Trout is another favorite game fish, and you’ll find Georgia’s mountain streams enjoyed by fishermen throwing out hand-tied flies to fill a creel. There is also the opportunity to search for that deepwater trophy fish out of marinas in St. Marys, Jekyll Island, Brunswick, St. Simons Island, and Tybee Island. Fishing tournaments of all kinds are scheduled year-round so that you can display your skill at making the big catch.
Forty-five of Georgia’s state parks have bodies of water where
you can fish, from
reservoirs, warm water streams and rivers to lakes of all sizes and saltwater
fishing. To make sure more guests experience the relaxation (and occasional
thrill) of one of Georgia’s most popular sports, several state parks have
programs that allow you to borrow equipment for little or no charge. You just
check out a pole, try your luck and return it when you’re done.
There are also 10 Public Fishing Areas around Georgia. You can fish
from the bank or a boat, picnic, hike, watch wildlife, camp (however, not all
PFAs provide camping), 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. Fish species available
include: largemouth bass,
bream, channel catfish, hybrid striped bass, and crappie.
Get Licensed
Georgia law requires that anyone 16 and older who is fishing have a fishing license in their
possession. There are separate licenses for trout fishing, saltwater shore fishing, and for
fishing in a Wildlife
Management Area. Fishing
licenses can also be combined with hunting licenses in Georgia.
Georgia hunting and fishing licenses are available throughout the state from approximately 400 license agents in many sporting goods stores, marinas, bait and tackle stores, hardware stores, etc. Licenses also may be purchased in person at Department of Natural Resources’ Law Enforcement offices statewide. And for the current Georgia fishing regulations, click here.
Free Fishing Days
Georgia has established certain “free fishing” days
for Georgia residents only. On these days, no fishing or trout license is
required, and no WMA license is required on a Public Fishing Area or Waters Creek trophy trout stream. These
special days do not apply to fees at private lakes, and all other fishing regulations do apply.
