Fishing Information
2025 Public Fishing Season Opens March 1 – October 31
Season Passes
Season Passes are valid from March 1 – October 31. Passes are sold at the entrance offices of Shamrock/Blalock Reservoir and J.W. Smith Reservoir when CCWA staff is available. Cash and checks are the only forms of payment accepted. Fees for Clayton County Water Authority Recreation Areas:
- $30.00 for a season pass for Clayton County residents.
- $40.00 for a season pass for non-Clayton County residents.
- $5.00 per vehicle for a daily pass for Clayton County residents.
- $10.00 per vehicle for a daily pass for non-Clayton County residents.
Temporary season pass forms are also available at the pay station areas when CCWA staff is not present. These temporary season pass forms may be filled out and deposited with payment. The season pass will then be mailed to the individual.
Shamrock / Blalock Reservoir and Area
Open March through October for Fishing, Picnicking and Canoeing.
The Shamrock/Blalock Reservoir is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays. The Blalock Reservoir (260 acres) opened in Clayton County in 1992, adjacent to the existing Shamrock Reservoir (68 acres). Fish species include bass, bream, crappie and catfish. The Blalock Reservoir has turned over some bass as big as 8 pounds and yielded many bass between 4 and 6 pounds.
| March-October | Wednesday-Sunday |
|---|---|
| Early Spring Hours (March) | 7 a.m. – 7 p.m. |
| Spring/Summer Hours (April-September) | 7 a.m. – 8 p.m. |
| Late Summer Hours (October) | 7 a.m. – 7 p.m. |
The Shamrock Reservoir, built in the 1950s, is a picturesque lake. It contains bass, but has a better reputation for bream and channel catfish. Shamrock is where the state-record bluegill (3 pounds, 5 ounces) was caught by P.F. Gumm in 1977.
Click here for directions to the Shamrock/Blalock Reservoirs.
J.W. Smith Reservoir and Area
Open March through October for Fishing, Picnicking and Canoeing.
The J.W. Smith Reservoir is closed on Thursdays and Fridays.
J.W. Smith Reservoir is a 250 acre CCWA-owned lake. Fish species include bass, bream, crappie and catfish.
Click here for directions to the Smith Reservoir.
| March-October | Saturday-Wednesday |
|---|---|
| Early Spring Hours (March) | 7 a.m. – 7 p.m. |
| Spring/Summer Hours (April-September) | 7 a.m. – 8 p.m. |
| Late Summer Hours (October) | 7 a.m. – 7 p.m. |
Shoal Creek Reservoir
Shoal Creek Reservoir is open for limited public access every spring for CCWA Reservoir Season Pass Holders who are Clayton County Residents. The season pass is valid for access to the Shamrock/Blalock Reservoirs, JW Smith Reservoirs and the six scheduled Saturdays at Shoal Creek Reservoir.
2025 Public Access Dates:
March 15
April 5
April 12
May 3
May 24
June 7
Reservoir Rules include:
- Access Hours: 7 a.m. – 3 p.m.
- Boat Fishing Only
- No Bank Fishing
Access is monitored. The desired maximum number of boats is 20-30 each Saturday.
If you need additional information and motor boat restrictions, call: 678.561.9417.