Bass Fishing In Georgia

Guide to fishing for spotted, redeye, shoal, smallmouth and largemouth bass in GA.

By AA-Fishing Staff Writers

Georgia Bass Fishing

Home to the world record largemouth bass, Georgia is a bass fishing paradise - with both quantity and quality of five species of bass.

Bass fishing in Georgia is a beloved pursuit, cherished by anglers of all ages, backgrounds, and skill levels. Few experiences rival the thrill of hooking into a largemouth or smallmouth bass, making it a timeless pastime that transcends cultural boundaries. Whether you're a seasoned pro or a novice angler eager to learn the ropes, mastering the art of bass fishing can be immensely rewarding. That's why this page is dedicated to offering invaluable insights and tips on bass fishing, providing a comprehensive guide on everything from bass fishing techniques to essential bass-catching strategies. Whether you're seeking advice on selecting the perfect lure or honing your casting skills, we're here to equip you with the knowledge and expertise needed to excel on the water. Dive into our wealth of information to discover the secrets of successful bass fishing and unlock the full potential of your angling endeavors.

Some very nice bass caught from Lake Zwerner in Georgia, by Wes Woods, Gabriel Jackson, Patrick Jackson and Ian McIntosh.

2024 Bass Fishing Favorites

Largemouth Bass Fishing In Georgia

Largemouth bass are the most abundant, and most pursued bass in Georgia. They are available in most warm-water lakes in the state, they tend to thrive in most water conditions and grow to bragging size in relative short order. Often called big mouth bass, or wide mouth bass, they are savvy predators that feed on most things that live in their territory. Bass in the 5 to 10-pound range are common in Georgia. The state record largemouth bass is over 22 pounds.

Finding & Catching Bigmouth Bass

Anglers can target big mouth bass in various lakes, reservoirs, and rivers. Spring and early summer are typically the best seasons for targeting largemouth bass as they are more active and feeding in the shallows near shoreline cover. Start with topwater baits, as they cover the water most efficiently. Reaction baits like crankbaits and spinnerbaits are the next choice. For finicky bass, plastic worms and jigs may entice a bite as you can move them very slowly around cover. In the heat of summer and the cold of winter bass move to deeper water, usually following the baitfish. Jigs, drop shot rigs and spoons are a good approach for bass holding in deep water. Vary your retrieve speed and action to find what the bass like today!

Smallmouth Bass Fishing In Georgia

While smallmouth bass don't grow as large as their cousin the largemouth, they make up the difference with tenacious fights. Known for long battles and spectacular jumps, smallies grow fat and strong but rarely exceed ten pounds. Their range and locations are often with or nearby the largemouths. The state record smallmouth bass is over 7 pounds.

Smallmouth bass fishing is popular in rivers such as the Chattahoochee and Toccoa, particularly in rocky and fast-flowing sections.

Spotted Bass Fishing In Georgia

Spotted bass are another popular bass species in Georgia, often found in lakes and reservoirs. These aggressive predators exhibit similar behaviors to largemouth bass and provide exciting angling opportunities. They can be caught year-round, but the spring and fall seasons tend to produce the best results.

Redeye Bass Fishing In Georgia

Redeye bass, also known as Coosa bass, are native to Georgia's Coosa River Basin and its tributaries. These colorful and hard-fighting fish offer a unique angling experience. Anglers targeting redeye bass often find success in clear, flowing waters using a variety of lures and techniques.

Shoal Bass Fishing In Georgia

Shoal bass, another prized bass species in Georgia, are native to the Flint River and its tributaries. They are known for their strength and aggressive nature, making them a thrilling catch. Shoal bass can be found in rocky, fast-moving sections of rivers, and their populations are primarily sustained through catch-and-release practices to ensure their conservation.

Whether you're pursuing largemouth, smallmouth, spotted, redeye, or shoal bass, Georgia's diverse fisheries offer ample opportunities to test your angling skills and experience the thrill of reeling in these prized sportfish. With its picturesque lakes, rivers, and streams, Georgia is a true paradise for bass fishing enthusiasts of all levels.

Bass fishing basics video.

2024 Best Bass Fishing Lakes In Georgia

The state not only boasts the world record for largemouth bass but just the mention of many lakes in the state will make knowledgeable bass fishermen come to attention. While most waters in GA contain bass, the larger impoundments like Banks Lake, Blue Ridge Lake, Carters Lake, Chatuge Lake, Clarks Hill Lake, Goat Rock Lake, High Falls Lake, Lake Allatoona, Lake Andrews, Lake Burton, Lake Blackshear, Lake Chehaw, Lake Eufaula, Lake Harding, Lake Hartwell, Lake Jackson, Lake Lanier, Lake Nottely, Lake Oconee, Lake Oliver, Lake Russell, Lake Seminole, Lake Sinclair, Lake Tobesofkee, Lake Tugalo and West Point Lake are the real draw.

Click the images and links above for species details.

Georgia State Record Bass

The state record largemouth bass* was caught from Montgomery Lake.

The state record smallmouth bass came from Lake Chatuge.

The state record spotted bass was caught out of Lake Burton.

The state record shoal bass was caught in the Flint River.

The state record redeye bass came out of Lake Hartwell.

*Also the world record.

Kory Chastain caught this 10.785 lb bass while night fishing at Lake Blue Ridge. He was fishing a finesse plastic work on a texas rig right on the bank and around heavy structure.

Brieanne Whaley shows off a real nice bass she caught on a pumpkinseed worm.

Send us photos of your catch. We will be glad to post them on our site. We have a sections dedicated to kids photos and stories about how they caught their prized fish. Use the contact page to submit photos and stories.

Top 5 bass fishing lures for Georgia this year

When bass are shallow, spinnerbaits, crankbaits and top water lures are the most productive. As they move deeper, worms and jigs are among the top producers.

Understanding the primary seasonal movements of smallmouth bass and largemouth bass is key to locating them on local lakes in the Peach State. Visit the Bass Knowledge Center for additional, valuable information about bass and bass fishing.

Catch big bass!

Bass fishing information by state.