Fishing Lake Russell

AKA: Richard B Russell Lake

Most Popular Fish
Lake Russell Fishing Video
Available Fish Species
Amenities
Today's Weather & Forecast
Boat Launch Ramps
Marinas
Local Fishing Guides
Fishing License
Campgrounds & RV Parks
Map
Contact Info

Richard B Russell Lake, GA

Popular Fish Species Lake Russell, GA

Crappie Fishing

Richard B Russell Lake has long been a good crappie fishing lake. The lake has good populations of both black crappie and white crappie. These two species generally school by with their own, but once located around cover, you may find that you catch both species, due to the fact they often share the same cover. Crappie fishing can be found in varying size schools, hanging around brush, vegetation, wood or other cover. Using a fish finder any time of year can help locate these crappie schools, which tend to stack vertically around cover. Live bait and small jigs are the most common method for crappie here. In spring and fall focus on the 8 to 12 foot range. The best time to catch crappie tends to be at dawn and dusk. As the crappie move deep in summer and winter, follow points out deep, as well as find ledges near channels, especially areas with brush or timber in deeper water.

Largemouth Bass Fishing

Home to many local and national bass tournaments, Richard B Russell Lake continues has provided good largemouth bass fishing for several years now. Fisheries management by the Georgia Wildlife Resources Division has maintained a thriving bass fishery, providing both quantity and quality for anglers. Spotted bass also reside here in good numbers. Recent results by locals, and bass fishing tournament participants, attest to the fact that fishing for largemouth bass has been very rewarding lately. Also, there is the potential for catching a monster. Big mouth bass often move shallow and become fairly aggressive when they are in a feeding mood. If they seem disinterested in your presentations, try slowing down and use smaller, lighter baits. Use shallow crankbaits around rip rap. Around grass use worms, jigs, topwater and spinnerbaits. In deeper water, big worms, jigs and spoons are three good options. In winter, spend your time fishing Richard B Russell Lake on deeper structure where the bass spend much of their time. Fishing for largemouth bass can range from fair to very good here, year round.

Bluegill Fishing

Fishing for bluegill and other sunfish is a time-honored tradition at Richard B Russell 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. Other bream species here include redbreast sunfish, redear sunfish, and green sunfish. 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, channel catfish, black crappie, white crappie, rainbow trout, bluegill, redbreast sunfish, redear sunfish, white perch, yellow perch and striped bass at Richard B Russell Lake in Georgia.

Lake Russell Fishing Video

A recreation paradise, Richard B Russell Lake is a 26,650-acre reservoir located on the eastern Georgia border with South Carolina at Calhoun Falls, SC. All types of water sports and on-shore activities are centered around the 540 miles of shoreline of Russell Lake.

Lake Russell, located in northeastern Georgia, is a renowned fishing destination offering a wide variety of fish species for anglers to target. The lake is known for its pristine waters and scenic surroundings, making it an ideal spot for fishing enthusiasts.

Bass fishing is a popular activity on Lake Russell, and the lake boasts a healthy population of both largemouth and spotted bass. Anglers can expect to find quality-sized bass throughout the year, with spring and fall being particularly productive seasons. Techniques such as casting with artificial lures, flipping, and topwater fishing can yield excellent results.

Trout fishing is another highlight of Lake Russell, as the lake is regularly stocked with rainbow trout. Anglers can try their luck in the cooler months when trout are more active. Trolling with small spinners or casting with live bait and artificial flies are effective methods for targeting these beautiful fish.

Perch, including yellow perch, are abundant in Lake Russell and provide a fun angling experience. These feisty fish can be caught using small jigs, spinners, or live bait. They are often found around submerged structures and drop-offs.

Catfish are plentiful in Lake Russell, offering anglers the chance to catch channel catfish. Catfish can be caught using a variety of techniques, including bottom fishing with cut bait, live bait, or prepared baits. The deeper channels and areas near underwater structures are productive spots for targeting these whiskered predators.

Crappie and sunfish are also popular species among anglers on Lake Russell. Crappie, both black and white, can be found around submerged structures and fallen trees. Anglers can use jigs, minnows, or small live bait to entice these tasty panfish. Sunfish, including bluegill and redear sunfish, provide additional fishing opportunities, especially for families and novice anglers.

Lake Russell in Georgia offers a diverse range of fish species, including bass, trout, perch, catfish, crappie, sunfish, and striped bass. With its scenic beauty, ample boating opportunities, and camping facilities, Lake Russell provides a memorable fishing experience for anglers of all skill levels.

Richard B Russell State Park, along with a couple dozen other areas around the lake has boat launch facilities, access for shoreline fishing, campgrounds, RV spaces and picnic areas. But the real attraction here is the fishing. The lake supports both warm-water species and cold-water species of fish. Bass, catfish, crappie, trout, sunfish, perch and striped bass all thrive here. The undeveloped, natural shoreline allows anglers to fish the brush, rocks and wood that bass and other fish use as hideouts. Canoes, kayaks and fishing from the bank are all popular here.

Primary fish species residing in Lake Russell

Click images for fishing tips and details about each species.

Richard B Russell Lake Amenities

Marina: YES
Boat Rental: NO
Boat Launch Ramp: YES
Campgrounds: YES
RV Hookups: YES
Lodging: YES
Convenience Store: YES
Bait & Tackle: YES
Restaurant: YES

Today's Weather & Forecast

Lake Russell is a favorite destination for boating enthusiasts, with its ample space and calm waters. Anglers can explore the lake's various coves and fishing spots using their boats. The lake also features convenient boat ramps and marinas for easy access.

Public Boat Launch Ramps & Landings

Anderson Highway Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the northwest corner of the lake, at the south end of the Anderson Highway Bridge, this is a one-lane, concrete ramp with paved parking.

Dry Fork Landing Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the northwest section of the lake, off Dry Fork Landing Drive, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and gravel parking.

Highway 72 Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the southwest section of the lake, at the west end of the Highway 72 Bridge, this is a three-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.

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

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

Richard B. Russell State Park Boat Ramp
Located in the northwest section of the lake, off Coldwater Ramp Drive, this is a six-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.

Richard B Russell State Park Campground Boat Ramp
Located in the northwest section of the lake, off Campfire Circle, this is a one-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and gravel parking.

Shuck Pen Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the southwest corner of the lake, off Bobby Brown State Park Road, this is a three-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.

Marinas

Beaverdam Marina
1155 Marina Dr #A
Elberton, GA 30635
706 213-6462

Fishing Guides On Lake Russell

Jerry Kotal's Fishing Guide Service - bass, crappie, stripers, catfish

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.

Camping facilities are available near Lake Russell, allowing anglers to extend their fishing trips and enjoy the outdoors. Whether it's pitching a tent at a lakeside campground or renting a cabin, there are plenty of options for overnight stays.

Campgrounds & RV Parks Nearby

Richard B Russell State Park Campground - 706 213-2045

Pine-Der-Rosa Cabins & RV Campground - 706 213-1708

Broad River Campground - 706 359-2053

Sunset Ridge Campground - 706 988-8091