Fishing Regulations in Georgia
Last updated: 2025-01-01
Regulations shown are approximate and may be outdated. Always check the official Georgia fish and game agency for current regulations.
Visit Official AgencyFishing License
Georgia requires a fishing license for anglers 16 and older. Resident and non-resident annual licenses are available, along with 1-day options. A trout stamp is required for trout fishing. A free saltwater information permit is required for coastal fishing. Anglers 65 and older receive discounted licenses.
Get Your LicenseSpecies Regulations
| Species | Bag Limit | Size Limit | Season | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| largemouth-bass | 10 per day | 12 inches minimum (varies by water body) | Year-round | Georgia regulations are managed by the Georgia Department of Natural Resources Wildlife Resources Division. Rules vary by water body and are subject to change. Always check the current Georgia Sport Fishing Regulations guide. |
| spotted-bass | 10 per day (combined with largemouth) | 12 inches minimum | Year-round | |
| crappie | 30 per day | No minimum (some waters have 10-inch minimum) | Year-round | |
| channel-catfish | 10 per day | No minimum | Year-round | |
| blue-catfish | 10 per day | No minimum | Year-round | |
| striped-bass | 2 per day (varies by water body) | 22 inches minimum (varies by water body) | Year-round | |
| redfish | 5 per day | 14-23 inches slot limit | Year-round | |
| speckled-trout | 15 per day | 14 inches minimum | Year-round | |
| flounder | 10 per day | 14 inches minimum | Year-round (some seasonal closures during spawning) |
Bag Limit: 10 per day
Size Limit: 12 inches minimum (varies by water body)
Season: Year-round
Notes: Georgia regulations are managed by the Georgia Department of Natural Resources Wildlife Resources Division. Rules vary by water body and are subject to change. Always check the current Georgia Sport Fishing Regulations guide.
Bag Limit: 10 per day (combined with largemouth)
Size Limit: 12 inches minimum
Season: Year-round
Bag Limit: 30 per day
Size Limit: No minimum (some waters have 10-inch minimum)
Season: Year-round
Bag Limit: 10 per day
Size Limit: No minimum
Season: Year-round
Bag Limit: 10 per day
Size Limit: No minimum
Season: Year-round
Bag Limit: 2 per day (varies by water body)
Size Limit: 22 inches minimum (varies by water body)
Season: Year-round
Bag Limit: 5 per day
Size Limit: 14-23 inches slot limit
Season: Year-round
Bag Limit: 15 per day
Size Limit: 14 inches minimum
Season: Year-round
Bag Limit: 10 per day
Size Limit: 14 inches minimum
Season: Year-round (some seasonal closures during spawning)
Top Fishing Waters
Lake Lanier
reservoirSpecies: largemouth-bass, spotted-bass, crappie, striped-bass, bluegill
Lake Oconee
reservoirSpecies: largemouth-bass, crappie, bluegill, channel-catfish, striped-bass
West Point Lake
reservoirSpecies: largemouth-bass, spotted-bass, crappie, bluegill, channel-catfish
Lake Seminole
reservoirSpecies: largemouth-bass, crappie, bluegill, channel-catfish
Altamaha River
riverSpecies: largemouth-bass, channel-catfish, blue-catfish, redfish
St. Simons Island
oceanSpecies: redfish, speckled-trout, flounder
State Records
| Species | Weight | Year | Water |
|---|---|---|---|
| largemouth-bass | 22 lbs 4 oz | 1932 | Montgomery Lake |
| spotted-bass | 8 lbs 2 oz | 2005 | Lake Lanier |
| blue-catfish | 110 lbs | 2022 | Savannah River |
| channel-catfish | 44 lbs 12 oz | 1972 | Lake Harding |
| striped-bass | 63 lbs | 1988 | Oconee River |
| crappie | 4 lbs 4 oz | 1971 | Lake Blackshear |
| redfish | 48 lbs | 1992 | Savannah Offshore |
| speckled-trout | 10 lbs 2 oz | 2012 | Savannah River |