Top fish species at Lake Hartwell
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Fishing regulations at Lake Hartwell, SC
Disclaimer: Always check local fishing regulations, water access rights and land ownership before fishing, regardless of any catches logged in that area by the Fishbrain community. Fishbrain has mapped millions of acres of government-owned land across the USA to help you identify potential fishing access, but you are responsible for ensuring compliance with all legal requirements.
Fishing regulations in South Carolina can change throughout the year. Make sure to check this page before fishing for the most up to date rules and regulations for the current season. Local regulations govern when you can fish, the max size of the fish you can keep, how many fish you can keep, and more.
Regulations for top species
Largemouth bass
Bag limit5
The maximum number of individual fish legally harvested per harvester per day. Bag limits are only for properly licensed anglers actively harvesting the species. People who are not actively harvesting or are not properly licensed (if a license is required) may NOT be counted for the purpose of bag limits.
Aggregate limit5
The maximum number of individual fish across an aggregate group of species legally harvested per harvester per day.
RequirementKeep intact
In waters where minimum-length or slot-size limits apply, game fish may not be filleted, nor their head or tail fin removed until the angler has completed fishing for the day.
Restrictions & requirements
SC Gamefish Gear
Game fish may be caught with only hook and line, pole, artificial pole, or rod and reel. Not more than 4 of these devices may be used by any fishermen at the same time, except when fishing in a boat.
Keep Intact
In waters where minimum-length or slot-size limits apply, game fish may not be filleted, nor their head or tail fin removed until the angler has completed fishing for the day.
Additional information
Edibility
Synonyms
Spotted bass
Bag limit10
The maximum number of individual fish legally harvested per harvester per day. Bag limits are only for properly licensed anglers actively harvesting the species. People who are not actively harvesting or are not properly licensed (if a license is required) may NOT be counted for the purpose of bag limits.
Min size12" (Total Length)
No person shall harvest any individual fish less than the minimum size limit.
Total length means the straight line distance from the most forward point of the head with the mouth closed, to the farthest tip of the tail with the tail compressed or squeezed, while the fish is lying on its side.
Aggregate limit10
The maximum number of individual fish across an aggregate group of species legally harvested per harvester per day.
Restrictions & requirements
GA Spearing
Harvest of this species by spearing is prohibited. Spearing is the use of a handheld spear or similar device and the use of a weapon, other than a firearm, which propels the spear to which a wire, rope, line, etc. is attached and secured to the weapon or the person using the weapon.
Bow Fishing
Harvest of this species by bow fishing is prohibited.
GA FW Gamefish
It is unlawful to possess more than a total of 50 individuals of all Georgia freshwater game fish, except channel and flathead catfish.Georgia freshwater gamefish include: Bass: Largemouth, Redeye (Coosa), Shadow, Shoal, Smallmouth, Spotted, Suwannee; Catfish: Channel and Flathead; Crappie: Black and White; Pickerel: Chain, Grass, Redfin; Shad: American and Hickory; Sunfish: Bluegill, Flier, Redbreast, Redear, Rock, Spotted, Warmouth; Trout: Brook, Rainbow, and Brown; Walleye.
Additional information
Edibility
Synonyms
Channel catfish
Additional information
Edibility
Synonyms
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