This lake is said to be the states largest and most popular recreation lake. Lake Hartwell was created in 1963 with the completion of Hartwell Dam. The lake is named after the American Revolutionary War figure Nancy Hart. Wildlife you may see include a variety of bird species, as well as deer, squirrel and other mammals. It is a good fishing lake with a variety of species, including bream, catfish, smallmouth bass, walleye, largemouth bass and striped bass.