Are you ready to catch some huge catfish in Georgia? Well, if the answer is yes, then you’re in luck! We’ve gone ahead and researched all over the Peach State to find the best places to fish for catfish. Whether you’re experienced or just starting out, our list of locations has something for everyone. Let’s dive right into it – keep reading to discover some of your new favorite spots for catching big catfish in Georgia!
Best Catfish Fishing Locations in Georgia
Georgia is a paradise for catfish anglers, with numerous rivers, lakes, and reservoirs teeming with various species of catfish. Here are some of the best catfish fishing locations in the state, along with details about each location and the fish species you can expect to find there.
1. Lake Oconee
Located southeast of Atlanta, Lake Oconee is a 19,050-acre reservoir with over 375 miles of shoreline. It was created in 1979 when the Wallace Dam was built on the Oconee River. The lake is surrounded by beautiful scenery, including forests and gently rolling hills. The rich aquatic vegetation and numerous coves provide excellent habitat for catfish, making it an angler’s paradise.
Some popular fishing spots at Lake Oconee include Sugar Creek, the Richland Creek area, and the area near the dam. Bank fishing is also popular along the shoreline, with public access points such as Swords Park and Oconee Springs Park.
Fish Species:
- Channel Catfish
- Blue Catfish
- Flathead Catfish
- White Catfish
2. Clarks Hill Lake (J. Strom Thurmond Reservoir)
At 71,000 acres, Clarks Hill Lake (also known as J. Strom Thurmond Reservoir) is Georgia’s largest reservoir. It is located on the border between Georgia and South Carolina, with its dam situated on the Savannah River. The lake has a diverse habitat, including rocky points, submerged timber, and deep channels – perfect for catfish to thrive.
Some excellent catfish fishing spots at Clarks Hill Lake include the Little River area, the Keg Creek area, and around the numerous bridges crossing the lake. Several parks and recreation areas along the shoreline provide boat ramps and bank fishing access, including Amity Recreation Area and Mistletoe State Park.
Fish Species:
- Channel Catfish
- Blue Catfish
- Flathead Catfish
- White Catfish
3. Lake Blackshear
Lake Blackshear is an 8,500-acre reservoir created in 1930 by the Crisp County Power Commission. It is located in central Georgia and is fed by the Flint River. The lake’s diverse structure, including shallow flats, deep channels, and submerged vegetation, creates an ideal environment for catfish to thrive.
Popular catfish fishing spots at Lake Blackshear include the areas around Highway 280 Bridge, Cedar Creek, and Swift Creek. Several parks and recreation areas provide access for anglers, such as Georgia Veterans State Park and Blackshear Resort & Golf Club.
Fish Species:
- Channel Catfish
- Blue Catfish
- Flathead Catfish
- Bullhead Catfish
4. Chattahoochee River
The Chattahoochee River is a 430-mile-long river that starts in the Blue Ridge Mountains and flows through Atlanta before joining the Flint River to form the Apalachicola River. The river’s diverse habitat, including rocky shoals, deep pools, and fallen timber, offers excellent opportunities for catfish anglers.
Some prime catfish fishing spots along the Chattahoochee River include the West Point Dam, Morgan Falls, and Jones Bridge Park areas. Public access points can be found at various parks and recreation sites, such as Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area and Cochran Shoals Park.
Fish Species:
- Channel Catfish
- Flathead Catfish
- Blue Catfish
- Bullhead Catfish
5. Altamaha River
The Altamaha River is one of Georgia’s largest rivers, spanning over 137 miles and draining an area of 14,000 square miles. It is formed by the confluence of the Oconee and Ocmulgee Rivers and flows into the Atlantic Ocean. The river’s diverse habitat, including sandbars, deep bends, and undercut banks, provides excellent conditions for catfish populations to flourish.
Some top catfish fishing locations on the Altamaha River include the areas around the U.S. Highway 301 Bridge, the Altamaha Park area, and the Lewis Island area. Public access points are available at numerous boat ramps and parks along the river, such as Altamaha Regional Park and Deen’s Landing.
