Whether one is looking to land a legendary catch or just wants to know where the fish are biting, Georgia anglers have plenty of reasons to cast their lines in 2025.
Thanks to the Georgia Department of Natural Resources’ Wildlife Resources Division (WRD), new resources and incentives are making fishing more fun — and rewarding — than ever.
Fishing intel at your fingertips
Need to know where to fish this weekend? Georgia’s updated fishing forecasts and weekly fishing reports are offering everything from best fishing spots to technique tips, according to a press release from the Georgia Department of Natural Resources’ Wildlife Resources Division.
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Covering 32 reservoirs and 19 rivers, the forecasts are a one-stop shop for planning one’s next big catch, and interactive maps are making it even easier to explore. Find them at GeorgiaWildlife.com/fishing-forecasts.
For up-to-the-minute fishing conditions, WRD’s weekly fishing report—posted every Friday—shares insights from fisheries experts, agency partners and seasoned guides.
Subscribe and read the blog at GeorgiaWildlife.blog/category/fishing.
2025 Angler Award Challenge: Can you beat last year’s numbers?
More than 340 anglers earned recognition through Georgia’s Angler Award program in 2024. With that number on the rise, WRD hopes to see even more anglers reel in awards this year, according to a press release from WRD.
From adults and youth to trophy bass fanatics, the program recognizes anglers who catch fish that meet or exceed specific length or weight requirements. Award recipients receive a certificate, t-shirt, and custom hat.
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Special categories include:
- Angler Award Adult: Anglers (age 16 and up) can be rewarded for catching quality size fish (kept fish or catch-and-release) that meet or beat a specific weight or length.
- Angler Award Youth: Anglers (age 15 and younger) can be rewarded for catching quality size fish (kept fish or catch-and-release) that meet or beat a specific weight or length. Note: weights and lengths reduced for youth Angler Awards.
- Trophy Largemouth Bass: Recognizing catches of largemouth bass weighing 10+ pounds. Catch one that is 13+ pounds? Get a free replica mount for fish that qualify!
- PFA Records (biggest catches at Public Fishing Areas): Recognizing the largest fish of each species caught and properly documented at each PFA. Species include Largemouth Bass, Black or White Crappie, Bluegill, Redear Sunfish, and Channel Catfish.
Other recognition opportunities:
- State records: Break an existing weight record by one ounce and you’re in.
- Kids first fish certificate: Celebrate your child’s very first catch with a downloadable certificate.
- Georgia bass slam: Catch five of the state’s 10 black bass species in one year.
- Trout slam: Catch all three trout species found in Georgia.
Anglers need to review all Angler Award program rules before submitting applications. Find the need-to-know info, including rules, weights/lengths, photo requirements and more at GeorgiaWildlife.com/fishing/anglerawards.
All rules, requirements, and certified scale locations can be found at GeorgiaWildlife.com/fishing/angler-resources.
Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just getting started, 2025 is the year to fish smarter—and maybe even get rewarded for it.
