4 Remote Lakes In Georgia To Fish and Swim

Georgia is a hot spot for outdoor recreation and scenic beauty. The state is home to over 30 lakes, many of which are nestled among the Blue Ridge Mountains in picturesque landscapes. If you’re looking for recreational areas a little out of the way of your typical city or suburb lakes, you will thoroughly enjoy these secluded and quiet picks. Check out the four best remote lakes in Georgia to fish and swim.  

The Best Time of Year to Fish and Swim in Georgia

Georgia has a humid subtropical climate throughout most of the state. It experiences short, mild winters and long, hot summers. This climate is excellent for year-round recreation, especially swimming and fishing. However, there are times during the year that are best for these activities.

Georgia’s fishing season begins in the early spring and ends in the late fall. The water starts to warm and bring forth active fish around April. And many Georgia natives confirm that twilight hours (early morning and late evening) are the best time to head out to the water.

Swimming outside in Georgia can be chilly, depending on the time of year. It’s best to stick with the preferred swimming season, from Memorial Day to Labor Day, which is roughly the end of May to the Beginning of September. These months will give you the best experience as the weather will be warm enough for you to brave the cool water. 

Best Remote Lakes in Georgia to Fish and Swim

1. Carters Lake

Located on the Coosawattee River in the Blue Ridge Mountains is Carters Lake. It is a reservoir and the deepest lake in the state. It is also one of the most scenic areas in the Southeast, featuring a rugged shoreline and clear water surrounded by dense forest. Recreational opportunities include camping, boating, hunting, picnicking, fishing, hiking, biking, and swimming. Carters Lake is stocked with spotted bass, smallmouth bass, largemouth bass, walleye, and common bream. While the area can get busy during weekends and holidays, it is a fairly quiet lake. Plus, there is plenty of room to spread out and stay to yourself.

2. Lake Yonah

Lake Yonah is on the Tugaloo River, right along the Georgia and South Carolina border. The lake is located in a residential area for permanent residents and vacationers. It is 320 acres and features activities such as boating, water skiing, swimming, fishing, paddling, hiking, camping, and general outdoor exploring. The area is secluded and not well known (yet), so there’s a good chance you will have plenty of space to yourself. And the fishing doesn’t disappoint. You will find walleye and largemouth bass in abundance. But you can also catch white bass, yellow perch, spotted bass, catfish, and crappie on occasion.

3. Lake Rabun

This 835-acre reservoir is in the northeastern corner of Georgia and is the third lake that follows the Tallulah River. The reservoir has a long, winding shape and is best known for its Independence Day boat parade. It’s also a popular spot for fishing, waterskiing, hiking, boating, swimming, and picnicking. It gets busy during the weekend, but weekdays are quiet and peaceful. It will feel like you have the lake all to yourself. There is also an excellent pizza joint along the water. When you’re done fishing and swimming, you can grab a bite to eat. The water temperature is perfect by late June. The most popular fish to catch on Lake Rabun are spotted bass, largemouth bass, crappie, yellow perch, bream, and walleye.  

4. West Point Lake

West Point Lake is located on the Chattahoochee River in West-central Georgia along the Alabama border. The lake extends 35 miles along the river and offers plenty of recreational opportunities. It is a favorite spot for Fourth of July fireworks, fishing, swimming, hiking, boating, picnicking, camping, and much more. While it’s a popular area, it is not as crowded as other big lakes in the state. And it is so large, you feel you are in a remote location while still being close to civilization. But the fishing is what really shines on this lake. West Point is a great quality bass fishing lake, especially for largemouth bass. But you can also find redbreast sunfish, striped bass, bluegill, white bass, and channel catfish.

Remote Lakes in Georgia to Fish and Swim: A Recap of the Top 4