Description: Located on the Chattahoochee River within the city limits of Columbus, Georgia Power Company (GPC) operates this 2,150 acre reservoir. The City Marina near the dam on the Georgia side has the only paved boat ramp open to the public on the lake. One other public access area offering boat launching is located at the upper end (Alabama side). The ramp is of gravel composition and affords launching to small fishing boats. Oliver has lots of recreational boating during the summer months, but anglers do not usually encounter heavy boating traffic during early spring and late fall. WRD maintains three fish attractors on the lake. These are marked with buoys and maps showing their locations are available at the marina and at WRD offices. Also, a pier near the marina is open to the public for fishing.
WRD suggests that you contact Bobby Barron at the marina (706-323-0316) for up-to-the-minute information on what's biting, where and on what. For additional information on use areas around the lake contact the GPC land department office at 706-322-0228. Information on generating schedules and lake levels is available by calling 706-317-6000.
Lake Oliver is probably best known for its bream fishing. Bluegill fishing is good during April and May, and the average catch is 6-8 inches with weights of 1/4-1/3 lb. Worms work best, and the backs of coves and sloughs are the most productive sites. Redear sunfish are even larger with some reaching 1-1 1/2 lbs. Pink worms may be the best bait.
Crappie anglers have typically done well on Oliver. Crappie enthusiasts prefer various jigs but minnows are effective on most occasions. Favorites spots are the mouth of Standing Boy Creek and under Standing Boy Creek Bridge. The boat dock at the Green Island Marina is also productive. Try these areas and our fish attractors during late winter and early spring. Look for catches to average 0.4 Ib, but a few "slabs" are available.
Fishing for hybrid bass and white bass is sometimes good, particularly below Goat Rock Dam where large numbers congregate in the spring. Look for hybrids to average about 2-31bs, while whites should average 1 lb.
You can catch three species of black basses including largemouth, spotted bass, and shoal bass. Largemouth is the more prevalent and sought after species, followed by spotted bass. Catches of largemouth up to 10 Ibs have been reported, but fish from 1-1 1/4 Ibs are the average. Catches of "spots" will range from 1 0-14 inches and average under 1 lb. Boat docks and fishing piers found around the lake are favorite areas for largemouth and spot anglers, but do not overlook rocky points and stumpy areas. Shoal bass are caught occasionally in the tailwaters below Goat Rock Dam.
Species: largemouth, spotted bass, shoal bass, bream, Crappie, hybrid bass and white bass
