October 31, 2025 – Georgia Wildlife Blog

Trout fishing in Georgia is more than just a sport; it is about resilience, joy, and the moments that matter most. Few stories show this better than that of Bill Chester and his wife, Susie Chester. After a rare stroke forced her to relearn how to walk, talk, and “just function as an adult,” the couple set one goal: to return to the rivers they had loved for 40 years. In 2024, at the Tallulah River Campground, she stepped onto the ground and said, “I didn’t think I would ever be here again.” Thanks to a trout stocking report that let Bill know it was the right time to plan a trip, they returned to the water this fall. As she reeled in a brown trout with a big smile, Bill encouraged her again and again, “Get it!” to which she laughed and replied, “Not yet!” These are the moments that fishing in Georgia is all about, and they show how access and stocking opportunities create lasting memories for anglers across the state.

NEWS TO KNOW:

• Go Fish Education Center – The outdoor aquariums at the Go Fish Education Center will be temporarily closed from October 31, 2025, through January 8, 2026, to allow for exciting improvements. The rest of the Center and casting pond will remain open on weekends, with education programs continuing during the week. We look forward to seeing those refreshed aquariums on January 9, 2026!
• Fish a Delayed Harvest Stream: Delayed Harvest trout season begins November 1 on five designated Georgia streams—Chattahoochee River, Toccoa River, Amicalola Creek, Smith Creek, and the Chattooga River. From November 1 to May 14, these waters are catch-and-release only with single-hook, artificial lures, and are stocked monthly by WRD and partners to provide anglers with outstanding trout fishing opportunities.
• Cartersville native Cooper Moon made history this year by becoming the first Georgia angler named to the US Angling Youth Bass Team, earning a spot in the upcoming 2025 Tri-Nations Cup in South Africa. Fresh off his National Championship win with partner Carson Holbert, Cooper will represent the U.S. on the international stage Dec. 8–11 at Loskop Dam. Balancing his freshman year at the University of Montevallo with this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, Cooper says he’s ready to fish hard, keep an open mind, and make his home state proud. More here: gon.com/fishing/cooper-moon

This week, we have fishing reports from North, Central, Southeast, and Southwest Georgia. Whether you are fishing for trout with your best friend or wetting a line for bass on a south Georgia river, it’s always a great time to Go Fish Georgia!

(Fishing report courtesy of John Lee Thomson, Region Supervisor and Fisheries Biologist with Georgia DNR Wildlife Resources Division, with help from Region Staff and Local Experts)

RESERVOIR REPORT

LAKE ALLATOONA

Bass (courtesy of Ken Sturdivant, Southern Fishing): Bass fishing is good. Turnover is on. The BDS 3 and 4 bite is coming on strong. This bait will continue to get better as the corp. is dropping the water. Those fish are seeking the cooler water in the back of those creeks. Work way in the creek with the BDS 3 and 4 crank by working the outside edges of the visible structure. Going out of the creek use the Grass Stalker Jig by flipping it into the heavy cover. Try running fishing the windblown shorelines with a spinnerbait. Be sure that to cast into the wind or at least cross wind to insure to bring the bait back in front of the fish and not coming up behind the fish. Try the Allatoona special color which has one white willow leaf and one chartreuse willow leaf blade. These colors are key especially in very clear water because they have a great calling distance and more visible. Be absolutely certain to add a trailer hook on the back of the spinnerbait. Make long casts with some good Sufix Advantage fluorocarbon line 20 pound test to insure a good hook set at the end of those long casts. Call and set up an On the Water Sonar school and bring the boat. 770 889 2654 kensturdivant@att.net

Mixed Bag (courtesy of Captain Joseph Martinelli, Heron Outdoor Adventures): With reservoir surface temperatures dropping into the ’60s, Autumn is here to stay. Currently our reservoir is approximately 6+feet below full pool and with little exception can expect to continue to drop another 10 ft. into anticipated winter pool over the next couple of months.

The hybrid, white bass and striper action has definitely picked up. For several weeks now we have been catching a lot of striped bass that have likely come into the reservoir from the upper Etowah. Reservoir conditions were favorable with the cooler temperatures, and there’s no doubt that all the good food is here. The River was a good sanctuary for them requiring higher oxygen and cooler temperatures, but the food was obviously scarce looking at some of these first run fish – long and skinny.

