High Falls Lake is a 650-acre Georgia State Parks lake on the Towaliga River, just east of I-75 north of Forsyth. Motors over 10 horsepower can’t be run, which keeps fishing pressure low, and the lake ranks near the top in Georgia for the share of big largemouth bass. It is also a well-known crappie lake.
- Size650 acres
- OperatorGeorgia State Parks (High Falls State Park)
- RulesDaylight fishing only; motors over 10 hp may not be operated
- ContactsPark 478-993-3053; DNR 478-825-6151
Getting on the Water
The lake is part of High Falls State Park, with ramps, a campground and the Towaliga River falls below the dam. Boats with bigger outboards are allowed, but those motors must stay off. A ParkPass is required.
2026 Fishing Outlook
Summarized from Georgia DNR fisheries biologists’ 2026 forecast for High Falls Lake, based on their sampling.
| Species | Outlook | Where and how |
|---|---|---|
| Largemouth bass | An underused gem: nearly half the bass are over 15 inches, and the share of 16- to 26-inch fish ranks near the top statewide. Average 12 to 14 inches, about 1.5 pounds. | Point bars and downed trees anywhere; Buck Creek and Watkins Bottom are popular, but try the upper lake too. Crankbaits and jigs in spring and fall, spinnerbaits pitched to docks and trees in the morning, live bait in early spring. |
| Crappie | Abundant with trophy potential; DNR compares it with Lake Oconee, and 1- to 2-pound fish are commonly reported. | Submerged timber and stumps near the main channel in late fall and winter; lake-wide in spring. Troll jigs above the dam and along drop-offs in winter; minnows and jigs near shallow brush once water hits 60°F. |
| Catfish | A great catfish lake. Channels mostly 14 to 16 inches with some over 20; fewer flatheads, but several over 20 pounds. | Deep holes and channel bends in the lower lake. Drift live or cut shad. |
| Striped bass and hybrids | Stripers are now rare since stocking ended in 2013, though they run 3 to 5 pounds and a 23-pounder was documented in 2016. Hybrids are still stocked. | The upper lake and Towaliga River during March and April runs, and deep water in Watkins Bottom. Spoons and grubs above the dam in winter; drift live or cut shad. |
| Bream | Plenty, but few reach good size; bluegill 5 to 8 inches, with some nice redear. | Brush piles and vegetation. Worms and crickets. |
High Falls Lake
High Falls LakeContact: High Falls State Park, 478-993-3053. Georgia DNR fisheries, 478-825-6151.
More nearby: Lake Jackson, Lake Juliette, Lake Tobesofkee and all Georgia lakes.
Sources we checked
Facts in this guide were checked against the agencies and operators that run these places:
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