Richard B. Russell Lake spans 26,650 acres along the Georgia-South Carolina border, offering 540 miles of undeveloped shoreline. Created in 1985 by damming the Savannah River, this reservoir is managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers primarily for flood control. The lake's pristine, natural setting provides a wilderness-like paddling experience, with abundant wildlife and limited development visible from the water.

The lake averages 40 feet deep, with a maximum depth of 165 feet. Water levels typically fluctuate only 3-5 feet below full pool, providing more stable conditions compared to nearby lakes. Paddlers should be aware of submerged timber, particularly in creek arms and coves, which can pose hazards but also create excellent fish habitat.

Popular access points include Calhoun Falls State Park on the South Carolina side and Richard B. Russell State Park in Georgia. Both offer boat ramps, camping, and other amenities. The lake's numerous creek arms like Allen Creek and Deal Creek provide sheltered paddling opportunities and scenic exploration.

Fishing is a major draw, with largemouth bass, crappie, bream, catfish and other species abundant. Spring and early summer are prime seasons for both fishing and paddling, though the lake's relatively stable water levels make it suitable year-round.

Paddlers should note that private development is prohibited along most of the shoreline due to a 300-foot buffer zone. This preserves the lake's natural character but limits facilities outside of designated recreation areas. Pack accordingly and practice Leave No Trace principles.

The lake's position between Lake Hartwell to the north and J. Strom Thurmond Lake to the south creates opportunities for extended paddling trips connecting multiple reservoirs. However, paddlers attempting this should be well-prepared for long distances between access points.