Fishing Goat Rock Lake
AKA: Goat Rock Reservoir
Popular Fish Species Goat Rock Lake, GA
Largemouth Bass Fishing
Goat Rock Lake is a popular bass tournament lake. Weekend and tournament anglers find the fishing to be slow at times, yet pretty good at other times. Fishing for bass can be quite rewarding, with an occasional bass over 4 pounds being caught. Anglers can also catch shoal bass, which reside here in fewer numbers, as well as spotted bass which are plentiful but run small. Bass often move shallow and become aggressive when they are in a feeding mood. Use shallow crankbaits around rip rap. Around grass, use worms, jigs, topwater and spinnerbaits. In deeper water, drop shot rigs, big worms, jigs and spoons are good options. In winter, spend your time fishing deeper structure where the bass spend much of their time.
Striped Bass Fishing
Due to their large size, striped bass are a favorite of many locals and fishing guides at Goat Rock Lake. They are plentiful, run in schools and can grow to bragging size. In Spring and Fall work the upper end of the lake where water is flowing into the lake. Look for deeper water in the river channel, as a holding place for stripers. In Summer and Winter, stripers hang out in deeper water during the day Morning often draws the stripers to much shallower water, look for them from the surface down to around the 20-foot range as they feed on shallow-running schools of bait. The lake is filled with plenty of baitfish and sunfish to to keep the fishery thriving. Being successful at fishing for stripers is a matter of locating schools of bait, and the wolf packs of stripers which are likely to be nearby. Fish finders, and forward facing sonar, are a big help in locating these roaming schools. Live bait is very effective here, and stripers can be caught year round.
Bluegill Fishing
Fishing for bluegill is a time-honored tradition at Goat Rock Lake. Young and old, beginners and seasoned anglers alike, all enjoy catching a bunch of fat bluegill. This year, much like recent years, the bluegill population is healthy and always looking for something to eat. Bluegill fishing is as basic as fishing gets. Any pole, reasonably small line and small hooks baited with anything edible, creates the ideal setup. Add a bobber and you can set the depth you prefer the bait to position. Bluegill hang around brush, rocks, vegetation or any cover available.
Fish species to fish for...
Guide to fishing for largemouth bass, spotted bass, shoal bass, channel catfish, black crappie, bluegill, green sunfish, redbreast sunfish, redear sunfish, rock bass, spotted sunfish, warmouth, white bass, striped bass and hybrid striped bass at Goat Rock Lake in Georgia.
Goat Rock Lake Fishing Video
Running along the Alabama border, Goat Rock Lake is a 940-acre lake on the western border of the state, 2 miles west of Piney Cove. This river reservoir has 25 miles of shoreline and a nice variety of fish species. Bass, catfish and hybrid stripers are the primary targets here, but there are plenty of crappie, bream, and sunfish to be caught. The Peggy Lane Boat Ramp is open to the public.
Goat Rock Lake, located along the Chattahoochee River in Georgia, is a fantastic fishing destination known for its diverse fish population and beautiful scenery. Anglers flock to this lake in search of various popular fish species.
Bass fishing is a major draw on Goat Rock Lake. Both largemouth bass, shoal bass and spotted bass inhabit the lake, providing anglers with exciting opportunities to reel in trophy-sized fish. The lake's structure, including submerged vegetation, rocky points, and drop-offs, offers ideal habitats for bass. Anglers can use a variety of techniques such as casting crankbaits, flipping soft plastics, or working topwater lures to entice these prized game fish.
Catfish are another sought-after species in Goat Rock Lake. Channel catfish and blue catfish can be found in good numbers throughout the lake. Anglers can target catfish using a variety of baits, including live or cut bait such as shad, worms, or chicken liver. Night fishing is particularly productive for catfish, especially during the warmer months.
Crappie fishing is popular on Goat Rock Lake, especially during the spring spawning season. Anglers can find both black crappie and white crappie near submerged structure, such as brush piles or fallen trees. Jigs, live minnows, or small crankbaits are effective in enticing these panfish.
Sunfish, including bluegill and redear sunfish, can be found in abundance in Goat Rock Lake. These colorful and feisty fish provide excellent opportunities for anglers, particularly those targeting panfish. Anglers can use small jigs, worms, or crickets to catch sunfish. They are often found near vegetation, submerged structure, or along the shoreline.
Goat Rock Lake is also home to striped bass and hybrid stripers, which offer thrilling angling experiences. These game fish are known for their powerful fights and can be targeted using various techniques such as trolling with live bait or casting artificial lures like swimbaits or jerkbaits.
Goat Rock Lake in Georgia is a popular fishing destination offering a wide variety of fish species for anglers to target. Whether you're after bass, catfish, crappie, sunfish, striped bass, or hybrid stripers, this lake has something to offer for every angler. With its scenic beauty and abundant fishing opportunities, Goat Rock Lake is a must-visit destination for fishing enthusiasts and outdoor lovers alike.
Primary fish species residing in Goat Rock Lake
Click images for fishing tips and details about each species.
Goat Rock Lake Amenities
Marina: YES
Boat Rental: NO
Boat Launch Ramp: YES
Campgrounds: NO
RV Hookups: NO
Lodging: NEARBY
Convenience Store: NEARBY
Bait & Tackle: NEARBY
Restaurant: NEARBY
Today's Weather & Forecast
Apart from fishing, Goat Rock Lake offers opportunities for boating and camping. Anglers can explore the lake's waters, access prime fishing spots, and enjoy scenic boat rides. Camping facilities are available nearby, allowing visitors to extend their stay and fully immerse themselves in the beauty of the surroundings.
Public Boat Launch Ramps & Landings
Peggy Lane Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the southwest section of the lake, off Peggy Lane, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.
Fishing Guides On Goat Rock Lake
If you offer fishing guide services on this lake, please contact us for a free listing, to be posted here.
Fishing License
Click here for a Georgia Fishing License.
Campgrounds & RV Parks Nearby
There are no campgrounds or RV parks nearby.
Goat Rock Lake GA Map - Fishing & Camping Areas
Contact Information
Goat Rock Lake
Georgia Power
Lake Resources Office
1516 Bartletts Ferry Road
Fortson, GA 31808
706-322-0228
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Goat Rock Lake in GA
GEORGIA
Fishing for bass, catfish and hybrid stripers in western GA.