Bartram's Bass in Georgia
Keeping, finding and weighing Bartram's bass in Georgia.
- 10 in total, only 5 limit
Pick for smallmouthPiscifun Chaos Pro CNC baitcasting reel25% OFFSale $97.99 Photo of Ocmulgee River: Michael Rivera, CC BY-SA 4.0
How Bartram's bass fit into Georgia fishing
Georgia regulations class Bartram's bass (Micropterus sp. cf. cataractae) as a game fish. For statewide freshwater the rule is 10 in total, only 5 of which may be Altamaha, Bartrams, Chattahoochee, Coosa, Shoal, Smallmouth, Suwannee, Tallapoosa, open open all year.
WRD access point and forecast lists put it on 5 waters covered here.
For the smallmouth herePiscifun AlinoX 300 low profile baitcaster34% OFFSale $104.99 How Georgia DNR describes Bartram's bass
Description. “Bartram’s bass differ from all other bass species in that the caudal fin lacks notable spotting and has a narrow pale lower margin; the second dorsal, caudal and anal fins usually have some orange to yellow coloration on their outer portions. Adult Size: 5–16 inches.”
Habitat. “Rocky habitat with flowing water.”
Range. “Found above the fall line in the Savannah River basin.”
Tips. “Natural color Zoom finesse worms such as green pumpkin or watermelon or any other small worms on a 1/8-ounce shakeyhead rigged weedless. Small Rooster tails or Satilla spins and floating Rapalas work well on light gear. Fly rod anglers should use streamers and poppers.”
Quoted from the WRD fish identification page. The WRD entry covers several related fish. Checked October 2026.
Georgia creel and size rules for Bartram's bass
| Applies to | Limit and size | Season |
|---|---|---|
| Statewide freshwater | 10 in total, only 5 of which may be Altamaha, Bartrams, Chattahoochee, Coosa, Shoal, Smallmouth, Suwannee, Tallapoosa | Open all year |
| Statewide freshwater | Count toward 10 black bass total; only 5 of the 10 may be these species with shoal and smallmouth bass; no minimum length | Open all year |
2026-2027 Georgia Hunting and Fishing Regulations (Georgia DNR). Checked October 2026.
Where Bartram's bass show up in Georgia
Lake pages naming Bartram's bass
- Tallulah Falls Lake63 acres
River pages naming Bartram's bass
- Broad RiverElbert
- Middle Fork Broad RiverFranklin
- South Fork Broad RiverMadison
- Panther Creek, Habersham CountyHabersham
WRD access point species flags and WRD fishing forecasts; largest waters first.
Hiring help to chase Bartram's bass
- Caddis Shack Fly Fishingfly fishing guide, Mineral Bluff, (762) 270-1565
- Mad Shark Charterscharter, Brunswick, (912) 223-1066
- Reel Time Guide Servicefishing guide, Lake Oconee, Greensboro, (404) 803-0741
- Blackhawk Fly Fishingfly fishing guide, Soque, Clarkesville, (706) 947-3474
Fish listed next to Bartram's bass
- Largemouth Bassfreshwater
- Altamaha Bassfreshwater
- Chattahoochee Bassfreshwater
- Redeye Bassfreshwater
- Shoal Bassfreshwater
- Smallmouth Bassfreshwater
- Spotted Bassfreshwater
- Suwannee Bassfreshwater
- Tallapoosa Bassfreshwater
- White Bassfreshwater
- Hybrid Striped Bassfreshwater
- Channel Catfishfreshwater
Banks, coves and shoals close to Bartram's Bass
Photo: U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Savannah District, CC BY 2.0
Photo: Michael Rivera, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: David Dugan, CC BY-SA 3.0
Photo: Mccunicano, CC BY-SA 4.0
Things to know before chasing Bartram's bass
What daily limit applies to Georgia Bartram's bass?
10 in total, only 5 of which may be Altamaha, Bartrams, Chattahoochee, Coosa, Shoal, Smallmouth, Suwannee, Tallapoosa for statewide freshwater; season open all year.
How much did the Georgia record Bartram's bass weigh?
There is no Georgia record entry for it.
Which Georgia lake is good for Bartram's bass?
5 water pages on this site, led by Tallulah Falls Lake, Broad River and Middle Fork Broad River.
Are Bartram's bass stocked in Georgia?
Only trout have a published WRD stocking schedule.
How does Georgia classify Bartram's bass?
A game fish, Micropterus sp. cf. cataractae; freshwater water.
What dates cover Bartram's bass in Georgia?
Open all year on statewide freshwater.
Must an out-of-state angler buy a license for Bartram's bass?
Georgia asks anglers 16 and older for a fishing license: $15 for residents and $50 for nonresidents, each good for 365 days from purchase.
Who guides for Bartram's bass here?
4 guide or captains on the list, among them Caddis Shack Fly Fishing.
Plan a Georgia outing for Bartram's bass
Use the lists above to pick a spot, then check its page.