Fishing in Georgia

If you plan to fish in Georgia, start with the Fishing Regulations to review rules, seasons, limits and other information. Coming soon: The 2024-2025 Hunting and Fishing Regulations.

Before You Go

Buy a License

Georgia law requires anglers age 16 and older to have a current Georgia fishing license in their possession while fishing in fresh or salt water in Georgia. Licenses may be purchased online, in person at participating locations, or by phone. Your purchase supports the conservation of Georgia's aquatic resources.

Georgia Fishing Blog: Weekly Fresh Reports

Each week, the Georgia Wildlife Resources Division blog brings tips and news straight from our fisheries staff.

Alerts & Closures

Check for boat ramp and PFA closures before you head out on the water.

Trout Fishing

Trout fishing regulations, locations, stocking information and more.

Walleye Fishing

Information about the walleye stocking program, guides for fishing walleye and more.

Places to Fish

Fishing Forecasts for Georgia's Lakes & Rivers

Revised each year by WRD fisheries biologists and technicians, these comprehensive forecasts (for 31 lakes and 18 rivers) are some of the best fishing info available in Georgia. Information includes fish species, best time of year to fish, tackle suggestions and more.

Interactive Map of Fishing Areas

Use this interactive map to find fishing locations near you.

Public Fishing Areas

Public Fishing Areas (PFAs) are managed for fishing, but also offer multiple other amenities like nature trails, picnic areas and more. At PFAs, you can fish from the bank or a boat, picnic, hike, watch wildlife and enjoy the outdoors. Many PFAs even have special kids fishing areas for young anglers.

Gateway to Fishing

This program is dedicated to enhancing fishing in easily accessible and close-to-home public waters near metro Atlanta and educating the public about "why, where, and how to Go Fish Georgia!"

Wildlife Management Areas

Unless otherwise posted, fishing is allowed on Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs) according to statewide regulations.

Go Fish Education Center

The Go Fish Education Center is operated by the Georgia Department of Natural Resources' Wildlife Resources Davison and is core to the Go Fish Georgia Initiative. The Center’s facilities, programs and outreach directly support the Initiative’s mission to promote and enhance boating and fishing tourism in Georgia and to boost economic development in communities across the state. This initiative will result in quality fisheries resources statewide, including family friendly fishing and recreation access points that will increase fishing participation in Georgia.

State Parks

Georgia's State Parks are great places to fish for seasoned anglers or beginners alike. Many parks loan out fishing rods and tackle boxes for those new to the sport.

Fishing Tackle Loaner Program

This cooperative program between Georgia State Parks & Historic Sites and Georgia WRD helps equip Park locations with fishing poles and stocked tackle boxes that visitors can borrow for free!