Fishing Information
FISHING AND BOATING
The HCWA has a number of opportunities for public involvement and education, including light recreation and outdoor activities for all members of the family. Various HCWA facilities are designed and operated to accommodate such public access. One of the most popular activities at the HCWA is public fishing on select reservoirs. While HCWA reservoirs allow for limited public fishing throughout the year, the public must note that they otherwise operate very differently from recreational lakes and larger bodies of public waters, as they must adhere to much more stringent regulatory oversight because of their primary use as public drinking water reservoirs.
FISHING SEASON AT HCWA RESERVOIRS
Any resident or property owner of Henry County, Georgia may obtain a permit from Henry County Water to fish at select HCWA reservoirs, which typically rotate in terms of public access each year to protect fish habitat.
The Regular Season for public fishing at HCWA reservoirs customarily begins the first weekend in March and concludes the last weekend of November, when the Winter Fishing Season begins with more limited access to select reservoirs, usually the same ones that were open during the previous regular season. The Winter Fishing Season at the HCWA typically runs from December through the end of February of the following year.
The regular season includes public access to the Tussahaw and Upper Towaliga Reservoirs, which are ideal water bodies for various species of bream, bass, and catfish. These two reservoirs are open during the regular season on Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. during daylight saving time. Otherwise, the reservoirs tend to open at dawn and close approximately an hour before dusk.
Click here for a map of Tussahaw Reservoir
Click here for a map of Upper Towaliga Reservoir.
Click here for a map of Gardner Reservoir.
The fishing public can now access the Tussahaw Reservoir via "Tussahaw Island" - a public use area with additional boat ramps, including one for citizens with disabilities, which opened in May of 2010. Tussahaw Island is accessible from Collins Way, off of Peeksville Road. Note: Access to Tussahaw Island or public fishing on the reservoir is NOT available at the Tussahaw Water Treatment Plant.
The Tussahaw Reservoir was opened to the public for fishing for the first time during 2009. The reservoir began filling in the fall of 2005, and was available for drinking water production at the Tussahaw Water Treatment Plant beginning in 2007. The reservoir needed ample time for the fish population to grow and for the habitat to mature before it could host public fishing.
RESERVOIR USE PERMITS
To fish HCWA reservoirs, anglers must have an active reservoir use permit. Permits are available at the HCWA Headquarters located at 1695 Highway 20 West in McDonough. Guests must also sign a release form and adhere to all rules and regulations (included below) governing the use of HCWA Reservoirs. Maps to the boat ramps for those reservoirs open for public fishing are available at the Authority Headquarters, upon receipt of a reservoir use permit.
PERMIT: Any Henry County Water Authority customer, Resident, or property owner of Henry County or Henry County employee may obtain a reservoir use permit that allows access to the Authority's Reservoir(s), by paying the established fee set out herein and executing the required release form. Said permit may be obtained from the office of the Henry County Water Authority at 1695 Hwy 20 West McDonough, Georgia during normal business hours 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. A Parent/Guardian must sign the release form if you are under 18 years of age.
PERMIT FEES: Fees collected shall be used to offset expenses incurred by the Authority for the operation and maintenance of the Reservoir. Annual permits are valid for one year from the date of issue. A 2-year permit is available at additional cost. Please verify accuracy of permit card at time of purchase.
Permit fees are non-refundable. The annual cost of said use permit shall be:
Henry County Resident or Property Owner
One-Year: $50.00
Two-Year: $85.00
Courtesy Discounted Rate
Eligibility as follows:
- Henry County resident/property owner aged 62 and older
- Henry County resident/property owner that is disabled/handicapped
- Henry County resident/property owner that is a Veteran, Active or Retired Military
One Year: $25.00
Two-Year: $45.00
TIME OF USE: Fishing is permitted:
- On the Tussahaw and Upper Towaliga Reservoirs only
- From March 1, 2024, through November 30, 2024 (or as determined by the General Manager)
- From 7:00 a.m. until 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday during regular season AND
- Open on Memorial Day (05/27/24), Father’s Day (06/6/24), July 4th (07/04/24), and Labor Day (09/02/24)
- Reservoirs will be closed on Easter (03/31/24) and Mother’s Day (05/12/24)
Regarding Gardner/Indian Creek Reservoir:
In an effort to provide additional recreational opportunities to our Henry County fishermen, the Gardner Reservoir will be open on the following days;
- Saturday and Sunday only for the months of April and May 2024
- Hours and rules/regulations remain the same.
Note: The Authority may close its Reservoir(s) at any time without notice or refund of permit fees. Reservoir schedule changes are posted on our website at www.hcwa.com
GUESTS: Permit holders may take one guest (16 years old or older) and children not requiring a fishing license. All guests must sign a release form.
REGULATIONS FOR USE OF RESERVOIR(S)
- HCWA reserves the right to make changes to the Reservoir use rules, regulations, and operating times and processes, at any time without prior notice. Reservoir(s) may be closed at any time without prior notice.
