Hamburg Lake Fishing
A 225-acre Georgia reservoir in Washington County.
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First things to know about Hamburg Lake
Hamburg Lake is a Georgia reservoir of 225 acres located in Washington County. Another name in use for it is Hamburg Millpond and Hamburgh Millpond. For fuel and food, Mitchell sits about 5 miles off.
Species flagged for it by WRD include largemouth bass, channel catfish, bluegill, black crappie, chain pickerel and redear sunfish. There are 1 public boat ramp on it.
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The WRD forecast for Hamburg Lake reads in part as follows.
“Hamburg Lake is a 225-acre reservoir located 15 miles north of Sandersville on the Little Ogeechee River at Hamburg State Park. The lake is stumpy, so only boats powered with trolling motors or outboards up to 10 horsepower are allowed. The largemouth bass, channel catfish and shellcracker fishing opportunities make the trip to this quiet area in Washington County worthwhile.”
WRD points anglers on Hamburg Lake toward Largemouth Bass, Crappie, Channel Catfish, and Redear Sunfish.
| Species | WRD prospect (quoted) |
|---|---|
| Largemouth Bass | Spring sampling efforts indicate that largemouth bass are abundant and well represented across multiple size classes. Anglers can expect to catch good numbers of quality-sized fish, with many bass in the 2–3 pound range. |
| Channel Catfish | Annual stockings of channel catfish continue to support a popular and productive fishery, making catfish one of the most sought-after species in the lake. Anglers can expect steady action from fish in the 1–5 pound range, particularly from spring through fall when water temperatures are favorable. |
| Bream | Redear sunfish provide a quality seasonal fishery, with the average fish weighing around ½ pound and larger individuals available for anglers targeting bedding areas. April through early May is typically the most productive time to pursue redear as they concentrate in shallow water to spawn. |
| Crappie | Crappie fishing is typically at its best during the spring spawning period, when fish move shallow and become more accessible to anglers. Good catches are also common in the pre-spawn period as crappie stage along creek channels, brush, and other structure. |
| Chain Pickerel | Chain pickerel (also known as jackfish) are present in the lake and provide an occasional surprise for anglers. While they are not typically targeted, pickerel are aggressive predators and readily strike artificial lures and live bait. |
Georgia WRD fishing forecast for Hamburg Lake, updated February 19, 2026. Read the full forecast.
The Hamburg Lake species list
Every fish here is named for Hamburg Lake by a WRD source.
WRD Water Access Points species flags, WRD fishing forecast and WRD record lists; checked October 2026.
Ramps that put trailers into Hamburg Lake
- Hamburg State Park1 lane, restroom, fee, Georgia State Parks (DNR)
WRD Water Access Points layer and CRD coastal ramps, checked October 2026.
Harvest rules for Hamburg Lake
| Species | Daily limit and size | Season |
|---|---|---|
| Black bass (all species combined) | 10 in total, only 5 of which may be Altamaha, Bartrams, Chattahoochee, Coosa, Shoal, Smallmouth, Suwannee, Tallapoosa | Open all year |
| Largemouth bass | Counts toward 10 black bass total; minimum length 12 inches statewide (exceptions on listed lakes and PFAs) | Open all year |
| Spotted bass | Counts toward 10 black bass total; no statewide minimum length (14 inches on Lake Lanier) | Open all year |
| Shoal bass | Counts toward 10 black bass total (only 5 may be shoal and other listed bass); minimum length 15 inches statewide (Flint River below Warwick Dam slot) | Open all year |
| Smallmouth bass | Counts toward 10 black bass total; only 5 of the 10 may be smallmouth and other listed bass; no minimum length | Open all year |
| Striped, white and hybrid bass | 15 in total, only two of which can be 22 inches or longer | Open all year |
| Crappie | 30 | Open all year |
| Bream (sunfish) | 50 in total | Open all year |
| Catfish | No limit | Open all year |
| Walleye | 8 | Open all year |
| Pickerel | 15 | Open all year |
| American and hickory shad | 8 | Open all year |
Nothing in the exceptions list mentions Hamburg Lake, so use the statewide limits.
