Fishing

The primary game targets of Richard B. Russell Lake include largemouth bass, crappie, walleye, yellow perch, sunfish, bluegill, catfish, spotted bass, hybrid, white and striped bass. 

Largemouth and spotted bass are among the most frequently targeted species in this body of water.  Anglers should target this species near midlake points and creeks.  Calhoun Falls and many of the water in the lower portion of the reservoir are ideal for bass fishing.  Concentrate in areas such as Beaverdam Creek, Coldwater Creek and Pickens Creek.  Popular year-round baits include spinnerbaits, crankbaits, jerkbaits, topwater baits, jig-head worms, jigs and other plastic baits. These baits can be fished around standing timber, main-lake points, river channel markers, offshore humps, riprap and rocky areas and around lay-down trees.

Striped bass, hybrid & white can be targeted in the deeper regions of Richard B. Russell Lake through trolling tactics.  The lower third of the reservoir and the area near the Lake Russell Dam are excellent locations for targeting striped bass.  During winter months, focus on the lower third of the reservoir and look for striped bass in deeper water following schools of baitfish. During summer, concentrate on the Lake Hartwell tailrace and the Lake Russell Dam area.

The state record walleye came out of Richard B. Russell Lake weighing in at 11 pounds, 6 ounces.

Various species of catfish such as channel can be targeted in the lakes deep regions and near the mouths of old creeks.  Using a bottom rig, fishermen should target the waters near the Lake Russell Dam and various holes through the use of a depth finder. 

Panfish such as crappie, bluegill yellow perch and sunfish are quite abundant in Richard B. Russell Lake.  These species can be targeted in midlake points, coves, creeks, and in various sprawls.  In general, locations that provide shelter from the open water are good areas to search for crappie, bluegill and sunfish.  In early February, concentrate toward the mouths of the creeks, near the main lake and gradually move towards shallower water as temperatures rise in spring. In the spring, target standing timber, man-made brush piles and shallower cover in Coldwater Creek, Pickens Creek and Beaverdam Creek. When water temperatures reach the low 60s (F), target bedding crappie around shallow shoreline cover. During the fall, concentrate on the mouths of the creeks, river channels and bridges. Look for big yellow perch near "Blue Hole" below Calhoun Falls State Park near the intersection of the Savannah River and Rocky River

Facilities

The facilities and accommodations of Richard B. Russell Lake include fishing guides, private marinas, public piers, paved boat landings, restrooms, tackle shops, lodging, and nearby sporting goods stores, grocery stores, and restaurants.

The Lake

Richard B. Russell Lake is a freshwater reservoir with a total surface area of 26,540 acres.  It has a total shore length of 540 miles.  The average depth of this body of water is 38 feet.  At its deepest point, Lake Russell is 167 feet.  Richard B. Russell Lake is located at an elevation of 475 feet.

Richard B. Russell Lake is an ideal fishing destination for anglers in search of a quiet location with plenty of space to target some freshwater favorites.

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