Category: Lake Guide

Ask any sport or recreational angler and they will tell you that Clarks Hill Lake offers some of the best fishing in the Southeast. Brimming with a large population of game fish, it is a mecca for seasoned anglers and beginners alike.

While the lake is known for superb largemouth and striped bass fishing, additional prominent species include bluegill, crappie, white bass, channel catfish, flathead catfish and redear sunfish. Fishing for yellow perch also is popular below the dam.

Fishing is permitted in most areas of the lake except at boat ramps, courtesy docks and areas marked as restricted or prohibited access. Many areas along the shore are marked specifically for fishing, and fishing piers can be found at several lake recreation areas.

Fishing Licenses
Georgia law requires anglers ages 16 to 64 to have a current Georgia fishing license in their possession while fishing in the state’s fresh or salt water. The annual fee for a basic fishing license is $15. Seniors ages 65 and up are eligible for free or reduced rates.

Georgia and South Carolina have a reciprocal fishing license agreement that allows anglers to fish on border waters and shorelines with a valid fishing license from either state. Licenses may be purchased online (georgiawildlife.com), by phone (1-800-366-2661) or at participating marinas, sporting goods stores, hardware stores and bait and tackle shops.

For more information and to learn about additional fishing and game licenses, visit georgiawildlife.com

Free Fishing App
J. Strom Thurmond Fishing Map
This free app from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers maps out bank fishing options, fishing docks, boat ramps, special fishing areas and deep-water fish attractors to help boat and bank anglers pinpoint spots to catch fish. To get the link, visit sas.usace.army.mil and search “fishing app.”

Free Fishing Days
June 1 and 8
If you’ve ever wanted to try fishing or take the kids, these days are the perfect time to test Georgia waters — no fishing license is required either day. A license is normally required for ages 16 and up.

Free Fishing Tackle Loaner Program
First come, first served
Don’t have fishing gear? The Georgia Department of Natural Resources’ Fishing Tackle Loaner Program offers rods, reels and tackle box equipment free of charge for the day as long as the supply lasts. Mistletoe State Park in Appling is a participating park, and a list of additional parks is available at georgiawildlife.com/Fishing/TackleLoaner.

National Go Fishing Day
June 18
Observed annually on June 18, National Go Fishing Day encourages people to take a break from their everyday routine and go fish. Grab a rod and reel and get out there. Share pictures of your catch on social media with the hashtag #NationalGoFishingDay.

Hook, Line & Dinner
5 Tips for making the most of your fresh catch
1. Always keep fish alive or chilled in ice from the time they are caught until they are stored.

2. The best way to keep fish fresh after catching them is to keep them in a live well, fishing basket or on stringers until you head home. Stringers can be fixed to the boat or secured to a pole or object on the shore.

3. To store on ice, quickly gut the fish and allow it to bleed out. Pack in crushed ice, surrounded and covered on all sides. A good ratio to use is two pounds of ice for one pound of fish.

4. Clean fish as soon as possible to preserve its flavor. However, a whole fish can be kept for up to a day before cleaning if it is iced or chilled.

5. Placing fish in resealable bags before freezing at home will keep them fresh inside the freezer longer. Instead of 6-12 months, they could stay fresh about 6-24 months.

Baker Creek State Park
McCormick
Picnic area, shelters, grills, drinking water, pavilion, camp store, ranger station, volleyball, basketball, horseshoe pit, 10-mile hiking/biking trail, 2 boat ramps, fishing, 34 campsites for RVs or tents, restrooms, showers, dump station. (864) 443-2457, southcarolinaparks.com

Big Hart Campground & Recreation Area
Thomson
Beach, picnic sites, picnic shelter with large grill ($100/day), playground, boat ramp, dock, drinking water, 31 waterfront campsites with water and electricity ($30 per night), showers, flush and vault toilets, dump station. (706) 699-6258, bighartcampground.com

