Uncle J
Boats can pretty much get as close as they want without actually getting into the turbine room. LOL...They had a patrol boat for a few months and closed access to the road during the whole time period a few years back. But now it's open. Kinda scary but people go way up farther than they should when generators are running.
We used to drift that area years ago with spinning rods and sassy shads.

I really like the bluffs above the dam near Joe Wheeler state park and the coves and bluffs on Wilson. Have grown up fishing these lakes and really love catching smallmouth on the fly. Have a creek 10 minutes from the house that is loaded with quality fish. The heat has really taken a toll on that creek this year but fish are still hanging around in the deep pools just sluggish. You should check out the boards on american river fishing for GA and AL. I must say I am dying to go catch a shoalie on the flint in GA.

regards,
Waders