by Jeff Greenfield Fishing isn’t as popular a pastime of today’s kids as years ago, but there’s something about being outside and feeling the tug of a fish that is still exciting and fun to all kids. Plus, who couldn’t use a little time to sit and just enjoy the water? Fishing can also give your child an appreciation for how hard farmers and fishermen work so all of us can eat every day.

Note: This story was accurate when it was published. Please be sure to confirm all details directly with the companies before planning your visit.

Allatoona Lake

Cartersville
678-721-6700
allatoona.sam.usace.army.mil

Features: Lake Allatoona is run by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Thirteen million visitors flock to this 12,010-acre giant, boasting 270 miles of shoreline. A variety of fish, such as spotted and striped bass and crappie,s reside here.

Fishy Facts: Open year-round with no closing times. Free. Bring your own equipment. License required.

Azalea Park

203 Azalea Dr., Roswell
770-594-6154
www.roswellgov.com

Features: Azalea Park is right on the Chattahoochee, providing easy access to the river for fishing rainbow and brown trout. Fishing in a river is great for beginners and provides a change of pace. The Georgia Department of Natural Resources stocks the river annually with 150,000 trout. Grills and picnic tables can be used to prepare and eat the fish you catch. Fishing events such as the annual NGTO Kid’s Fishing Day are held here.

Fishy Facts: Open year-round. Every day, sunrise to sunset. Free. Bring your own equipment. Children under 16 don’t need a fishing license.

Cagle's Farm House

Cagle’s Farm House

150 Stringer Rd., Canton
404-567-6363
www.caglesfarmhouse.com

Features: What Cagle’s Farm House lacks in size, it makes up for in kid-friendly atmosphere. Children may choose from the catfish pond or the bream pond. Gathering bait is a hands-on experience as you dig for worms. Children who have caught their first fish can have their picture taken with the fish and placed on the Wall of Honor.

Fishy Facts: Open Fri.-Sat., check the website for times. $5/one hour; $2.50/additional hour. First cup of worms, free; additional cups, $1. Catfish; $3.

Charlie Elliot Wildlife Center

543 Elliott Trail, Mansfield
770-784-3059
www.georgiawildlife.dnr.state.ga.us

Features: The Marben Public Fishing Area is situated on the 6,400-acre Charlie Elliot Wildlife Center. It boasts a total of 22 lakes and ponds, providing a variety of fishing locations. Information boards can be found around the wildlife center, providing maps and information. Bass, bream, catfish, yellow perch and crappie make these waters their home. There are also handicap-accessible docks and restrooms here.

Fishy Facts: Open year-round. Every day, sunrise to sunset. Free. Fishing rods and reels are the only equipment allowed. Use of minnows is prohibited. Adult supervision required for children under 14.

Collins Hill Park

2225 Collins Hill Rd. NE, Lawrenceville
770-822-5151
www.georgiawildlife.dnr.state.ga.us

Features: Partially situated on Collins Hill Park is a 58-acre lake. Visitors may fish from the bank, anywhere inside the park. A variety of fish reside here, including redear sunfish and bluegill.

Fishy Facts: Open year-round. Every day, 7 a.m.-noon. Free. Bring your own equipment. Boats are prohibited. License required.

Don White Memorial Park

925 Riverside Rd., Roswell
www.roswellgov.com

Features: Spanning two and a half acres, Don White Memorial Park’s pond is located along the Chattahoochee River. There are two public fishing docks, and trout, bass and bream can be caught here.

Fishy Facts: Open year-round. Every day, sunrise to sunset. Free.

George Pierce Park

55 U.S. 23 NE, Suwanee
770-497-4007
www.georgiawildlife.dnr.state.ga.us

Features: Less than an acre-wide, George Pierce Park provides an easy backdrop for beginners. Children will enjoy bank fishing for the channel catfish that make this pond their home. Picnic tables, portable restrooms, and fields enhance the fishing experience.

Fishy Facts: Open year-round. Every day, 7 a.m.-noon. Free. Bring your own equipment. Boats are prohibited. License required.

Glen Emerald Park

1479 Bouldercrest Rd., Atlanta
404-371-2631
www.georgiawildlife.dnr.state.ga.us

Features: This 26-acre in-town park offers a selection of fish, including largemouth bass, bluegill, redear sunfish and channel catfish. With public facilities like picnic tables and a nature trail, the Glen Emerald Park is a great option for young fisherman.

Fishy Facts: Open year-round. Every day, sunrise to sunset. Free. Bring your own equipment. Bank fishing only.

Henderson Park

2803 Henderson Rd., Tucker
404-371-2631
www.georgiawildlife.dnr.state.ga.us

Features: Henderson Park provides a 114-acre lake filled with fish such as redbreast sunfish and largemouth bass. Public accomodations like picnic tables and a nature trail can be used to break up a long day of fishing.

Fishy Facts: Open year-round. Every day, sunrise to sunset. Free. Bring your own equipment. Bank fishing only.

