Fishing

There are many different gamefish in Lake Hartwell that offer challenging experiences to fishermen who wish to pursue them.  These predominant species include largemouth bass, striped bass, spotted bass, walleye, catfish, and crappie. 

The largemouth bass is a popular target that can be found in both open waters and sheltered areas throughout the lake.  Largemouth bass typically have a small home range, but within this small area, they move back and forth between shallow and deep water. In the winter, largemouth bass often seek refuge in downed timber and along creek channels. In February and March, largemouths will search for slightly warmer water along shallow banks that contain rocks and fallen trees. Rip-rapped roadsides and bridge abutments are also great places to find largemouth bass during this time of year, especially on windy afternoons when baitfish are pushed close to the shore. In the spring, bass are spawning in shallow coves and creeks near visible structure. During the summer months, bass retreat to cooler water in the 20 to 40-ft depth range. At times, largemouths will race to the surface to attack schools of small herring and shad. This activity provides outstanding topwater action, but it is sporadic, so always have a rod handy that is rigged for topwater action. Fall weather brings about a dramatic transition that may slow down the bite. Anglers should fish main channel and secondary points using a variety of baits and presentations until the right combination for that day is found. Small crankbaits and spinner baits fished in creek channels and points are traditional favorites as well as Texas-rigged soft plastic worms fished on points and around fallen trees. Good locations for largemouth bass fishing include Martin Creek, 26 Mile Creek, and Lightwood Log Creek.  

Spotted bass can be targeted in similar locations using light tackle.  Anglers should target spotted bass in protected areas around structures and weed beds.  Spotted bass are much like their close relative, the redeye bass, in that both species prefer rocky habitats. Rip-rap bridge abutments, rocky points, and the face of the dam provide excellent places to fish for spotted bass. In addition, spotted bass will chase shad and herring in open water in the early morning and evening during the most seasons. Good areas include Lake Hartwell’s shorelines and creeks such as Beaverdam and Coneross.

Striped bass can be targeted through the use of trolling strategies in the lake’s deep regions.  Open waters and the deep area near the Hartwell Dam are good places to target.  The mouths of the Savannah, Tugaloo, and Seneca Rivers are also good places for striped bass fishing. 

Walleye are most common during spring months and can be targeted through the use of crankbaits in shallow regions of Lake Hartwell.  Major lake points and weed beds are often good places to target.   From late-February to early-April, a fishable walleye population occurs in the Tugalo River in the Hartwell headwaters upstream from the Walker Creek boat ramp all the way to Yonah Dam. Walleye average 4 lb in size but fish up to 10 lb have been collected by WRD from this area.  Shallow running lures, like Rapalas, jigs tipped with a curly-tailed grub and nightcrawlers are all effective baits for catching walleye on their spawning migration into the Tugalo River.  Anglers will find walleye from the Walker Creek boat ramp to Yonah Dam from late-February to early April. In other months, walleye cruise the expansive waters of Lake Hartwell and become very difficult to pinpoint. The points at the mouth of the Eastanollee Creek arm are a reliable fall hangout for walleye.

A variety of catfish species can be targeted in Lake Hartwell’s deep areas near the mouths of creeks and holes.  Using a bottom rig, anglers should target areas such as mouth of Lightwood Log Creek and the waters near the Hartwell Dam.  A depth finder can be used to find other holes ideal for targeting catfish. 

Crappie and other panfish can be targeted in areas with weed beds, submerged timber, and other structures.  Creeks, coves, and shorelines are decent places to target. When the water temperature reaches the mid-40s, anglers should fish for crappie in the creek channels using either live bait or by very slowly trolling a small jig. As the water starts to warm in late-February and early-March, crappie will congregate in 10 to 15 feet of water in creek channels and around submerged trees, bridge abutments, roadbeds and under boathouses that contain brush. Dropping live minnows and small crappie jigs into these structures is the best way to fish during the winter months. When the water temperature reaches 65 degrees (F) around early April, crappie will move into 2-3 feet of water around visible submerged cover located in backwater coves. During the fall months, large numbers of crappie congregate in submerged timber in 30 feet of water.  The areas with the largest numbers of crappie on the Georgia side of the lake include Eastanollee Creek, Gum Log Creek, Shoal Creek ,18 mile Creek, Lightwood Log Creek, Martin Creek and the shores of Andersonville Island. In the spring, target visible structure in backwater areas. If you catch one crappie at a location, there will be plenty more in the same vicinity.

Facilities

The facilities and accommodations of Lake Hartwell include private marinas, boat landings, piers, tackle shops, fishing guides, restrooms, lodging, and nearby grocery stores and restaurants.

The Lake

Lake Hartwell is a freshwater reservoir with a total surface area of 56,000 acres.  It has an average depth of 45 feet.  At its deepest point, Lake Hartwell is 185 feet. 

Lake Hartwell is an excellent destination for those fishermen in search of a location that offers a large array of different species and challenges.

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