Fish Species:
- Channel Catfish
- Flathead Catfish
- Blue Catfish
- White Catfish
- Bullhead Catfish
6. Lake Sinclair
Lake Sinclair is a 15,330-acre reservoir located in central Georgia, created in 1953 by the construction of Sinclair Dam on the Oconee River. The lake has over 400 miles of shoreline and features a diverse habitat with shallow coves, deep channels, and submerged structures, making it an excellent environment for catfish.
Notable catfish fishing spots at Lake Sinclair include the areas around Rooty Creek, Beaverdam Creek, and the area near the dam. Public access points for anglers can be found at several parks and marinas, such as Twin Bridges Landing and Rocky Creek Park.
Fish Species:
- Channel Catfish
- Blue Catfish
- Flathead Catfish
- White Catfish
7. Lake Walter F. George (Lake Eufaula)
Lake Walter F. George, also known as Lake Eufaula, is a 45,000-acre reservoir located on the Chattahoochee River between Georgia and Alabama. The lake was created in 1963 with the construction of the Walter F. George Dam. With its numerous creeks, submerged timber, and deep channels, Lake Walter F. George provides a favorable habitat for catfish to thrive.
Prime catfish fishing spots at Lake Walter F. George include Pataula Creek, Sandy Creek, and Cowikee Creek. Public access for anglers is available at various parks and boat ramps, such as Florence Marina State Park and Highland Park Fish Camp.
Fish Species:
- Channel Catfish
- Blue Catfish
- Flathead Catfish
- Bullhead Catfish
8. Ocmulgee River
The Ocmulgee River is a 255-mile-long river that begins in central Georgia and flows southeast to join the Oconee River and form the Altamaha River. The river’s diverse habitat includes rocky shoals, deep pools, and sandbars, creating ideal conditions for catfish to flourish.
Top catfish fishing locations on the Ocmulgee River include the areas around Bond Swamp National Wildlife Refuge, the Juliette Dam, and the Macon area. Public access points for anglers are available at several parks and boat ramps, such as Popes Ferry Landing and Amerson River Park.
Fish Species:
- Channel Catfish
- Flathead Catfish
- Blue Catfish
- Bullhead Catfish
9. Flint River
The Flint River is a 344-mile-long river that originates in central Georgia and flows south to join the Chattahoochee River and form the Apalachicola River. The Flint River’s diverse habitat includes limestone outcroppings, deep bends, and submerged timber, providing an excellent environment for catfish populations.
Some of the best catfish fishing spots along the Flint River include the areas around Sprewell Bluff Park, the Bainbridge area, and the Albany area. Numerous public access points can be found at parks and boat ramps along the river, such as Mitchell County Landing and Hightower Park.
Fish Species:
- Channel Catfish
- Flathead Catfish
- Blue Catfish
- Bullhead Catfish
10. Lake Seminole
Lake Seminole is a 37,500-acre reservoir located in southwest Georgia, created in 1957 by the construction of the Jim Woodruff Dam on the Chattahoochee River. The lake features a diverse habitat with shallow flats, deep channels, and submerged vegetation, making it a prime location for catfish fishing.
Popular catfish fishing spots at Lake Seminole include the areas around Fish Pond Drain, Spring Creek, and the Chattahoochee River arm of the lake. Public access points for anglers are available at several parks and boat ramps, such as Seminole State Park and Chattahoochee Park.
Fish Species:
- Channel Catfish
- Blue Catfish
- Flathead Catfish
- Bullhead Catfish
These additional locations further showcase the fantastic catfish fishing opportunities in Georgia. With its abundant waterways and thriving catfish populations, anglers can enjoy a diverse and rewarding catfishing experience throughout the state.
Georgia is a great place to catch catfish, no matter the angler’s skill level. There are so many spots with bountiful catfish that it can be hard to choose where to go. Now that you have seen our list of some of the best catfish fishing locations in the state, it is time to get out there and cast your line! Maybe you’ll even catch your record-breaking fish! And don’t forget that Georgia also has plenty of other types of fish to bring home.
Catch them all! Don’t miss out on any amazing fishing opportunities – continue exploring and researching for more top spots here in GA. If you need more tips or information, read our other articles about fishing hot spots, baits, gear, and techniques. We hope we got your line wet today!