Lake with heavenly refelection

Goat Rock Lake Vacation Rentals

Goat Rock Lake

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Goat Rock Lake
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Why Rent On Goat Rock Lake

Goat Rock Lake is a 940-acre reservoir on the Chattahoochee River, which lies directly south of Bartlett’s Ferry Dam (Lake Harding) and north of Lake Oliver. The lake is created by the Goat Rock Dam and Generating Plant. The name of the dam and lake date to the construction of the dam in 1912. Reportedly, construction workers saw goats jumping onto rocks in the river.

The reservoir is extremely riverine and little more than a holding lake for hydroelectric generation for Georgia Power. Access to the lake is limited with one marina on the Georgia side and one on the Alabama side. Goat Rock has almost no recreational activity, but it is well-known among locals for fishing.

Best time to go
Visit Goat Rock Lake in late spring, between April and June, when wildflowers bloom and the sun casts a warm glow across serene waters. Enjoy leisurely fishing trips, vibrant water sports, and a tranquil atmosphere, far from the summer crowds.
Water Quality
The water color of Goat Rock Lake is often described as deep blue, with hues of sapphire and indigo, reflecting its riverine nature. The water clarity is typically murky, with occasional periods of ultra-clear conditions, especially during low-flow periods.
Surface area (mi)
2.36
Max depth (ft)
59.06
Elevation (ft)
403.54
Shoreline length (mi)
24.85

Popular activities

  • Boating
  • Canoeing
  • Fishing
  • Hiking
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Frequently Asked Questions

Ready to dive into what Goat Rock Lake has to offer? Let’s tackle some of the burning questions you might have as you plan your visit!

  • No, swimming is not allowed in Goat Rock Lake. The lake is primarily used for hydroelectric generation and has almost no recreational activity, with limited access and no designated swimming areas.

  • Goat Rock Lake is a popular destination for fishing because it has an abundant population of largemouth bass, catfish, and crappie. The lake’s quiet and riverine nature, with minimal recreational boating activity, makes it an ideal spot for anglers. Fishing is best near weed beds or submerged structures using live bait or artificial lures.

  • For largemouth bass in Goat Rock Lake, which is on the Alabama-Georgia border, the size and creel limits follow Georgia’s statewide regulations. There is no minimum size limit specified for this lake, but the creel limit is the same as Georgia’s statewide limits. This is due to the agreement between Alabama and Georgia for bordering waters.

  • There is no public beach at Goat Rock Lake. The lake in Georgia is primarily used for boating and fishing, with a public boat launch available. It does not have a designated beach area.

  • Towns near Goat Rock, which is actually Goat Rock State Beach and not a lake, include Jenner, Bodega Bay, and Healdsburg. These towns are located in Sonoma County, with Jenner being the closest to Goat Rock State Beach. Bodega Bay and Healdsburg offer additional amenities and attractions in the area.