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Richard B. Russell Lake

Federal laws prohibit development around this reservoir, making this U.S. Army Corps of Engineers project unique in its beauty. Located on the Georgia-South Carolina border along the Savannah River, this reservoir is known simply as "Lake Russell." Compared to highly developed shorelines of Lake Hartwell to the north and Lake Strom Thurmond to the south, this lake provides many visitors with a relaxing recreational experiences.

Fishing

This lake is an angler's paradise. Richard B. Russell Lake has an abundance of standing timber areas and structures that make for excellent fishing. Largemouth bass and crappie are the prize fish here, and bream and catfish also are available. A deep and clear lake, this fishery is monitored by the Georgia Department of Natural Resources.

As of 2012, a reciprocal freshwater fishing agreement between Georgia and South Carolina allows anglers to fish on the border waters of the Savannah River System from the North Carolina border down to the mouth of the Savannah River with a valid fishing license from either state. Those border waters include Richard B. Russell Lake.

       

  Search Richard B. Russell Lake Resources
    Richard B. Russell Lake Georgia Coordinates:
34.4652N -82.8455W
Map It:
Lake Type:
Reservoir
Surface Area:
26,650 acres
Maximum Depth:
167 ft
Elevation:
473 ft
Normal Water Clarity:
3-10 ft
Major City:
Greenville, SC
Airport:
Greenville, SC
Boating

Boaters can take advantage of ten Georgia State Recreation Area boat ramps and fishing piers located along the lake. Although the lake isn't developed, two marinas are within close distance to the lake -- the Beaverdam Marina and the Calhoun Falls Marina. Also, on the South Carolina side of the lake, this state's "State Recreation Areas" offer seventeen more boat ramps and fishing piers. A few recreation areas in both states have full amenities, such as Georgia's Richard B. Russell State Park.

       
Lodging

Cottages, RV, and campsites are available on the lake at Richard B. Russell State Park on the Georgia side of the lake. This park also contains fishing and boating ramps and boat rental, golf, swimming, and a beach. Elberton, Georgia, offers lodging as does Abbeville, South Carolina.

Review the Lake Resource Guide for additional lodging.



Communities

Richard B. Russell Lake is located 127 miles from Atlanta, Georgia, and 70 miles from Greenville, South Carolina. Situated on the Savannah River between Lake Hartwell to the north and Lake Strom Thurmond to the south, this lake covers Anderson and Abbeville Counties in South Carolina and Elbert County in Georgia. Visitors have easy access to the lake via I-20 and I-85.

Fun times at Richard B. Russell Lake  Richard B. Russell Lake

Richard B. Russell Lake  Richard B. Russell Lake



 
Average Temperatures Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
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Avg. Low  28 Avg. Low  30 Avg. Low  36 Avg. Low  44 Avg. Low  54 Avg. Low  63 Avg. Low  67 Avg. Low  66 Avg. Low  58 Avg. Low  46 Avg. Low  36 Avg. Low  30