The bite for the Line-sides has been pretty much the same as most autumn patterns, and down-lining frisky herring, threadfin or gizzard shad are definitely the go-to on most days if looking to connect with higher numbers.

We have noted a couple of trips out these past couple weeks where the reaction bite superseded dripping a live bait in front of the fish. On these occasions, the flutter or power reeling of a spoon as well as trolling A-rigs and Umbrella rigs at 2 and 1/2 to 3 mph were paramount in getting the bite.

This past week has brought some challenging conditions with high winds and cold rain but as we come into the peak of this cold front, the fact is the fish are still chewing. Catching that barometer dropping can be a big winner, and the fish tend to feed a little more aggressively here in anticipation of a storm.

The bass bite has been pretty good as well. Though we have not been targeting them exclusively these past couple of weeks, we see the legends such as Bill Payne that are out there doing just that and enjoying good numbers and quality.

The crappie always chew. Just the fact of the matter. However, it always feels like it’s time to fish for them when the temperatures drop and a drizzle is in the air. Targeting again the other day for multi-species, we were able to pick up another lake record black crappie that was as tall as it was long at 17+ inches and really nudging the 4 lb. mark! Those are definitely ones to let go and let go. Keeping the gene pool in the reservoir is always more important than having your name in the books in my own opinion. It’s nice to fish with anglers that agree and also willing to set those free.

So from here on out, it’s Fall y’all!!

Get you a can of worms, a bucket full of frisky boo-boos or ‘minners’, some deep diving plugs or some A-rigs and just get out there.

It is a lovely time of year to enjoy the reservoir. Eagles soaring, foxes playing and leaves changing await the watchful eyes. Oh, and plenty of fish to be caught, too.

God bless and tight lines, friends!

LAKE HARTWELL

Bass (courtesy of Ken Sturdivant, Southern Fishing): Bass fishing is fair. At the dam try fishing the steeper banks with jigs and slow-moving dark Zoom U tail worms. White spinnerbaits are catching a few when thrown right up next to the bank and slow rolling it back. Up in the rivers, spinnerbaits and Rat L Traps thrown real close to deep water banks and utilizing a slow retrieve will be a good choice. Black or any dark color jigs worked close to cover is also producing a few good bites. The up-lake bass are also biting and jigs in brown and blue combinations are best for both spot and largemouth. Some or most of the bass are spots and small. Stay with the jig and work heavy cover in shallow water slow and good. Several casts might be necessary before the bass strike. Add a little scent every 6 to 10 casts. This always seems to work better in the heavy stained water. Call and set up an On the Water Sonar school and bring the boat. 770 889 2654 kensturdivant@att.net

LAKE LANIER 

Bass (courtesy of Phil Johnson (pjohnson15@hotmail.com or 770-366-8845); report via Southern Fishing): Bass fishing on Lake Lanier is good. The lake is currently almost five feet below full pool and the temperature is running in the low seventies. The lake is clear. The bass are moving into both the fall areas and the fall patterns across the lake. The top water bite is good, especially with the wind, using a Riser, Gunfish or Ima Skimmer in the chrome patterns. Look for the bait and the bass over humps, long points and windblown banks with the main depth for all of these places being thirty feet up to the bank. A new pattern for the week has been the new quarter ounce Pro Model Spot Choker with a Colorado blade paired with a three-three Keitech. Work this bait on banks with rock and clay and throw it right on the bank and reel it back with a slow steady retrieve. It’s even better if it is a windblown bank. The worm bite has really picked up around the docks and the same red clay rock banks. The bass are around the docks in fifteen feet of water or less and are making their move toward the backs of the coves. The green pumpkin patterns and natural green have been the colors of choice for the worm. If you prefer to work offshore then look for the bait balls over the standing trees, humps and end of points to locate the bass. Work either a three eights Spot Choker with a three Keitech or a Spybait at the depths of the bass with a steady retrieve until the bass react and then speed up your retrieve to trigger the strike. Watch for the top water bite to improve with the cooler temperatures and always have a top water bait on the deck as schooling may happen anywhere at any time. It’s a great time to be out there right now with some really good Spots being caught so Go Catch ‘Em!

