Clarks Hill Lake Fishing
A 71,535-acre Georgia reservoir in Lincoln County and 4 other counties.
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Clarks Hill Lake by the figures
Inside Lincoln County and 4 other counties, Clarks Hill Lake holds about 71,535 acres of fishable water. You may see it listed as J. Strom Thurmond Reservoir as well. The closest Census town is Lincolnton, roughly 9 miles from the water.
The WRD forecast names U.S. Army Corps of Engineers as the operator. Normal full pool is 330 feet (NGVD29). Roughly 68% of its area falls inside Georgia, the rest in South Carolina. WRD access points here list largemouth bass, spotted bass, black crappie, hybrid striped bass, channel catfish and bluegill. The shoreline has 39 public boat ramps. Fishing without a boat works from 8 pier or bank fishing sites.
For the largemouth bass herePiscifun AlinoX 300 low profile baitcaster34% OFFSale $104.99 The state forecast for Clarks Hill Lake
Wildlife Resources Division biologists publish a forecast for Clarks Hill Lake; the passages below are quoted from it.
“Clarks Hill (known as J. Strom Thurmond in S.C.) is Georgia's largest reservoir at 71,535 acres. This U.S. Army Corps of Engineers reservoir is located 30 miles northeast of Augusta on the Savannah River. The numerous creeks feeding the lake, over 1,200 miles of shoreline and large areas of open water provide a wide range of fishing opportunities. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers: 1-800-533-3478 DNR Office: 478-825-6151”
Forecast best bets on Clarks Hill Lake: Largemouth Bass, Spotted Bass, Crappie, Hybrid Bass, Redear Sunfish, Catfish and Striped Bass.
| Species | WRD prospect (quoted) |
|---|---|
| Largemouth Bass | Largemouth bass numbers remain strong on Clarks Hill, particularly in creeks and coves further off the main channel. In 2026, anglers can expect consistent catch rates for largemouth bass in the 12” – 16” size class, although largemouth weighing up to 9-10 lbs are present. |
| Spotted Bass | Spotted bass are a frequent catch on Clarks Hill, typically focusing on deeper and clearer water than their largemouth bass counterparts. Anglers can expect to catch high numbers of 12" – 16" spotted bass, with fish exceeding 20" and 5 lbs present. |
| Black Crappie | Based on sampling for the last two years, crappie abundance and size are both looking great on Clarks Hill. In fact, anglers have a better shot at catching 12"+ crappie than they've had in a while. Our sampling data suggests another very exciting year for crappie fishing on Clarks Hill. |
| Hybrid Bass | Overall hybrid bass abundance is very similar to last couple years, but the proportion of larger fish is much higher this year than last year. Anglers can expect to catch similar numbers of fish this year and most of their catch will likely be much bigger fish. |
| Catfish | Clarks Hill boasts diverse, fishable populations of channel, flathead, and blue catfish. Channel catfish are native to the Savannah River basin, while flathead and blue catfish are not, but have been in established in the reservoir for several decades. |
| Bream | Redear sunfish (shellcracker) and bluegill are available. You don't want to miss the shellcracker spawn in late April and early May. |
| Other Species | Sampling efforts indicate an exceptional abundance of white perch. White perch are tons of fun on lightweight tackle and make an excellent meal. Yellow perch and chain pickerel also provide additional fishing opportunities. |
Georgia WRD fishing forecast for Clarks Hill Lake, updated April 14, 2026. Read the full forecast.
Fish of Clarks Hill Lake
The Clarks Hill Lake species list joins WRD access flags with forecast and record entries.
WRD Water Access Points species flags, WRD fishing forecast and WRD record lists; checked October 2026.
