Skip to main content

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.


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.

South Carolina licenses and regulations

South Carolina 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.

Learn more, opens in new tab

South Carolina Fishing License

Children under the age of 16 are not required to purchase a hunting or fishing license unless they are engaged in commercial activity or using any non-game fish devices (traps, trotlines, gill nets, hoop nets, set hooks, jugs.)

Learn more, opens in new tab

South Carolina Fishing Regulations

This river has a variety of species and regulations, including potential floating and/or watercraft restrictions. Because this river is specially managed for species, seasons, angling methods, and watercraft, it is strongly encouraged you check all federal, state, and local regulations before fishing. Visit any of the links below, inquire locally, or contact a local fly shop to learn current regulations and restrictions.

Learn more, opens in new tab

South Carolina Stream Access Laws

In South Carolina, if a waterway can be floated and used as a public highway, it is navigable and open to recreational use up to the high water mark.

Learn more, opens in new tab

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.

Get the onWater Fish app

Free on iOS and Android

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.


Explore South Carolina waters

Smarter Fishing Starts in the App.

onWater Fish gives you everything you need to plan smarter, fish better, and own every trip from first cast to last.