Crappie (courtesy of Captain Josh Thornton (770-530-6493); report via Southern Fishing):Lake Lanier crappie fishing is good. The Crappie are all over open water brush at 7 to 14 feet deep. This week has produced several large fish in the 13 to 14 inch range. Minnows have been 60% of the catch. Small hair jigs with little to no action has been successful also. For your best fishing experience consider using the following equipment: a one piece ACC Crappie Stix rod and reel paired with 4 or 6 pound test K9 line with a Atx lure company jig. Further optimizing your efforts with a Garmin LiveScope. To schedule your guided Lake Lanier crappie fishing trip, please contact Captain Josh Thornton at 770-530-6493. Additional information and helpful fishing tips can be found on our websites.

Linesides (courtesy of Buck Cannon, Buck Tales Guide Service (404-510-1778); report via Southern Fishing): Lake Lanier stripers have been on the move affected by the change of weather. The fishing has been hit or miss but one of the keys is bait, once you locate the bait using your electronics deploy your spread out, planer boards, weighted flat lines and down lines have been effective. Blue backs and gizzards are bait of choice but trout if available will work. Use a two ounce weight with a 6 to 8 foot fluorocarbon leader. Flat lines 80 to 100 feet behind the boat same setup with no sinker. Trolling motor speed .04 to 1.0 mph. Trolling the umbrella rigs with the outboard at 2.5 to 3.5 mph if there a strong wind or lots of boat traffic. Remember to wear your life jacket. 

Linesides (courtesy of guide Joseph Clark, Unicoi Outfitters): Fishing on Lanier remains the same. With the past few cold fronts water temps dropped significantly. Most Stripers seem to still be deep but can fire up any day. We are seeing some small groups surface but they are sporadic and do not stay up for long. Bass on the other hand are still schooling good around brush piles in creeks. We’ve had most success on serpentine swimbaits, walking baits and other topwaters. For flies clousers, game changers and polar fibre minnows seem to be the best options. Things should fire back up for stripers within the coming weeks. If you’re interested in giving it a try give the Helen shop a call at (706) 878-3083 or check out my website at www.josephclarkflyfishing.com

WEISS LAKE

Bass (courtesy of Ken Sturdivant, Southern Fishing): Bass fishing is good and the fish have moved shallow in the main lake due to the falling water and low oxygen levels in the deeper water. Work main lake points humps and flats near the main river channels with shallow running crank baits like the Rapala OG8 and the green back white belly has been working well and the chartreuse back and the Bandit 100 series. Drop shot worm is a straight worm fished on a drop shot rig. Rigged a 1/4 ounce drop with a YUM Finesse Worm. Look for flats with shad working the surface near the main river channels in the main lake from the Cedar Bluff Bridge to the powerhouse lake.

WEST POINT LAKE

They Bitin! The catfish bite is on!!! Check out these monsters landed by Lukas Moore and Ken Athon.

Bass (courtesy of Ken Sturdivant, Southern Fishing): Bass fishing is fair. The temperatures have cooled. For numbers move offshore the many humps and road beds with a jig, a jerk bait and drop shot rig. For your jigging spoon a ½ ounce white Hopkins spoon is working lifting it off the bottom with short hops. Use a drop shot rig and a Zoom green pumpkin Meathead on a number one hook. You will catch a lot of fish this way but do not look for size. To catch better fish use small shallow running crank baits and spinnerbaits covering a lot of water fishing any piece of wood you can find. As fish begin to pull up they are finding many of their favorite fall hotspots with less water. The key right now is finding the bait. Lake wide search as many pockets as possible and look for shad schools. Once you have located bait there are many bait options that will produce depending on the conditions. Call and set up an On the Water Sonar school and bring the boat. 770 889 2654 kensturdivant@att.net

LAKE SEED

Chain Pickerel (courtesy of Jack Becker, Aquadog45@gmail.com) — Before the cold weather came in I made a trip to Seed Lake on the Tallulah River in the North Georgia Mountains. It Lies between Lake Burton and Lake Rabun and was formed by the Nacoochee dam in 1927. At only 240 acres it is a fun place to go to get away and the scenery is worth the trip. If you are a kayaker and have two vehicles you can put in near the Georgia Power office just below Lake Burton Dam and take out at the only small, 1 lane boat ramp on the lake. It’s on Seed Lake Road a few miles down stream from Ga. Power. I go there for yellow perch and chain pickerel in the fall and winter.  I have also caught Walleye, Largemouth Bass, Spotted Bass and Rainbow Trout there too. On this trip, they never generated any water and the fishing was difficult. I did catch 6 chain pickerel but only one perch. I use spinner-baits and jerk-baits in the fall and winter for pickerel and small shiners for perch. I was not able to catch one big enough to reclaim my Lake Record for Pickerel but I’ll be back. If you would like more information, please contact me by email Jack Becker, Gainesville, a.k.a. Georgia Water Dog. Aquadog45@gmail.com

