Bass fishing is right at home in Georgia. The best largemouth bass fishing here rivals any spot in the nation.
The plentiful lakes, rivers, and ponds throughout Georgia offer such a wide variety of prime bass waters that you don’t have to travel far to find a big fish in this state. In fact, a Georgia largemouth that weighed over 22 pounds remains tied for the world record.
Atlanta makes a great hub to start your search for some of the biggest bass you’ll ever see. It’s in the heart of bass country, with several fantastic lakes within a few hours’ drive.
Lake Seminole, Lake Lanier, Eufaula … the list of incredible Georgia bass fishing lakes goes on. These storied waters have held thousands of competitions, from high school teams to Bassmaster tours.
While a number of the lakes on our list are nationally famous, we also include a few under-the-radar spots on this list that you might not expect. But these locations can quietly set the stage for some of the most memorable days of bass fishing you’ve ever had.
So when you’re looking for bass fishing, look no further than Georgia and the following epic lakes and rivers.
The Best Largemouth Bass Fishing in Georgia
If you’re like me, you research what, where, when, and how before hitting the water. This list will help get you on the water and catch fish.
In Georgia, that means big bass and a lot of them. Georgia has more world-class bass lakes than it knows what to do with.
The top-tier spots we’ve chosen for this list stand out even more than the above-average fisheries you can find in every direction. Bass are fat and happy in Georgia, so get out there and catch some.
Clarks Hill Lake (Lake Thurmond)
Clarks Hill is one of the biggest reservoirs around at over 71,000 acres, straddling the South Carolina/Georgia border just north of Augusta. In SC, it’s known as Lake Strom Thurman, while Georgians prefer the original Clarks Hill moniker.
Bass fishing here can be epic, with fish in the three-to-five-pound range commonplace. There are plenty of reasons to fish this lake, but the largemouth bass and stripers are the real draw.
The issue you may run into here is the blueback herring. Bass love these baitfish and gorge themselves on the overabundant food source. Use patterns to mimic them closely, and you should do well.
The best time for bass fishing here is from mid-October through May. The spawn often starts the first couple weeks of March, with the majority hitting the beds by month’s end.
Winter fishing for largemouth can be spectacular. An epic day of battling 5-pound-plus largies is typical here. Stripers are also active throughout the winter, with regular catches in the 20-pound category.
Shellcracker, crappie, bluegill, white bass, hybrid bass, and massive catfish are also cruising around the lake. So come prepared for a multispecies day, and you’ll avoid the dreaded skunk.
Plenty of campgrounds, RV spots, restaurants, and everything else you might need are in the area.
Lake Hartwell
Lake Hartwell is in the running as one of the top bass fishing waters in the entire Southeast. Big populations of largemouth bass and spotted bass love this deep lake.
Another great bass fishing border lake with South Carolina, sitting to the north of Clarks Hill, Hartwell is a mix of the Savannah, Seneca, and Tugaloo rivers.
The lake is another of the largest in the South and is popular amongst anglers and water sports enthusiasts.
Fishing on Lake Hartwell can be challenging for much of the year. The water is deep, so you’ll need a fish finder to locate structures as well as the schooling stripers if you want to branch out.
Largemouth fishing is best in the winter and spring. The spawn brings them into the shallows and provides a chance at some sight-fishing for big bass.
The fishing is fast in the spring and can become addicting. You’ve been warned.
Set up in the Tugaloo and Seneca river confluences and toss baitfish like bluebacks, shiners, and gizzard shad.
An avid angler who has done very well on the lake recommends a 4.5-inch straight tail worm rigged on a split shot/drop hook with ¼-ounce weight.
Bass are primarily caught in deeper water with crankbaits, spinnerbaits, or topwater lures.
However, depending on the water temp, you might try slower-moving gear like Senkos. A Texas-rigged Senko can be irresistible. Carolina rigs also work very well.
Bring the family for the perfect summer getaway. The lake hosts several tournaments, boat regattas, and more activities throughout the summer. Art galleries and botanical gardens fill the surrounding communities.
Lake Oconee
Lake Oconee has 379 miles of shoreline for the bass angler to explore, located just an hour or a bit more whether you’re coming from Atlanta, Augusta or Athens. It’s a massive lake with several species, with bass fishing being the standout.
Plenty of marinas and docks will get you out on the water, along with ample shoreline access for the bank angler.
Find submerged timber stands. They’re spread throughout the lake, and largies typically hold suspended in the trees.
While brush and timber stands are the best all-around bass spots, you’ll also want to toss a lure around ledges and drop-offs. Hit any creek and river entrances where they cut deeper into the water.
