Fishing Forecast - Lake Oliver
Overview
Located on the Chattahoochee River, the Georgia Power Company operates this 2,150-acre reservoir. Recreational boating can be popular during the summer, but anglers usually do not encounter heavy boating traffic during early spring and late fall.
Contact Information: Georgia Power: 706-317-6042; http://georgiapowerlakes.com/bartlettsferry/lake-levels/
GA DNR Office: 706-295-6102
Fish attractor data for this reservoir are available for you to upload into your fishfinder or other GPS devices, or view in free online mapping applications. The data is compatible with many brands including Lowrance, Humminbird, Garmin, and Magellan. Instructions are here on how to use the data. Download the zipped data.
Best Bets: Black Bass, Bream, and Crappie
Lake Oliver - Black Bass
Largemouth Bass
Prospect: Both Largemouth Bass and Spotted Bass are abundant. Expect average largemouth catches to be around 1 pound. Spots average 6-10 inches and weigh under 1/2 pounds. There are no size restrictions on spotted bass harvest.
Largemouth Bass collected during the sampling of Lake Oliver (Fall of 2025)
Technique: Good baits for bass are plastic worms, crankbaits, buzzbaits, chatterbaits, and spinners.
Target: For Largemouth and Spotted Bass, target boat docks and fishing piers, but do not overlook rocky points, small coves, and stumpy areas. In general, search for spots in deeper water than Largemouth Bass.
Lake Oliver - Channel Catfish
Channel Catfish
Prospect: Channel catfish are in good supply and in good condition. Most cats are good eating size and will be in the 16-28 inch range and weigh 3 to 5 pounds.
Technique: Stink and cut baits, and nightcrawlers are effective.
Target: For catfish, fish bait on or near the bottom of the river channel. Also, try deep fishing holes off docks where structure can be found. The tailrace area can also be a good location.
Lake Oliver - Bream
Bluegill Sunfish
Prospect: Fishing for bluegill and redear sunfish is popular at Lake Oliver. Expect good bluegill fishing from April through May, with the average catch at 5-8 inches and 1/4 to 1/3 pounds being common. Redear sunfish (shellcrackers) tend to be larger, with some averaging close to 1/2 pound in size.
Technique: Live worms work best for bream fishing. Crickets also are effective and easier for young anglers to use than some baits. Small black curly-tail jigs also work and fishing with a bobber helps locate depth bream are holding.
Target: Target the backs of protected coves and sloughs for the best bream spots. Brush piles and any structure also hold bream, especially around the shoreline. Fish for summertime bream early in the morning.
Lake Oliver - Crappie
Black Crappie
Prospect: Black Crappie anglers should do well, with most catches averaging 1/4 to 1/3 of a pound. Dedicated anglers can expect the occasional hawg catch.
Technique: Various plastic jigs are preferred, but live minnows also are effective. In early spring, troll for black crappie on the lower end of the lake with bright colored jigs.
Target: Favorite spots include: the mouth of and under ; the boat dock at .
Lake Oliver - Other Species
Striped Bass
Prospect: The occasional striped and hybrid bass can be caught on Lake Oliver. Most will be small in the 12 to 18-inch range.
Technique: Fishing with live shad is the most effective way of catching big bass. Jigs and spoons also can be effective.
Target: In the spring, try fishing for stripers in the of Goat Rock Dam. During the rest of the year, stripers are usually found throughout the lake.
Additional Information
Additional fishing information can be obtained from City Marina (operated by Columbus Parks and Rec) at 706-653-4634. The City Marina has docks, a fishing pier, and a bait and tackle store that serves food. Georgia Power has access to the Oliver tailrace area on the North Highland impoundment. Access is located just off the Columbus RiverWalk trailhead next to Oliver Dam and City Marina. Generating schedules and lake level information is available by calling Georgia Power at 706-322-0228 or online at www.georgiapower.com .
