Lake Oconee

When it comes to staggeringly beautiful locations in the US, suitable for both fishing and other outdoor activities, Lake Oconee in Georgia certainly takes the cake as a standout.

Established in 1979, with the construction of the Wallace Dam on the Oconee River by the Georgia Power electric utility, Oconee Lake has swiftly been gaining traction in various ways ever since. With a steady improvement in bass fishing over the years, Reynolds Lake Oconee is an ideal location for camping trips, wedding receptions, and even golf communities and resorts. Some examples include the Reynolds Plantation and the Oconee Lake Cuscowilla golf resort.

About Lake Oconee

Named after an old Creek town, Lake Oconee functions as a reservoir for Georgia Power’s Wallace Hydroelectric Plant. It has an overall surface area of around 20,000 acres and a 374-mile-long shoreline. Its original establishment was achieved with the founding of the Wallace Dam and the flooding of the Oconee and Apalachee Rivers.

As such, it is the second-largest lake in the Southeast and Eastern regions of Georgia and has been fully operational since its creation in 1979. Aside from its more technical uses, there’s a wide variety of fish species, including smaller bass, catfish, crappie, bluegill, and others.

Top Targeted Fish Species

Northern Bass

Crappie

Striped Bass Hybrid Striped Bass

Channel Catfish

See all fish species >>>

Fishing at Lake Oconee

Fishing at this lake is one of the most popular activities, with many anglers visiting regularly, cruising on boats, and using live bait to catch unique fish species.

Types of Fish

The usual ones regularly fished at Lake Oconee, as well as the river, are:

• Black Crappie
• White Crappie
• Largemouth Bass
• Smallmouth Bass
• White Bass
• Striped Bass
• Hybrid Striped Bass
• Bluegill
• Redbreast Sunfish
• Channel Catfish
• Blue Catfish
• Flathead Catfish
• American Shad

Are There Fish That Bite in Lake Oconee?

Luckily, there have been no reports of fish bites at Lake Oconee. You can rest assured that whatever you’ve caught, you’ll be eating it, and not the other way around.

Are the Fish From Lake Oconee Edible?

While, in general, fish that can be found at the lake are safe to throw bait at, catch, and eat, you’d better follow the news for reports of chemical spills, as they have happened in the past.

If that happens, it’s recommended that you avoid eating the fish from Lake Oconee, at least for some period. You can still engage in recreational fishing, though.

Lake Oconnee Charter Captains

To see a complete list of great Ga Fishing Guides, please click here!

Location and Amenities

It is located east of Atlanta, with a moderate to hot climate, and is below the snow line. It covers Putnam, Morgan, and Greene counties, and only the dam separates it from Oconee County, Georgia.

Moreover, in the past few decades, it has also become popular as a residential location for senior living communities, such as Del Webb, and for multiple wedding reception companies. There are numerous golf communities, too, like Harbor Club, Cuscowilla, and Reynolds.

Around Which Town is Lake Oconee in Georgia?

There are two towns near Oconee Lake, Greensboro and Eatonton. Both places are well developed and offer a variety of activities to engage in for visitors who may need a break from the rustic, desolate beauty of the area.

Cafes, restaurants, bars, cinemas, shopping malls, supermarkets, and open markets are but a few of the types of attractions that you may find in these towns.

Other Activities

There are a number of things you can do, aside from fishing, around Lake Oconee. You can explore the beautiful natural area and try golfing at any of the six courses. Additionally, you can visit the nearby towns and look for anything like small crankbaits or regular baits for sale, or maybe additional equipment for your boat.

Indeed, whatever “floats your boat”, you can satisfy your cravings on Lake Oconee in Georgia.

We also have great deals available on Lake Oconee in Georgia, as well as Lake Allatoona and the following lakes that match your search criteria.