Lake Hartwell Fishing
Lake Hartwell fishing is a sport enjoyed year round by anglers of all ages and experience. Fish can be caught from a boat or from the numerous bank and fishing pier locations. Fishing from bridges at the lake is prohibited. A valid Georgia or South Carolina fishing license is required. Georgia and South Carolina have a reciprocal fishing license policy so residents with either license can fish at Lake Hartwell. For competitive anglers, fishing tournaments are often held at Lake Hartwell. Striped bass have become the trophy fish of choice with some weighing up to 60lbs. If you are new to fishing at Lake Hartwell or want to increase your local knowledge, a number of professional fishing guides are available for hire.
Where to Fish
The Corps of Engineers and South Carolina Department of Natural Resources maintain a large number of fish attractors at various locations on Lake Hartwell. These are composed of sunken trees and other structures that attract large schools of fish. If you don't have a boat there are many fishing piers and developed bank fishing locations available. The developed bank fishing locations feature fish attracting structures and parking areas. These are located at various shoreline locations often designated by a "Fishing Area" sign. Maps of the lake that designate fish attractor locations are available at local stores and marinas.
Lake Hartwell Fishing Pier Locations - Georgia
Georgia River Recreation Area
Stephens County Recreation Area
Tugaloo State Park
Lake Hartwell Fishing Pier Locations - South Carolina
Singing Pines Recreation Area
Twin Lakes Recreation Area
Broyles Recreation Area
Darwin H. Wright Park
Common Fish Species at Lake Hartwell:
- Striped Bass
- Large Mouth Bass
- Small Mouth Bass
- Walley
- Sunfish
- Catfish
- Crappie
- Bream
- Bluegill