Waterbody · Georgia
Lake Oconee Fishing Regulations 2026
Lake Oconee fishing regulations in 2026: top targets are largemouth bass, crappie, catfish. 51 current rules across 9 species from DNR WRD.
Rules (51)
DNR WRD regulates 51 rules across 9 species at this water.
Largemouth Bass
All Pfas
- Daily bag
- 5 fish
- Min size
- 14"
Largemouth bass (unless otherwise posted) — 5 Largemouth bass: 14 inches minimum unless otherwise posted
Dodge County
- Daily bag
- 5 fish
- Slot min
- 16"
- Slot max
- 24"
only 1 over 24 inches between 16 and 24 inches must be released immediately
Evans County
- Daily bag
- 5 fish
- Slot min
- 12"
- Slot max
- 16"
with only one (1) over 16 inches between 12 and 16 inches must be released immediately
Hugh M. Gillis
- Daily bag
- 5 fish
- Slot min
- 16"
- Slot max
- 24"
between 16 and 24 inches must be released immediately
Lake Lindsay Grace
- Daily bag
- 1 fish
- Slot min
- 15"
- Slot max
- 22"
only one bass may be greater than 22 inches
Lake Lindsay Grace (Wayne Co.)
- Daily bag
- 1 fish
Only one bass may be greater than 22 inches.
Marben Pfa (Charlie Elliott Wildlife Center)
- Daily bag
- 5 fish
- Min size
- 16"
only one (1) of which can be 16 inches or longer
OcmulgeeCatch & release
- Status
- Catch And Release
Largemouth bass are catch-and-release.
Public Fishing Area Lakes Operated By The Department Of Natural Resources
- Min size
- 14"
This limit will not apply to lakes which have been posted as having a different length limit for largemouth bass.
Georgia statewide
- Min size
- 12"
statewide except for specific lakes listed
Channel Catfish
Berrien County
- Gear
- Allowed
Channel catfish listed among Fish Species at Paradise Berrien County
Dodge County
- Gear
- Live Minnows
Live fish (minnows) are allowed for bait.
Hugh M. Gillis
- Gear
- Allowed
Fish species: Largemouth bass, Bluegill, Redear sunfish, Channel catfish, Black crappie, Brown bullhead.
Georgia statewideOpen
- Status
- Permitted
Statewide aggregate per 2025-26 Georgia Hunting and Fishing Regulations (Game Species Daily Limits, p.55). Statewide: no daily limit for channel or flathead catfish.
Flathead Catfish
Georgia statewideOpen
- Status
- Permitted
Statewide aggregate per 2025-26 Georgia Hunting and Fishing Regulations (Game Species Daily Limits, p.55). Statewide: no daily limit for channel or flathead catfish.
Blue Catfish
All Species
Lake OconeeClosed
- Status
- Prohibited
No hunting allowed within 300 feet of a dock, house, structure, bridge, road, boat ramp, marina or open recreation area.
Black Crappie
Hugh M. Gillis
- Gear
- Allowed
Black crappie listed among fish species at Hugh M. Gillis Public Fishing Area; no explicit restrictions stated for this species
White Crappie
OcmulgeeOpen
- Status
- Open
Fish Species: Largemouth bass, Bluegill, White crappie, Redear sunfish, yellow bullhead.
Crappie
Catfish
FAQ
Who regulates fishing on Lake Oconee?
DNR WRD regulates fishing on Lake Oconee.
What species can I target on Lake Oconee?
Lake Oconee is best known for largemouth bass, crappie, catfish. Other species are present and tracked in the rule tables below.
Where should I verify these rules?
These rules summarize DNR WRD's published content. Always confirm with the official source before keeping a catch.
Reference only. Regulations change mid-season. Always verify with the official source before keeping a catch.