Description: Constructed in 1926, the Georgia Power Company (GPC) operates this 5,850-acre reservoir (a.k.a. Lake Harding) on the Chattahoochee River above Goat Rock Lake. It has many boat docks and piers that provide good structure for fish. There are two boat ramps on the Georgia side. The WRD facility at Idle Hour Park has four lanes, paved parking, a restroom facility, and is open yearround. GPC's Blanton Creek Park also provides boating access, but is open only from about March 31 until Labor Day. For additional information on Blanton Park and public use areas around the lake contact the GPC land department office at 706-322-0228. On the Halawakee Creek Arm (Alabama side) Mr. George Chambley (334749-5417) owns and operates a marina, boat ramp and store and is a good source to contact for current fishing conditions. Information on generating schedules and lake levels is available by calling 706-3176000.
Largemouth abundance has been steady while spotted bass numbers have been increasing. For every 10 largemouth bass there are 4 or 5 spotted bass. One half of the largemouth are greater than
12 inches and over 25% are greater than 15 inches. The largemouth
you catch should weigh in the 1-1 1/2lbs range on average. Boat docks and fishing piers that are found in abundance around the lake are favorite spots for bass anglers, but do not overlook rocky points andunderwater humps. March through May when water temperatures are in the mid to high 60s is probably the peak fishing time for largemouth.
The increase in spotted bass means good news, as more black bass are available for anglers who frequent the lake. Because the spotted bass fishery is under utilized, WRD recommends that anglers catch and eat more spots. Remember, there is no minimum length restriction on spotted bass on Bartlett's Ferry. Look for the averagespot to be 10 inches and weigh about 1/2 lb. Spots tend to bite during the same time as largemouth, but as a general rule they are found on rocky points and in deeper water.
This lake is not known for its bream fishing. Most bluegill catches will be 6 inches and under and weigh 2-3 oz. On the other hand, redear sunfish grow larger and provide anglers with catches averaging better than 1/4 lb. Both are caught around docks and pier, most frequently during the summer months.
Fishing for white bass and hybrid bass has been good to outstanding for several years. Hybrids have survived well and it has been reported that trophy-sized individuals up to14 lbs have been taken. Hybrids have not been stocked in Bartlett's Ferry since 1995, but are still fairly abundant throughout the reservoir. Most of the hybrids caught in recent years have likely traveled downstream from West Point Reservoir where they are stocked. Catches will average
3-4 lbs, but larger fish up to 8-10 lbs will be available for the avid hybrid angler. White bass should average one pound or better in most years.
Striped bass have been stocked annually since 1992 to support the recovery of this species in the Applachicola River System. Our observations indicate that many striped bass are exceeding lengths measured for hybrids and are as abundant. Experienced anglers are currently taking a few stripers weighing up to 25 lbs and better. Look for the abundance of trophy-sized fish to increase in a few years as stripers grow to larger sizes. The best bet for hooking up with stripers is to fish near the dam during the winter and upstream to Riverview Dam in early spring. All species can be taken near the surface throughout the lake during the summer and fall as they
school after young shad. Favorite baits are spoons and popping corks with trailing jigs. Fishing for stripers and hybrids is also good immediately below Riverview and Crow Hop Dams during periods of power generation at West Point. Bucktail jigs are particularly effective lures for these lunkers.
Crappie enthusiasts are not usually disappointed at Bartlett's Ferry. Crappie are abundant and about 50% or more are 10-15 inches. In most years the average will vary from 0.5-0.7 lbs. However, "slabs" are fairly abundant. The best crappie fishing months are usually February through April. WRD's six fish attractors provide good fishing areas. Maps showing fish attractor locations are available at WRD offices.
Typically, fishing for catfish is good to excellent. Channel catfish are the most sought after, but white catfish are plentiful. Together they provide bountifully for even the most ardent catfish enthusiast. Catches of channel catfish up to 8-10 lbs are possible, but individuals averaging 2-3 lbs will be the norm. White catfish should average 3/4 -lIb. This lake is a good bet for catfish at anytime of the year.
Services:
Species: Bream
Crickets and worms fished over the flats off the main river channel produce. Although not the prime time for bream, this month produces good numbers of fish.
Largemouth Bass
Early-spawn and pre-spawn bass are close to and in the grass beds along the river islands in the upper portion of the lake.