Public launches at Clarks Hill Lake
- Wildwood Park6 lanes, dock, restroom, fee, the county
- Cherokee Recreation Area5 lanes, dock, restroom, fee, Lincoln county
- Amity Recreation Area3 lanes, dock, restroom, fee, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
- Lake Springs Park3 lanes, dock, restroom, fee, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
- Big Hart Park2 lanes, dock, restroom, fee, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
- Broad River Campground2 lanes, dock, restroom, fee, Lincoln County
- Clarks Hill Marina2 lanes, dock, restroom, fee, a private operator
- Elijah Clark State Park Day Use2 lanes, dock, restroom, fee, Georgia State Parks (DNR)
- Mistletoe State Park Day Use2 lanes, dock, restroom, fee, Georgia State Parks (DNR)
- Morrahs Ramp2 lanes, dock, fee, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
- Plum Branch Yacht Club Boat Ramp2 lanes, dock, restroom, fee, a private operator
- Trade Winds Marina2 lanes, dock, restroom, fee, a private operator
- Bobby Brown State Park Campground1 lane, dock, fee, Georgia State Parks (DNR)
- Bobby Brown State Park Day Use1 lane, dock, fee, Georgia State Parks (DNR)
- Bussey Point Campground1 lane, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
- Chamberlain Ferry Ramp1 lane, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
- Clay Hill Campground1 lane, restroom, fee, Lincoln County
- Double Branches Ramp1 lane, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
- Elijah Clark State Park (Campground 1)1 lane, restroom, fee, Georgia State Parks (DNR)
- Elijah Clark State Park (Campground 2)1 lane, restroom, fee, Georgia State Parks (DNR)
- Elijah Clark State Park Cabins1 lane, fee, Georgia State Parks (DNR)
- Fishing Creek (SR79) Boat Ramp1 lane, dock, Georgia DNR Wildlife Resources Division
- Fishing Creek Ramp1 lane, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
- Gill Point Recreation Area1 lane, dock, fee, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
- Hester Ferry Campground1 lane, dock, restroom, fee, Lincoln County
- Keg Creek Ramp1 lane, dock, restroom, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
- Leathersville Ramp1 lane, fee, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
- Mistletoe State Park Cabins1 lane, fee, Georgia State Parks (DNR)
- Mistletoe State Park Campground1 lane, restroom, fee, Georgia State Parks (DNR)
- Murry Creek Campground1 lane, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
- Parkway Ramp1 lane, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
- Petersburg Campground1 lane, dock, restroom, fee, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
- Raysville Campground1 lane, dock, restroom, fee, McDuffie County
- Raysville Marina1 lane, dock, restroom, fee, a private operator
- Ridge Road Campground1 lane, dock, restroom, fee, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
- Soap Creek Lodge & Marina1 lane, dock, restroom, fee, a private operator
- State Highway 78/Little River Boat Ramp1 lane, Georgia DNR Wildlife Resources Division
- Windfield Campground1 lane, restroom, fee, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
- Keg Creek WMA Boat Rampcarry-in launch, Georgia DNR
Shore access along Clarks Hill Lake
- Bobby Brown State Park Day Usefishing pier, Georgia State Parks (DNR)
- Amity Recreation Areafishing pier, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
- Elijah Clark State Park Day Usefishing pier, Georgia State Parks (DNR)
- Elijah Clark State Park (Campground 1)fishing pier, Georgia State Parks (DNR)
- Clarks Hill Marinafishing pier, a private operator
- Savannah Lakes Marinabank fishing area, a private operator
- Germany Creek WMAbank fishing area, Georgia DNR
- Elijah Clark State Park (Campground 2)fishing pier, Georgia State Parks (DNR)
Launch sites close to Clarks Hill Lake
- Below Clarkes Hill Dam Boat RampSavannah River, 12 miles southeast
WRD Water Access Points layer and CRD coastal ramps, checked October 2026.
Today at the Clarks Hill Lake gauge
US Army Corps of Engineers, Savannah District (CWMS) reading for THURMOND DAM (NGVD29), recorded October 22, 2026; retrieved October 22, 2026. Values are provisional.
Regulations covering Clarks Hill Lake
Georgia sets water-specific rules for Clarks Hill Lake, printed in the 2026-2027 Georgia Hunting and Fishing Regulations.
| Water as printed | Rule |
|---|---|
| Clarks Hill Reservoir (J. Strom Thurmond Lake) | Georgia-South Carolina agreement water: striped bass or hybrid bass or combination 10, only 3 may be over 26 inches; white bass 10; trout 5; bass (largemouth, spotted, redeye, smallmouth) 10 with 12-inch minimum for largemouth; walleye or sauger 8; aggregate of all game fish (not catfish) 40. Live b |
Georgia and South Carolina shared rules for Clarks Hill Lake
| Species | Where | Limit |
|---|---|---|
| Striped bass, white bass and/or hybrid white-striped bass | Savannah River and its tributaries downstream of J. Strom Thurmond Dam | 2 in total, both of which must be 27 inches in length or longer |
| Striped bass | Lake Richard B. Russell (Russell Dam to Hartwell Dam and Lake Secession Dam) and all tributaries | 2 per day, only one of which can exceed 34 inches in length |
| Striped bass or hybrid bass or combination | Lakes Hartwell and Clarks Hill | 10; Only 3 may be over 26 inches |
| Striped bass or hybrid bass or combination | Lake Russell | 2; Only 1 may be over 34 inches |
| Striped bass, hybrid bass, white bass or combination | Savannah River downstream of Clarks Hill dam | 2; 27-inch minimum length limit |
| White bass | All border waters covered except for Savannah River downstream of Clarks Hill dam | 10; No size limit |
| Trout | All border waters covered | 5; No size limit |
| Bass (largemouth, spotted, redeye, smallmouth or combination) | All border waters covered | 10; 12-inch minimum length for largemouth bass |
| Walleye or Sauger or combination | All border waters covered | 8; No size limit |
| Aggregate of all game fish (does not include catfish) | All border waters covered | 40 |
Reciprocal agreements let a Georgia license ($15 resident, $50 nonresident) cover the shared border water as the guide lists it.