TROUT REPORT

Delayed Harvest: Turning the page on the calendar Saturday indicates a fresh trout fishing opportunity across north Georgia. November 1^st is the start of the Delayed Harvest (DH) trout season. The Wildlife Resources Division, USFWS and SC DNR are working hard to make November 1^st a great fishing opportunity at all the designated DH areas. Use the links embedded below to find a prime trout fishing spot.

Remember that the DH streams have special regulations that require you to catch and release all trout and only the use of artificial lures with a single hook is permitted. These fresh stockers are great for novice anglers to hone their skills before they wise up to the catch and release lifestyle. Good luck and GO TROUT FISH GEORGIA! 

Where to Go for Trout Info: To learn about Georgia’s diverse trout fishing opportunities including the latest stocking information, check out the Georgia DNR Trout Fishing page at GeorgiaWildlife.com/Fishing/Trout.

Big Trout Catch! Check out this big Rainbow Trout catch from River Through Atlanta out on the Chattahoochee:

Mixed Bag (courtesy of Jeff Durniak, Angler Management; report via Unicoi Outfitters): Somebody finally flipped the seasonal switch from summer to fall and it feels mighty fine up here. Try nymphing early and dry/droppers or even double dries after about 10AM, once water temps rise a few degrees. Be ready to battle leaves when the wind blows. Lake bass are still a real good bet, while reservoir stripers still haven’t gotten the message about fall yet.

Tailwaters: UO buddy Ryan: “Hooch Tailwater action has been hit or miss depending on the pressure and dissolved oxygen levels. In general I’m seeing more and higher quality brown trout in areas I often don’t catch any. I’ve been euro nymphing size 20 natural nymph patterns with a 2.5 or 3mm tungsten bead on 6.5x.  Great to see some nice browns lately!!”

Parting Trout Note: Want to do more to support trout fishing in Georgia?  Consider upgrading to a Trout Unlimited license plate this year. See more info at GeorgiaWildlife.com/licenseplates.  Aside from being a great looking tag, each purchase or renewal of a Trout Unlimited license plate directly supports Georgia’s trout conservation and management programs. Hatcheries and wild trout efforts both benefit from the trout tag.

(Fishing report courtesy of Hunter Roop, Region Supervisor, and Fisheries Biologist with the Georgia DNR Wildlife Resources Division, with help from Region Staff and Local Experts)

As spooky season reaches its peak, Central Georgia’s reservoirs and rivers offer more tricks and treats for anglers. The trick is carving out time to get on the water. Sure, the rut is peaking, work is never ending, the kids are heading the playoffs, and you’ve got to replace those skeletons in the yard with a fall reef on the door. But procrastinate too long and you’ll miss out the treat—an awesome window of fall fishing that won’t last long with a holiday gauntlet looming in the forecast. With cooling water temperatures and shorter days, bass, linesides, and crappie shake off the summer doldrums and will be actively feeding in preparation for winter. With the fall transition is in full swing now, expect fish to be on the move—sometimes vanishing from one haunt and reappearing in another overnight. Keep your tackle box ready for surprises, because the bite right now can be frighteningly good. And of course, an early treat for you this Hallow’s eve will be this here Central Georgia fishing report, brought to you by Ken Sturdivant’s Southern Fishing Report, and contributions from Region 3 WRD Fisheries staff, local guides, and anglers

RESERVOIR REPORT

LAKE RUSSELL IS DOWN 2 FEET, 70’S

Bass (courtesy of Ken Sturdivant at www.southernfishing.com): Bass fishing is fair. There are still some big largemouth being caught each week. We have been catching a good many smaller spotted bass in 15 to 25 feet of water on a Texas rig and a shaky head especially when they are generating. For the bigger spots and largemouth fishing slowly around timber and brush around deep water. As the water cools the baitfish will begin to get active and a buzz bait crankbait or a jig will be good baits to target the more active bass feeding on them. The drop shot worm is a straight worm fished on a drop shot rig. Rigged a 1/4 ounce drop with a YUM Finesse worm.