The best tactic is casting big plastics for big fish. Boat anglers should find largemouths in structure and use a drop shot or a crankbait. Early morning and late afternoon are perfect for topwater lures.
With all that timber and brush, Lake Oconee also is a top crappie fishing destination.
There are numerous camping and lodging options around the lake, and Greensboro is just a 2-mile drive to the east.
Resorts cover the area. After a morning of fishing, take the family to jump off the giant rock pile into the lake.
Lake Sinclair
Lake Sinclair sits below Lake Oconee, on the other side of a dam, and stretches south to Milledgeville.
Most of the same techniques work on the largemouths in both of these Oconee River impoundments.
The bass fishing here is fantastic. Target them with a Carolina rig with soft plastics. The bigger the plastic, the bigger the fish.
Crankbaits work great off the lake points and along any riprap. Work the docks, blowdowns, rock piles, and the many coves.
Shallower water calls for a Rat-L-Trap in shad and crawfish patterns. A Norman Deep Little N crankbait is another good choice.
Another top tactic is fishing a 3/8- or 1/4-ounce Stanley with a gold Colorado blade along the riprap and lake points. Chartreuse works well for this lure.
Try a double-bladed spinnerbait if you’re fishing grass and timber. The extra flash will draw more strikes.
Bank anglers can do well at several parks around the lake. There are plenty of easy access points. Live bait works best from shore, so try minnows or nightcrawlers early or late in the day.
The towns around the lake offer some lodging and plenty of campgrounds. You’ll also find bait and restaurants.
Lake Eufaula
Lake Eufaula is shared between Georgia and Alabama. It’s a 45,000-acre reservoir on the Chattahoochee River also named Walter F. George Reservoir.
Chamber of commerce types have dubbed this huge impoundment south of Columbus as the “Bass Fishing Capital of the World.” Whether it lives up to the title or not, sitting as it does between two states with so many other worthy candidates might be up for debate.
What can’t be argued is that Eufaula has some massive largemouths eager for a baitfish tossed their way.
Lake Eufaula hosts multiple bass tournaments yearly, and the winners typically bring in over 24 pounds. The largemouth and spotted bass in Eufaula really are massive.
The lake has abundant standing timber, giving the bass plenty of ambush opportunities. Use a spinnerbait in 30 to 35 feet of water and drag it back through the trees.
Ledges around the lake also bring some great action. First, search for schooling baitfish along a ledge, and then fish just beyond and below the smaller fish to catch lunker bass looking for an easy meal.
There is plenty of shore access in the parks around the reservoir, though the best bass fishing is by boat.
You shouldn’t have any problem finding camping and lodging near the lake.
And while there, do yourself a favor and head to Thelma’s Kitchen in Eufaula on the Alabama side just west of Georgetown. It’s some of the best Southern food you’ll ever have.
West Point Lake
West Point Lake is perfect for trips from Atlanta or Columbua. At just under 26,000 acres, there’s plenty of room for boat anglers to avoid most of the summer power squad.
The lake is along the Georgia/Alabama border near LaGrange. Largemouth bass litter the entire length of this lake, and several creeks and rivers provide excellent cover for them when they move in to spawn.
Shad are the primary forage fish, with huge schools of these baitfish hanging out at the mouths of the creeks. Hit those spots with crankbaits or jerk baits.
There’s plenty of shad, so you should be able to find them with a little looking. Once you do, the bass are going to be very close by.
Early spring finds bass moving into the creeks in full force. They chase the shad and will smack a crank, jerk, or spinner bait hard. Rat L Traps and Shad Raps are great options in shad patterns.
Hit any wood you find along the banks of the lake. Accuracy matters here, so be on your game.
Senkos in watermelon flake or pumpkin colors with no weight are perfect for targeting woody structures.
Bank anglers will find success with minnows under a slip bobber. The Rocky Point and McGee Bridge fishing piers have PVC fish attractors ideal for bank anglers.
All the conveniences and amenities you could ask for are located within minutes of the lake. Plenty of camping, including RV spots, is everywhere.
High Falls Lake
High Falls Lake is the perfect spot to take the kids. You’re almost guaranteed a catch at this lake between Atlanta and Macon.
The fishing here can be easy. Largemouth bass are everywhere, along with channel and flathead catfish, both crappie species and the occasional hybrid bass.
Both Texas- and Carolina-rigged worms are going to do the trick here.
Topwater is also a great option. The lake is relatively shallow and covered in stumps. There’s cover nearly everywhere for bass, so tossing a topwater like a white buzzbait or a Pop-R will get you strikes.
