Henry County’s drinking-water reservoirs open to local anglers each spring for bass, bream and catfish, on quiet water where only electric motors and paddles are allowed. This season’s public reservoirs are Tussahaw and Upper Towaliga.
These are working water-supply reservoirs, so access is tighter than at a typical lake: you need a Henry County Water Authority (HCWA) permit, public days are limited, and the Authority rotates which reservoirs are open each year to protect fish habitat.
- SeasonFirst weekend in March to last weekend in November
- Open daysWed, Fri, Sat & Sun, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. during daylight saving time
- Who can fishHenry County residents, property owners and HCWA customers with a permit
- BoatsElectric motors or paddles only
Check before you go: HCWA can close a reservoir at any time without notice, and limited winter fishing (December through February) is offered only on select dates. Schedule changes are posted at hcwa.com.
The Reservoirs
Tussahaw Reservoir
Size: 1,466 acres, HCWA’s largest, holding about 9.78 billion gallons. It began filling in 2005 and opened to public fishing in 2009.
Access: Tussahaw Island, a public-use area on Collins Way off Peeksville Road, with boat ramps (one accessible), fishing docks and a walking trail. There is no public access at the Tussahaw Water Treatment Plant.
Ramp attendant: 470-203-1247.
Upper Towaliga Reservoir
Size: About 1,100 acres and 6 billion gallons, HCWA’s second-largest reservoir. Open for public fishing during the regular season.
Ramp attendant: 470-572-2648.
Gardner (Indian Creek) Reservoir
Size: 209 acres. Reached by the boat ramp off Indian Creek Road. Gardner is not on this season’s regular public schedule, since HCWA rotates access; check the Authority’s site for winter dates.
Ramp attendant: 470-203-1255.
Reservoir Use Permits
Permit Fees
Henry County residents and property owners: $50 for one year or $85 for two years.
Discounted for residents 62 and older, residents with disabilities, and veterans and military: $25 for one year or $45 for two years.
Where to Buy
Online at hcwa.com (a digital permit is emailed; online fee 2.9% plus 30 cents), or in person at HCWA headquarters, 1695 Highway 20 West, McDonough, weekdays 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Guests
Each permit holder may bring one guest 16 or older, plus children who do not need a fishing license. Every guest signs a release form each year.
Key Rules
- A Georgia fishing license is required, and you must sign in and out with the gate attendant and show photo ID.
- Gasoline engines are prohibited; boats must use electric motors or paddles. Coast Guard approved inflatables are allowed, and small sailboats (12 to 18 feet) with auxiliary power on Tussahaw and Upper Towaliga.
- No launching within 2 hours of closing and no check-in within 1 hour of closing.
- Stay in your boat, and keep 100 feet from dams, spillways, intakes and buoy lines.
- No trotlines, limb lines or set hooks; two rods per person from the bank or piers.
- No swimming or wading, pets, alcohol, fires or camping.
Contact
Henry County Water Authority, 1695 Highway 20 West, McDonough. 770-957-6659. For more fishing near Atlanta, see our metro Atlanta fishing lakes guide.
Sources we checked
Facts in this guide were checked against the agencies and operators that run these places:
- Henry County Water Authority, fishing information – season, permits and rules
- Henry County Water Authority, reservoirs – reservoir sizes
- Georgia DNR fishing licenses
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