Georgia asks anglers 16 and older for a fishing license: $15 for residents and $50 for nonresidents, each good for 365 days from purchase.
2026-2027 Georgia Hunting and Fishing Regulations, effective July 1, 2026 to June 30, 2027; checked October 2026.
Lakes near Hamburg Lake side by side
Of the lakes around Hamburg Lake, McDuffie Pond 1W is nearest (24 miles) and McDuffie PFA Bridge (2W) is largest.
| Lake | Distance | Acres | Ramps | Type | Species listed |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hamburg Lake | 225 | 1 | reservoir | 6 | |
| McDuffie Pond 1W | 24 miles northeast | 11 | 1 | Public Fishing Area lake | 5 |
| McDuffie PFA Bream Buster (1W) | 24 miles northeast | 5 | 1 | Public Fishing Area lake | 4 |
| McDuffie PFA Bridge (2W) | 24 miles northeast | 12 | 0 | Public Fishing Area lake | 0 |
| McDuffie PFA Bridge (3W) | 24 miles northeast | 10 | 1 | Public Fishing Area lake | 5 |
| McDuffie PFA Rodbender (3E) | 25 miles northeast | 6 | 0 | Public Fishing Area lake | 0 |
WRD waterbodies, reservoirs and Water Access Points layers.
Within reach of Hamburg Lake
Neighboring lakes to Hamburg Lake
- McDuffie Pond 1W24 miles northeast
- McDuffie PFA Bream Buster (1W)24 miles northeast
- McDuffie PFA Bridge (2W)24 miles northeast
- McDuffie PFA Bridge (3W)24 miles northeast
- McDuffie PFA Rodbender (3E)25 miles northeast
Creeks and rivers around Hamburg Lake
- Little Ogeechee River, Hancock County3 miles
Bait and tackle stops near Hamburg Lake
- Motor Masters Marinemarina, Sparta, 23 miles
- Lake Laurel Martbait and tackle shop, Milledgeville, 24 miles
Georgia towns handy to Hamburg Lake
- Mitchell5 miles
- Warthen8 miles
- Edge Hill10 miles
Which counties share Hamburg Lake
- Washington Countyseat: Sandersville
Piscifun reels to rig up for Hamburg Lake
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Scenes from the water around Hamburg Lake
Photo: w:Flickr user Karol M, CC BY 2.0
Photo: Jud McCranie, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: Jcgaylor, CC0 1.0
Photo: Jud McCranie, CC BY-SA 4.0
Hamburg Lake in a few quick answers
Which Georgia town makes a handy base for Hamburg Lake?
Head for Washington County, about 5 miles from Mitchell.
What size is Hamburg Lake on the state map?
Georgia data give 225 acres.
Where do I launch a boat on Hamburg Lake?
Try Hamburg State Park, one of 1 public ramp.
Which fish do Georgia sources tie to Hamburg Lake?
Expect largemouth bass, channel catfish, bluegill, black crappie, chain pickerel and redear sunfish.
Are there exceptions to statewide limits on Hamburg Lake?
It follows the statewide rows, including 10 black bass and 30 crappie a day.
Is a trout license needed at Hamburg Lake?
Georgia asks anglers 16 and older for a fishing license: $15 for residents and $50 for nonresidents, each good for 365 days from purchase.
Is there a bait store close to Hamburg Lake?
Motor Masters Marine is the nearest at 23 miles.
Is there another lake near Hamburg Lake?
McDuffie Pond 1W sits 24 miles from it.
What are the best bets on Hamburg Lake?
The forecast names Largemouth Bass, Crappie, Channel Catfish, and Redear Sunfish.
Circle a Saturday for Hamburg Lake
Read the posted rules and keep your license on you.