Did you know the state of Georgia has 11 Public Fishing Areas that are a top choice for fishing enthusiasts?
These areas not only provide excellent fishing but also offer activities for the entire family.
“Our fisheries staff takes great pride in managing these locations for the enjoyment of anglers and their families,” says Scott Robinson, Wildlife Resources Division Fisheries Management Chief. “And, even if fishing isn’t the activity for all of the family, these locations provide something for everyone, including activities like hiking, bird watching, picnicking and camping.”
The fishing areas range from large lakes to small ponds, with some designated for kids-only fishing. Anglers can fish from boats, shorelines, piers, or docks. All 11 feature concrete boat ramps, picnic tables, nature and wildlife trails, fish cleaning stations, and restroom facilities. Some also offer camping options, from primitive sites to RV facilities. All public fishing areas are open seven days a week, with night fishing allowed year-round except at Rocky Mountain public fishing area.
Here’s a closer look at what each of the 11 public fisheries offers:
Rocky Mountain PFA (Floyd County)
- Waters: Two lakes totaling 559 acres.
- Species: Largemouth bass, bluegill, redear sunfish, channel catfish, crappie, walleye.
- Amenities: Beach, swimming area, camping (tent, RV, group primitive), picnic shelters, archery range.
- Note: $5 parking pass required.
McDuffie PFA (McDuffie County)
- Waters: Seven lakes (5-37 acres), trophy bass catch-and-release pond, fish hatchery, education center.
- Species: Largemouth bass, bluegill, redear sunfish, channel catfish.
- Amenities: Camping (tent, RV), archery range, covered pavilions.
Big Lazer Creek PFA (Talbot County)
- Waters: 195-acre lake.
- Species: Largemouth bass, bluegill, channel catfish, redear sunfish, redbreast sunfish, crappie.
- Amenities: Primitive camping, canoe/kayak launch, firing range.
Marben Farms PFA (Jasper/Newton Counties)
- Waters: 20 ponds (1-95 acres), wildlife management area, Charlie Elliott Education Center.
- Species: Largemouth bass, bluegill, redear sunfish, crappie, channel catfish.
- Amenities: RV and tent camping, archery, shotgun, firearm range, visitors center, covered pavilions.
Ocmulgee PFA (Bleckley County)
- Waters: 106-acre lake.
- Species: Largemouth bass (catch-and-release), crappie, bluegill, redear sunfish.
- Amenities: Archery and shooting range (Ocmulgee WMA), canoe access.
Dodge County PFA (Dodge County)
- Waters: 104-acre lake.
- Species: Largemouth bass, bluegill, redear sunfish, channel catfish, crappie.
- Amenities: Primitive boat-in camping, group shelter, archery range.
Evans County PFA (Evans County)
- Waters: Three lakes (8-84 acres).
- Species: Largemouth bass, crappie, bluegill, redear sunfish, brown bullhead, channel catfish.
- Amenities: Camping (tent, RV), event center, archery range, covered pavilion, boardwalk nature trail.
Flat Creek PFA (Houston County)
- Waters: 102-acre lake.
- Species: Largemouth bass, bluegill, redear sunfish, crappie, channel catfish.
- Amenities: Pavilion with picnic tables and grills, archery range.
Hugh M. Gillis PFA (Laurens County)
- Waters: 109-acre lake.
- Species: Largemouth bass, bluegill, redear sunfish, channel catfish, crappie.
- Amenities: Primitive boat-in camping.
Paradise PFA (Berrien & Tift Counties)
- Waters: 60 lakes totaling 525 acres.
- Species: Largemouth bass, bluegill, redear sunfish, crappie, channel catfish.
- Amenities: Primitive tent camping, reserved group camping, canoe/kayak trail.
Silver Lake PFA (Decatur County)
- Waters: More than 30 lakes and ponds totaling 537 acres.
- Species: Largemouth bass, bluegill, redear sunfish, channel catfish.
- Amenities: Panic Pond (trophy bass pond), primitive camping, geocaching.
For bird enthusiasts, Georgia’s fisheries are a haven, with an average of 154 bird species across all 11 areas. Bird sightings can be reported through the eBird app, aiding biologists and birders.
Remember to have a valid fishing or hunting license or Lands Pass when visiting. Licenses can be purchased online at GoOutdoorsGeorgia.com, by phone at 1-800-366-2661, or from a license vendor. For more information and detailed guides, visit georgiawildlife.com/allpfas.
