Lake Allatoona, a prominent reservoir in north Georgia, is a popular fishing destination. Located just north of Atlanta, this expansive lake covers approximately 12,000 acres and boasts about 270 miles of shoreline, offering diverse aquatic environments for many fish species. Its appeal stems from its natural beauty and robust fishery, supported by regular fish stocking programs from the Georgia Department of Natural Resources.
Primary Game Fish
Lake Allatoona is recognized for its abundant black bass population, primarily spotted bass, which make up 80 to 90 percent of the black bass in the lake. These fish typically stay under 14 inches but can exceed 20 inches. They prefer deeper habitats like main lake points and shoals, spawning in water 6 to 12 feet deep.
While less abundant, largemouth bass are also present and often achieve greater individual sizes than spotted bass, with some exceeding 5 pounds. They favor shallower coves and backwaters, particularly areas with fallen trees and other submerged structures within the Little River, Etowah River, and Allatoona Creek sections. Spawning occurs in water 1 to 6 feet deep.
The lake also sustains populations of striped bass and hybrid striped bass, with striped bass fingerlings stocked annually. Striped bass are often found in the main lake during cooler months, migrating to tributary headwaters in spring for spawning. Hybrid striped bass average around 2 pounds but can reach 4-5 pounds, typically located in deeper, cooler waters, especially in summer.
Both black and white crappie are common in Lake Allatoona, with black crappie being more prevalent. These fish average 9 to 10 inches and weigh 1/3 to 1/2 pound. Crappie inhabit deeper waters near tributary mouths and the main lake during winter, moving to shallower areas with woody cover like stumps and downed trees for spring spawning.
Channel, flathead, and blue catfish thrive in Lake Allatoona. Channel catfish are the most widespread, typically measuring 13 to 16 inches. Flatheads and blue catfish, though less numerous, often grow significantly larger, with blue catfish exceeding 50 pounds. These bottom-dwelling fish gravitate towards rocky banks, rip-rapped shorelines, and woody debris in coves and tributary mouths.
Additional Aquatic Species
Beyond primary game fish, Lake Allatoona’s ecosystem supports several other species. Various sunfish, such as bluegill, redear sunfish, and redbreast sunfish, are present. Bluegill are the most abundant, typically measuring around 5 inches, while redear sunfish can exceed 9 inches. These panfish serve as a food source for larger predatory fish.
Forage fish, particularly gizzard shad and threadfin shad, are crucial to Lake Allatoona’s food web. Gizzard shad prefer silted creeks and backwaters, while threadfin shad are found in large schools in open waters. Their abundance sustains larger game fish, especially striped and hybrid bass. Other species like carp, smallmouth buffalo, and various gars also inhabit Lake Allatoona.
Fishing Regulations and Public Access
Anglers fishing on Lake Allatoona must adhere to Georgia’s statewide fishing regulations. A current Georgia fishing license is required for anyone 16 or older, obtainable online, by phone, or from authorized vendors.
Specific regulations, such as catch limits, size restrictions, and seasonal rules, apply to different fish species and are subject to change. The Georgia Department of Natural Resources (DNR) publishes a guide detailing these regulations, which anglers should consult before fishing. For instance, blueback herring is now permitted as bait in Lake Allatoona.
Lake Allatoona offers numerous public access points for anglers, including boat ramps, fishing jetties, and day-use areas. Many facilities are managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and may require a fee for vehicle entry or boat launching, typically around $5. Popular access points include Payne Boat Ramp, Blockhouse Park, and Victoria Day Use Area, which often feature amenities like parking and restrooms.