Lake Sidney Lanier
Lake Lanier is a large Chattahoochee River reservoir northeast of Atlanta. It is known for spotted bass and striped bass, and it produced a Georgia record spotted bass.
Species
Fishery rating out of 5.
Spotted Bass
Spots, now called Alabama bass here, hold on rocky banks and drop-offs in the lower lake.
Striped Bass
Follow the baitfish, since stripers track shad and herring.
Largemouth Bass
Largemouth favor the upper creek arms with more cover.
Crappie
Brush piles, docks and standing timber. Minnows or small jigs.
Walleye
February through April, walleye run upstream of Lula Bridge and Lumpkin County Park.
Boat launches
6 launch sites. Fees and hours change, so confirm before you go.
- Don Carter State ParkPublicState park ramps on the north end near GainesvilleDirections ↗
- Bolding Mill ParkPublicPublic ramp on the Chestatee sideDirections ↗
- Bald Ridge CreekPublicPublic ramp near CummingDirections ↗
- Thompson Bridge ParkPublicPublic ramp near GainesvilleDirections ↗
- Lanier Point ParkPublicPublic ramp near GainesvilleDirections ↗
- More public accessPublicSee Georgia DNR or the lake manager's website for all ramps and feesDirections ↗
Size & creel limits
Special rules for this lake, confirmed from official state regulations. Minimum size and daily limit.
| Species | Min size | Daily limit |
|---|---|---|
| Largemouth Bass Black bass combined | 14 in | 10 / day combined |
| Spotted Bass Black bass combined | 14 in | 10 / day combined |
Other species in this lake: look up the limits at Georgia Department of Natural Resources Wildlife Resources Division (official eRegulations) ↗
Bait & tackle nearby
Closest shops to the lake and its boat launches. Call ahead for live bait and hours.
- Hammond's Fishing CenterNearby4235 Browns Bridge Rd, Cumming, GA(770) 888-6898Directions ↗
- Sherry's Bait and BarbecueNearby2807 Dawsonville Hwy, Gainesville, GA(678) 971-5607Directions ↗
- Shack BaitNearby1435 Ventura Dr, Cumming, GA(770) 889-3910Directions ↗
Local tips
- For spots, fish rocky points and drop-offs on the lower lake.
- Use topwaters, bucktails, and big spinners for stripers when they chase bait.
- In late winter, head up the Chattahoochee and Chestatee arms for walleye.
View on interactive map
Zoom and pan on a street, satellite or terrain map. Red pins are boat launches; blue pins are bait shops nearby.
More Georgia lakes
Lake Seminole Richard B. Russell Lake West Point Lake Lake Oconee Lake Sinclair Lake Allatoona Lake Blackshear Lake Jackson All Georgia lakes →
Always wear a life jacket and check your state's current regulations before you fish.