A Lake Hartwell fishing adventure offers up some of the best freshwater angling action in the Southeastern US. It's located only about 2 hours from Atlanta, GA, as well as from Columbia, SC, making this honey hole a year-round favorite for local and visiting anglers. Whether you're looking for a serene day on the water or a testy battle with a big fish, Lake Hartwell delivers.
The clear favorites for Lake Hartwell anglers are Hybrid and Striped Bass. Anyone who's tried casting for these fish knows why – they bite quickly and furiously, providing for one of the best freshwater battles around. Lake Hartwell isn't a one trick pony fishery, though. There's also a great stock of Largemouth Bass, Spotted Bass, Catfish, and Crappie.
Lake Hartwell's fish stock is so good, it's easy to hook your limits of 10 fish per day. Even if you've only got a couple of hours to spare, you'll go home with some Catfish and Crappie. If you came in the hope of battling some Hybrid or Striped Bass, and you've got the time, nothing quite does it like a full day trip.
The South Carolina-Georgia border effectively splits Lake Hartwell in two. This means you can access the lake from boat ramps in both states. Hartwell Marina in Georgia and Big Water Marina and Campground in South Carolina are both popular departure points.
Rules & Regulations
You can fish anywhere on Lake Hartwell with a valid South Carolina or Georgia fishing license. A fishing license is required for all anglers over the age of 16. To improve your chances of catching fish and ensure you're fishing lawfully, heading out with a guide is recommended.