Broad River Park & Campground
Lincoln County
Single, double and triple campsites with water and electricity ($15-$27); boat ramp; restrooms; showers; fish-cleaning stations; dump station. Day use pass is $5 per car. Annual park pass $40. Located on the south bank of the Broad River where it joins the Savannah River on Clarks Hill Lake. (800) 405-1033, exploregeorgia.org

Bussey Point
Lincolnton
Beaches, boat ramp, picnic area, fire rings and grills, central well with hand pump for drinking water, hiking trails, mountain biking, more than 20 miles of well-marked wooded equestrian trails and natural surfaced roads for riding, 14 waterfront primitive campsites ($6 per night) large enough for horse trailers, highlines for tethering horses. Admission is $10. (864) 333-1100, exploregeorgia.org

Clay Hill Campground
Lincolnton
Picnic area, boat ramp, fishing, grill, fire pit, 10 campsites with water and electricity ($27 per night), 7 primitive campsites ($15 per night), showers, restrooms, dump station. $40 annual park pass. Located on the north side of Georgia’s Little River section. Shoreline offers excellent fishing for bluegill and other species of bream. (800) 405-1033, exploregeorgia.org

Elijah Clark State Park
Lincolnton
Beach, playgrounds, picnic areas, picnic shelters, trading post camp store, group shelters, miniature golf, canoe and kayak rentals, boat ramps, hiking trails, fishing pier, fish-cleaning station, educational programs, geocaching, 165 RV and trailer sites, pioneer camping, 10 walk-in tent sites, 20 cottages. (706) 359-3458, gastateparks.org

Hamilton Branch State Park
Plum Branch
Playground, picnic area, shelters, bike trail, hiking trail, boat ramps, fishing, 150 campsites (mostly waterfront) with water/electricity, 6 primitive group sites, restrooms, showers, dump station. (864) 333-2223, southcarolinaparks.com

Hawe Creek Campground
McCormick
Boat ramp, drinking water, 34 waterfront RV and tent campsites with water and electricity ($26-$28/night), showers, flush and vault toilets, trash collection. Five miles from Hickory Knob State Park. (864) 443-5441, recreation.gov

Hesters Ferry Campground
Lincoln County
Picnic area, grill, 16 waterfront RV campsites with water and electricity ($27 per night), 10 waterfront tent campsites ($15 per night), showers, restrooms, dump station. Located on Fishing Creek, which is known for some of the best fishing on the lake. (706) 359-2746, exploregeorgia.org

Hickory Knob State Resort Park
McCormick
Playground, swimming pool, restaurant, store and gift shop, hiking and mountain bike trails, boat ramp, dock, fishing, canoeing and kayaking, lakeside championship golf course, practice putting green, tennis, archery, skeet shooting, 16 cabins, 44 RV and tent campsites with water and electricity, showers, dump station, meeting rooms, convention center. (864) 391-2450, southcarolinaparks.com

Leroys Ferry Campground
McCormick
Picnic table, grill, fire ring, boat ramp with security light, 10 primitive campsites without water or electrical hookups ($10), rustic toilets, hand pump for drinking water. Pets allowed. (800) 533-3478, recreation.gov

Mistletoe State Park
Appling
Beach, picnic shelters, boat ramps, dock, canoe rentals, fishing, biking and hiking trails, cottages, fisherman’s cabin with private dock, beach house (seats 75), 93 RV, trailer and tent sites, 3 backcountry campsites, pioneer campground, walk-in campsites, planned park activities. Costs vary. $5 parking. (706) 541-0321, gastateparks.org

Modoc Campground
Modoc
Playground, picnic shelter, boat ramp, grills, drinking water, hiking trails, campground host, 68 waterfront RV campsites with water and electricity and 1 primitive campsite ($18-$54 per night), showers, flush and vault toilets, laundry facilities, dump station. Five miles from Thurmond Visitor Center. (864) 333-2272.

Petersburg Campground
Appling
Beaches, playground, picnic shelter, grill, fishing pier, boat ramp, hiking trail, 93 waterfront RV and tent campsites ($16-$24 per night), showers, drinking water, flush and vault toilets. Four miles from Thurmond Visitor Center. (706) 541-9464.

