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It flows from the merging of the Ocmulgee and Oconee rivers, forming
the largest free flowing river in Georgia. |
Once a major thoroughfare for steamboat traffic, the Altamaha now hosts a variety of sporting activities, ranging from bank and boat fishing, to canoeing, leisure boating, to tournament angling.
The Altamaha River's many public access points provide boaters and fishermen an easy avenue to almost the entire river. Fishermen can find an abundance of freshwater fish species includig, largemouth bass, redbreast sunfish, bluegill, redear sunfish, crappied, channel catfish, white catfish and flathead catfish. The diversity of recreational opportunities along with the natural beauty of this wide, meandering river make it a primary resource for freshwater recreational activity in SE Georgia. |
| Best Fishing Bets |
| Largemouth bass, flathead catfish, crappie and bream |
| Altamaha River Fishing Tips |
The Altamaha River is one of the premier flathead catfish rivers in the southeast. Many large flathead catfish or "apaloosas", commonly reach 30 to 50 pounds. They are abundant in the Altamaha River. flathead catfish are yellow-dark brown in color with brown or black motting. Flatheads can be disquinshed by the white tip on the upper lobe of their tail fin.
Although flatheads can be caught year round, the peak in flathead fishing occurs during the sumer months. Flathead catfish perfer deep holes with cover located along the outside bends in the river.
If using sporting tackle, a minimum of 30 lb. lest line is recommended due to the flatheads' large size and the numerous snags in the river. Live bait is a must. Louisiana pinks, shiners, and bream are some fo the more popular baits. Limb lines or trot lines set ovenight using "hand-size bream" as bait are the most popular methods of catching flatheads. |
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| Largemouth Bass are a highly sought after species in the Altamaha.Bass fishing begins to pick up as water temperatures approach 60 degrees F. Oxbows and cover (fallen trees, brush piles and rocks) in the main river channel are the more productive base fishing areas. Jigs, plastic worms, spinner baits and minnow type lures are effective baits for largemouths. Lures should be presented as close to cover as possible for best results. |
| Redbreast Sunfish are also a favorite among many Altamaha anglers. Peak fishing for redbreast occures furing April-June and is closely related to water levels. Preferred habitat for this species is cover in the deep holes locaed along the main river channel. Live bait and artificial lures are both effective for catching redbreast. Crickets and worms fished under a bobber is a popular live bait technique. Small beetle spins, rooster tails and popping bugs (on a fly rod) are effective artivicial lures for enticing redbreast sunfish to strike. |
| Bluegill and Redear Sunfish (shellcracker) fishing usually begins in late April when these species start becking and continues throughout the summer. Most of the fishing for these two species is in the still-water (oxbow) lakes off the main river channel. Bluegill and redear sunfish can be harvested using the same methods as described for redberast, but slower moving water is usually better for these two species. |
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Check These Out:
 Georgia Lakes
WMA Public Fishing Areas
GA Fishing Lakes
Georgia Rivers & Map
GA Lakes & Rivers Map
Water Safety
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