High Falls State Park

76 High Falls Park Dr., Jackson
478-993-3053
www.gastateparks.org/info/highfall

Features: High Falls State Park features a 650-acre lake filled with different species of catfish, including bullheads and flatheads. White bass have been spotted here as well. There are two public boat ramps and camping is an option.

Fishy Facts: Open year-round. Every day, 7 a.m.-10 p.m. $3 parking fee. Outboard motors of 10 HP or more not allowed.

Lake Lanier

Gainesville
770-945-9531
lanier.sam.usace.army.mil

Features: Lake Lanier is by far the largest body of water near Atlanta. An hour’s drive brings you to this 38,000-acre lake, packing over 692 miles of shoreline. There are 49 parks around Lake Lanier; notable fishing parks include Lanier Point Park, Little River Landing and River Forks Park. Spotted bass, crappie, striped bass and catfish are the most common catches at Lake Lanier.

Fishy Facts: Open year-round with no closing times. Free. Bring your own equipment. License required.

Rainbow Ranch Trout Farm

41 Ruth Ln., Cumming
770-887-4797
www.rainbowranchtrout.com

Features: This fishing hole consists of several ponds filled with rainbow trout. Fishing supplies such as rods, reels, bait and tackle are provided free to guests. Grills and a picnic pavilion are located on site.

Fishy Facts: Open year-round. Hours vary with season. Tues.-Sun., 10 a.m.- 6 p.m. until Labor Day. Trout are $4.49/lb. and must be bought once caught.

Sluice Lake

380 Morgan Falls Rd., Dunwoody
770-321-2064
www.georgiawildlife.dnr.state.ga.us

Features: Situated in North Atlanta, Sluice Lake is a 500-acre lake, fed by the Chattahoochee River. The lake is inhabited by bass, channel catfish, yellow perch, crappie, and rainbow and brown trout. Boats are allowed. The park features public facilities such as picnic tables, restrooms and a boat ramp.

Fishy Facts: Open year-round. Every day, 7 a.m.-6 p.m. Free. Bring your own equipment. Trout Stamp required to keep fish.

Stone Mountain Lake

U.S. Hwy. 78 East, Exit 8, Stone Mountain
770-498-5690
www.stonemountainpark.com

Features: Stone Mountain Park contains a 363-acre lake and a smaller 37-acre lake. The large lake features a variety of crappie, bass and bluegill fish. The smaller lake is home to catfish. Boats are allowed during daylight hours.

Fishy Facts: Open year-round. Mon.-Sun., 6 a.m.-noon. $8 and up parking fee. License required. Campground Grocery Store in the park sells them.

Sweetwater Creek State Park

1750 Mt. Vernon Rd., Lithia Springs
770-732-5871
www.gastateparks.org/info/sweetwater

Features: Sweetwater Creek State Park houses the George Sparks Reservoir, a 215-acre lake filled with bass, bream, catfish and crappie. Private boats are allowed, and boat rentals are available. Mock-brush along the shorelines helps attract fish when bank fishing. Refreshments and two fishing docks are also available.

Fishy Facts: Open year-round. Every day, 7 a.m.-10 p.m. $2 parking fee; $2 boat launching fee. Electric motor boats only.

Talmadge 12 Oaks

11760 Panhandle Rd., Hampton
770-477-6033
www.georgiawildlife.dnr.state.ga.us

Features: Talmadge 12 Oaks is a privately-owned facility containing both a 75-acre and 45-acre lake. Bass, bream, crappie and catfish dwell in these waters. Boat rentals, tackle and bait are available.

Fishy Facts: Open year-round. Every day, sunrise to sunset. Daily fee varies by season.

Twin Bridges Lake

1119 Braselton Hwy., Lawrenceville.
770-963-6739
www.twinbridgeslake.com

Features: This 10-acre fishing lake holds a variety of fish, from several species of catfish to large mouth bass. Fishing supplies are available for rent. Children will like the catch-and-release “kids only” fishing area. Refreshments can be bought and there are two fishing bridges. For a fun experience, try night fishing, which is available seven days a week with reservations.

Fishy Facts: Open year-round every day. Hours vary with season. Summer hours are
7 a.m.- 7 p.m. Adults, $10; kids, $5. Rod rentals, $5.50 and up.

Wade-Walker Park

5585 Rockbridge Rd., Stone Mountain
404-371-2631
www.georgiawildlife.dnr.state.ga.us

Features: Only two miles from Stone Mountain Park, the Wade-Walker Park is a smaller alternative. The Wade-Walker Park boasts a 177-acre lake containing largemouth bass, bluegill, redear sunfish and channel catfish. If your children are tired of letting the fish have all the fun, they can use the public pool on site.

Fishy Facts: Open year-round. Every day, sunrise to sunset. Free. Bring your own equipment. Bank fishing only.

Welcome Farms Lake

334 Welcome Sargent Rd., Newnan
770-251-2921

Features: This lake is only 6 acres, but fishing is reservation only, so it never gets too crowded. Tackle and bait may be purchased on site, and a snack shop will keep you from getting hungry. Bream and catfish are the common catches here.

Fishy Facts: Open year-round, Wed. and Sat. Call for information on other times to fish. Charged per pound; fish may not be released once caught.