Lake Blackshear

Anyone wishing to perform maintenance on an existing structure or to BUILD a new structure should contact Troy Gilliam, Resource Manager, at 229-273-3820 for permit information.

Lake Blackshear was created in 1930 by the damming of the Flint River to provide low cost power to the citizens of Crisp County. In the last 70 years, not only has the lake served Crisp County with power but has also become a valuable recreational and wildlife facility in southwest Georgia.

Lake Blackshear borders five counties and contains approximately 8,700 acres, has 97 miles of shoreline, an average depth of 11 feet, and an average width of 3/4 mile. Normal full pool is 237' msl (mean sea level). The amount of rainfall can cause exceptions to this, and the Crisp County Power Commission will occasionally have planned and publicized draw downs for necessary maintenance and to allow property owners adjacent to the lake an opportunity to repair piers and boathouses.

In carrying out the responsibilities of its Federal Energy Regulatory Commission license, the Crisp County Power Commission has implemented a definitive Lakeshore Management Plan including a Pier and Dock Permit Program, a public information program, and recreational and wildlife conservation programs in cooperation with other state and local entities. The intent of these programs is to assure that the scenic, environmental and recreational aspects of Lake Blackshear are maintained and preserved for use by the general public.

There are a number of public access ramps located around Lake Blackshear. Open to the public for recreational purposes are three county parks and one 1,300-acre state park. Included among the facilities available at these areas are cottages, campsites, picnic areas, swimming, boat ramps, and fishing docks. Also for the visitors' convenience, fuel, bait and tackle, and other supplies are available at several locations around the lake.

For the avid fisherman, several varieties of game fish normally found in lakes in southwest Georgia can be found in Lake Blackshear. These include various species of bass, sunfish, perch, crappie, and catfish. The Georgia Department of Natural Resources is trying to establish a population of striped bass in the lake also.

All hunting and fishing on Lake Blackshear is governed by the rules and regulations of the Georgia Department of Natural Resources. For information on hunting and fishing you can contact the Law Enforcement Office of the Department of Natural Resources located in Albany, Georgia at 229-430-4252.

Lake Blackshear recreational facilities are available for your use and enjoyment year round. For convenience, trash receptacles are located at all parks and public boat ramps. Please comply with all rules and treat the facilities as though they were your own.

Whenever you visit Lake Blackshear to fish, ski, camp, picnic, or just to enjoy nature, have a safe and pleasant time!

For more information about Lake Blackshear, contact Troy Gilliam, Resource Manager, at 229-273-3820.