways, luring one to cast a line. So grab a tackle box, get some bait and gear up for Georgia fishing. There is plenty of fun to be had-even if the "big one" happens to get away!
 |
