The J Strom Thurmond Resevoir is a large man made lake near Augusta, Georgia. The reservoir includes over 71,000 acres of water and over 1,200 miles of shoreline making it the largest lake in Georgia. The lake also extends over the border into South Carolina. The shoreline of the lake holds five state parks, two in Georgia, and three in South Carolina. The reservoir was created in 1952 upon the completion of the Lake Thurmond Dam which dammed the Savannah River. According to the US Army Corps of Engineers, “The Thurmond Project was designed for flood control, hydropower, fish and wildlife, water quality, water supply, downstream navigation and recreation.” The recreation includes over 20 boat ramps, golf courses, miles of hiking and biking trails, and designated fishing piers.
The reservoir holds many species of fish including largemouth bass, bream, crappie, catfish, striped bass, and hybrid bass meaning it is one of Georgia’s most popular lake for fishing. The lake has two official names as it was initially called Clarks Hill Lake, but was renamed in 1987 by the US Congress to honor South Carolina senator Strom Thurmond. However, Georgia still officially recognizes the reservoir by its original name.
Sources:
“Lake Strom Thurmond Also Know as Clarks Hill Lake.” Lake Strom Thurmond, http://lakestromthurmond.com/.
“Home.” Savannah District, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, https://www.sas.usace.army.mil/About/Divisions-and-Offices/Operations-Division/J-Strom-Thurmond-Dam-and-Lake/.