| General Information |
The Parks, Recreation and Historic Sites Division of the Georgia DNR
operates High Falls Lake for recreational purposes that include sport fishing. The lake is open to fishing during daylight hours
only, and the operation of motors greater than 10 horsepower are prohibited.
Angling prospects are compiled by fisheries biologists and are based on sampling efforts of the Georgia Department of Natural Resources (DNR), knowledge of past fishing trends, angling experience and information provided by anglers and marina owners. For more information, contact the Wildlife Resources Division Fisheries office at 478-825-6151.
Fees: Yes. For current fee, call the contact information below. |
| Boat Ramps |
| Boating access is provided by two boat ramps, one at the park office near the dam and one in Buck Creek. |
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| Best Fishing Bets |
| Largemouth Bass, Bream, Catfish, Crappie and Striped Bass |
Largemouth Bass - High Falls lake is an untapped resource to bass anglers. The relative number of large bass (15-25 inches) is ranked near the top among major reservoirs within the state with approximately 33 percent of the population larger than 15 inches. The average bass is around 13 inches and weighs about 1 ½ pounds. Relatively low bass fishing pressure (due to motor restrictions) and high numbers of large fish should result in some very good bass fishing.
Technique - Try crankbaits and jigs in Buck Creek and Watkin's Bottom during spring and fall for big fish. For lunkers, try "pitching" spinner baits around docks and downed trees during early to mid-morning.
Target - Target areas with point bars and downed trees in the water. |
Crappie are very abundant with trophy potential. Expect average catches between 8 and 10 inches, though 1-2 pounders are available.
Technique - Trolling jigs above the dam, around drop-offs, points and creek channels is effective in winter and early spring. Minnows and jigs fished in shallow water near brush, stumps or blow-downs is most effective once water temperatures reach 60 degrees in the spring.
Target - Look for submerged timber and stumps near the main channel for late fall and wintering schools of crappie. |
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Catfish - Channel catfish numbers have steadily increased over the last few years due to excellent recruitment. An abundance of small channel catfish (less than 11 inches) indicate a strong year-class and some exceptional fishing may be expected in the up-coming years. Channel catfish are more common than flatheads and average around 1 pound, however, those exceeding 5 pounds are abundant. Trophy-size flatheads of 20 pounds or greater also are available.
Technique - Drift fishing with live or cut shad is recommended.
Target - Fish deep holes and channel bends in the lower end of the lake for flatheads and channel cats. |
Striped Bass - Both striped bass and hybrids were stocked until 2006. Since then, only striper stocking has continued to support a state-wide effort to re-establish the native striped bass into the watershed. Although hybrid stocking ceased in 2006, a fair number of fish are still available with most catches averaging 4-10 pounds and about 70 percent of the population greater than 20 inches. Stripers will average 2-4 pounds and a few will reach a quality size of up to 26 inches.
Technique - Try working spoons and grub baits just above the dam during winter and early spring. For large hybrids, try drift fishing with live or cut shad.
Target - Try working spoons and grub baits just above the dam during winter and early spring. For large hybrids, try drift fishing with live or cut shad. |
Other Fish Species - Bream are abundant but few reach catchable size. Bluegill and redear (shellcracker) are the most plentiful; however, redbreast also are available. Expect the average bluegill to reach 3 to 6 inches and the less abundant redear to reach 4 to 7 inches.
Technique - Live worms and crickets are favorite bait for bream.
Target brush piles and vegetation. |
| Contact Info |
| High Falls State Park - Phone: 478-993-3053 |
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Georgia Lakes