- All Guests of a Reservoir Use Permit holder must sign a HCWA Guest Release Form annually. (Available at check in or on HCWA website).
- Vessels are not allowed to launch 2 hours prior to reservoir closing.
- Permit holders and guests are not allowed to check in 1 hour prior to reservoir closing.
- All Georgia Department of Natural Resources fishing and boating regulations apply to HCWA reservoirs unless otherwise noted.
PERMIT HOLDERS MUST:
- Have a valid HCWA Reservoir Use Permit.
- Sign in/out with reservoir gate attendant.
- Present a valid photo ID.
- Enter at the designated public access points.
- Have a valid Georgia Fishing License (if fishing).
- Be off HCWA property by designated time.
- Maintain a 100-foot distance from any dam, spillway, aerator pumping station, or intake tower. (Do Not Cross Buoy Lines).
- Remain in the vessel at all times.
OTHER RULES AND REGULATIONS:
- Permit holders and guests are not allowed to check in 1 hour prior to reservoir closing.
- Operating/Using gasoline engines on HCWA reservoirs is strictly prohibited. Operating/Using gasoline engines without prior approval from HCWA will result in loss of permit privileges.
- No trotlines, limb lines, or set hooks are allowed.
- No more than two (2) rods/poles per person when fishing from the banks or fishing piers.
- No littering, fires or overnight camping is allowed.
- No swimming or wading will be allowed at any time.
- Absolutely no alcoholic beverages or drugs are allowed upon the premises.
- No pets are allowed upon the premises.
- No trespassing on private property or entering restricted areas
- No person shall be authorized to use HCWA Reservoirs for any purpose other than those specified. No unauthorized fishing tournaments are allowed on HCWA Reservoirs.
- No material - except for boats, life jackets, and fishing equipment - will be allowed on said Reservoir unless it is biodegradable. Non-biodegradable materials must not be left on the premises.
- Please be respectful of other guests. No loud or disturbing noises/devices/music is allowed.
- Towing fees will be charged to the responsible permit holder when HCWA boats and personnel are called or used for assistance. Other fees may also apply.
REGULATIONS FOR VESSELS AND BOATS:
• All Georgia Department of Natural Resources boating regulations apply to HCWA reservoirs unless otherwise noted.
• No vessels are allowed to launch 2 hours prior to reservoir closing.
• All vessels must be powered by electric motors or hand paddles.
• INFLATABLE vessels are allowed on the reservoirs provided they are US Coast Guard approved.
• SAILBOATS (12ft -18 ft.) are allowed on the Tussahaw and Upper Towaliga Reservoirs only, provided they have auxiliary propulsion and are Georgia Department of Natural Resources approved.
Remember, our Reservoirs are our Drinking Water Supply.
PENALTIES FOR VIOLATIONS:
Rule violations could result in permit revocation without refund.
Tow fees will be invoiced to the onboard permit holder, the fee for emergency towing is $100.00 and permits will be held until fee is paid.
- Any non-permitted user of the Authority's Reservoir(s) shall be considered a trespasser and shall be punished for such offense as authorized under the laws of the State of Georgia.
- Any permitted person violating any of the laws of the State of Georgia while on said Reservoir shall be punished as prescribed by the laws of this state.
- Any person who fishes on the Authority's Reservoir(s) designated for fishing without first obtaining a permit from the Authority as prescribed above will be issued a citation to appear in the State Court of Henry County. The penalty for any person fishing on the Authority's Reservoir(s) without a permit shall be a minimum fine of $100.00 or 30 days in jail for the first offense; $300.00 or 60 days in jail for the second offense; $500.00 or 90 days in jail for the third offense; $1,000.00 or 120 days in jail for the fourth offense.
- HCWA's Reservoir(s) are policed by HCWA Conservation Enforcement, lawful deputies, authorized agents of the Department of Natural Resources of the State of Georgia
To access HCWA reservoirs, citizens must sign a waiver and obtain a Reservoir Use Permit available at the HCWA headquarters during office hours for any HCWA customer, Henry County resident, or property owner. These Permits are valid for one calendar year from the date of purchase and allow for a guest to accompany you for free.
The HCWA Reservoir Use Permits provide access to the Tussahaw and Upper Towaliga for fishing (for those with Georgia fishing licenses) and canoeing, kayaking, and boating with non-gas-powered (trolling) motors.
PUBLIC USE AREAS
The public use areas of the Henry County Water Authority (HCWA) continue to be well received by customers, local residents and businesses. With the opening of Tussahaw Island in May of 2010, the HCWA has another public use area with great potential for outdoor education and recreation.
Boat Ramps
Tussahaw Island, located on Collins Way just off of Peeksville Road, has boat ramps for anglers seeking to fish the reservoir, one of which adjoins a fishing pier that is accessible to citizens with disabilities. Note: Tussahaw Island is NOT accessible via the Tussahaw Water Treatment Plant.
Walking Trails
In addition, Tussahaw Island has plentiful parking and a walking trail around its perimeter, which was built with the help of aspiring local Eagle Scouts and other volunteers.
More information coming soon!