Goat Rock Lake
This 940-acre reservoir is located on the Chattahoochee River 10 miles above Columbus along the Georgia-Alabama border. The Georgia Power Company provides public access with a boat ramp and restroom facilities.
Contact Information
Georgia Power: ph. 706-317-6041
Prospects and Fishing Tips
| Best Bets |
| LARGEMOUTH BASS, SPOTTED BASS, BREAM, CATFISH & STRIPED BASS |
| Largemouth bass |
| Prospect | Goat Rock has an abundant largemouth population. The lake is quiet and anglers will encounter little recreational boating activity. Lunker catches are possible for experienced anglers, however most largemouths are in the 8 to 14 inch size range. |  |
| Technique | Carolina-rigged plastic worms and lizards are effective largemouth baits. Mid-depth crankbaits and spinners also can be productive. |
| Target | Target rocky points in deep water. Also, shorelines and protected coves with structure are good places to locate largemouths. |
| Spotted bass |
| Prospect | Spots are not large in Goat Rock, though there are plenty to catch. Most spots will be in the 7 to 10 inch range. The less abundant larger spots will average around 1 pound. |  |
| Technique | Live bait like night crawlers, crayfish, and minnows are effective. Crankbaits and plastic worms also work well. |
| Target | The best time to fish is between April and June. Target rocky points in deep water. Main channels and shoreline cover often hold schools of spots. |
| Striped Bass |
| Prospect | Gulf striped bass are being stocked in Goat Rock. They will join a few larger striped bass, which likely traveled downstream from Bartlett's Ferry where they also were stocked. |  |
| Technique | Spoons and popping corks with trailing jigs. Live shad also are effective for stripers. |
| Target | Target the tailrace in the spring. During the rest of the year, stripers can be found throughout the lake following schools of baitfish. |
| Catfish |
| Prospect | Goat Rock continues to be an excellent catfish lake. Large channel catfish up to 10 pounds are caught year-round. Channel cats 1-4 pounds are most common. |  |
| Technique | Channels like live bait like night crawlers and minnows fished at or near the bottom. Stink and cut baits also are popular choices. |
| Target | Target the river channel area, deep holes and rocky bottoms. |
| Bream |
| Prospect | Bluegill and redear sunfish fishing historically has been good. Average bluegill catches should weigh approximately 1/4 to 1/2 pound, while redear catches should average 3/4 to 1 1/4 pound. |  |
| Technique | Live worms and crickets are most effective for bluegill and redear sunfish. |
| Target | Backs of coves and sloughs are most productive. April, May and June are the best months to fish. |
| Crappie |
| Prospect | Anglers looking for crappie often fare well in Goat Rock. Most catches average more than 1/2 pound. "Slabs" will be common for the dedicated angler. |  |
| Technique | Trolling with jigs. Live minnows work well for crappie. |
| Target | Target woody brush and structure along shorelines. Trolling along the river channel also is effective. |
| Other Species |
| Prospect | A small population of shoal bass are present and occasionally are caught in Goat Rock. |
| Technique | Crayfish and baitfish are favorite foods for shoal bass. |
| Target | Target rocky areas below Bartlett's Ferry Dam and up Mulberry Creek. |
| Additional Information |
The redevelopment of Goat Rock Marina a few years ago included an enlarged paved parking area, new courtesy dock, a restroom and area lighting. The access road to the marina has also been paved.
Generating schedules and lake levels information is available by calling Georgia Power at 706-317-6000.
Try fishing the five new fish attractors recently added to the lake. Fish attractors are marked with buoys. |
| Best Fishing Times Key |
Excellent:  Good:  Fair:  |
