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| General Information |
| Angling prospects are compiled by fisheries biologists and are based on sampling efforts of the Georgia Dept. 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, Burton Fisheries office at 706-947-3112. |
| Boat Ramps |
| Information on Georgia Power-operated boat ramps can be found using the contact info below. |
| Parks and Attractions |
Lake Tugalo, near Tallulah Falls, is a 597-acre reservoir with 18 miles of shoreline. Visitors to the lake can enjoy boating and fishing. Lake Tugalo, with no development, remains one of the most serene lakes in the state.
Tallulah Point - This very scenic overlook affords views of Lake Tugalo and Tugalo Dam. Also, especially intriguing to history and engineering buffs, the Tallulah powerhouse can be seen, along with dramatic views of the incline rail car and penstocks that descend from the park area to the powerhouse in the gorge below. The park contains parking and two picnic pavilions and is located conveniently off of U.S. Highway 441.
Tugalo Boat Ramp - This access area is located on the Chattooga River side of the lake in South Carolina. Several whitewater rafting operations use this spot as their take-out point. There is a portion of the shoreline that is designed for kayak/canoe/raft access. Additionally, there is a standard boat ramp. Other amenities include restrooms, a parking area with ample room for vehicles with trailers, and a turnaround. |
| Best Fishing Bets |
| Largemouth Bass, Walleye and White Catfish |
Largemouth Bass - Surveys indicate that largemouth bass in the 1 to 2-pound size range are abundant in Lake Tugalo.
Technique - From December through March, largemouth bass wedge themselves among the deeper branches of downed trees. Pig-n-jig combinations and other slow moving baits are effective this time of year. During the spawning period (April and May), cast soft plastic baits like flukes, trick worms and curly tail grubs around visible structure in the small coves and pockets that dot the shoreline. When water temperatures rise in the summer months, look for quality-sized fish in the cooler headwater areas of the lake.
Bouncing crayfish imitations along the bottom is an effective approach for bass in these rocky, shallow, swift water areas. Blueback herring lures, live crayfish, nightcrawlers and minnows also are effective in the headwaters. The fall transition pushes bass into the deeper areas of downed trees, especially on the upper end of the lake. Shad-imitating crankbaits, soft plastics and jigs are best bets in the fall. Anglers should also keep a watchful eye for surface feeding fish in the upper reaches of the lake and cast toward breaking fish with crankbaits and surface plugs.
Target - The shoreline is very steep, undeveloped and saturated with downed trees, which provide a haven for largemouth bass most of the year. Largemouth bass gorge on blueback herring during the early fall months and anglers should focus their efforts on the upper reaches of each river arm and fish around the deep water edges of blown down trees. The Chattooga River arm in the vicinity of South Carolina is one of the best places to fish for bass in both the spring and fall. The upstream headwater areas on both river arms are the best places to target bass in the summer. |
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Walleye - Annual stocking of walleye in Lake Tugalo supports an abundant and popular walleye fishery. Anglers typically catch fish from one to three pounds, but walleye over 8 pounds have been caught. State record-class fish also are available. The dominant prey of walleye in Lake Tugalo is blueback herring. Live herring or artificial lures that mimic herring are the most effective baits to attract walleye anytime of the year.
Technique - Fishing access to key target areas is reachable only by boat on this remote lake. In mid-March, walleye congregate in the flowing waters of the Tallulah River below the Tallulah Falls power plant – cast floating Rapalas or nightcrawlers on a jig head at night into the flowing waters below the power plant. Use a slow but steady retrieve and be prepared for gentle resistance on the line, which indicates a strike.
In April, move to the Chattooga River arm and fish the area where the river pours into the lake. Fish nightcrawlers or curly tail grubs during the day or night on the bottom. The heat of summer creates a different pattern for walleye. Rising water temperatures force walleye to migrate to the lower end of the Chattooga River arm in the vicinity of the dam where they congregate at depths of 40-60 feet. Fish on the bottom along the points in the target depth range with nightcrawlers or minnows on a jig-head. In the fall months, walleye move into shallow water in the evenings to feed on bluegill, yellow perch and blueback herring. Nightcrawlers, minnows and shad-imitating lures are effective this time of year. Walleye have a very light bite, so anglers new to walleye fishing should remain alert to slight movements in the line, which may indicate a strike.
Target - During March, target the area below the Tallulah Gorge power plant on the Tallulah River arm. In April, target the river section of the Chattooga River arm. In the summer months, fish the points on the lower lake on the Chattooga River arm at depths of 40 to 60-feet. Fish the same areas in the fall but in more shallow water. |
White Catfish - Catfishing is popular among local anglers who fish on Tugalo. White catfish that average 2 pounds in size are abundant in the Chattooga River arm.
Technique - Catfishing techniques involve simple baits and simple tackle. Worms, liver, small bream and artificial catfish mixtures are the most popular baits. Impale preferred bait on a number six size hook up to a 1/0 size hook, attach a few split shots onto the line and fish on the bottom along the main channel banks at depths ranging from 20-40 feet.
Target - The best time to fish for Tugalo’s white cats is on a summer afternoon when power is being generated. The gentle current through the reservoir created by power generation seems to trigger a feeding frenzy in the fish. Surveys indicated that the highest concentrations of white catfish are found in the vicinity of the South Carolina boat ramp. Target the points on the Georgia side, especially in the sharp bends upstream of the boat ramp. During the summer, bank anglers catch catfish from the South Carolina boat ramp. |
| Additional Info |
Because of Lake Tugalo’s rugged access roads, vehicles with four-wheel drive that trailer small boats are strongly recommended. Boating access on the Georgia side of the lake is available through Tallulah Gorge State Park, which is located off Hwy. 441 in Tallulah Falls, GA.
Easier access to the lake is available at the South Carolina boat ramp. Directions to the South Carolina ramp are as follows: From Hwy. 441 in Clayton, Ga., turn east onto Hwy. 76. After crossing the Chattooga River Bridge into South Carolina, travel about three miles and turn right onto Orchard Road. At the stop sign, turn right onto Battlecreek Road. At the fork in the road, bear right. After passing Damascus Church, turn right onto the gravel road. This long, winding gravel road will lead to the boat ramp, which becomes paved and very steep as you approach the parking area.
Lake Tugalo has a 25 hp motor restriction. |
| Contact Info & Website Link |
| Georgia Power Company at 706-782-4014 - GA Power Co. Lake Tugalo Website and Map |
| 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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Check These Out:
Georgia Lakes
More GA Fishing Lakes
Georgia Rivers & Map
GA Lakes & Rivers Map
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