Oliver Lake
Why Rent On Oliver Lake
Lake Oliver is a 2,150-acre (8.7 km2) reservoir on the Chattahoochee River, which lies south of Goat Rock Dam (Goat Rock Lake). The lake is created by the Oliver Dam and Generating Plant, which was completed in 1959 by Georgia Power.
The lake was named for James McCoy Oliver, an executive of Georgia Power at the time. Oliver Dam has four turbine units, and the dam itself is 70 feet tall and 2,150 feet (660 m) long. At the southern end of the reservoir, Lake Oliver is relatively wide but quickly narrows and becomes almost riverine at the northern end of the lake, at the foot of the Goat Rock Dam upstream.
Public access to the lake is limited to one marina owned by the City of Columbus and one boat ramp near Goat Rock Dam on the Alabama side. Since Lake Oliver is entirely within the city limits of Columbus, Georgia, the shore is densely settled on both the Georgia and Alabama sides. Green Island Hills, an upscale development, is located on the lake at the mouth of Standing Boy Creek. Given the amount of settlement, there are many private access points to the lake.
In the summer, the lake is very crowded with recreational activity. The other three seasons usually see anglers fishing for bream. Lake Oliver also serves as the municipal water supply for Columbus.
The location of Oliver Dam is approximately at the Fall Line of the Chattahoochee River. Between Oliver Dam and the downtown Columbus, a few miles downstream, the river drops nearly 100 feet (30 m) in elevation.
Lake Oliver is the northernmost point of the Chattahoochee Riverwalk a fifteen mile long bicycle pathway that extends southward to Fort Benning.
- Surface area (mi)
- 5.03
- Max depth (ft)
- 49.21
- Shoreline length (mi)
- 40
Popular activities
- Boating
- Fishing
- Hiking
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Nearby lakes
Frequently Asked Questions
Ready to dive into what Oliver Lake has to offer? Let’s tackle some of the burning questions you might have as you plan your visit!
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Yes, swimming is allowed in Oliver Reservoir. The lake water is safe for full body contact activities such as swimming and wading, with weekly water testing ensuring its safety.
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Oliver Lake is a popular destination because of its excellent fishing. The lake, located below Kenoji Lake rapids, is known for producing large quantities of Walleyes and Northern Pike. It also has a unique six-mile stretch of shallow, weedy structure that is ideal for Northern habitat.
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For Oliver Lake in Alabama, the size and creel limits generally follow state regulations. For black bass, you can keep up to five fish greater than 12 inches in total length, with only one of those exceeding 22 inches. This aligns with typical state limits unless specific exceptions are noted for the lake.
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Yes, there are public beaches at Oliver Lake. Oliver Lake Public Beach, located in Neebing, Ontario, offers a serene spot for swimming and relaxation. The Thunder Bay District Health Unit monitors these beaches for safety.
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Towns near Oliver Lake include Phenix City, Alabama, and Fairfax, Alabama. Phenix City is located at the south end of the lake, while Fairfax is at the north end. Nearby cities also include Opelika, about 28 miles from Phenix City.
