As of July 1, 2024, anglers can use their valid fishing license from either Georgia or South Carolina to fish on the border waters of the Savannah River System. This reciprocal agreement between the two states allows fishermen to enjoy the waters along the state line, including the Chattooga River up to Lake Hartwell and downstream lakes like Russell and Thurmond, as well as the Savannah River itself.
The agreement was necessary due to recent revisions made to South Carolina’s fishing laws in 2024. To minimize confusion and keep regulations as similar as possible on the border waters, Georgia’s sport fishing rules will largely mirror South Carolina’s laws in those areas.
Notable Changes to Fishing Regulations
Some notable changes to fishing regulations covering the border waters include:
A limit of 10 striped bass or hybrid bass, or a combination, on Lakes Hartwell and Thurmond, with only 3 allowed to be over 26 inches
A limit of 5 trout
A limit of 10 white bass
Anglers should note that South Carolina’s new fishing laws differ from Georgia’s regulations for crappie and bream. For a complete list of changes to South Carolina’s freshwater fishing regulations, please visit www.dnr.sc.gov/fishregs/index.html.
The reciprocal agreement was a result of anglers and state officials on both sides wanting to continue the fishing license agreement and keep fishing regulations as similar as possible on border waters. This will help minimize confusion for fishermen who may cross state lines while enjoying the border waters.
It’s important for anglers to be aware of the regulations in both states, as Georgia’s laws may differ from South Carolina’s in certain areas. For example, Georgia remains at 30 crappie per angler with no size limit, while South Carolina has a limit of 20 crappie with a size limit of 8 inches. Additionally, South Carolina has raised its bass size limit to 14 inches, while Georgia remains at 12 inches.
Fishermen should familiarize themselves with the regulations from both states to ensure they are in compliance when fishing the border waters. It’s also a good idea to check for any updates or changes to the regulations before heading out, as they may be subject to change in the future.