Lake Information

LAKE HARTWELL

Lake Hartwell borders Georgia and South Carolina with 56,000 acres of water and 962 miles of shoreline. The lake was formed in 1963 with the completion of the Hartwell dam that is located 7 miles below the point at which the Tugaloo and Seneca Rivers join to form the Savannah River. The lake stores potential floodwaters and has prevented an estimated $8 million in flood damages since 1961.

The Hartwell region is full of historical lore, much of it inherited from the Cherokee Indians who once roamed here and from the early settlers who pioneered the area. Many local streams, rivers and recreation areas bear colorful Indian names. Some streams allegedly were named by Issaqueena, a young Indian maiden who rode to Fort Ninety-Six to warn settlers of an impending attack. On her journey, she marked her travel by naming the streams that she encountered for the number of miles she had covered. The story of Issaqueena accounts for the names of Six-Mile, Twelve-Mile, Twenty-Three Mile and Twenty-Six Mile creeks that are part of the lake today.

Corps of Engineers

Lake Hartwell is maintained and operated by the US army, Corps of Engineers. The "normal" lake level is 660' above sea level. During the winter, the Corps of Engineers targets a level 3' below or 657'. In recent years, the lake level has ranged from a high of 664' to al low of 655'.

Since Hartwell Lake is a Corps of Engineers' lake, you will notice painted red lines on the trees around the lake. This is the "Corps" line. You are not permitted to build a permanent structure from the Corps line to the water. You do not actually own that property. The placement of the Corps line varies according to the terrain. The Corps will normally give a property owner a "green" area a permit for a dock, a walkway to the dock, bringing water and electricity to the dock and permission to do under brushing. However, it is your responsibility to contact the Corps to get the necessary permits prior to doing any work on the Corps property.

Fishing

Hartwell Lake affords the avid sports fisherman and the weekend angler equqal opportunities for a rewarding fishing experience. Largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill bream, hybrid bass and walleyed pike are abundant in its waters. White bass, striped bass and chain pickerel are also found in substantial numbers.

Fishing is regulated by federal and state laws. The same licenses are required as in other parts of Georgia and South Carolina. An agreement between the two states permits fishing on the lake with a license from either state.