Fishing At Lake Hartwell

AKA: Hartwell Reservoir

What to fish for...

Guide to fishing for largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, channel catfish, black crappie, white crappie, walleye, bluegill, redbreast sunfish, redear sunfish, striped bass and hybrid striped bass at Lake Hartwell in Georgia.

Extending hundreds of tentacles over a 600 square mile area, Lake Hartwell is a well renown bass fishing lake and is a favorite of many legends of the sport. The 56,000-acre lake is located on the north-eastern border of the state, at Hartwell, GA. Anglers can explore 962 miles of shoreline in search of bass, catfish, crappie, walleye, bluegill, sunfish, striped bass and hybrid stripers.

Lake Video
Available Fish Species
Amenities
Today's Weather & Forecast
Rental Boats
Marinas
Boat Launch Ramps
Campgrounds & RV Parks
Map
Contact Info

The purpose of this page is to deliver an overview of this lake, the fishing options, and area amenities. Our goal is to provide info to first time visitors, as well as beginner and novice anglers. We gathered details from personal experience, numerous trusted websites that each offer select bits of information, and videos of fishing activity on the lake. These websites include the Georgia Wildlife Resources Division, marinas at the lake, campgrounds, boat rental agencies and others. By consolidating this information to one page it allows visitors to see the entire picture, all in one place.

Lake Video

Lake Hartwell, situated on the border of Georgia and South Carolina, is a premier fishing destination that attracts anglers from far and wide. Known for its excellent fishing opportunities, the lake is home to a variety of popular fish species.

Bass fishing is a major draw on Lake Hartwell, with both largemouth bass and spotted bass thriving in its waters. Anglers can target bass throughout the year using various techniques such as casting crankbaits, flipping jigs, or working topwater lures. The lake's structure, including submerged brush piles, rocky points, and shallow flats, provide ideal habitats for bass to feed and hide.

Catfish enthusiasts will find Lake Hartwell to be a rewarding spot. The lake is known for its abundant population of channel catfish. Anglers can target catfish using cut bait, live bait, or prepared stink baits. Night fishing is particularly productive for catfish, as they tend to be more active during the darker hours.

Crappie fishing is also popular on Lake Hartwell, particularly during the spring spawning season. Anglers can find both black crappie and white crappie congregating near submerged structures such as bridge pilings, brush piles, and fallen trees. Using small jigs, live minnows, or crappie-specific lures, anglers can entice these panfish into biting.

Walleye, a prized game fish, can be found in Lake Hartwell as well. Anglers targeting walleye often focus their efforts during the colder months when these fish are more active. Trolling with crankbaits or using live minnows on a jighead are popular techniques for targeting walleye in the lake.

Sunfish, including bluegill and redear sunfish, are abundant in Lake Hartwell. These panfish provide enjoyable angling experiences for anglers of all ages and skill levels. Using small jigs, worms, or crickets, anglers can catch sunfish near the shoreline, around structure, or near vegetation.

Lake Hartwell is also renowned for its striped bass and hybrid stripers. These hard-fighting fish can reach impressive sizes and offer thrilling battles for anglers. Trolling with live bait or casting swimbaits and topwater lures are effective techniques for targeting these species.

Lake Hartwell in Georgia offers exceptional fishing opportunities for a variety of popular fish species. With its diverse fish population, including bass, catfish, crappie, walleye, sunfish, striped bass, and hybrid stripers, anglers have a wealth of options to choose from. Combined with the lake's boating and camping amenities, Lake Hartwell provides a memorable fishing experience for anglers seeking adventure and relaxation in Georgia.

More than 50 boat launch ramps provide easy access for pleasure boats, pontoons, bass boats and other fishing boats. There are places all around the lake for launching canoes, kayaks and small watercraft. Humps, bumps, islands, points, creek channels, ledges and backwaters all over the lake provide cover for the bass and baitfish alike. Campgrounds and RV parks are available in the area, as well as other lodging choices. Marinas, stores, restaurants and boat rentals are available to improve your weekend fishing trip or a family vacation for an extended amount of time.

Primary fish species residing in Lake Hartwell

Click images for fishing tips and details about each species.

Lake Hartwell Amenities

Marina: YES
Boat Rental: YES
Boat Launch Ramp: YES
Campgrounds: YES
RV Hookups: YES
Lodging: YES
Convenience Store: YES
Bait & Tackle: YES
Restaurant: YES

Today's Weather & Forecast

Boating and camping opportunities are plentiful on Lake Hartwell, making it an ideal destination for anglers and outdoor enthusiasts. Anglers can explore the lake's vast waters, access prime fishing spots, and enjoy scenic boat rides. Numerous campgrounds and recreational areas are available along the shoreline, providing convenient options for overnight stays.

Fishing Boat Rentals

Harbor Light Marina
Rentals: Pontoon boats
706 356-4119

Harbor Light Marina South
Rentals: Pontoon boats
706 356-4119

Hartwell Marina
Rentals: Pontoon boats
706 376-5441

Public Boat Launch Ramps & Landings

Big Oaks Recreation Area Boat Launch Ramp
Located the southern tip of the lake, off Dam Road, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.

Bruce Creek Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the northwest section of the lake, off Century Drive, this is a one-lane, concrete ramp with gravel parking.

Carters Ferry Boat Launch Ramp
Located mid lake, west side, off Carters Ferry Road, this is a one-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.

Crawfords Ferry Boat Launch Ramp
Located mid lake, west side, off Crawfords Ferry Road, this is a one-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.

Elrod Ferry Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the southwest section of the lake, off Elrod Ferry Road, this is a one-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.

Gum Branch Tournament Fishing Facility Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the southwest section of the lake, off Vanna Waller Road, this is a six-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.

Gumlog Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the northwest section of the lake, off Tugaloo State Park Road, this is a six-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.

Hartwell Marina Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the southwest section of the lake, off Hartwell Marina Drive, this is a one-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and gravel parking.

Lewis Drive Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the southwest section of the lake, off Lewis Drive, this is a one-lane, concrete ramp with paved parking.

Long Point Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the southwest section of the lake, off Old 29 Highway, this is a one-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.

Mary Ann Branch Boat Launch Ramp
Located mid lake, west side, off Hatton Ford Road, this is a one-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.

Paynes Creek Campground Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the northwest section of the lake, off Paynes Creek Campground Road, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.

Pineywoods Road Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the southwest section of the lake, off Pineywoods Road, this is a one-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.

Powderbag Creek Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the southwest section of the lake, off Powder Ramp Road, this is a one-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.

Reed Creek Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the northwest section of the lake, off Reed Creek Heights Drive, this is a one-lane, concrete ramp with gravel parking.

Rock Springs Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the northwest section of the lake, off Rock Springs Road, this is a one-lane, concrete ramp with paved parking.