Fish and Fishing in Bartlett's Ferry Reservoir (Lake Harding)
Bartlett’s Ferry Reservoir (Lake Harding) is a Chattahoochee River impoundment located on the Alabama - Georgia state line, east of Opelika. The 5,860-acre reservoir was constructed by Georgia Power Company to provide hydroelectric power generation and recreation. Bartlett’s Ferry is not as well known, nor as heavily fished, as its upstream and downstream counterparts, West Point Lake and Lake Eufaula.
Both Alabama and Georgia fishing licenses are recognized for all waters of Bartlett’s Ferry Reservoir. The bass fishery is predominately largemouth bass but spotted bass are common, particularly in areas of flowing water. Largemouth bass exhibit good growth and many fish reach large size because bass anglers harvest few fish. Crappie are produced in good numbers and support a fine fishery, especially in the spring. Other species of angler interest are striped bass, white bass, shoal bass and channel catfish. Shoal bass are currently protected from harvest in Alabama.Three public boat ramps and several marinas service the Alabama side of the lake. The public ramps are at the Chattahoochee Valley Recreation Park off Lee County Road 380, at Halawakee Creek on Lee County Road 379 and near Bartlett’s Ferry Dam on Lee County Road 334. County Road 334 also provides access to the Sandy Point Recreation Area. This recreation area provides boating access to Goat Rock Reservoir and bank access to the Bartlett’s Ferry Dam tailrace.
When fishing the receiprocal waters of Bartlett's Ferry Reservoir, refer to Regulation 220-2-.122 in the regulation book for more information.
Contact the Fisheries Section's District IV office for specific questions about Bartlett's Ferry Reservoir.
