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| Locations below are listed by regions and their contact information. Check out the Georgia WRD Map that shows where these Wildlife Management Areas, Wildlife Public Fishing Areas, Natural Areas, Environmental Education Centers and Archery-Firearms Ranges are located in the state. |
| Fisheries Management Section Offices: |
 Albany: 229-430-4256
Burton: 706-947-3112
Calhoun: 706-629-1259 or 770-387-4821
Charlie Elliott Wildlife Center: 770-784-3059
Dawson: 229-995-4486
Fort Valley: 478-825-6151
Gainesville: 770-535-5498
Social Circle: 770-918-6418
Summerville: 706-857-3394
Thomson: 706-595-1619
West Point: 706-845-4180 |
| Fishing on Wildlife Management Areas |
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Unless otherwise posted, fishing is allowed on WMAs according to state-wide regulations. Alcohol use is prohibited on WMAs except in designated camping areas. Refer to the Hunting Regulations guide for a complete list of WMA regulations. |
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A Fishing License only is the only requirement to fish on WMAs (plus a Trout License is also required to fish designated trout waters on a WMA). A Fishing License and a WMA License is required to fish on state Public Fishing Areas (PFAs) and Waters Creek Trophy Trout Stream on Chestatee WMA. |
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Beaverdam WMA, Tuckahoe WMA and Yuchi WMA have state-operated boat ramps that allow for fishing access to public rivers and waters. |
| Perfect Family Areas |
| Public Fishing Areas are great places for family outings. You can fish from the bank or a boat, picnic, hike, watch wildlife, camp (not all PFAs provide camping, check individual PFA pages at links on the right for more details), and enjoy being outdoors. Good bank fishing opportunities are available at all PFAs and many of them have special kids fishing areas for young anglers. So check out a PFA and see what you, your family, and friends have been missing! |
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| What to expect at a PFA |
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Clean, safe, well-maintained, and family-friendly fishing environment. A variety of fish species available for harvest and the potential for catching a fish of a lifetime at some PFAs. Fish species available to the angler include: largemouth bass, bream (bluegill & redear sunfish), channel catfish, hybrid striped bass, and crappie. |
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Fish that are have been tested for contaminants for your safety - PFA lakes have been sampled as part of the DNR fish consumption testing program. |
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Intensively managed lakes and ponds including those that receive fertilization and liming to increase fish harvest opportunities. You can find just the right water body for your fishing experience. |
| Other Amenities |
Boat ramps and fishing piers at many lakes.
Restrooms and vending machines (drinks and snacks at some PFAs).
On-site maintenance staff and Area Managers at many PFAs. |
| Things to Know Before Fishing |
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Licenses:
Anglers 16 years of age and older must posses a current fishing license and Wildlife Management Area (WMA) license to fish. |
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A WMA license is not required to fish at Rocky Mountain Recreation & PFA.
Senior (65+) Lifetime and Honorary License holders are not required to possess a WMA license to fish. |
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If you possess a Sportsman's License or a One-Day Fishing License (resident or nonresident) you are not required to possess a WMA license. |
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PFAs are open year-round, seven days a week from sunrise to sunset. |
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Length limit for Largemouth bass - 14 inch minimum |
| Daily Possession Limits |
Largemouth bass - 5
Bream or sunfish (of any one or a combination) - 15
Channel catfish - 5
Grass carp (white amur) must be immediately released. |
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| Operation of Boats |
| You can operate fishing boats propelled by paddles, oars, or electric motors on ponds or lakes, unless otherwise posted. |
| You can operate outboard motors at idle speed only on lakes posted as open to the use of outboard motors. |
| Trip Check List |
Each person onboard a boat must have a readily accessible U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) approved Type I, II, III or V (hybrid) personal floatation device (life jacket) in good condition (no rips/tears). Type V (hybrid) devices are acceptable only when worn and securely fastened.
Each vessel, except for Class A vessels, canoes and kayaks, must be equipped with at least one type IV (throwable) device. All children under age 10 must wear an appropriately sized USCG
approved life jacket while on a moving boat, whether it is by drifting, sailing, or mechanical power.
Boats with enclosed areas that may trap gas or vapors are required to be equipped with a USCG approved fire extinguisher.
Carry your current license and boat registration with you.
Check your boat’s trailer and navigation lights, and fuel before leaving home.
Carry a first aid kit, insect repellent, sunscreen, extra clothing, food and drinking water.
Be aware of and abide by all fishing regulations.
Tell someone where you are going and when you expect toreturn. |
| Be an Ethical Angler |
Ethical anglers fish responsibly, consider the rights of others, portray a positive image, and help to protect and conserve our natural resources. Be an ethical angler, the future depends on it.
Ethical Anglers:
Know and obey the fishing regulations.
Keep only the fish they can use and release all others.
Pass on the tradition by taking a child fishing.
Leave a place cleaner than it was found.
Do not transfer fish or plants between bodies of water.
Report violations and pollution.
Do not litter!
Dispose of fishing line properly.
Do not trespass.
Are courteous of others.
Lend a helping hand. |
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| Unlawful Activities |
Consume alcoholic beverages except at campsites on the area. No alcoholic beverages are allowed on Rocky Mountain Recreation & PFA.
Fish except during the time between sunrise and sunset.
Fish in a pond or lake that has been posted as "closed".
Fish with any gear other than pole and line.
Fish with more than two poles and lines.
Use or possess live fish for bait, unless the lake or pond has been posted otherwise.
Operate personal watercraft (jet skis), sailboats, or sailboards.
Park a vehicle at any place within a PFA where signs prohibit parking.
Drive or otherwise operate a vehicle on any road posted "closed" to vehicular access, drive around a closed gate or cable blocking a road, or drive on any road that is not receiving maintenance for the purpose of vehicular access.
Camp any place other than designated camping areas. Note: Contact the PFA before visiting for all regulations regarding camping.
Swim, except at Rocky Mountain Recreation & PFA beach.
For children under 14 years of age to enter or remain on any PFA unless under the supervision of an adult.
For horses to be on areas other than those designated as open to equestrian use. |
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