Five Kid-Friendly Fishing Trips for Summer Break

Fishing is a fun and family-friendly way to get your kids unglued from their electronics and get them outside over summer break. Plan a weekend fishing trip to these kid-friendly fishing spots in Georgia that are guaranteed to create plenty of fish stories for your family to share.

Five Great Places to Take Kids Fishing in Georgia

Charlie Elliott Wildlife Center in Mansfield

With 20 different ponds to fish, there’s no shortage of angling or bankside exploration opportunities at this magical place. Dove Pond is a must for youngsters and is open only to anglers under age 16 between June and August. When the fishing fun wears off, visit the Charlie Elliott Wildlife Center and take a shot at the Clybel Shooting Range.

Georgia's Public Fishing Areas

Any of Georgia’s 11 Public Fishing Areas are an excellent way for your minnow to get their feet wet in the sport of fishing. Many of the areas host kids’ fishing events throughout the year where staff is on hand to give pointers on casting and catching. Find an event by visiting Go Outdoors Georgia Events.

Amicalola Falls State Park and Lodge in Dawsonville

If you’re looking for a family-friendly fishing getaway, beautiful Amicalola Falls State Park and Lodge is your home away from home. Trout fishing streams and concrete pond banks invite your kiddo to get hooked on different types of fishing. The park has onsite accommodations, so plan to stay the weekend. For a $5 parking fee, there’s no shortage of outdoor adventure here.

Burton Trout Hatchery Kid's Pond in Clarkesville

At the Burton Trout Hatchery, the family catfish pond offers easy fishing for small fry with no experience. Small tackle with almost any bait will guarantee a bite. Make sure you print out a “My First Fishing Certificate” when you get back home to remember the memories you made. Kids ages 11 and up with a little more experience can try trout fishing at the well-stocked Moccasin Creek. Visitors are welcome to take a free self-guided tour of Burton Trout Hatchery from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on weekdays and 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. on weekends and holidays.

Go Fish Education Center in Perry

The Go Fish Education Center is the perfect place for your child to catch the fishing bug. The casting pond is stocked with bluegill, channel catfish and hybrid striped bass. Feel free to bring your own fishing gear if you like, but bait and tackle are provided as part of your admission fee (Adults - $7, Children 3-12 - $5, Children 2 and under – Free, and annual passes are available). Go Fish also has more than 200,000 gallons of freshwater aquariums, allowing kids to get up close to fish they’ll see in Georgia waters. Get out of the sun and into the exhibits to experience interactive fishing simulators, learn “reel” fishing tips, and more! The Go Fish Education Center is open on Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. and Sundays 1 p.m. – 5 p.m. June 1 until August 31.

Things to Know Before You Go

Before packing the kids in the car, be sure to check the Georgia Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Fishing with Kids webpage complete with more suggestions of where to fish and fishing tips.

Note: Children under 16 don’t require a fishing license, but Georgia DNR offers an optional youth sportman’s license. The $15 license gives your child sportsman’s license privileges through their 17th birthday, a free bass or deer durable hardcard, and is a $70 value!