In Georgia, Striped Bass fishing is more than a sport, it’s a point of stately pride. For good reason, too! The state of Georgia stocks a large number of Stripers to ensure all anglers get a chance at this gorgeous fish.

Georgia Striper Fishing Spots

You can go for Striped Bass all across the state. Many freshwater rivers and lakes as well as reservoirs are a great home for these prestigious predators. These are just some of the many locations for catching these beasts:

Lake Lanier

This huge mountain lake is one of the best places for fishing Striped Bass in the state and, arguably, the entire Southeast region of the US. During warmer weather the Bass will go after Shad and Blueback Herrings, but when it’s colder they will eat up smaller baitfish, too.

Lake Strom Thurmond (Clarks Hill Lake)

The lake is stocked full of Striped Bass every year, with a very large and healthy Shad and Herring population to keep the Stripers happy and busy.

Lake Richard B. Russell

This is the lake where the current state record for Striped Bass was set. Terry McConnel tied the 1967 record with an absolute monstrosity he took from the water – a 63 lb cow. Anglers should target the deeper waters around the dam and large creek arms.

Chattahoochee and Flint Rivers

If you’re keen on getting some proper river Striper, these rivers offer absolutely fantastic fishing for various species, Striped Bass included. Certain parts of the river are closed for Striper fishing from May 1st through October 31st.

Georgia Striper Fishing Techniques

During warm months Stripers like cooler, deeper waters in the landlocked reservoirs of Georgia. As the weather cools, they’ll move out into the rivers where they can be targeted much more easily. Fighting a massive Striped Bass during winter is considered one of the more prestigious (and intense!) fights a freshwater angler can find her or himself in. Striped Bass like to munch on Threadfin Shad and Blueback Herrings in river canals and around underwater islands. Live bait is a favorite for many anglers, with Minnows, Shad, or Herrings bringing in the biggest catch.

What to bring

What equipment you should bring for Stripers depends on when and where you are targeting them. They can be caught with live baits, flies, lures, jigs, all depending on the waters fished. When they’re deep in lakes, jigs and jigging spoons are the way to go. If they’re in medium or deeper water (but not too deep!) you should use live bait like Shad and Blueback Herrings. You can also troll for them. Make sure to bring larger flashy lures when trolling.

When to go

Striped Bass is one of those fish that can be caught all year long, just caught “more” during certain periods. In the cold months of January and February, most Stripers will slow their metabolism down, so entice them with small live baits. This is the perfect time for fly fishermen. As the weather warms up, the fish pick up in activity and start going after bigger bait. If you want to fish in a T-shirt, you want to target Stripers in May and June, when it’s their prime-time on their “warm” schedule. As the temperatures get lower in the fall, the fishing remains good in deeper lake waters, especially in low-light conditions.