In fact, this lake is so shallow that topwater works throughout the day, right up in the shallows.
Spinnerbaits, Rat-L-Traps, and crankbaits round out the best lures to bring here. Fish them just above the grass line, and you should get some reaction strikes.
Launch at Buck Creek and fish the bridge riprap along the ramp. Hit both sides with a topwater, then follow up with a spinner bait.
Focus special attention on any wood or logs washed up into the rocks. Bass love these and might even stack up under them.
Another great spot is the mouth of Brushy Creek. Stop just inside the mouth of the creek where it meets Buck Creek. That’s the ticket. You’ll be walloping them in no time.
Plenty of camping, lodging, and conveniences are in the immediate area. There’s plenty for the family to do here as well, so bring them along.
Lake Blackshear
Lake Blackshear is near Cordele, just off Interstate 75. It’s a popular lake due to its proximity to Columbus.
You can target largemouth, black and white crappie, stripers, smallmouth, bluegill, channel, and flathead catfish, and probably several more species amongst the alligators.
Besides being one of the most alligator-infested lakes in the state, it’s also infested with largemouths. They’re everywhere. Start your search anywhere you see cypress trees.
If you want a specific suggestion, head north under Smoak Bridge, and cypress trees are everywhere, as are the bass.
Springtime finds bass on the shallow sand bars and grass beds. The spawn fishing experience at Blackshear is epic. Big bass stack in the shallows, waiting to smack a lure.
Once the temps rise, Blackshear becomes a crowded recreational area. Fishing can still be good, though weekdays are going to be easier on your sanity. Far fewer jet skis.
Lake Blackshear has everything you need. It has campgrounds, lodging, golf courses, restaurants, marinas, and plenty of private rentals on its shores.
Lake Lanier
Lake Lanier is about 50 miles northeast of Atlanta, near Gainesville. It’s good largemouth water and an epic spotted bass fishery.
Largemouth bass get pretty big here. The lake record is over 17 pounds, and catches of over 8 pounds happen regularly.
The best section for largies is the upper end of the lake. Deep river channels, rocky outcroppings, drop-offs, and all the fallen, submerged timber create fantastic bass structure.
Head north of Bolling and Thompson bridges. Shallow water and downed trees are everywhere in the backwater areas here.
Fish live bait in the winter. Finesse rigs will do the trick as well. Work the bait into the blowdowns and riprap. Try working a spinnerbait or a jerk bait into the creek channels.
Largemouth bass move into shallow water to spawn when the water warms in spring. Search them out near docks and submerged brush.
The bigger fish are just off the spawning beds, so fish a bit deeper, and you’ll find them.
Soft plastic worms, lipless crankbaits, and flukes are great springtime options.
The lower lake has far less cover, though you’ll still find them there. Spotted bass likely will be part of your catch in all the areas mentioned above and are abundant in the lower lake. Spot action can be fast and furious when the largies play hard to get.
After a morning spent fishing, hit one of the many golf courses in the area. Then come back to the lake in the evening for some of Georgia’s better catfish fishing.
There’s also plenty of camping and lodging. Restaurants are everywhere and range from cheap to break-the-bank expensive.
Lake Seminole
Lake Seminole runs along the Florida state line in southwestern Georgia. It’s full of hydrilla and massive forested areas, making it perfect for largemouth bass. The structure here is incredible.
The lake is enormous. It’s also full of largies and crappie. Spend time over submerged structures, and you’ll be onto big fish in no time.
Try using grass-friendly lures and rigs. Unfortunately, the lake is very weedy, so snagging is inevitable.
Late September through early June are the best months for this epic fishery. Tournaments run through Lake Seminole all the time, and anglers have plucked some near-world-record largemouth bass from its waters.
Largemouth bass are everywhere in the lower lake creeks. Chatterbaits, Texas-rigged Senkos, and Rat-L-Traps should do the job through this area.
Jerkbaits are the way in the spring. Toss the Berkley Stunna. It’s renowned around the lake as the two-time winner of the Bassmaster Classic.
Lake Seminole is huge, so be ready to spend some time figuring it out. You’ll catch fish consistently, though the more seasoned you become, the bigger the fish you’ll find.
Grab your tent or RV and head to parks around the lake for excellent camping. There are multiple accommodations around the water, and dining is available. The marinas offer all the bait and tackle you’ll need.
More: Complete Guide to Lake Seminole Fishing
Lake Allatoona
Lake Allatoona is a great bass lake a a little over a half hour’s drive from Atlanta heading north on I-75 past Marietta.
Lake Allatoona has over 25 parks, eight marinas, 10 campgrounds, and epic fishing opportunities. It’s also one of the most popular lakes in the country.
