What Buford Dam offers anglers

Buford Dam, completed in 1956, created Lake Lanier — a 38,000-acre reservoir north of Atlanta that holds largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, striped bass, catfish, and crappie. The dam itself is a concrete structure on the Chattahoochee River, and the tailrace below it (the water released from the dam) is a distinct fishing zone from the lake proper. Most anglers fish the lake, but the tailrace below the dam produces striped bass and catfish year-round because the water temperature stays more stable there than in the open lake.

Access to Buford Dam is free and open to the public during daylight hours. You can fish from the shoreline along the dam's base, from designated boat ramps around the lake, and from several U.S. Army Corps of Engineers parks. The dam itself does not allow fishing directly on the structure, but the water immediately below it and the surrounding lake are open to rod and reel.

Lake Lanier is managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and Georgia fishing regulations apply. You need a valid Georgia fishing license to fish here, whether you are a resident or visiting from another state. The lake is large enough that conditions vary by season and location — what works in spring at the upper end of the lake may not work in summer at the dam.

Key Takeaways

  • Lake Lanier holds largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, striped bass, catfish, and crappie, with the tailrace below Buford Dam producing striped bass and catfish year-round.
  • You must carry a valid Georgia fishing license, which you can obtain online or at any Georgia Wildlife Resources Division office before you fish.
  • The lake has multiple public boat ramps and shoreline access points managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, all free during daylight hours.
  • Spring and fall are the most consistent seasons for bass; summer requires fishing early morning or late evening to avoid heat; winter tailrace fishing is productive for striped bass.
  • Buford Dam's water level fluctuates based on power generation and downstream flow management, which affects where fish hold and how accessible certain areas are.

Seasons and what fish are active when

Spring (March through May) is the strongest season for largemouth and smallmouth bass around Lake Lanier. Water temperatures climb from the 50s into the 60s and 70s, triggering spawning behavior. Bass move into shallow coves and creek arms to bed, making them catchable on topwater lures, crankbaits, and soft plastics. The upper end of the lake — the Chattahoochee River arm — tends to warm faster than the main lake body, so it produces earlier in spring.

Summer (June through August) is slower for bass in the open lake because fish retreat to deeper water and shade during the heat. Early morning and late evening fishing near drop-offs and submerged timber can still produce, but midday is often unproductive. Catfish bite well throughout summer, especially at night. The tailrace below the dam stays cooler and holds striped bass that have moved out of the main lake, making it a reliable summer option if you target that zone specifically.

Fall (September through November) brings a second strong bite as water cools and bass return to shallower feeding zones. Crappie also become active in fall, particularly around brush piles and submerged structure. Striped bass in the tailrace bite consistently as water temperature drops into the 50s and 60s.

Winter (December through February) slows the overall bite, but the tailrace below the dam remains productive for striped bass and catfish because the water temperature is more stable there than in the open lake. Bass in the main lake are deep and less active, but you can still catch them if you fish slowly near the deepest structure you can find.

How to reach Buford Dam and nearby access points

Buford Dam is located on the Chattahoochee River approximately 40 miles north of downtown Atlanta. The nearest town is Buford, Georgia. From Atlanta, take Interstate 85 north toward Buford, then follow signs for Lake Lanier. The dam itself is accessible via Buford Dam Road, which runs along the structure.

Public boat ramps around Lake Lanier include Buford Park (near the dam), Settles Bridge, Vickery Creek, and several others operated by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Each ramp has parking and a launch fee that varies — typically $5 to $10 per vehicle per day. Shoreline access is available at multiple parks and day-use areas around the lake perimeter. The Corps of Engineers website lists all public access points and their current status.

If you do not have a boat, you can fish from the shoreline at Buford Park, which sits directly below the dam. This area is accessible by car and offers bank fishing for striped bass and catfish in the tailrace. Parking is free, and the area is open from sunrise to sunset.

Georgia fishing license requirements and regulations

You must have a valid Georgia fishing license to fish Lake Lanier, whether you are a resident or a non-resident visitor. Licenses are sold online through the Georgia Wildlife Resources Division website, at sporting goods stores, and at many bait and tackle shops around the lake. A one-day non-resident license costs less than a full-year license if you are visiting for a short trip.