Bass 2 (courtesy of www.dnr.sc.gov): Guide Jerry Kotal (706-988-0860) reports that in October bass will normally be caught on the bottom in deep water in both the main lake and creeks. In addition to live bait they typically take drop-“shot rigs and jigging spoons.

Striped Bass (courtesy of www.dnr.sc.gov): Guide Wendell Wilson (706-283-3336) reports that in early October fish are traditionally very scattered, but this month they should start to leave the ends of the lake and move back towards the middle. Both free-lines and down-lines should catch fish if striper can be located.

Crappie (courtesy of www.dnr.sc.gov): Guide Wendell Wilson reports that October is often one of the very best months for Lake Russell crappie. Fish can be caught in the creeks around brush, and both jigs and minnows should catch fish. Sometimes they will also be stacked up on the bottom in open water around bait schools.

Catfish (courtesy of www.dnr.sc.gov): Guide Jerry Kotal reports that this is not generally a month when he targets catfish very much, but he does pick some up on jigging spoons while fishing for bass. Catfish can be targeted with cut herring fished on the bottom around schools of bait.

LAKE OCONEE IS FULL, 70’S

Bass (courtesy of Ken Sturdivant with www.southernfishing.com): Bass fishing is good. The lake is full and 71 to 75 degrees. The main lake is clear, lightly stained up the rivers. Start the day fishing a white Bass Pro shops Entice buzz bait from the middle of the creeks and coves working your way to the back. After the sun gets up change over to a small crank bait. The drop shot worm is a straight worm fished on a drop shot rig. Rigged a 1/4 ounce drop with a YUM Finesse worm. Cast the #7 Rapala Shad Rap in a shad pattern or a Rat L Trap in the same pattern fished around docks or any structure in these creeks or coves. A white Strike King Spinnerbait fished in the same area will also draw a strike. Green pumpkin seed Zoom worms fished on a shaky head under docks in the back of the major creeks is working when Georgia Power is pulling water.

Linesides (courtesy of Captain Doug Nelms with bigfishheads.com Guide Service): Back on the Oconee fishing grind from his recent Michigan salmon fishing trip, Doug reports, “The striper bite has picked back up with the cool days we’ve been having on Lake Oconee.  It’s still a little early for the gulls to get here, though excellent fall fishing is just around the corner.” With water temperatures dipping back down into a preferable range for striped bass and hybrids, a more consistent schooling and feeding pattern should begin to emerge, which translates to better fishing opportunities for Oconee anglers. Locating the schools is the trick to success, as these species become more mobile and less sluggish in the fall. As Doug indicates, gulls, herons, loons, and other bird activity can help anglers locate shallow bait schools, which are often being pushed to the surface by a feeding frenzy of stripers and hybrids. Freelining live bait over these schools or casting a slightly larger than average shad-imitating swim bait like a Sebile can be a great way to take advantage of surface-feeding fish in the fall.

CLARKS HILL IS DOWN 4 FEET, 70’S

Bass (courtesy of Ken Sturdivant with www.southernfishing.com): Bass fishing is good. The bass are starting to school up again. Find the bass schooling on humps on the main lake. Throwing top waters and flukes at fish busting or just fan casting across the humps will produce fish. Keep one eye on the electronics. When they show up on the sonar drop a drop shot on their head and they will usually bite. Pay attention to the bridges too. Yearling herring will stack up on the shady sides of the bridges. The fish will bust them so throwing top waters will produce fish in these areas. There is also a shallow buzz bait bite that can produce quality fish now.

Bass 2 (courtesy of www.dnr.sc.gov): Guide Josh Rockefeller (706-513-6152) and tournament angler Tyler Matthews report that in October schooling action should be widespread on Thurmond (better known in Georgia as Clarks Hill), and there should also be a lot of fish moving back into the creeks. Topwater lures that imitate shad and herring will work well until it gets really cool, and then a square-bill crankbait will be hard to beat. You can usually still catch fish on a buzzbait in the first part of the month but by the end of October that can get less effective.

Striped Bass & Hybrids (courtesy of www.dnr.sc.gov): Little River Guide Service (706-210-3474)  reports that this month fish typically start to head towards the mouths of creeks and usually back into them as they are able to spread out more in cooler temperatures. There should be good schooling activity and fish should generally be in the top of the water column, although down-line fishing should still be effective.