2026-2027 Georgia Hunting and Fishing Regulations, effective July 1, 2026 to June 30, 2027; checked October 2026.
Clarks Hill Lake in the Georgia record book
| Species | Weight | Date | Method |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sauger | 4 lb, 3 oz | April 5, 1986 | hook and line |
WRD state record freshwater fish list; angler names left out. All Georgia records.
Trail events on Clarks Hill Lake
Schedules and results for Clarks Hill Lake have their own page.
Close-by lakes lined up with Clarks Hill Lake
Drive 28 miles to reach Lake Olmstead, the nearest; Lake Olmstead is the biggest close by.
| Lake | Distance | Acres | Ramps | Type | Species listed |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Clarks Hill Lake | 71,535 | 39 | reservoir | 14 | |
| Lake Olmstead | 28 miles southeast | 87 | 1 | lake | 5 |
| Dearing Number Nine Lake | 29 miles south | 13 | 1 | Public Fishing Area lake | 4 |
| McDuffie PFA Bridge (3W) | 29 miles south | 10 | 1 | Public Fishing Area lake | 5 |
| McDuffie PFA Jones (8E) | 29 miles south | 9 | 1 | Public Fishing Area lake | 4 |
| Beaverdam Creek Lake | 29 miles west | 60 | 1 | lake | 5 |
WRD waterbodies, reservoirs and Water Access Points layers.
Spots by Clarks Hill Lake
Lakes that pair well with Clarks Hill Lake
- Lake Olmstead28 miles southeast
- Dearing Number Nine Lake29 miles south
- McDuffie PFA Bridge (3W)29 miles south
- McDuffie PFA Jones (8E)29 miles south
- Beaverdam Creek Lake29 miles west
Rivers to pair with Clarks Hill Lake
- Little River, Wilkes County9 miles
- Broad River19 miles
Gear and bait a short hop from Clarks Hill Lake
- L W's Bait & Tackle Shopbait and tackle shop, Lincolnton, 4 miles
- Moon Contracting & Custom Dock Buildersmarina, Lincolnton, 4 miles
- Soap Creek Marinamarina, Lincolnton, 6 miles
- Sinclair Marina/Classic City Marinas, 4271 Old Lincolnton Rdmarina, Appling, 8 miles
- Wahoo Docks at the Lakesmarina, Lincolnton, 9 miles
- Ridge Road Bait and Tacklebait and tackle shop, Appling, 10 miles
Nearby towns for a Clarks Hill Lake trip
- Lincolnton9 miles
- Appling16 miles
- Evans19 miles
Clarks Hill Lake, county by county
- Lincoln Countyseat: Lincolnton
- Columbia Countyseat: Appling
- McDuffie Countyseat: Thomson
- Elbert Countyseat: Elberton
- Wilkes Countyseat: Washington
A Piscifun reel lineup for Clarks Hill Lake
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Know what you hooked at Clarks Hill Lake
Photo: Dick Biggins, USFWS, Public domain
Photo: Brian Gratwicke, CC BY 2.0
Photo: Smithsonian Environmental Research Center, CC BY 2.0
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Photo: James Mann from Moncton, New Brunswick, Canada, CC BY 2.0
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Things to know before you fish Clarks Hill Lake
What part of Georgia holds Clarks Hill Lake?
Georgia maps place it in Lincoln County and 4 other counties, about 9 miles from Lincolnton.
How big is Clarks Hill Lake?
Close to 71,535 acres of water, with full pool at 330 feet.
Is there a public boat ramp on Clarks Hill Lake?
WRD maps 39 public ramps; Wildwood Park is a good start.
Which species turn up in Clarks Hill Lake?
largemouth bass, spotted bass, black crappie, hybrid striped bass, channel catfish, bluegill and striped bass, per WRD records.
Which rules cover Clarks Hill Lake?
Clarks Hill Reservoir (J. Strom Thurmond Lake): Georgia-South Carolina agreement water: striped bass or hybrid bass or combination 10, only 3 may be over 26 inches; white bass 10; trout 5; bass (largemouth, spotted, redeye, smallmouth) 10 with 12-inch minimum for largemouth; wall
Which Georgia license do I carry at Clarks Hill Lake?
Reciprocal agreements let a Georgia license ($15 resident, $50 nonresident) cover the shared border water as the guide lists it.
Where are crickets and shiners sold near Clarks Hill Lake?
Drive 4 miles to L W's Bait & Tackle Shop.
What other Georgia lakes sit close to Clarks Hill Lake?
Try Lake Olmstead, around 28 miles away.
What does WRD expect at Clarks Hill Lake this year?
WRD picks Largemouth Bass, Spotted Bass, Crappie, Hybrid Bass, Redear Sunfish, Catfish and Striped Bass.
A weekend at Clarks Hill Lake starts here
Licenses come from Go Outdoors Georgia; limits are on the next page.