Panfish, Perch & Sunfish Fishing In Georgia

Guide to fishing for panfish in GA lakes and ponds.

By AA-Fishing Staff Writers

Throughout the state of Georgia you can find waters with populations of sunfish, including bluegill, flier sunfish, green sunfish, redbreast sunfish, redear sunfish, spotted sunfish, warmouth, white bass and yellow perch. The purpose of this page is to share basic information about panfish fishing and identify popular sunfish fishing waters in the state.

Georgia is home to excellent panfish fishing options, making it an ideal destination for youth anglers. Among the popular panfish species in Georgia are sunfish, including bluegill, green sunfish, and redear sunfish, as well as various species of perch.

Bluegill Fishing Basics Video

The core principles shown in this video will work for most sunfish, perch and other panfish.

Bluegill are one of the most common and widespread panfish in Georgia. They are known for their willingness to bite and can be found in abundance in many lakes, ponds, and rivers throughout the state. These feisty fighters provide great action for young anglers and are often the target species for youth fishing events and programs.

Green sunfish are another popular panfish species in Georgia. They are known for their aggressive nature and can provide an exciting challenge for young anglers. Green sunfish can be found in a variety of habitats, including ponds, small lakes, and slow-moving streams.

Redear sunfish, also known as shellcrackers, are sought after for their large size and delicious taste. These fish are known for their preference for feeding on snails and other mollusks, which gives them a unique flavor. Redear sunfish can be found in lakes and ponds across Georgia and are a favorite target for young anglers looking for a trophy catch.

Perch species, such as yellow perch and white perch, are also common in Georgia waters. These smaller panfish provide an opportunity for young anglers to hone their fishing skills and experience the excitement of catching multiple fish in a single outing. Perch can be found in lakes, reservoirs, and rivers throughout the state.

Panfish fishing in Georgia is not only enjoyable but also a great way to introduce young anglers to the sport of fishing. These fish are abundant, easy to catch, and provide plenty of action, ensuring a fun and rewarding experience for youth anglers. Whether fishing from the bank, a dock, or a boat, Georgia's panfish fisheries offer a fantastic opportunity for kids to develop their fishing skills and create lifelong memories on the water.

Sunfish Fishing Lakes in Georgia

Georgia lakes are virtual fish factories. Panfish like most species flourish in the warm waters with long growing seasons. All major lakes including Banks Lake, Blue Ridge Lake, Carters Lake, Chatuge Lake, Clarks Hill Lake, Lake Allatoona, 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, Shamrock Lake and West Point Lake have a population of panfish.

Top Producing Panfish Lures & Bait

Check out the top producing lures and bait for bluegill, redear sunfish, rock bass and warmouth, as well as other smaller sunfish. Click here for the best lures for white bass, yellow bass, white perch and yellow perch.

In-state panfish, sunfish and perch

Click the images and links above for species details.

Georgia State Record Sunfish

The state record bluegill was caught from Shamrock Lake.

The state record flier sunfish came from a private pond.

The state record green sunfish came from a private pond.

The state record redbreast sunfish came out of a private pond.

The state record redear sunfish came out of a private pond.

The state record spotted sunfish was caught in a private pond.

The state record warmouth came out of a private pond.

The state record white bass came from Lake Lanier.

The state record yellow perch was caught from the Savannah River.

One or more species of sunfish populate virtually all warm water streams, ponds and lakes throughout Georgia, and around the world for that matter. They can survive in waters that provide their natural food source of minnows, insects, crustaceans and worms. Their competitive nature amongst themselves, for food, makes them relatively easy to catch.

Panfish are prolific spawners and repopulate the waters as fast as they are harvested. A common problem with panfish fishing is that the waters are under-fished causing panfish to overpopulate. As a result they tend to stay small in size due to lack of food source.

The term "panfish" comprises many species, each called by a variety of names. The bluegill tops the list and is the most common.

Sunfish information in other states.