Georgia fishing guide

Welcome to your key source for all fishing-related information in Georgia. Discover not only the prime fishing spots but also learn about the diverse species inhabiting these waters. Stay informed about the latest fishing regulations and licensing requirements for fishing in Georgia

2118 spots
72 fish
26 lakes
19 rivers

Licenses for fishing in Georgia

Please note that the prices for some types of licenses vary based on age and other factors. For more detailed information and to purchase a fishing license, you can visit eRegulations and Go Outdoors Georgia.

License Type Resident Fee Non-Resident Fee
Combo Hunting & Fishing License $30.00 $150.00
One-Day Combo Hunting & Fishing License $5.00 $30.00
+Additional Day Combo License $1.00 $10.00
Fishing License (16–64 years) $15.00 $50.00
One-Day Fishing License See combo $10.00
+ Additional Day Fishing License See combo $3.50
Optional Youth Fishing License (<16) $10.00 (Multi-Year) Not Offered
Senior Sportsman’s License (65+) $7.00 Not Offered
Trout License (with Fishing License) $10.00 $25.00
One-Day Trout License $5.00 $10.00
+ Additional Day Trout License $1.00 $2.00
Saltwater Information Program (SIP) Permit Free Free
Sportsman’s License (16-64) $65.00 $400.00
One-Day Sportsman’s License $25.00 $170.00
+ Additional Day Sportsman’s License $3.00 $20.00
Optional Youth Sportsman’s License $15.00 (Multi-Year) Not Offered
Senior Sportsman’s License (65+) $7.00 Not Offered
Non-resident Youth Sportsman’s License - $50.00 (Annual)
Disability Sportsman’s License $5.00 (Annual) Not Offered

Lifetime Licenses:

License Type Age Group Resident Fee Non-Resident Fee
Infant Lifetime Sportsman’s License Under 2 $500.00 $500.00
Youth Lifetime Sportsman’s License 2-15 $600.00 -
Adult Lifetime Sportsman’s License 16-49 $750.00 -
Older Adult Lifetime Sportsman’s License 50-59 $375.00 -
Senior Discount Lifetime Sportsman’s License 60-64 $315.00 -
Senior Lifetime Sportsman’s License 65+ $70.00 -
Senior Lifetime Hunting License 65+ $35.00 -
Senior Lifetime Fishing License 65+ $35.00 -
Free Senior Lifetime Sportsman’s License Born on or before June 30, 1952 Free -
Military and Veterans Lifetime Sportsman’s License 16-49 $600.00 -
Non-Resident Grandchild Lifetime Sportsman’s License 2-15 - $1,500.00
Shooting Preserve Lifetime License - $75.00 $75.00

Fishing Regulations in Georgia

Prohibited Gear and Fishing Methods
  • Use of explosives, poisons, or electricity for fishing.
  • Trapping fish using nets not specifically allowed by law.
  • Fishing with more than two hooks on a single line (excluding artificial lures).
  • Use of game fish or parts thereof as bait.
  • Snagging or foul-hooking fish intentionally.
Catch Limits
  • Trout: Daily limit of 8, no minimum size.
  • Largemouth bass: Daily limit of 5, minimum size 12 inches.
  • Catfish: No daily limit, but only two over 34 inches allowed.
  • Crappie: Daily limit of 30, minimum size 9 inches.
  • Walleye: Daily limit of 8, no minimum size.
  • Striped Bass: Daily limit of 15, only two may be over 22 inches.
  • Bream: Daily limit of 50, no size restrictions.
  • Redear Sunfish: Daily limit of 15, no size restrictions.
  • Shad: Daily limit of 8, no minimum size.
  • Gar: No limit, but harvest reporting required for alligator gar.
Restrictions on Access to Water Bodies
  • No fishing in designated swimming areas.
  • Restricted access to private ponds and lakes without owner permission.
  • Fishing from bridges on major highways prohibited.
  • Special permits required for fishing in certain state parks.
  • No access to designated wildlife sanctuaries and environmental protection areas.
Zones of Special Regulation
  • Catch-and-release only areas for certain trout streams.
  • Special slot limits for bass in specific lakes.
  • Fly fishing only zones in selected streams.
  • Motor restrictions in designated quiet areas.
  • No fishing zones around fish hatcheries.
Protection of Rare Species
  • Prohibition on catching endangered or threatened species.
  • Mandatory release of sturgeon and sawfish.
  • Restrictions on harvesting marine turtles and their eggs.
  • Limits on horseshoe crab harvesting.
  • Special permits required for research-related capture of rare species.
Seasonal Restrictions
  • Certain trout streams closed from Nov 1 to the last Saturday in March.
  • Seasonal closures for shad and sturgeon fishing.
  • No crabbing allowed from mid-January to mid-March.
  • Deer season restrictions on fishing in certain wildlife management areas.
  • Seasonal boating restrictions in nesting areas of aquatic birds.
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