Lake Hartwell Named Among The 100 Best Bass Lakes In America By B.A.S.S.

First Time Distinction for Lake Hartwell

ANDERSON, SC – In the newly released July/August issue of Bassmaster Magazine, B.A.S.S. named Lake Hartwell among the 100 Best Bass Lakes in America. Since the 2012 inaugural ranking, this is the first time Lake Hartwell has made the list.

According to B.A.S.S., “This year’s Bassmaster Classic venue illustrated just how good this lake can be even under the toughest of conditions. Casey Ashley won on the strength of his final-day 20.3 limit, giving him 50.1 over three days. And remember, this was in brutally cold conditions. The spotted bass here have all grown up, and 3-pounders abound.”

This recognition comes on the heels of Lake Hartwell hosting the 2015 Bassmaster Classic, the coldest Bassmaster Classic in the 45 year history of the prestigious bass tournament. Donald’s native, Casey Ashley, emerged the victor of the Super Bowl of bass fishing with 50.1 pounds of bass during the three day tournament.

BASS uses a complex system in which to rank the lakes on a national scale, relying heavily on information received from each individual state’s Department of Natural Resources’, B.A.S.S. Nation Clubs in each state, Conservation Directors and a special selection committee appointed by B.A.S.S.

Anderson County Council Chairman Tommy Dunn said, “This achievement has been many years in the making. When Bassmaster Classic came to Lake Hartwell in 2008, many of us dared to dream that our beautiful lake could take its place on the international fishing stage. So our county leaders made strategic investments that resulted in Green Pond Landing & Event Center and paved the way for Bassmaster Classic to come back to the shores of Hartwell Lake in 2015. Being ranked in the 100 best bass lakes in America by B.A.S.S. solidifies Hartwell Lake’s position as an international fishing tournament and water sport competition destination.”

“We are very excited to have Lake Hartwell listed among the 100 best bass lakes in America,” said Neil Paul, Visit Anderson. “We all know that Lake Hartwell is a great lake, a championship level fishery and one of our greatest assets here in Anderson County. To have it receive national recognition is very special for our community and how we can promote the lake in the future.”