Fishing in Georgia State Parks

Vogel State Park

Ask any accomplished angler and they will tell you that Georgia State Parks offer some of the best fly fishing, bass fishing and trout fishing in the country. Did you know one of the largest bass ever caught in the world was caught right here in Georgia? Many bass fishermen equate “The Bass Capital of the World” with our own Lake Walter F. George. In fact, the size and variety of fish are rivaled only by the varieties of unspoiled environments. From reservoirs, warm water streams and rivers, to lakes of all sizes and saltwater fishing, the abundant waters found in Georgia State Parks truly are an angler’s paradise.

Several of our parks have created programs that allow you to borrow equipment for little or no charge.

Georgia law requires that anyone 16 and older have a fishing license in their possession. You can purchase one online from the Electronic Georgia Licensing (EGAL) system or call 1-800-366-2661. Rest assured, by purchasing a license, you’re supporting the fisheries management and conservation of Georgia’s aquatic resources.

Top Fishing Parks on Major Georgia Lakes

Lake Allatoona - Red Top Mountain

Spotted bass, hybrid bass, striped bass & crappie

Lake Blackshear - Georgia Veterans

Largemouth bass, white and black crappie, bream, hybrid striped bass & channel catfish

Lake Burton - Moccasin Creek

Spotted bass, largemouth bass & brown trout

Clarks Hill Lake - Elijah Clark | Mistletoe

Largemouth bass, redear sunfish, crappie, hybrid striped bass & catfish

Lake Hartwell - Hart | Tugaloo

Largemouth bass, spotted bass, hybrid striped bass, striped bass & crappie

High Falls Lake - High Falls

Largemouth bass, crappie, catfish & striped bass

Lake Lanier - Don Carter

Spotted bass, striped bass, largemouth bass, black crappie & walleye

Lake Richard B. Russell - Richard B. Russell

Largemouth bass, spotted bass, black crappie & striped bass

Lake Seminole - Seminole

Largemouth bass, redear sunfish, black crappie & channel catfish

Lake Walter F. George - George T. Bagby

Largemouth bass, crappie, channel catfish & hybrid bass

Fishing Tackle Loaner Program

The Wildlife Resources Division (WRD) of Georgia DNR provides rods, reels and tackle box equipment to participating State Parks and Historic Sites Offices. Interested visitors can inquire at the park office and check out the equipment for the day. This program provides a way for budding anglers to try fishing without having to purchase any equipment.

List of participating parks: