Public Fishing Areas (PFAs) are great places to go for family outings. Many PFAs offer scenic kid-friendly bank fishing areas. |
| Locations below are listed by regions and their contact information. Check out the Georgia WRD Map that shows where these Wildlife Management Areas, Wildlife Public Fishing Areas, Natural Areas, Environmental Education Centers and Archery-Firearms Ranges are located in the state. |
| Fisheries Management Section Offices: |
 Albany: 229-430-4256 Burton: 706-947-3112 Calhoun: 706-629-1259 or 770-387-4821 Charlie Elliott Wildlife Center: 770-784-3059 Dawson: 229-995-4486 Fort Valley: 478-825-6151 Gainesville: 770-535-5498 Social Circle: 770-918-6418 Summerville: 706-857-3394 Thomson: 706-595-1619 West Point: 706-845-4180 |
| Fishing on Wildlife Management Areas |
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Unless otherwise posted, fishing is allowed on WMAs according to state-wide regulations. Alcohol use is prohibited on WMAs except in designated camping areas. Refer to the Hunting Regulations guide for a complete list of WMA regulations. |
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A Fishing License only is the only requirement to fish on WMAs (plus a Trout License is also required to fish designated trout waters on a WMA). A Fishing License and a WMA License is required to fish on state Public Fishing Areas (PFAs) and Waters Creek Trophy Trout Stream on Chestatee WMA. |
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Beaverdam WMA, Tuckahoe WMA and Yuchi WMA have state-operated boat ramps that allow for fishing access to public rivers and waters. |
| Perfect Family Areas |
| Public Fishing Areas are great places for family outings. You can fish from the bank or a boat, picnic, hike, watch wildlife, camp (not all PFAs provide camping, check individual PFA pages at links on the right for more details), and enjoy being outdoors. Good bank fishing opportunities are available at all PFAs and many of them have special kids fishing areas for young anglers. So check out a PFA and see what you, your family, and friends have been missing! |
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| What to expect at a PFA |
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Clean, safe, well-maintained, and family-friendly fishing environment. A variety of fish species available for harvest and the potential for catching a fish of a lifetime at some PFAs. Fish species available to the angler include: largemouth bass, bream (bluegill & redear sunfish), channel catfish, hybrid striped bass, and crappie. |
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Fish that are have been tested for contaminants for your safety - PFA lakes have been sampled as part of the DNR fish consumption testing program. |
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Intensively managed lakes and ponds including those that receive fertilization and liming to increase fish harvest opportunities. You can find just the right water body for your fishing experience. |
| Other Amenities |
Boat ramps and fishing piers at many lakes.
Restrooms and vending machines (drinks and snacks at some PFAs).
On-site maintenance staff and Area Managers at many PFAs. |
| Things to Know Before Fishing |
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Licenses:
Anglers 16 years of age and older must posses a current fishing license and Wildlife Management Area (WMA) license to fish. |
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A WMA license is not required to fish at Rocky Mountain Recreation & PFA.
Senior (65+) Lifetime and Honorary License holders are not required to possess a WMA license to fish. |
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If you possess a Sportsman's License or a One-Day Fishing License (resident or nonresident) you are not required to possess a WMA license. |
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PFAs are open year-round, seven days a week from sunrise to sunset. |
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Length limit for Largemouth bass - 14 inch minimum |
| Daily Possession Limits |
| Largemouth bass - 5 Bream or sunfish (any one or a combination) - 15 Channel catfish - 5 Grass carp (white amur) must be immediately released. |
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| Operation of Boats |
| You can operate fishing boats propelled by paddles, oars, or electric motors on ponds or lakes, unless otherwise posted. |
| You can operate outboard motors at idle speed only on lakes posted as open to the use of outboard motors. |
| Unlawful Activities |
Consume alcoholic beverages except at campsites on the area. No alcoholic beverages are allowed on Rocky Mountain Recreation & PFA.
Fish except during the time between sunrise and sunset.
Fish in a pond or lake that has been posted as "closed".
Fish with any gear other than pole and line.
Fish with more than two poles and lines.
Use or possess live fish for bait, unless the lake or pond has been posted otherwise.
Operate personal watercraft (jet skis), sailboats, or sailboards.
Park a vehicle at any place within a PFA where signs prohibit parking.
Drive or otherwise operate a vehicle on any road posted "closed" to vehicular access, drive around a closed gate or cable blocking a road, or drive on any road that is not receiving maintenance for the purpose of vehicular access.
Camp any place other than designated camping areas. Note: Contact the PFA before visiting for all regulations regarding camping.
Swim, except at Rocky Mountain Recreation & PFA beach.
For children under 14 years of age to enter or remain on any PFA unless under the supervision of an adult.
For horses to be on areas other than those designated as open to equestrian use. |
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