The lake bed in 3-D: deep basin, drop-offs and shoreline. Shape estimated, not for navigation. Spot 1 (point drop-off) is open for everyone; the other 5 come with LakeScope PRO. Full screen
Richard B. Russell Lake
Elbert County, Georgia · 26,600 acres (41.6 sq mi)
60°F water, level falling, calm this morning.
About Richard B. Russell Lake
Richard B. Russell Lake is a reservoir in Elbert County, Georgia, covering 26,600 acres. Richard B. Russell Dam holds it back on the Savannah River. Federal regulations ban private development along its shoreline, keeping it largely undeveloped.
It stretches about 23.1 miles end to end with roughly 261 miles of shoreline. The water sits about 470 ft above sea level. It reaches about 167 ft at its deepest. Calhoun Falls sits right on the water. The closest city is Athens, about 34 miles away.
- Size
- 26,600 acres (41.6 sq mi)
- Deepest
- About 167 ft
- Shoreline
- About 261 miles
- End to end
- About 23.1 miles
- Elevation
- About 470 ft
- Type
- Reservoir
- Dam
- Richard B. Russell Dam, Savannah River
- County
- Elbert County
The lake from above
Best fishing times
Saturday Good
- 6:30 am – 8:45 amsunrise · wind 3 mph
- 3:45 pm – 6:00 pm bestsunset, moon overhead · wind 5 mph
Sunday Good
- 6:30 am – 8:45 amsunrise · wind 2 mph
- 4:30 pm – 6:00 pm bestsunset, moon overhead · wind 1 mph
Based on sun and moon times and the wind forecast. A guide, not a promise. The app shows the whole week.
Fish to expect
Lakes like Richard B. Russell Lake in Georgia usually hold largemouth bass, crappie, striped bass, catfish and bluegill and sunfish. The state fish and wildlife agency lists what is stocked and the rules for this lake. With the surface at 60°F, the notes below say which of them should be biting.
- GoodLargemouth bass
Fall feed. They chase baitfish into creeks and coves.
- GoodCrappie
Active. Brush piles and docks in 8 to 15 ft.
- GoodStriped bass
Comfortable range. Watch for birds and surface feeding.
- FairCatfish
Waking up. Channels and creek mouths, especially after rain.
- FairBluegill and sunfish
Warming. Shallow, sunny pockets in the afternoon.
From today's water temperature and the season. A guide, not a promise.
Fishing spots
- 1Point drop-off
The bottom falls away fast off this point; fish rest deep and move up the slope to feed.
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5
- 6
5 more spots with LakeScope PRO: fish, depth band, water temperature, best time and bait for each.
Picked from the shape of the lake bed. A guide, not a promise.
Water temperature
At the surface, seen .
Water level
Falling 0.4 ft in 7 days.
Latest reading .
Weather and wind
Sunrise 7:02 am · sunset 5:27 pm · waxing crescent moon (lake time).
Towns and places to stay near Richard B. Russell Lake
- Calhoun Fallson the shore
- Lake Secessionabout 2.3 mi northeast
- Elbertonabout 3.5 mi southwest
- Ivaabout 4.4 mi northeast
- Athensnearest city, about 34 mi southwest
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Questions about Richard B. Russell Lake
What fish are in Richard B. Russell Lake?
Lakes like Richard B. Russell Lake usually hold largemouth bass, crappie, striped bass, catfish and bluegill and sunfish. Check the state fish and wildlife agency for stocking and limits.
How deep is Richard B. Russell Lake?
About 167 ft at the deepest point. The 3-D view shows where the deep water is.
How big is Richard B. Russell Lake?
26,600 acres, with about 261 miles of shoreline.
What town is near Richard B. Russell Lake?
Calhoun Falls is on the shore; Lake Secession is about 2.3 miles northeast.
What is the water temperature at Richard B. Russell Lake today?
The surface was about 60°F on the latest clear reading. The page updates every day.
Richard B. Russell Lake on your phone
The whole week of bite times, lake alerts and the 3-D view, every morning.
