LAKE LANIER

Lake Lanier Fishing Guide

Lake Lanier follows Georgia freshwater fishing rules with lake-specific bass length limits. Georgia WRD identifies Alabama Bass as a Lanier best-bet fish, while the current regulation table uses the label 'Spotted Bass' for the 14-inch Lake Lanier minimum.

FISH OF LAKE LANIER

Fish of Lake Lanier

Tap a fish to open its Lake Lanier guide and learn more about the species found here.

Largemouth Bass

GA state record22 lb 4 ozMontgomery Lake · 1932

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Striped Bass

GA state record63 lbOconee River · 1967+1 tied record catch — open fish for details

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Alabama Bass

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Channel Catfish

GA state record44 lb 12 ozAltamaha River · 1972

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Flathead Catfish

GA state record83 lbAltamaha River · 2006+1 tied record catch — open fish for details

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Black Crappie

GA state record4 lb 4 ozAcree's Lake · 1971+1 tied record catch — open fish for details

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Redear Sunfish

GA state record4 lb 2 ozRichmond County pond · 1995

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Bluegill

GA state record3 lb 5 ozShamrock Lake · 1977

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Walleye

GA state record14 lb 2 ozLake Rabun · 2016

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White Bass

GA state record5 lb 1 ozLake Lanier · 1971

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Redbreast Sunfish

GA state record1 lb 12 ozSatilla River · 2022

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Common Carp

GA state record35 lb 12 ozLake Jackson · 1972

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Longnose Gar

GA state record31 lb 14 ozLake Blackshear · 2026

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Blueback Herring

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Threadfin Shad

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Freshwater state records sourced from Georgia Department of Natural Resources Wildlife Resources Division. Records can change; check the official lists for the latest information.

BASS FISHING READS

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EXPLORE LAKE LANIER

Plan your fishing day

Lake Lanier maps & depthOpen the lake map, depth information and official mapping resources.Lake Lanier boat rampsFind launch sites, public access and practical ramp information.Lake Lanier Lake HubFind guides, food, services and useful trip-planning information.Lake Lanier events & tournamentsSee upcoming fishing tournaments and other worthwhile lake-area events.

CURRENT FISHING REPORT

Official fishing source

Lake Lanier Fishing Report - September 2026 ↗

START HERE

Fishing license

Georgia licenses & permits

Use Georgia DNR's current licensing pages for eligibility, exemptions, license types and current pricing.

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Official regulations

Current Georgia hunting & fishing regulations PDFCurrent Georgia freshwater fishing regulations and seasons guide.Georgia freshwater general regulationsCurrent freshwater length-limit and general fishing-rule reference.Georgia DNR black-bass regulation updateGeorgia DNR notice recognizing Alabama Bass in the black-bass creel framework beginning July 15, 2024.

KEEP YOUR CATCH

Fish consumption information

Georgia EPD's current linked Lake Lanier consumption table lists no restrictions for black crappie, bluegill sunfish, catfish and striped bass; other listed species have meal-frequency guidance by size/species. Use the current state table before deciding what to keep for the table.

Open Georgia EPD fish-consumption guidelines ↗

Fishing regulations, license requirements and consumption guidance can change. Check current Georgia regulations before fishing or consuming your catch.