Lakes and Fishing

Habersham County and North Georgia are home to many national forests, rivers and lakes. Much of North Georgia’s most highly valued property is located in areas around rivers and lakes because boating, swimming and other water sports are so popular that land with private access to water is highly prized.

Many homes in North Georgia’s lake regions have gorgeous mountain views, are adjacent to trout filled streams and creeks, and are located in the midst of forests filled with wildlife and spectacular scenery.

North Georgia’s lakes are both natural and man-made. During the 1950s, the federal government authorized funds for the construction of damns to control historic flood control issues and fill the need for massive amounts of hydroelectric power for cities by creating large lakes.

Georgia Power Company and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers built the dams; and because it was understood that the new lakes would create environments filled with recreational opportunities, the Corps of Engineers was also given responsibility for developing and maintaining the surrounding land areas for public use.

Habersham County lakes include:

Nancy Town Lake

Nancy Town Lake is a relatively cold, infertile lake which supports a fair population of bass and bream. The Georgia Game and Fish Division also stocks approximately 2,000 catchable sized trout into the lake annually during the early spring. It is open to fishing year round.

Nancy Town Lake is on Nancy Town Creek and is used for drinking water, fish and wildlife protection, and recreation purposes. Built in 1934, it is owned by Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest.

Lake Russell

Lake Russell offers fishing opportunities for bass, sunfish, catfish and crappie. The Forest Service operates a campground adjacent to the lake. Although the camping facilities and swimming beach are open only from mid-May through October, the lake is accessible by vehicle and open to fishing year round. Outboard motors are not allowed on the lake, but electric motors are permitted. There is a concrete launching ramp.

Situated along the peaceful shore of the 26,650-acre Lake Russell, Lake Russell Recreation Area offers 42 campsites that accommodate both tent and RV camping; and a picnic shelter with seating for 30 is available on a first-come, first-served basis. With a large grass-covered beach and swimming area as well as two paved campground loop roads for easy access to all that this outdoor mecca has to offer in the way of camping, swimming, picnicking, hiking, biking, fishing, horseback riding, and boating (non-motorized/electric watercraft only), this bucolic getaway is sure to become an outdoor destination for the entire family!

Lake Burton

Lake Burton covers 2,775 acres and is the largest of Georgia Power's North Georgia lakes. Lake Burton has 62 miles of shoreline and is suitable for boating, camping, picnicking, swimming and fishing.

Timpson Cove Beach, with its white sand beach, is just one of the areas where you can enjoy swimming and picnicking on Lake Burton.

Lake Burton's name was derived from the town of Burton, which was the second largest town in Rabun County with a population of approximately 200. The former town now lies below the lake's surface.