Start fishing in the smaller creek areas in the lower lake area. Toss a Berkley Square Bill Special Craw in brown, and you’ll nail it.
Head out from Blockhouse Boat Ramp. Focus on the coves and inlets of Allatoona Creek, Etowah River, and Little River. Most bass will hide in the submerged trees in the flooded creek beds.
Other great spots are along the many rock jetties in the area.
Be sure to arrive at the ramp early. It gets super busy during the summer and will close when full.
There are some locations in which you can improve your odds by focusing on areas you can reach from the shore.
Bank fishing can be fantastic at the Payne Day Use Area, the Blockhouse Fishing Jetty, and Cherokee County Park.
Use a spinnerbait and work the deeper water just off the jetty rocks and brush piles. Live bait like a shad will also bring them to the net.
Nottely Lake
Lake Nottely is a deep, clear mountain lake of 4,180 acres that offers good fishing for largemouths but is probably best known for its trophy striped bass.
Nottely is one of many reservoirs built by the Tennessee Valley Authority. It is located entirely in Union County in North Georgia. About 70 percent of the shoreline is owned by the U.S. Forest Service and remains undeveloped.
Over the last several years, Georgia has been planting largemouths to supplement the current population, so fishing is getting better and better.
Your best bet here would be using deep-diving crankbaits in blueback herring patterns. The bass go nuts for them.
Head to Ivy Log Creek, Young Cane Creek, and all the coves in between from the mid to upper end of the lake. There’s dense cover and deep drop-offs that hold a lot of bass.
The area boasts several hotels, resorts, and excellent campgrounds. Bring the family and enjoy the Georgia mountains, which also offer excellent trout fishing.
Yahoola Creek Reservoir
Yahoola Creek is a little hidden gem that doesn’t get a lot of talk. There’s a reason for that. It’s only about 100 acres, but it’s got 5-pound-plus bass in quantities and all the crappie you can handle. It’s a straight shot north of Lake Lanier in Dahlonega.
There’s not a lot of lake to explore here. The only drawback is consistency. You’ll either catch bass or not. Big bass can get up into the 12-pound range.
Try spinnerbaits or chatter baits in the mornings. If they’re being finicky, try a finesse setup like a Texas-rigged Senko or a Ned rig. I’m partial to the Ned as it’s gotten me bass on trips where nothing else could get them to open their mouths.
Another good technique is to chuck a square bill in crawfish colors. The bass love them.
Dahlonega has all you need for your trip.
Flint River
OK, we’re fudging just a bit because this isn’t a bass lake, but it is a great bass fishing spot nonetheless.
The Flint River starts just south of the Atlanta Airport, tumbles its way through shoals to Lake Blackshear, and continues for miles south of there through shoals and deep channels all the way to Lake Seminole.
Largemouths are prevalent throughout the system, with many excellent spots along its length. The Flint River is also known for shoal bass that are plentiful throughout its length.
It’s possible to wade fish sections of the river, though the best option is a kayak, canoe, or johnboat.
Put in below the Blackshear Dam for a tremendous bass-catching trip and float to the SR 32 Bridge. It’ll take you all day if you fish it effectively and do some wading while floating through.
Live bait will bring largemouths and shoal bass by the bucket. You’ll end the day with more shoal bass than largies, but it’s one of the only places to catch them.
The river passes through several communities and has plenty of access points for food, gear, and lodging if you want to make it an overnighter.
Jackson Lake
Jackson Lake has fantastic largemouth bass fishing. It’s about an hour southeast of Atlanta and stays calm most of the time. Big crowds from Atlanta tend to head in the other direction to Allatoona.
First off, beware of the presence of alligators. Check with the local staff to ensure safe swimming. Keep your pets on a leash.
Boat fishing is great here as soon as you leave the docks. Cast back along them with spinnerbaits for some fast action. Topwater lures work well along docks as well.
Try tossing a square bill crankbait, and you’ll do well. Stumps and other excellent structure punctuate this lake. Bounce the crank right along the tops of the wood for fast bites and hard hits.
The boat docks are also the perfect place for the bank angler to take up residence. Most docks have great structure with rocks, stumps, brush, and fallen timber within casting range.
Amenities at this reservoir (a.k.a. Lake Jackson) are abundant, and the camping is excellent.
Bring along the family, and you might convince them to buy some property here! It’s that nice of an area. For the non-bass-busting members of your family, the lake offers everything from kayaking to paddle-boarding yoga and more.
Catch More Bass
Be sure to read our simple guide to the top bass fishing techniques, lures and other tips.