Lake Oliver
Located on the Chattahoochee River in Columbus, the Georgia Power Company operates this 2,150-acre reservoir. Recreational boating is heavy during the summer, but anglers usually do not encounter heavy boating traffic during early spring and late fall. Anglers should be on the lookout for the three fish attractor locations, marked with buoys.
Contact Information
Georgia Power: ph. 706-317-6041
Prospects and Fishing Tips
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Best Bets |
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BLACK BASS, BREAM & CRAPPIE
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Black Bass |
| Prospect |
Largemouth, spotted, and shoal bass are all present. As the most abundant, expect average largemouth catches of 1 to 1 1/3 pounds. Spots should average 7-12 inches and just under 1/2 pound. Expect occasional catches of shoal bass in the tailwaters below Goat Rock Dam. |
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| Technique |
Good bait for bass are plastic worms, crankbaits and spinners. |
| Target |
For largemouth and spotted bass, target boat docks and fishing piers, but do not overlook rocky points, small coves and stumpy areas. In general, search for spots in deeper water than largemouth. |
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Catfish |
| Prospect |
Channel catfish are in good supply and above average in condition. |
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| Technique |
Stink and cut baits, and night crawlers are effective. |
| Target |
For catfish, fish bait on or near the bottom in the river channel. Also, try fishing holes off docks where structure can be found. |
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Bream |
| Prospect |
Fishing for bluegill and redear sunfish is popular at Lake Oliver. Expect good bluegill fishing from April through May, with the average catch at 4-6 inches and 1/4 to 1/3 pound. Redear sunfish are larger, with some averaging closer to 1/2 pound. |
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| Technique |
Live worms work best. Crickets also are effective. |
| Target |
Target the backs of protected coves and sloughs for the best bream spots. Brush piles and structure also hold bream especially around the shoreline. |
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Crappie |
| Prospect |
Crappie anglers should do well with most catches averaging 1/3 to 3/4 pound. Dedicated anglers can expect the occasional lunker size catch. |
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| Technique |
Various jigs are preferred, but minnows also are effective. |
| Target |
Favorite spots: the mouth of Standing Boy Creek and under Standing Boy Creek Bridge; the boat dock at Green Island Marina. |
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Other Species |
| Prospect |
Striped bass have been stocked and 12 inch plus fish should be available. |
| Technique |
Fishing with live shad is the most effective way of catching linesides. Jigs and spoons also can be effective. The observant angler can often locate schools of feeding stripers by watching for seagulls diving into the water for baitfish. |
| Target |
In the spring, try fishing for stripers in the tailrace of Goat Rock Dam. During the rest of the year stripers are usually found throughout the lake. |
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Additional Information |
Additional fishing information can be obtained from City Marina at 706-653-4634. Note: City Marina has been renovated. The new docks and a bait and tackle store are now up and running.
Georgia Power has improved access to the Oliver tailrace area on the North Highland impoundment. Access to the new addition is located just off the Columbus River Walk trailhead next to Oliver Dam and City Marina.
Generating schedules and lake level information is available by calling Georgia Power at 706-317-6000.
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Best Fishing Times Key |
Excellent:
Good:
Fair:
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