Fishing Clarks Hill Lake
AKA: Lake Strom Thurmond
Popular Fish Species Clarks Hill Lake, GA
Largemouth Bass Fishing
Currently, largemouth bass are thriving in Clarks Hill Lake due to excellent fisheries management and plenty of cover for both baitfish and bass. Fishing for largemouth bass is good virtually any time they are shallow - in spring, mornings in summer, and during warm fall afternoons. Use shallow crankbaits around rip rap. Around grass use worms, jigs, topwater and spinnerbaits. In deeper water, big worms, jigs and spoons are three good weapons. In winter, spend your time on deeper structure.
Striped Bass Fishing
This year, striped bass are again a favorite of many locals and fishing guides at Clarks Hill Lake. Striped bass are plentiful and grow to bragging size. Being successful at fishing for stripers is a matter of locating schools of bait, and the wolf packs of stripers which are likely to be nearby. Fish finders are a big help in locating these roaming schools. Live bait is very effective here, and stripers can be caught year round.
Bluegill/Shellcracker
Fishing for bluegill is a time-honored tradition at Clarks Hill Lake. Young and old, beginners and seasoned anglers alike, all enjoy catching a bunch of fat bluegill. This year, much like recent years, the shellcracker population is healthy and always looking for something to eat. Bluegill fishing is as basic as fishing gets. Any pole, reasonably small line and small hooks baited with anything edible, creates the ideal setup. Add a bobber and you can set the depth you prefer the bait to position. Bluegill hang around brush, rocks, vegetation or any cover available.
Clarks Hill Lake Fishing Video
Fish species to fish for...
Guide to fishing for largemouth bass, channel catfish, flathead catfish, black crappie, white crappie, bluegill, redear sunfish, striped bass, hybrid striped bass and chain pickerel at Lake Strom Thurmond in Georgia.
Considered one of the top 20 bass-fishing lakes in the Southeast, Clarks Hill Lake AKA Lake Strom Thurmond is a 71,000-acre reservoir located along the eastern border of the state, at Clarks Hill, SC. The lake has 1,200 miles of shoreline, 400 of which are in GA, so there are plenty of places to wet a line.
Clarks Hill Lake, also known as J. Strom Thurmond Lake, is a premier fishing destination located on the border of Georgia and South Carolina. The lake offers excellent fishing opportunities for a variety of popular fish species, making it a favorite among anglers of all skill levels.
Bass fishing is particularly popular on Clarks Hill Lake. The lake is known for its trophy-sized largemouth bass and is a favorite destination for bass tournaments. Anglers can target bass using a variety of techniques, including flipping and pitching jigs, working topwater lures, or using plastic worms along the lake's numerous points, coves, and submerged structure. Spring and fall are the prime seasons for bass fishing, with the fish becoming more active and aggressive.
Catfish are another sought-after species in Clarks Hill Lake. Both channel catfish and flathead catfish can be found in the lake's waters. Anglers can target catfish using a range of baits such as cut bait, chicken liver, or stink baits. Nighttime fishing can be particularly productive for catfish, especially during the warmer months.
Crappie fishing is also popular on Clarks Hill Lake. Anglers can find both black crappie and white crappie in the lake, with spring and fall being the best seasons to target them. Anglers often focus on submerged brush piles, docks, or bridge pilings, using jigs, live minnows, or small crankbaits to entice these tasty panfish.
Sunfish, including bluegill and redear sunfish, are abundant in Clarks Hill Lake and offer great fishing opportunities. These feisty and colorful fish can be caught using small jigs, worms, or crickets. Anglers can find them near shoreline vegetation, submerged structure, or around boat docks. Sunfish provide great fun for anglers of all ages, making them a popular choice for youth fishing.
Clarks Hill Lake is also known for its striped bass and hybrid stripers populations. These hard-fighting fish offer exciting angling experiences, especially when they are actively feeding. Anglers often target them using live bait, such as shad or herring, or by trolling with artificial lures. The cooler months of the year, particularly spring and fall, are the prime times to catch striped bass and hybrid striped bass.
Clarks Hill Lake in Georgia offers excellent fishing opportunities for a variety of popular fish species, including bass, catfish, crappie, sunfish, striped bass, hybrid striped bass, and chain pickerel. Whether you're an experienced angler or a novice, the lake's diverse fish populations and beautiful surroundings make it an ideal destination for fishing, boating, and camping. Don't miss the chance to explore and fish this remarkable lake in Georgia.
