Hartwell Lake
Hartwell Lake
- Boat Ramps
- 49
- Access Points
- 66
- Species
- 44
Spanning the border between Georgia and South Carolina, Lake Hartwell is one of the most popular recreational lakes in the Southeastern United States. Covering approximately 56,000 acres with nearly 962 miles of shoreline, this massive reservoir was created by the construction of the Hartwell Dam on the Savannah River, completed in 1962. Lake Hartwell encompasses portions of the Savannah, Tugaloo, and Seneca rivers, creating a diverse and vibrant ecosystem that supports numerous fish species and provides excellent opportunities for anglers of all skill levels. With its complex underwater terrain, numerous coves, creeks, and river arms, Lake Hartwell has established itself as a premier fishing destination, even hosting prestigious tournaments like the Bassmaster championship.
Species & education
Learn what type of fish are at Hartwell Lake and what's needed to catch them.
Fishing spots, boat ramps & amenities
Learn how to get on Hartwell Lake. Uncover great fishing access points, boat ramps, and all the facilities you need for an unforgettable day on the water. Some locations shown may border or include private property. Always check property boundaries and applicable regulations before visiting. onWater's Public & Private Land layer can help you plan your access with confidence.
Know where you can legally fish on Hartwell Lake
See public and private land boundaries along the water, turn on private parcels with owner details to know where permission is required, and find land-trust parcels that offer permitted fishing access.
Georgia licenses and regulations
Georgia Boating Regulations
When using any type of watercraft to access a body of water, it is important to follow all federal, state, and local rules and regulations. These rules and regulations include boat permitting and licensing, invasive species inspections and stamps, life jacket and PFD rules, motor size and horsepower restrictions, noise limitations, restrictions on personal watercraft, and many more. Visit the web link below for the most current rules and regulations for this body of water.
Georgia Delayed Harvest Streams
Anglers fishing delayed harvest streams must release all trout immediately and use and possess only artificial lures with one single hook per lure from Nov. 1–May 14 annually. The use of additional “dropper” lures on one line is permitted as long as each lure contains one single hook. These restrictions do not apply from May 15–Oct. 31 of each year.
Georgia Fishing License
Anglers age 16 and older must have a current Georgia fishing license in their possession while fishing in fresh or salt water in Georgia. Additionally, a free SIP is required to fish in saltwater. A temporary authorization number obtained by telephone or internet sale may be used for seven days until the paper copy is received or printed. Game Wardens may require photo identification when checking fishing licenses. Exception: A fishing license is not required to fish in private ponds (does not include ponds owned by governments—city, county, state, or federal) nor by a resident and their immediate family when fishing on their land.
Georgia Fishing Regulations
When using any type of watercraft to access a body of water, it is important to follow all federal, state, and local rules and regulations. These rules and regulations include boat permitting and licensing, invasive species inspections and stamps, life jacket and PFD rules, motor size and horsepower restrictions, noise limitations, restrictions on personal watercraft, and many more. Visit the web link below for the most current rules and regulations for this body of water.
Georgia Stream Access Laws
Navigable waters are those capable of regular barge traffic. The public may boat and fish to the low water mark only where the streambed is owned by the state. If the streambeds are private, you need permission to wade and fish.
Take Hartwell Lake with you
The onWater Fish app keeps this water's access points, species and conditions in your pocket, with the tools you use once you're there.
Use the map without signal
Download the map around Hartwell Lake to use it offline when coverage drops.
Log your catches here
Keep a private fishing journal for Hartwell Lake to find where and when fish are biting for you.
HD depth charts from Garmin
Find drop offs, ledges, channels, points and shallow flats with Garmin depth charts in the app.
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Water and weather conditions (10 day forecast)
See the best times to fish Hartwell Lake and check the forecast before you go.
No forecast data available.
Hartwell Lake fishing guides
Book a trip with a local fishing guide through Guidesly.


Donald Ramsey
AlwaysOnEm
It's all about Bass Fishing in Lake Hartwell
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Fisher Fleming
Kingfishers Guide Service
Explore Exciting Fishing Charter South Carolina!
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Brian Hales
4 Reel Fishing Charters
Lake Hartwell Fishing Charters
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Fishing near Hartwell Lake
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Fish species
Fishing spots
- Payne Creek Campground Boat Ramp
- Watsadler Campground Boat Ramp
- Big Oaks Recreation Area Boat Ramp
- Singing Pines Boat Ramp
- Crawfords Ferry Boat Ramp
- Weldon Boat Ramp
- Cleveland Access Boat Ramp
- Tugalo State Park Campground Boat Ramp
- Hart State Park Day Use Boat Ramp
- Poplar Springs Boat Ramp
- Jenkins Ferry Boat Ramp
- Tabor Access Boat Ramp
- All 160 spots
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