Plum Branch Yacht Club
Plum Branch
Beach, pavilions, boat ramp, ship’s store, Lakeside Grill restaurant, 63 waterfront RV campsites with water and electricity, primitive campsites, bathhouse, restrooms, covered and uncovered moorage and dry storage, fuel. (864) 443-3000, plumbranch.com

Pointes West Army Resort
Appling
Beach, playgrounds, picnic tables, pavilions, grill, fire ring, boat ramps, pontoon boat rentals, camper rentals, camping equipment rentals, country store, bathhouse, fishing, hiking with Bartram Trail access, 58 waterfront campsites with water and electricity ($20-$25 per night), 20 waterfront campsites with electricity only ($10 per night), primitive campsites ($7 per night), waterfront cottages, cabins and rustic motel suites, boat storage sheds and slips, camper storage, conference center. Military or government ID required. (706) 541-1057, gordon.armymwr.com

Raysville Campground
Thomson
Boat ramp, fire pit, grill, 55 campsites with water and electricity ($30), showers, TV/cable hookup, dump station. Within a mile of Amity Recreation Area, which has beaches, picnic shelters and ball field. (706) 699-6257, raysvillecampground.coms

Ridge Road Campground
Appling
Beach, playground, picnic area, drinking water, boat ramp, dock, grill, fire pit, 69 RV campsites with water and electricity, 6 tent sites ($12-$24 per night), showers, flush and vault toilets, dump station, trash collection, TV/cable hookup. (706) 541-0282, exploregeorgia.org

Soap Creek Marina Campground
Lincolnton
Beach, picnic area, convenience store, boat ramps, gas dock, hiking trails, restrooms, bathhouse, 30 RV campsites with water and electricity, 5 lakeside cottage rentals, slip rentals, electrical hookups, water. (706) 359-4100, soapcreekmarina.com

Wildwood Park
Appling
Beach, pavilions, playgrounds, mega boat ramp, docks, fishing, weigh-in station, riding trails, showers, restrooms, International Disc Golf Center with three 18-hole courses, 61 RV and tent campsites, camper storage. Admission is $3 per car, truck or motorcycle per day or $6 for a vehicle with a boat/watercraft or horse trailer. 1.5 miles from Pollard’s Corner. (706) 541-0586, columbiacountyga.gov.

Winfield Campground
Appling
Beach, playground, picnic area, grill, boat ramp, drinking water, 80 RV and tent campsites with water and electricity, showers, flush and vault toilets, dump station. Located on Little River near Mistletoe State Park. (706) 541-0147, exploregeorgia.org

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Day-Use Recreation Areas (No Campgrounds)

Amity Recreation Area
Lincoln County
Beaches and swim area, playground, picnic area, shelters, boat ramp, fishing pier, baseball field. Entrance fee is $5 per car. 8 a.m.-8:30 p.m. For shelter reservations, call (706) 359-4444, recreation.gov

Below Dam Recreation Area
McCormick County
Playground, picnic area, shelters, mini shelters, fishing pier, boat ramp, walking trail, restrooms, drinking water. No swimming or wading due to strong currents. Entrance fee is $5 per car. 8 a.m.-8:30 p.m. Across from Thurmond Visitor Center. (864) 333-1147, recreation.gov

Cherokee Recreation Area
Lincolnton
Beach, playground, picnic area, picnic shelters, boat ramp, dock, restrooms, drinking water, nature trails, facilities for handicapped. Entrance fee is $5 per vehicle. Thu.-Mon. 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Just across Little River Bridge on the right. (706) 359-5525 or (706) 359-5523, exploregeorgia.org

Clarks Hill Park Recreation Area
McCormick
Beach swimming areas, picnic areas, shelters, grills, drinking water, restrooms, boat ramp, fishing pier, fish cleaning stations, hiking trails. Entrance fee is $5 per car. 8 a.m.-8:30 p.m. (877) 444-6777, recreation.gov

