Finding public fishing access and boat ramps can sometimes be one of the hardest parts of going fishing. It’s also something that can prevent new anglers from wetting a line. The Georgia Outdoor Boating and Fishing Map is here to take the guess work out of locating opportunities near you. Remember there’s always room on one of Georgia’s 10 Public Fishing Areas (PFA), too! All you need is valid fishing license to access any of the PFAs.

Whether you’re new to fishing or looking for a new fishing hole to try, here are step-by-step instructions on locating public fishing or boating opportunities that fit your needs.

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Angler fishing at Clubhouse Lake at Marben PFA. Photo credit: Georgia DNR

 

  1. Head over to the Wildlife Resources Division fishing locations page.

Once the page loads, you’ll see an interactive map of Georgia with green dots scattered across the state. The green dots are Georgia’s public fishing and boating opportunities.

www.georgiawildlife.com

Interactive Fishing and Boating Map on www.georgiawildlife.com

 

2. Pick your target species if you have one.

Click the fish icon in the upper left side of the screen under the “Find address or place” bar. This will give you a list of fish species. Select the species you’re interested in catching by toggling the switch next to the name. It will turn green when it’s activated.

Map with circled fish species icon

The red circle is around the button that generates the list of fish species you can filter from.

 

Find fish species screen

List shows the green “activated” toggle switch for Largemouth Bass.

 **Note: You can select multiple species. However, the map will show areas that offer fishing opportunities where you can catch all selected species. The map will appear blank if the species range does not overlap. 

 

3. Find the perfect place to fish close to home.

The button to the right of the fish is the Near Me command (circled below). Type in your address and enter how many miles away from your location you’re willing to travel. Once you press enter, a list of public boating or fishing opportunities meeting your requirements will appear below your address. You may need to zoom out to see them appear on the map though. Click on an opportunity listed beneath your address for directions to the access point, species you can catch there, its amenities, contact information, and a link for more information if it’s available.

Map showing circled near me button

Red circle is around the “Near Me” button.

 

Map shows fishing locations near given address.

Map showing public fishing areas within selected distance from address.

 

4. Get ready to fish!

Before you head out for your fishing adventure check the fishing regulations for size or length restrictions and limits. These can be found on beginning on page 12 of the fishing regulations popular guide. Some areas may have limits or regulations specific to that property, so you’ll also want to check for any signage when you arrive.

 

5. What should you do when you get there?

When you arrive, park in the designated parking area, should the property have one, or park along the side of the road and hike in. Be sure to respect private property. Many trout streams are located on private property. It is your responsibility to know when you cross a property line. Always obtain permission from the landowner before entering or fishing on private property. All in all, remember to have fun and use good fishing etiquette!

 

Are you also interested in hunting? Find public hunting opportunities near you!