Lake Hartwell, a reservoir spanning the border of Georgia and South Carolina, is a popular fishing destination in the American Southeast. This expansive body of water, covering approximately 56,000 acres with nearly 1,000 miles of shoreline, offers diverse aquatic habitats. Formed by the impoundment of the Savannah River, which includes the confluence of the Tugaloo and Seneca rivers, Lake Hartwell provides an environment where various fish species thrive, making it popular among anglers.
Popular Game Fish
Lake Hartwell is known for its game fish, attracting anglers seeking a challenging and rewarding experience. Striped bass and hybrid striped bass are particularly popular targets. Striped bass often range from 5 to 12 pounds but can exceed 50 pounds, offering a powerful fight. Hybrid striped bass, typically 2 to 5 pounds, are known for their tenacity.
Largemouth bass are widely sought after, commonly found near underwater structures such as rocks and fallen trees. Most caught fall within the 1 to 3-pound range. Spotted bass, though generally smaller than largemouth bass, are noted for their prolonged and vigorous fight once hooked, often congregating in open water. Lake Hartwell also supports black and white crappie, which are popular panfish, with many reaching around one pound. Additionally, the lake is home to three types of catfish—Flathead, Blue, and Channel—with Blue and Flathead catfish capable of reaching weights exceeding 100 pounds.
Other Common Fish Species
Beyond game fish, Lake Hartwell supports a variety of other common species. Bream, including Bluegill, Redear Sunfish, and Shellcrackers, are present throughout the lake. These panfish are often found congregating under docks, around piers, and in submerged brush.
Walleye are also present in Lake Hartwell, one of only two lakes in South Carolina where they can be found. These fish are often targeted during springtime when they migrate from deep to shallow waters. Rainbow Trout can be caught, particularly in the tailwaters below the Lake Hartwell Dam.
Fishing Hotspots and Techniques
Anglers can find productive fishing in Lake Hartwell by focusing on specific areas and employing suitable techniques. Creek channels, points, and submerged structures are productive locations for various species. Beaverdam Creek, Lightwood Log Creek, and Six and Twenty Creek are known for bass, crappie, and catfish. The main lake channel, especially below the Seneca-Tugaloo confluence, is active during summer for hybrid bass, striped bass, and catfish.
During spring, bass are found in shallow coves and creeks near visible structures. In summer, they move to deeper, cooler waters, often 20 to 40 feet deep. Live bait, such as blueback herring, is effective for striped and hybrid bass, while minnows are preferred for crappie. For bass, topwater lures, plastic worms, jigs, and crankbaits are used. Catfish, known as bottom feeders, are caught using worms, chicken livers, or cut bait, especially at night.
Essential Fishing Regulations
Fishing in Lake Hartwell requires adherence to state and local regulations to conserve fish populations and ensure safety. All anglers aged 16 and older must possess a valid freshwater fishing license. Due to the lake straddling the Georgia and South Carolina border, a reciprocal agreement allows anglers to fish anywhere on Lake Hartwell with a license from either state.
Specific catch limits and size restrictions apply to various species. For example, a combined total of 10 black bass (largemouth, spotted, or smallmouth) are permitted per person per day, with largemouth bass requiring a minimum length of 12 inches. Striped bass and hybrid bass have a daily possession limit of 10 combined, with only three allowed to be over 26 inches in total length. Anglers should consult the official websites of the Georgia Department of Natural Resources and the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources for the most current regulations before their trip.