Gill Point Recreation Area
Lincoln County
Picnic area, picnic shelter, drinking water, restrooms, boat ramp, dock. Entrance fee is $5 per car. 8 a.m.-8:30 p.m. (800) 533-3478, recreation.gov

Keg Creek Wildlife Management Area
Appling
Picnic area, canoe access, hiking trails, fishing, boating. Two miles from Pollard’s Corner. (706) 595-4222, exploregeorgia.org

Lake Springs Recreation Area
Appling
Swim beaches, playground, picnic areas, picnic shelters ($75-$125 per day), drinking water, restrooms, boat ramp, fishing pier, volleyball, horseshoe pits, walking and biking trails, Bartram Trail entrance point. Entrance fee is $5 per car. 8 a.m.-8:30 p.m. Three miles from Pollard’s Corner. For shelter reservations, call (800) 533-3478, exploregeorgia.org

Parksville Recreation Area
Parksville
Beaches, playground, picnic area, shelters, restrooms, boat ramp, ball field. Entrance fee is $5 per car. 8 a.m.-8:30 p.m. (800) 533-3478, exploregeorgia.org

West Dam Recreation Area
Appling
Beaches, playgrounds, picnic areas, shelters, restrooms, fishing, Bartram Trail entrance point. Entrance fee is $5 per car. 8 a.m.-8:30 p.m. One mile from Thurmond Visitor Center. (800) 533-3478, exploregeorgia.org

Bartram Trail – 18.5 miles
Columbia County
Bartram is a fast beginner/intermediate trail with lots of views of the lake. Entrances are at West Dam Park, Lake Springs, Petersburg Campground and Wildwood Park. The section from West Dam to Petersburg is beginner, and the others offer more climbing, creek crossings and technical challenges. Bartram connects with Lake Springs Loop and easily links with Keg Creek and Mistletoe State Park trails. sorbacsra.org

Bussey Point Horse Trail – 12 miles
Lincolnton
Bussey Point is a 2,545-acre peninsula at the confluence of the Savannah and Little rivers that caters to horse lovers. Closed to vehicular traffic, there are more than 20 miles of well-marked wooded equestrian trails and natural-surfaced roads. The main wood trail, marked with yellow diamonds, is 12 miles, and there is a shorter loop of 6.5 miles. Shoes for horses are optional, but roads and trails can be rocky so some riders like at least front shoes. The area is open to hikers and bikers, but they are rarely encountered.

Catfish Creek/Peninsula – 6.5 miles
McCormick County
Catfish Peninsula is a 1,070-acre peninsula along the Savannah River portion of the lake. The area contains 10 trail roads that branch out through the area that contains six food plots. There are no trail signs in the area.

Cherokee Quarry – .5 miles
Lincoln County
The trail circles an old strip quarry that has been converted (mostly by beavers) to a wetland and pond area. Waterfowl are common on the pond, and a spur tail leads to the shoreline. There are no trail signs in the area.

Cliatt Creek Nature Loop – 3.75 miles
Appling
Located in Mistletoe State Park, this remote trail is marked with white blazes. Grades are a little steep, and there are a few obstacles. The footbridges at most water crossings are wide enough for bikes, although the approaches are difficult. Part of the trail follows Cliatt Creek through a hardwood forest as it flows toward the lake, while another section wanders through woods with a gentle series of dips and rolls.

Dozier Branch Canoe/Kayak Trail – 2 miles
Lincoln County
From the launching area, head downstream along Dozier Branch to where it joins Grey’s Creek, then go north along the creek until the water is too shallow to go any further. These creeks provide excellent fishing but are not accessible to most power boats. There are no trail markers, and extra caution should be used during periods of high stream flows.