Much of the shoreline is accessible only by boat, however, there are places with access for fishing from the bank or portage of a canoe or kayak. Some of the campgrounds have a boat launch ramp, and there are other boat ramps scattered around the lake. Pontoon boats, bass boats, family pleasure boats and other fishing boats are all popular here. There are boat rentals available as well. In addition to excellent bass fishing, the lake has healthy populations of stripers, hybrid striped bass, catfish, crappie, bluegill, sunfish and chain pickerel. Lodging, dining, camping, shopping and marinas are all easily accessed around the lake.
Primary fish species residing in Clarks Hill Lake
Click images for fishing tips and details about each species.
Lake Strom Thurmond Amenities
Marina: YES
Boat Rental: YES
Boat Launch Ramp: YES
Campgrounds: YES
RV Hookups: YES
Lodging: YES
Convenience Store: YES
Bait & Tackle: YES
Restaurant: YES
Today's Weather & Forecast
Boating is a popular activity on Clarks Hill Lake, with several boat ramps and marinas available for easy access. Anglers can explore the lake's vast waters, search for their favorite fishing spots, or simply enjoy a leisurely boat ride. Camping facilities are also available near the lake, allowing anglers to extend their stay and immerse themselves in the natural beauty of the area.
Fishing Boat Rentals
Clarks Hill Marina
Rentals: Pontoon boats
706 309-0046
Keg Creek Watersports
Rentals: Kayaks
706 339-0386
Safe Harbor Trade Winds Marina
Rentals: Pontoon boats
706 541-1380
Soap Creek Marina and Resort
Rentals: Pontoon boats
706 359-4100
Public Boat Launch Ramps & Landings
220 Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the northwest section of the lake, at the south end of the Highway 220 Bridge, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and gravel parking.
Cherokee Boat Launch Ramp
Located on the north side of the western arm of the lake, at the north end of the Augusta Highway Bridge, this is a five-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.
Keg Creek Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the southwest corner of the lake, at the north end of the Washington Road Bridge, this is a one-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.
Lake Springs Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the southeast corner of the lake, off Lake Springs Road, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.
Mallard Lane Boat Launch Ramp
Located on the north side of the western arm of the lake, off Mallard Lane, this is a one-lane, concrete ramp with gravel parking.
Pointes West Boat Launch Ramp
Located on the south side of the western arm of the lake, off Pike Avenue, this is a five-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.
Ridge Road Boat Launch Ramp
Located mid lake, on the southwest side of the lake, off Ridge Road, this is a one-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.
Soap Creek Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the northwest section of the lake, at the north end of the I-378 Bridge, this is a one-lane, concrete ramp with paved parking.
White Rock Road Boat Launch Ramp
Located on the north side of the western arm of the lake, at the end of White Rock Road, this is a one-lane, concrete ramp with gravel parking.
Wildwood Park Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the southwest corner of the lake, off Dogwood Lane, this is a six-lane, concrete ramp with docks and paved parking.
Marinas
Clarks Hill Marina
4271 Old Lincolnton Rd
Appling, GA 30802
706 309-0046
Safe Harbor Trade Winds Marina
5577 Marina Pkwy
Appling, GA 30802
706 541-1380
Soap Creek Marina and Resort
3000 Soap Creek Lodge Rd
Lincolnton, GA 30817
706 359-4100
Fishing Guides On Clarks Hill Lake
Little River Guide Service - stripers
Reel N Time Fishing Charters - crappie, stripers
William Sasser Guide Service - crappie, stripers
If you offer fishing guide services on Clarks Hill Lake, please contact us for a free listing to be posted here.
Fishing License
Click here for a Georgia Fishing License.
Campgrounds & RV Parks Nearby
Broad River Campground - 706 359-2053
Bobby Brown State Campground - 706 283-5500
Hester's Ferry Campground - 706 359-2746
Elijah Clark State Park Campground - 706 359-3458
Big Hart Campground - 706 595-8613
Winfield Campground - 706 541-0147
Ridge Road Campground - 706 541-0282
Wildwood Park Campground - 706 541-0586
Petersburg Campground - 706 541-9464
Lake Springs Campground - 800 533-3478
Clarks Hill Lake GA Map - Fishing & Camping Areas
Contact Information
Clarks Hill Lake
Clarks Hill Marina
4271 Old Lincolnton Rd
Appling, GA 30802
706 309-0046
Fishing lakes in each state.
030224
Lake Strom Thurmond in Georgia.
GEORGIA
Information about fishing lakes in Georgia
Clarks Hill Lake provides anglers a choice of fishing for stripers, hybrid striped bass, catfish, crappie, bluegill, sunfish and chain pickerel along the eastern border of Georgia.
