If you could only choose one source for fishing information for the lake or river you plan to visit, the Georgia Department of Natural Resources has a suggestion, the Georgia Fishing Forecasts.
The DNR’s Wildlife Resources Division fisheries biologists and technicians annually update the fishing forecasts for 31 Georgia reservoirs and 19 rivers, and they are available in one online location at GeorgiaWildlife.com/fishing-forecasts.
“If you know the location where you will be fishing, you need to check out the Georgia Fishing Forecast for that water body,” said Scott Robinson, chief of the DNR’s Fisheries Management Section. “You will find best lures, technique tips, suggested locations to target and the information is connected to an interactive map, providing an additional helpful layer to this already excellent resource.”
Lake forecasts include Allatoona, Andrews, Bartlett’s Ferry, Big Haynes (Randy Poynter), Blackshear, Blue Ridge, Burton, Carters, Chatuge, Chehaw, Clarks Hill, Goat Rock, Hamburg, Hartwell, High Falls, Jackson, Juliette, Lanier, Nottely, Oconee, Oliver, Rabun, Richard B. Russell, Seed, Seminole, Sinclair, Tobesofkee, Tugalo, Varner, Walter F. George, West Point and Yonah.
Rivers detailed include the Ogeechee, Altamaha, Savannah, Chattahoochee, Chattooga, Conasauga, Coosa, Coosawattee, Etowah, Flint, Ochlockonee, Ocmulgee, Oconee, Oostanaula, Satilla, Savannah, St. Marys, Suwannee and Toccoa rivers.
For more fishing tips, go to the weekly Fishing Blog at GeorgiaWildlife.blog/category/fishing.
For more information on fishing in Georgia, visit GeorgiaWildlife.com/fishing/angler-resources.
2024 Angler Awards
More than 300 anglers reeled in a Georgia Angler Award last year. You could be on the 2024 list.
According to a release from the Department of Natural Resources, the Angler Award program recognizes individuals who catch fish that meet or exceed a specific weight or length for that species, according to the DNR’s Wildlife Resources Division. Anglers submitting successful applications receive a frameable certificate, a t-shirt and a custom hat.
“The Angler Award program generates excitement for anglers with rewards and recognition, which then motivates them to continue fishing throughout their life and encourages them to share their love of fishing with others,” Robinson said. “The fact that we continue to see an increase in the number of Angler Awards issued each year hopefully means more folks sharing more fishing opportunities with more people – and that is great news for the future of fishing.”
Angler Award Opportunities:
Angler Award-Adult: Anglers (age 16 and up) can be rewarded for catching quality size fish (kept fish or catch-and-release) that meet or beat a specific weight or length.
Angler Award-Youth: Anglers (age 15 and younger) can be rewarded for catching quality size fish (kept fish or catch-and-release) that meet or beat a specific weight or length. Note: weights and lengths reduced for youth Angler Awards.
Trophy Largemouth Bass: Recognizing catches of largemouth bass weighing 10+ pounds. Catch one that is 13+ pounds? Get a free replica mount for fish that qualify!
PFA Record: Recognizing the largest fish of each species caught and properly documented at each PFA. Species include Largemouth Bass, Black or White Crappie, Bluegill, Redear Sunfish, and Channel Catfish.
Anglers need to review all Angler Award program rules before submitting applications. Find the need-to-know info, including rules, weights/lengths, photo requirements and more at GeorgiaWildlife.com/fishing/anglerawards.
Other Fishing Recognition Programs:
State Records: WRD maintains a freshwater fish state-record program for anglers who land a catch that exceeds the existing record weight by one ounce or more. More information at GeorgiaWildlife.com/fishing/recordprogram/rules.
Kids First Fish Certificate: Caught your first fish? Get a “first fish award” certificate at GeorgiaWildlife.com/my-first.
Georgia Bass Slam: This program recognizes anglers that catch at least five of the 10 black bass species found in Georgia within a calendar year. Find more info at BassSlam.com.
Trout Slam: Catch all 3 species of trout available in Georgia waters and earn a Trout Slam! More info at GeorgiaWildlife.com/trout-slam.
A certified scale
Whether applying for an angler award (by weight) or trying to certify a new state record – fish must be weighed on a scale that has been certified accurate by the GA Department of Agriculture. Find a list of certificated scales at GeorgiaWildlife.com/fishing/angler-resources (look under “Angler Recognition Programs”). Can’t find a certified scale near you on the list? Check with your nearby grocery or hardware store, local marina, or reach out to your local WRD Fisheries Office (GeorgiaWildlife.com/about/contact#fish).