Forks Area Trail System (FATS) – 37 miles
Sumter National Forest
Designated as an Epic Trail by the International Mountain Biking Association, a series of six different loops through a thickly forested area makes this a great system for beginner to intermediate riders with optional challenging lines for more experienced riders. Although hilly, there are not many climbs that require a lot of effort or dismounts. sorbacsra.org

Hickory Knob Trails — 10.2 miles
McCormick
Multiple loops and fast trails are fun and challenging for the intermediate rider. Located in Hickory Knob State Park, the Lake Loop is 7 miles, Turkey Ridge is a 1.7-mile loop and Beaver Run is a 2.5-mile out-and-back. sorbacsra.org

Keg Creek Trail – 9.2 miles
Appling
This intermediate level trail, marked with yellow blazes, is a fun ride full of roots, dips, bridges and creek crossings that are technical enough to be challenging but easy enough for fairly novice riders. Some of the creek crossings are easy; some are difficult. Connects with Bartram Trail at Wildwood Park and links with Rock Dam Trail by less than 3 miles of paved road. sorbacsra.org

Lake Springs Loop – 2.5 miles
Columbia County
Located in the Lake Springs Recreation Area, this paved trail with white blazes is a horseshoe off Bartram Trail (yellow blazes) and offers a little more climbing and technical challenge than the main Bartram it bypasses. Secondary trails identified with red blazes allow visitors to explore the Lake Springs shoreline. The trail connects the four peninsulas that make up the park and ends at an observation tower overlooking the lake.

Little River Blueway Outdoor Adventure Area – Multiple trails
McCormick
Located at the convergence of Little River and Clarks Hill Lake in Sumter National Forest, the Blueway offers 51 miles of diverse and scenic water trails, 136 miles of hiking and biking trails, two state parks bordering Savannah Lakes Village, four golf courses, five campgrounds, access to historical sites and a skeet and archery range. The Forks Area Trail System (FATS — designated as an Epic Trail by the International Mountain Biking Association), the Turkey/Wine Creek Trail and Steven’s Creek Trail are all within a 30-mile drive from Blueway Base Camp.

Modoc (Stevens Creek) – 5.5 miles
Modoc
An out-and-back trail for intermediate or advanced riders, this trail is best known for its multiple creek and ditch crossings. It is one of the most technically challenging trails in the area. sorbacsra.org

Rock Dam Trail – 13 miles
Appling
Located in Mistletoe State Park with access by the Cliatt Creek Nature Loop, this intermediate/advanced trail is marked with blue blazes and will challenge even the most seasoned rider with several creek crossings, a gully ride and a long, rocky, rooty, extremely off-camber climb. Most riders prefer the loop in the clockwise direction. This trail can be linked with Keg Creek by less than 3 miles of easy pedaling on paved roads. sorbacsra.org

Shriver Creek – 3.25 miles
Lincoln County
Shriver Creek is a 900-acre peninsula along the Savannah River portion of the lake. The area contains six trail roads that branch out through the area. Most trails go to or pass one of six food plots. There are no trail signs in the area.

Turkey Creek – 7 miles
One of the CSRA’s old-school trails, much of this intermediate out-and-back trail is carved into the hillside along Turkey Creek with scenic views and lots of bridges. There are some roots, but nothing difficult. Cross Key Road to get on Wine Creek. sorbacsra.org

Wildwood Park – 12 miles
Appling
Columbia County’s 975-acre park includes up to 12 miles of wooded trails for hiking, biking and horseback riding. The more advanced biking portion of Bartram Trail from Petersburg to Wildwood Park offers nine miles of fast single-track challenges. A brisk ride through Wildwood takes riders to nearly eight miles of more technical obstacles of Keg Creek. Entry is $3 per day per car, truck or motorcycle. The entry fee for vehicles with a horse trailer is $6 per horse per day. columbiacountyga.gov

Wine Creek – 5.5 miles (one-way)
Wine Creek is a fast and fun 5.5-mile, one-way trail with technical challenges for intermediate riders. It is one of the most scenic trails in the area with several creek crossings and a long rocky section on the edge of the creek. Ride across Key Road to get on Turkey Creek. sorbacsra.org