Fishing At Lake Hartwell

AKA: Hartwell Reservoir

What to fish for...

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. 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

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.