Fishing and Recreation at Lake Sidney Lanier

Discover Fun Recreation and Fishing at Lake Sidney Lanier - It is a 38,000-acre reservoir operated by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and located about 50 miles northeast of Atlanta. Lanier receives heavy fishing pressure due to the large regional population. Spotted bass, crappie, striped bass and catfish are favorite targets of Lake Lanier anglers. Stay and Play in GA!

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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, Gainesville Fisheries office at 770-535-5498.

Many Corp of Engineers facilities have boat launch fees, user fees or both. Refer to contact info below for pricing.

Boat Ramps

Information on Corps of Engineers-operated ramps can be found using the contact info below.

Best Fishing Bets

Largemouth Bass, Spotted Bass, Striped Bass, Crappie, Walley and Catfish

Largemouth Bass - Based on last year's sampling, abundance of 1-2 pound bass has improved, and those exceeding 5 pounds are present but limited.

Technique - A variety of artificial lures are effective throughout the year as are live baits such as night crawlers, crayfish and minnows.

Target the upper end of the lake (near Clark's Bridge) and coves with structure such as fallen timber or brush piles.

Spotted Bass - Spots are abundant and in excellent condition. Plentiful supplies of threadfins and bluebacks have added to their weight gain. Expect numerous catches of 1 to 4-pound spots.

Technique - A variety of artificial lures are effective throughout the year as are live baits such as nightcrawlers, crayfish and minnows.

Target the main river channel banks composed of gravel-to-boulder-size rocks with cover (stumps, brush and logs) at mid and lower lake sections.

Striped Bass - Another excellent year for stripers. Lanier supports an abundance of smaller stripers from 2-10 pounds and a good supply of 10-15 pound fish. Expect an average amount of trophy-size fish (20-30 pounds) this year. Winter (November - March) and summer (July - August) are the best seasons to fish.

Technique - Live bait (herring, shiners, bluegill, shad and small trout), super flukes and bucktail jigs will produce the best results.

Target shallow coves and the Chattahoochee River during the spring and the lower end of the reservoir during the summer.

Crappie - Expect an average year for crappie numbers. Fish in the ½to ¾-pound range should be common with a few larger fish weighing close to 1 ½ pounds. Late February through April is the best time to catch the heaviest stringers.

Technique - Minnows and minnow-tipped jigs are most productive.

Target the upper Chattahoochee arm (Clarks Bridge to Lula Bridge), Thompson Creek and Taylor Creek. Concentrate in areas with downed trees, and use a depth finder to locate submerged structure.

Walleye - In an effort to boost the fishery by enhancing spawning runs up the river, Wildlife Resources Division personnel stocked 189,000 fingerlings last year. Expect this year's catches to average 2 pounds with a few fish exceeding 3 pounds.

Technique - Trolling the shoreline (spinners, crankbaits and crawler harnesses) and still fishing nightcrawlers on the bottom at 15 to 40-foot depths is effective year-round.

Target - Try Wahoo Creek and the upper Chattahoochee River arm of the lake. For larger fish also try the Chattahoochee River near Belton Bridge during spawning runs from February through early March.

Other Fish Species - Channel catfish, bluegill and carp also are available. Channel cats average about 1 pound and can be caught using night crawlers or chicken livers. Bluegill weighing between 1/4 to 1/3 pound can regularly be caught using crickets or red wigglers fished May - August near boathouses and sandy bottoms. Carp are fun to hook in shallow water and readily take prepared catfish baits, corn, and dough balls (from May - August).

Additional Info

When the lake returns to normal pool, the coves at the Don Carter State property and just below Lula Bridge will be excellent areas to target crappie, bass and other species. Several agencies worked together to cut and anchor shoreline trees to serve as attractors in these permitted areas. For maps of attractor sites, contact 770-535-5498.
For information on lake levels, contact the Corps of Engineers at contact number below.
Additional Lake Lanier fishing reports

Contact Info & Website Link

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers at 770-945-9531 - U.S. Corps Lake Lanier 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.