If you’re looking for your next great fishing trip in Georgia, you’re in for a treat.
This state is packed with lakes where the fish are big, the views are awesome, and the stories practically write themselves.
We’re talking lakes with monster bass, hidden crappie spots, deep channels full of catfish, and places where you can reel in a trout or two.
Whether you love casting from a boat, fishing off a dock, or just kicking back on the shore, Georgia’s got a lake that’ll be your new favorite!
1. Lake Lanier
Lake Lanier is a massive 38,000-acre lake in northern Georgia, about 1 hour northeast of Atlanta.
Famous for its excellent spotted bass fishing, it draws anglers year-round hoping to reel in a trophy (some catches have hit over 8 pounds!).
With over 700 miles of shoreline, the lake offers boat ramps, fishing piers, and deep channels perfect for bass, crappie, catfish, and even striped bass.
💡 Fun fact: Lake Lanier isn’t just for recreation, as it also provides drinking water, hydroelectric power, and flood control for the region.
2. Lake Burton
If you’re after peaceful fishing with scenic mountain views, you’ll love Lake Burton.
Located near the town of Clayton, this 2,775-acre lake stands out for its crystal-clear water and some of the best trout fishing in the state.
It’s one of the lakes in Georgia where you can catch lake trout, and they’ve been known to reach over 10 pounds!
With plenty of deep coves, rocky points, and cool water year-round, it’s a dream for anglers who prefer casting from a kayak or trolling near the dam.
3. Lake Hartwell
Next up is Lake Hartwell, an enormous fishing hotspot that straddles the Georgia-South Carolina line.
Spanning 56,000 acres, this lake is a go-to for striped bass fishing, with people traveling from across the country to hook one of the giants lurking in the deep.
Spring and fall offer some of the best action, especially around the Tugaloo and Seneca River arms, where stripers chase baitfish like crazy.
It’s also a hub for major tournaments, including the Bassmaster Classic, which makes it a great choice if you enjoy a bit of competition.
4. Clarks Hill Lake
Just downstream, Clarks Hill Lake (also called Lake Thurmond) is a 71,000-acre reservoir that hugs the Georgia-South Carolina border near Augusta.
This lake is a springtime favorite for largemouth bass and slab crappie, especially when the fish move into shallow water around flooded timber and coves.
With plenty of space to spread out and loads of underwater structure, there’s no shortage of great spots to cast a line and see what bites.
If you’re visiting in summer, don’t miss the night fishing near Little River—locals say it’s crappie central after dark.
5. Lake Oconee
If you’re more into a laid-back fishing trip with easy access and comfy amenities, Lake Oconee is calling your name.
This 19,000-acre lake sits right between Atlanta and Augusta and is packed with largemouth bass, crappie, and hybrid striped bass.
It’s a hotspot for dock fishing and trolling along the river channels, with the Lick Creek and Richland Creek areas drawing the most attention.
And with resorts, boat rentals, and lakeside restaurants nearby, you can fish all day and still grab a burger without ever leaving the water for long.
6. Lake Sinclair
Right next door to Oconee, Lake Sinclair is a 15,300-acre lake that’s all about easygoing fishing and steady action.
You can go after catfish at night or target bass, crappie, and bream during the day.
The bite here stays consistent through the seasons, making it a solid choice whether you’re fishing in spring, summer, or fall.
With tons of public access points and no shortage of quiet coves, it’s perfect for a low-key day in the water without the big crowds.
7. Jackson Lake
Head a little farther west and you’ll find Jackson Lake, one of the state’s oldest reservoirs and still well-known for bass fishing.
At around 4,750 acres, it features shallow, stump-filled coves where largemouth bass love to hide out (particularly in early spring).
Spotted bass are also a big deal here, and anglers often target them around the rocky points and deeper drop-offs.
Since it’s less developed than some of the bigger lakes, it’s a great spot if you’re into old-school fishing vibes without all the fuss.
8. West Point Lake
Down near the Georgia-Alabama line, West Point Lake stretches out over 25,900 acres and is a hotspot for spring crappie fishing.
People come from all over to fish the tree-lined coves and creek mouths, especially around Yellowjacket Creek and Whitewater Creek.
The lake is also loaded with largemouth bass, with rocky banks and ledges near the dam serving as prime spots when the fish are biting.
With camping, boat ramps, and even fish-cleaning stations, it’s built for a whole weekend of fishing fun.
9. Walter F George Reservoir
Continue south and you’ll run into Walter F. George Reservoir (also known as Lake Eufaula), a legendary place for bass fishing.
This 45,000-acre lake along the Chattahoochee River is filled with hydrilla beds, creek channels, and brush piles that attract big bass.
It’s earned the nickname ‘Bass Capital of the World,’ and with major tournaments taking place here year after year, the name truly fits.
If you’re chasing a personal best, this is the lake where you’ve got a real shot at pulling in a 10-pounder.
10. Lake Seminole
Way down in the southwest corner of the state, Lake Seminole is where things get wild.
This 37,500-acre lake is a maze of grass beds, flooded timber, and hidden pockets that make it a dream for bass anglers who enjoy exploring.
It’s also popular for its big largemouth bass and huge shellcracker (that’s redear sunfish, if you’re wondering), especially during the spring spawn.
Fishing around the mouths of the Flint and Chattahoochee rivers is hard to beat, and if flipping jigs in heavy cover is your thing, this lake delivers.
11. Lake Blackshear
Last but definitely not least, Lake Blackshear brings a slower pace and tons of charm to the Georgia fishing scene.
This 8,500-acre lake near Cordele is full of cypress trees, lily pads, and shallow flats that make it ideal for crappie, bream, and catfish.
The Flint River runs right through it, creating productive current areas where bass tend to hang out (particularly near the northern end).
It also has great shore fishing access at Georgia Veterans State Park, so even if you don’t have a boat, you’re still set for a solid day on the water.
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