Fishing

Residents of Randolph County are fortunate to live about 30 minutes away from one of Georgia's best-known fishing lakes, nationally known for its bass and crappie fishing. Lake Walter F. George, known as the "Big Bass Capital of the World," occupies an impressive 85 miles of the Chattahoochee River, separating Alabama and Georgia with 48,000 acres of fresh water perfect for boating, fishing, skiing and swimming.

Lake George's gamefish include largemouth bass, white bass, crappie, channel catfish and bream. Georgia and Alabama have worked together to make fishing as easy and competitive as possible by reciprocal acceptance of state-issued fishing licenses, and the ongoing programs to create and maintain fish "attractors" which improve the quality and quantity of fish.

Bank fishing is also great at several locations, including public fishing decks, at the mouth of tributary creeks and along several bridges. Also, with 640 miles of shoreline, 13 Corps of Engineers day use parks and four adjoining campgrounds, the Lake is an ideal place for camping, outdoor and water-related activities.

The lock, located at Ft. Gaines, Georgia, has the second highest drop east of the Mississippi River. Fishing and water recreation opportunities abound. Eufaula National Wildlife Refuge is located on the northern end of the lake offering excellent bird viewing all year. There are both state and Corps of Engineers operated campgrounds and day use parks featuring picnic areas, beaches and boat ramps, among other opportunities.

Around 1.29 million resident anglers fish Georgia's diverse freshwater resources including more than 4,000 miles of trout streams, 12,000 miles of warm water streams wider than 10 feet, and 500,000 acres of impoundments. Randolph County offers plenty of opportunities for anglers, from the youngest to the most skilled.