Fishing

A major attraction to Thomson-McDuffie County, Georgia is the Strom Thurmond/Clarks Hill lake. It is one of the largest inland bodies of water in the South covering 70,000 acres with 1,200 miles of shoreline and is maintained by the Army Corps of Engineers (Corps). The lake serves more than eight million visitors annually, enjoying pleasure boating, sailing, fishing, hiking, sunbathing, and picnicking by sandy beaches.

The lake is a fisherman's dream, offering white, striped, hybrid, and largemouth bass, crappie, chain pickerel, catfish, and bluegill. On the water, navigational routes are clearly marked and Corps boat ramps make lake access easy. Boat rentals and marine sanitation facilities are available at two commercial marinas: Raysville Marina (706) 595-5582 and Little River Marina (706) 541-1358. Please check with the following vendors for information on guided fishing trips: Destination Outdoors (706) 564-9564; Figs Guide Service (706) 832-7230; Woody, Guide Service (706) 359-6113; and Captain David Willard (803) 637-6379.

Best Western White Columns Inn has taken an extra step to provide convenience for the many fishermen and bass tournament participants that visit with us. We offer power pedestals for boat and RV hookups and can charge 100 boats at once plus ample parking to accommodate your boat or other watercraft. Plan your next fishing trip to include an overnight stay, free continental breakfast, and know that your boat is not only welcome, but expected. Our, on-site, security will insure a restful night, sleep.

For the convenience of visitors, there is an Information Center, located at the South Carolina end of the dam, just off Hwy. 221. The Center contains numerous exhibits about the lake and the history of the surrounding area. Feel free to contact them at (803) 333-2476 or (706) 722-3770.

Fishing licenses and boat registrations may be purchased on-line from the Georgia Department of Natural Resources and at many convenience/bait and tackle stores in close proximity of the lake.

Pleasure fishing is also available at the McDuffie Public Fishing Ponds and Fish Hatchery in neighboring Dearing, Georgia where ponds are brimming with bass, big mouth bass, crappie, bream and trout (permit required). A picnic area is available as well.


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