Georgia Bass Forecast

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OCMULGEE PFA

Next up on the list of top notch fisheries for 2019, Ocmulgee PFA (located in South Central Georgia) is rapidly transforming into a big bass factory.

Brandon Baker, who is a Biologist at the Fort Valley office, said, “We have been conducting studies of the fish that we put in there 3 years ago, and some of them have hit the 5- to 7-pound mark already. Those are some amazing numbers that we are really proud of, especially in that time frame.”

He went on to say that the area is catch and release only for largemouth bass, so it is a good idea to bring a good camera in your tackle box.

“We stocked the lake with females only, and have kept the population low so we can try to produce some really big fish. Now we are starting to see some of the fruits of our labor and it’s exciting,” Baker said.

Baker says that anglers will have success fishing a variety of different lures, including topwater plugs, crankbaits, jigs, plastic worms, and a host of other offerings.

“Just be sure when you do catch these fish that you have your camera on the ready, snap a quick picture, and release them with as little handling as possible, so they will continue to grow,” Baker noted.

At Ocmulgee PFA, primitive camping is allowed in designated areas. It’s also worth noting that during the spring, the white crappie are spawning, so it may very well pay to bring a minnow bucket along for your trip.

To contact the PFA with any questions you may have, you can call (478)783-2557.

LAKE LANIER

Heading toward the northern end of our state, Lake Lanier is well worth a mention as it is without a doubt our state’s greatest spotted bass fishery.

Hunter Roop, a Biologist from the Gainesville office, said, “I think that Lanier is one of the best spotted bass fisheries in the country right now. Abundant shad and plenty of cool deep water have the spots really thriving.”

Roop says that as good as Lanier is, it’s right above Lanier that has his attention this year.

“We have been studying bass in the upper Chattahoochee above the lake to understand the different species, how their populations are doing, and the amount of hybridization that is going on,” said Roop.

Shoal, Chattahoochee, spotted, and largemouth bass can all be found in good numbers, offering some river bass fishing like no other you will find.

“It’s small river fishing at its best. If you’re the type that likes small water fishing, as opposed to trying to fish a giant body of water, then this stretch of the Chattahoochee is perfect for you,” said Roop.

Lighter tackle is perfect for this stretch of the river, as many anglers prefer to use spinning gear with 8- to 10-pound line. Small worms, flukes, and minnow plugs get the nod, and a tiny torpedo fished first thing in the morning will draw savage strikes from multiple species of bass.

Roop says that float trips with kayaks are popular with anglers fishing the river, and small jon boats also will get you around — just go slowly to avoid damaging your boat.

Belton Bridge is a popular access point for anglers with small boats as you can normally go a few miles before the river becomes tough to navigate.

LAKE EUFAULA

In western Georgia, Lake Seminole has long been known as one of the best bass fisheries in the nation, and it is tough to beat when it comes to bass fishing. But perhaps not impossible.

Rob Weller, the Fisheries Regional Supervisor for this part of the state, says that Seminole should be good for bass fishing this year, but Lake Walter F. George, or Eufaula as many call it, is quickly becoming a big bass factory in its own right.

“20-pound-plus bags have become the norm, and numerous tournaments last year were won with 25 pounds or more. Three- to 4-pound fish are common and a booming bream population is helping the bass grow at record rates,” Weller said.

Clint Meeks is an avid tournament angler on the lake and has numerous wins to his credit. He says that he agrees with Weller that the lakes fishing are improving, and says the hydrilla is the place to find the really big bites.

“Throw a frog on top first thing, and then switch to a big white swim jig and fish it right over the grass. It will really get you some big bites especially, in March,” says Meeks.Meeks went on to say that you can target schooling fish in deeper water, but the majority of the really good fish are going to be staged in the grass throughout the lake in the early summer months.

“When you come to fish all this grass, you need the right set up to fish a swim jig successfully. Heavy braid, a stout rod and a high-speed reel are all crucial to pull fish from the muck. Most importantly, you need a jig with a big strong hook. I use a Dirty Jigs swim jig and I really like the big sharp hook they use,” said Meeks.

As noted earlier, the bream population is also booming on the lake, so anglers may want to bring a cage full of crickets to target bluegill and shellcrackers when the bass bite slows down during the middle of the day.

This year definitely looks to be a great year for bass fishing throughout Georgia, whether you target tidal bass in the Altamaha River, fish the Ocmulgee PFA for some excellent catch-and-release action, chase a variety of bass in the Hooch above Lanier, drag a swim jig through the hydrilla at Lake Walter F. George, or try one of the hundreds of other public waters our state offers.

THE MYSTERY OF THE SEMINOLE SPAWN

Have you ever wondered why Lake Seminole is such a big bass factory, and bags of 30 pounds or more are often weighed in even during the hot summer months? Clint Brown is an FLW Pro, and lifelong Bainbridge resident, and says the spawn has a lot to do with the success anglers have on the lake.

“I’ve seen fish locked on beds in early January all the way through September. The spawn Is in full swing normally in February and March, but don’t let that fool you, there are a pile of fish on beds in April and May if you spend some time looking,” Brown said.

Keep your trolling motor on high and spend time looking for bedding fish in 3 to 5 feet of water during the middle of the day when beds are most visible.

“I have fished all over the country and have never seen a fishery with a spawn like the one Seminole has. Why it goes on so long is a mystery to me, but it makes for some excellent fishing for many months out of the year.”

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