Georgia Fishing Regulations
Managed by the Georgia DNR Wildlife Resources Division. Summary below verified 2026-07-27.
⚠️ This is a planning summary, not the law. Rules change mid-season and many waters carry special regulations. Verify with the official Georgia rules before keeping fish.
License fees
Anglers 16+ need a license; a trout license is additionally required to fish designated trout waters. Saltwater anglers need the free SIP permit.
| Resident annual | ≈$15 |
| Non-resident annual | ≈$50 |
| Trout license (add-on) | ≈$10 |
Fees approximate as of 2026-07-27; agency fees pages have exact current pricing.
Season, size & bag limits — popular species
| Species | Waters | Season | Daily bag | Size limit | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Largemouth bass | Freshwater | Open year-round | 5 (black bass, 10 combined total) | None statewide | Size limits on specific reservoirs |
| Crappie | Freshwater | Open year-round | 30 | None statewide | |
| Bream (bluegill, redear) | Freshwater | Open year-round | 50 | None | |
| Striped bass | Freshwater | Open year-round | 2 (15 hybrid/white combined separately) | Varies by water | |
| Trout | Designated trout waters | Year-round on most waters; seasonal streams differ | 8 | None general | Delayed-harvest streams are artificial-only catch-and-release in winter |
| Red drum | Saltwater | Open year-round | 5 | 14–23" slot |
Reservoir-specific bass length limits are common — check the Georgia regulations guide for the lake you fish.
Plan your Georgia trip
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