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| General Lake Info |
Angling prospects are compiled by fisheries biologists and are based on sampling efforts of the Georgia Department of Natural Resources (DNR), knowledge of past fishing trends, angling experience and information provided by anglers and marina owners. For more information, contact the Wildlife Resources Division, West Point Fisheries office: ph. 706-845-4180.
Fees - For current fee, use the contact information below. |
| Boat Ramps |
| Information on Georgia Power-operated boat ramps can be found using the contact info below. |
| Best Fishing Bets for 2009 |
| Largemouth Bass, Spotted Bass, Bream, Catfish and Striped Bass |
Largemouth Bass - Goat Rock has an abundant largemouth population. The lake is quiet and anglers will encounter little recreational boating activity. Lunker catches are possible for experienced anglers, however most largemouths are in the 8 to 14 inch size range.
Technique - Carolina-rigged plastic worms and lizards are effective largemouth baits. Mid-depth crankbaits and spinners also can be productive.
Target rocky points in deep water. Also, shorelines and protected coves with structure are good places to locate largemouths. |
Spotted Bass - Spots are not large in Goat Rock, though are plenty to catch. Most spots will be in the 7 to 10 inch range. The less abundant larger spots will average around 1 pound.
Technique - Live bait like night crawlers, crayfish, and minnows are effective. Crankbaits and plastic worms also work well.
Target - The best time to fish is between April and June. Target rocky points in deep water. Main channels and shoreline cover often hold schools of spots. |
Bream - Bluegill and redear sunfish fishing historically has been good. Average bluegill catches should weigh approximately 1/4 to 1/2 pound, while redear catches should average 3/4 to 1 1/4 pound.
Technique - Live worms and crickets are most effective for bluegill and redear sunfish.
Target - Backs of coves and sloughs are most productive. April, May and June are the best months to fish. |
Striped Bass - Gulf-race striped bass are being stocked in Goat Rock. They will join a few larger striped bass, which likely traveled downstream from Bartlett's Ferry where they also were stocked. There is a clear indication that a striped bass fishery is beginning to develop!
Technique - Spoons and popping corks with trailing jigs. Live shad also are effective for stripers.
Target the tailrace in the spring. During the rest of the year, stripers can be found throughout the lake following schools of baitfish. |
Catfish - Goat Rock continues to be an excellent catfish lake. Large channel catfish up to 10 pounds are caught year-round. Channel cats 1-4 pounds are most common.
Technique - Channels like live bait like night crawlers and minnows fished at or near the bottom. Stink and cut baits also are popular choices.
Target the river channel area, deep holes and rocky bottoms. |
Crappie - Anglers looking for crappie often fair well in Goat Rock.Most catches average more than 1/2 pound. "Slabs" will be common for the dedicated angler.
Technique - Trolling with jigs. Live minnows work well for crappie.
Target woody brush and structure along shorelines. Trolling along the river channel also is effective. |
Other Fish Species - A small population of shoal bass are present and occasionally are caught in Goat Rock.
Technique - Crayfish and baitfish are favorite foods for shoal bass.
Target rocky areas below Bartlett’s Ferry Dam and up Mulberry Creek. |
| Additional Info |
| The redevelopment of Goat Rock Marina is complete and the facility is now open. The facility is completely renovated with an enlarged paved parking area, new courtesy dock, a restroom and area lighting. The access road to the marina has also been paved. Generating schedules and lake levels information is available by calling Georgia Power at 706-317-6000. |
| Contact Info & Website Link |
Georgia Power at 706-317-6041 Camping reservations: 1-888-GPC-LAKE
Goat Rock Lake Website |
| Be An Ethical Angler |
Ethical anglers fish responsibly and consider the rights of others. They portray a positive image and help protect and conserve our natural resources. Be an ethical angler; the future of fishing depends on it.
Ethical Anglers:
 Know and obey the fishing regulations
Report viloations and pollution
Keep only the fish they can use and release all the others properly so they will survive
Pass on the tradition by taking a child fishing
Don't transfer fish or plant species between bodies of water - Non-native species can adversely affect existing populations.
Appreciate the environment by not littering, dispose of fishing line properly and leave a place cleaner where they found it
Show coutesy to other, lend a helping hand whenever possible and always ask permission before fishing on private property |
| Trip Checklist |
Each person on board must have a readily accessible U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) approved type I, II, II or V (hybrid) Personal Flotation Device (life jacket) in good condition with no rips or tears. Type V devices are acceptable only when worn and surely fastened. Each vessel, except for Class A vessels, canoes, and kayaks must be equipped with at least one type IV (throwable) device. Also, any child under age 10 who is on board a boat must wear an appropriately sized USCG approved life jacket at all times while the boat is moving, whether it be drifting, sailing, or mechanical power.
Boats with enclosed areas that may trap gas or vapors are required to be equipped with a USGC approved fire extinquisher.
Make sure your boat registration and fishing license are current. Carry your license and registration card with you.
Check your boat trailer lights, navigation lights and fuel before beginning your trip.
Carry a first aid kit, insect repellent sunscreen, extra clothing, rain gear, and plenty of food and drinking water.
Be aware of and abide by all fishing regulations. A copy of current fishing and boating regulations can be obtained from any DNR office and many sotres that sell bait and tackel. Have a float plan. Always tell someone where you are going and when you expect to return.
Follow these guidelines for a safe and fun recreation experience. |
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