Right in the middle of the North Georgia Mountains, you’ll find the 2,775-acre reservoir known as Lake Burton. It is the first lake in a six-lake series along the Tallulah River. It is the largest of the Georgia Power North Georgia lakes and a premier water destination in Northern Georgia.
People from all over visit to enjoy water sports and boating, but perhaps the most popular activity is Lake Burton fishing. The surrounding mountain streams provide an endless supply of cool water, making it the perfect environment for a diverse variety of fish.
Here at Wander Lake Burton, you have access to all of the nearby fishing spots. We’ve got you covered on everything you need to know to have a successful fishing trip on Lake Burton.
Lake Burton is home to a variety of fish species, including:
spotted bass
largemouth bass
brown trout
rainbow trout
bluegill
Walleye
crappie
yellow perch
catfish
Lake Burton is most well-known for bass fishing. In fact, Lake Burton currently holds the state record for the largest spotted bass caught in Georgia. You’ll find spotted bass year-round, but the highest number of spotted bass are caught during spawning season in April and May.
Largemouth bass can be found any time of year. They prefer 30 feet of water in the summer and open waters during the fall. Live herring is the best bait for largemouth bass. If you don’t have live bait, go for jerk baits.
Trout fishing is another popular option on Lake Burton. Right next to Lake Burton is the Burton Trout Hatchery, which provides stocking support to nearby streams and lakes. Brown trout are plentiful during the summer months but can be found any time of year. The key to finding trout is to bring their favorite food: blueback herring. Small spinnerbaits and crankbaits work well if you don’t have live bait.
There are multiple options for fishing on Lake Burton. Guests can choose between guided fishing charters, casting a rod on the main lake, or utilizing one of the many boat ramps nearby.
Phone number: 706-455-2323
Email: info@welchsguideservice.com
Welch’s Guide Service is owned by Erich Welsh, a full-time guide with over 40 years of local lake experience. Welsh is a USCG Licensed Guide providing guided charters on Lake Burton and surrounding lakes.
Charter trip pricing varies based on the amount of guests and length of time. The prices range from $300 for a 4-hour trip up to $465 for 8-hour trips. The boat can accommodate up to 3 people at the time of publishing. All equipment is provided, including tackle, rods, reels, and complimentary drinks.
Phone number: (706) 499-5730
Email: reeltimechartersinfo@gmail.com
Reel Time Charters is headed up by Captain Rick, a local fisherman who has spent his life fishing North Georgia lakes. Reel Time Charters offers a variety of fishing trip options to meet your group’s needs.
The most popular choice is the day trip, offering five full hours on the water for $350 at the time of publishing. The trip can hold up to 3 people and includes all poles, tackle, bait, and water. Reel Time Charters also offers a romantic package for two and custom trips to meet your specific needs. If you’re looking to hone in on your fishing trips, take a fishing lesson from Captain Rick. For $350, you’ll get 5 hours of detailed lessons for catching a variety of fish.
Phone number: 828-354-0250
Booking: dreamcatcherguides.com
Dream Catcher’s Fishing serves the larger North Georgia, North Carolina, and South Carolina region. Their all-inclusive charter trips include vessels, rods, reels, lures, tackle, and life jackets. They launch out of Murray Cove on Lake Burton.
Address: 55 Anchor Ln, Clayton, GA
Phone number: (706) 782-3013
Amenities: Boat rentals, boat repairs, boat detailing, boat ramp
Address: 25 Shoreline Trail, Clarkesville, GA
Phone number: (706) 947-0010
Amenities: Boat storage, boat rentals, boat maintenance, boat ramp, on-site dining
There are several boat ramps to splash in at around Lake Burton:
Murray Cove Boat Ramp: Murray Cove Rd, Tiger, GA
Moccasin Creek State Park: 3655 GA-197, Clarkesville, GA
Tullalah River Boat Ramp: Chester York Rd, Clayton, GA
Make sure you have all the needed equipment. If you don’t plan to take a charter fishing trip, you’ll need to bring your own fishing equipment. This includes a fishing rod and reel, fishing line, hooks, live bait, lures, bobbers, sinkers, and swivels.
Check the local fishing report. The Lake Burton fishing report gives important information on the current weather conditions, water temperatures, and fish activities.
Wear the right gear. Be sure to dress appropriately for a full day of fishing. This includes a rain jacket, sunglasses, sunscreen, a hat, and breathable clothing.
Note that there are certain rules and restrictions when fishing in Georgia.
See DNR’s comprehensive guide for daily limits and length limits per species.
All anglers over the age of 16 must obtain a fishing license to fish Lake Burton. Fishing licenses are available daily or annually. Residents of Georgia can obtain a fishing license for $15 annually or $5 a day.
Nonresidents can purchase a fishing license for $50 annually or $10 a day. All anglers who plan to fish trout must also obtain a trout license. You can purchase a fishing license online or call 1-800-366-2661.
Boat renters are required to watch a DNR-approved boater education video before renting. The video can be found here.
For a comprehensive explanation of fishing guides, visit the Georgia Department of Natural Resources website.
Lake Burton is one of the top fishing destinations in North Georgia for a reason. With record-breaking bass fishing and a diverse array of other fish species, there’s no shortage of fishing opportunities on Lake Burton.
No matter your experience level, you’ll enjoy fishing on the open waters of Lake Burton. From charter fishing trips to boat rentals at local marinas, there’s an option for every angler out there.
Book your large group vacation rental in Georgia for a perfect getaway and have yourself the ultimate fishing trip.
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