Georgia has specific regulations for each species. Largemouth bass have a 12-inch minimum length limit and a daily bag limit of five fish. Smallmouth bass are also 12 inches minimum with a five-fish daily limit. Striped bass have a 15-inch minimum and a five-fish daily limit. Catfish have no minimum size but a 25-fish daily limit. Crappie are 9 inches minimum with a 30-fish daily limit. These limits can change, so check the current Georgia fishing regulations before you go.

Live bait and artificial lures are both legal. There are no special restrictions on tackle type at Lake Lanier, though some areas may have catch-and-release-only zones — check the signage at your access point.

What to bring and what conditions to expect

Lake Lanier is a large, open-water reservoir, so weather can change quickly. Bring sunscreen, a hat, and water — the sun reflects off the water and intensifies exposure. If you are boating, wear a life jacket and check the weather forecast before launching. Wind can make the lake rough, particularly in the afternoon, so early morning is often calmer.

The water level at Lake Lanier fluctuates based on power generation at Buford Dam and downstream flow management. This means that boat ramps and shoreline access points can become difficult to use if the lake drops significantly. Call ahead to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers or check their website to confirm that your chosen access point is usable before you drive out.

Bring a cooler with ice if you plan to keep fish. The tailrace below the dam can be cold and fast-moving, especially during high water release periods — do not wade in this area without understanding the current conditions. A local bait and tackle shop near the dam can tell you what the water level and flow are like on the day you plan to fish.

Bait and lure choices by season

In spring, largemouth bass respond well to topwater lures (poppers and walking baits), crankbaits that mimic shad, and soft plastic worms in natural colors. Smallmouth bass prefer smaller crankbaits and tube jigs around rocky areas. Live shiners work for both species if you want to use bait.

Summer catfish fishing is most productive with cut bait (shad or herring) or chicken liver fished on the bottom at night. Striped bass in the tailrace bite live shad, spoons, and white or silver crankbaits that imitate the baitfish they chase.

Fall crappie bite small jigs (1/8 to 1/4 ounce) in white, chartreuse, or natural colors, fished around submerged brush. Bass in fall respond to the same lures as spring — topwater early and late, crankbaits and soft plastics during the day.

Winter tailrace fishing for striped bass is best with live shad or cut bait fished on the bottom, or with jigging spoons worked vertically near the dam. Bass in the main lake are deep, so use heavy jigs or Carolina rigs to reach them.

When the dam releases water and how it affects fishing

Buford Dam releases water for power generation and to manage downstream flow on the Chattahoochee River. These releases can happen at any time and can raise the water level in the tailrace significantly. When the dam is releasing water, the current below it becomes strong and dangerous — do not wade or fish from the bank directly in the tailrace during a release.

Water releases also affect fish behavior. Striped bass and catfish move into the current to feed when water is being released, which can actually improve the bite in the tailrace. However, the increased flow makes it harder to fish from the shore and can make boat launching difficult at some ramps.

You can check the current and forecasted water release schedule on the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers website or by calling the Buford Dam visitor center. Knowing when releases are scheduled helps you plan your trip and stay safe.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a boat to fish Buford Dam?

No. You can fish from the shoreline at Buford Park, which is directly below the dam and accessible by car. Bank fishing there is productive for striped bass and catfish in the tailrace. If you want to fish the main lake body, a boat gives you more options, but shoreline access exists at multiple parks around the lake.

What is the best time of year to fish Lake Lanier?

Spring (March through May) and fall (September through November) are the most consistent seasons for bass. Summer is slower in the open lake but productive in the tailrace below the dam. Winter is the slowest overall, though the tailrace remains productive for striped bass and catfish.

Can I fish at night?

Yes. Night fishing is legal on Lake Lanier and is particularly productive for catfish. The tailrace below the dam is accessible at night, though you should use a headlamp and be aware of the current. Some parks close at sunset, so confirm access at your chosen location before dark.

What happens if the water level drops and my boat ramp becomes unusable?

Call the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers or check their website before you go to confirm your ramp is usable. If your primary ramp is closed, the Corps website lists all active ramps around the lake. Shoreline access at parks is usually available even when water levels are low.

Is there a tackle shop near Buford Dam where I can buy bait and lures?

Yes. Several bait and tackle shops operate in Buford and around Lake Lanier. A local shop can also tell you what fish are biting, what the current water level and flow are, and which access points are in good condition on the day you plan to fish.