LivewellGeorgia · Reservoir
Bear Creek Reservoir
Is the fish you caught here safe to eat? Below is every consumption advisory on file for Bear Creek Reservoir, by species and size, in plain English — plus what's legal to keep.
4 species with advisories · contaminants: Mercury
Georgia also has statewide guidance
Georgia publishes rules that apply to reservoirs across the state — 1 recommendation covering 1 species — in addition to anything listed for Bear Creek Reservoir below.
Strictest statewide rule: All Other Species — For pregnant women, nursing mothers, women who may become pregnant, and young children: limit to one meal per week due to elevated Mercury.
What's safe to eat from Bear Creek Reservoir
Bluegill
| Size | Who | Guidance |
|---|---|---|
| Under 12" | General population | Limit to one meal per week due to elevated Mercury. |
Source: official advisory· updated 2026-11-06
Channel Catfish
| Size | Who | Guidance |
|---|---|---|
| 12–16" | General population | Limit to one meal per week due to elevated Mercury. |
| Over 16" | General population | Limit to one meal per week due to elevated Mercury. |
Source: official advisory· updated 2026-11-06
Largemouth Bass
| Size | Who | Guidance |
|---|---|---|
| Under 12" | General population | Limit to one meal per week due to elevated Mercury. |
| 12–16" | General population | Limit to one meal per week due to elevated Mercury. |
Source: official advisory· updated 2026-11-06
Redbreast Sunfish
| Size | Who | Guidance |
|---|---|---|
| Under 12" | General population | Limit to one meal per week due to elevated Mercury. |
Source: official advisory· updated 2026-11-06
Is it legal to keep?
These are Georgia's statewide limits — a water-specific rule may override them. Always verify the current regulations before keeping a fish.
| Species | Size | Daily limit | Open season | Keep season |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Largemouth Bass | — | 10 | Year-round | Same as open |
| Black Crappie | — | 30 | Year-round | Same as open |
| Channel Catfish | — | — | Year-round | Same as open |
| Bluegill | — | 50 | Year-round | Same as open |
| Striped Bass | — | 15 | Year-round | Same as open |
Official rules: Georgia — Georgia DNR WRD