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| General Information |
| 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, Social Circle Fisheries 0ffice: ph. 770-918-6418. |
| Parks and Campgrounds |
| Armor Bridge Boat Ramp - Boat ramp, restrooms, handicap access, picnic table, and bank fishing |
| Blue Springs Marina - Boat ramp, restrooms, gas, food, tackle, restaurant and mechanic |
| Brantley's Marina - Boat ramp, restrooms, handicap access, gas, tackle, camping, restaurant and mechanic |
| Granite Shoals Marina - Boat ramp, restrooms, handicap access, picnic tables, gas, food, tackle, restaurant and bank fishing |
| Hwy 16 Boat Ramp - Boat ramp and bank fishing |
| Jr's Quickstop - Boat ramp, gas and store |
| Lawrence Shoals Campground - Camping |
| Long Shoals - Boat ramp, picnic tables, handicap access and bank fishing |
| Old Salem Campground - Camping |
| Parks Ferry Campground - Camping |
| Redlands USFS Boat Ramp - Boat ramp and bank fishing |
| Sugar Creek Marina - Boat ramp, picnic tables, restrooms, handicap access, and bank fishing |
| Swords USFS Boat Ramp - Boat ramp and bank fishing |
| Tailrace Park - Fishing pier and bank fishing |
| Georgia Power Lake Oconee Parks, Boat Ramps, Campgrounds and Attractions Map |
| Boat Ramps |
| Information on Georgia Power-operated boat ramps can be found using the contact info below. |
| Best Fishing Bets for 2009 |
| Largemouth Bass, White Bass, Striped Bass, Hybrid Striped Bass, Crappie and Catfish |
Largemouth Bass - An 11 to 14-inch slot limit regulation is currently in effect on largemouth bass. Bass caught between 11and14 inches must be released, while bass less than 11 inches and greater than 14 inches may be kept. The slot limit is intended to improve bass growth by encouraging selective harvest of smaller bass. Angler cooperation is imperative to improve bass growth and angling opportunities.
Technique - Popular year-round baits include spinnerbaits, crankbaits, jerkbaits, jig-head worms, jigs and other plastic baits. These baits can be fished around riprap and rocky areas, around main lake points and offshore humps and around lay-down trees and boat docks.
Target - During winter months fish crankbaits, jighead worms and jigs. Concentrate on deeper rocky banks and points and deeper boat docks; a slower presentation may be needed. During spring, fish spinnerbaits, jerkbaits and shallower plastics. Concentrate on more shallow cover such as lay-down trees, stumps and boat docks. In the summer, focus on deep-diving crankbaits and deeper plastics along main lake points, river channels and deep bridges or try the Oconee and Apalachee rivers above I-20. In the fall, fish spinner-baits and shallow running crankbaits, keying-in on the backs of creek arms. |
White Bass - Expect fishing to be consistent with last year's catch. Similar numbers and sizes were seen in the 2008 fall gill net survey.
Technique - Little George's, rooster tails, small crankbaits, crappie jigs and curly tail grubs are recommended.
Target - March and April are the best months to target white bass, as they make spawning runs up the Oconee and Apalachee rivers. |
Striped Bass - Stripers and hybrids will both be stocked again this spring, so expect to see more striped bass this year. Striped bass numbers were up during the 2008 gill net survey. The average striped bass measured 16 inches and fish weighing 6-7 pounds were caught.
Technique - Live bait, bucktail jigs, jigging spoons, umbrella rigs and trolling hard baits.
Target - In winter, concentrate in the Oconee River arm from Lick Creek down to the dam. Striped bass should be found close to deep schools of bait fish. In spring, target the middle and upper end of the reservoir around bridges and other riprap structure where stipers spawn and feed on threadfin shad. |
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Hybrid Striped Bass - Expect fishing to be consistent with last year's catch. Similar numbers and sizes were seen in the 2008 fall gill net survey, however a number of 5-10-pounders are available.
Technique - Live bait, jigging spoons, and artificial baits that imitate shad are recommended.
Target - In the winter months, concentrate in the Oconee River arm from Lick Creek down to the dam. Hybrid striped bass should be found close to deep schools of bait. In the spring, target hybrid striped bass in the middle and upper end of the reservoir as they make spawning runs up the Oconee and Apalachee rivers. |
Crappie - Numbers and size of fish were up during the 2008 gill net survey. The average crappie sampled in the fall of 2008 was 10 inches, up about one inch from last year. Crappie should weigh around 1/2 to 3/4 pound this spring, with good numbers of fish up to 1½ pound. Fish from February to May for larger numbers and larger fish.
Technique - Minnows and jigs are best bets.
Target - In early February, concentrate toward the mouths of the creeks - near the main lake and gradually move toward shallow water as temperatures rise in spring. In the spring, target standing timber and man-made brush piles in Sugar Creek and the upper end of the lake, as well as the upper ends of other major creek arms, such as Richland, Sandy and Lick creeks. When water temperatures reach the low 60s, target bedding crappie around shallow shoreline cover. During the fall, concentrate on the mouths of the creeks and river channels. |
Catfish - Expect plenty of smaller channel and white catfish throughout, but the population is shifting due to the recently introduced blue and flathead populations. Blues and flatheads continue to expand their population and numerous 20-plus pound flatheads have been caught in recent years.
Technique - Live shad or bluegill and cut bait are best bets for flatheads, and hot summer nights are the best time to cast a line. Also try worms or cut bait fished on the bottom.
Target - During warm summer months, morning and night fishing are particularly good for all catfish. Their consistent bite make them an ideal species. |
| Contact Info & Website Link |
Georgia Power at 706-485-8704 - GA Power Lake Oconee Website
General Info Contact: Oconee/Sinclair Land Management Office at 706-485-8704
Camping Reservations: Lawrence Shoals 706-485-5494 - Old Salem 706-467-2850 and Parks Ferry 706-453-4308
Other Camping Reservations: 1-888-GPC-LAKE or 1-888-472-5253. |
| 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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