Crappie (courtesy of www.dnr.sc.gov): Little River Guide Service reports that in October fish will likely gang up around mid-depth brush piles and submerged timber. Generally creeks in the middle and upper part of the lake will fish best, and crappie will eat minnows or jigs. Late September was already good for crappie.

Crappie 2 (courtesy of DJ Hadden with Hadden Outdoors):  The crappie bite is strong in brush piles from 15-25 feet of water. Early morning and late evening feeding periods have been consistent bites lately, especially on either minnows or small 2” jigs.

For largemouth and spotted bass, schooling activity has been strong, especially if you can locate main-lake or main-river channel humps in 15-25 feet of water. Fish are often elevated in the water column around these, and chrome topwaters, white or silver flukes, and chrome Krej jerkbaits have been the ticket lately as bass key in on shad. For striper, the evening bite near the oxygen line has still been the most productive. Keep an eye out for schooling activity and fish accordingly.

Catfish (courtesy of www.dnr.sc.gov): Captain Chris Simpson (864-992-2352) reports that the last three months of the year are the most consistent time to catch a big catfish on Lake Thurmond, with the big fish bite kicking off in earnest in October. Anchoring on deep structure is about the most consistent way to catch large blue catfish or flatheads this month. The creeks can be good depending on whether bait has moved into them, and gizzard shad and white perch are hard to beat for the bigger fish.

LAKE SINCLAIR IS FULL, 70’S

Bass (courtesy of Ken Sturdivant with www.southernfishing.com): Bass fishing is fair, and bass are being caught in Rocky Creek and Island Creek on Bitsy Flip Jigs black and blue with any small trailer. Target the grass beds on the south end of the lake with a Scrounger head Swimming jig with a Zoom Flute Jr. for both numbers and a good kicker fish or two. Main lake points from Little River Marina are holding fish that can be caught on a variety of crank baits, a few are #5 and #7 Shad Raps, Bomber flat A’s, Suddeth Little Earls, and Bandit 200’s. If your crank baits are not bouncing off something, like stumps, rocks, or the bottom, you won’t get much action. Get the Carolina rigs and fish the humps, roadbeds and ledges on the south end. Drop shot worm is a straight worm fished on a drop shot rig. Rigged a 1/4 ounce drop with a YUM Finesse worm on the main lake docks.

LAKE JACKSON IS FULL, 70’S

Bass (courtesy of Ken Sturdivant with www.southernfishing.com): Bass fishing is fair. At the dam try fishing the steeper banks with jigs and slow moving dark colored u-tale worms. White spinnerbaits are catching a few when thrown right up next to the bank and slow rolling it back. Up in the rivers, spinnerbaits and Rat L Traps thrown real close to deep water banks and utilizing a slow retrieve will be a good choice. Anytime on this lake have a #5 crawfish Rapala Shad Rap tied on and use it on every stop. Black or any dark color jigs worked close to cover is also producing a few good bites. Some or most of the bass are spots and small. Stay with the jig and work heavy cover in shallow water slow and good. Several casts might be necessary before the bass strike. Add a little scent every 6 to 10 casts. This always seems to work better in the heavy stained water.

PUBLIC FISHING AREA REPORT

McDUFFIE PUBLIC FISHING AREA (courtesy of Fisheries Technician Nick Brewer) —

With the recent drop in water temperatures, anglers are having more successful trips at McDuffie PFA.  Anglers are catching bass, catfish and sunfish frequently, and as the weather continues to cool, this trend should continue.  On October 10th, McDuffie PFA hosted a fish-n-learn with 7 participants learning the basics of catfishing and bass fishing. McDuffie staff hosted a Kids Fishing Event on October 25th, with around 50 kids attending—thanks to everyone who came to fish with us! Lastly, McDuffie staff have recently stocked intermediate sized catfish into Willow, Rodbender, Breambuster, and Bridge Lakes to increase catch and smile rates.

Bass: As temperatures cool, bass should be feeding more to prepare for winter. Anglers should use lures that mimic bait fish in shallows and deeper water. Plastics on a Texas or Carolina rig are also producing catches.

Striped and Hybrid Bass: Dropping temperatures are making hybrid and striped bass more active! Anglers should use chicken livers in deeper water if they are targeting stripers. Areas with lots of bird activity can indicate good areas to target.

Channel Catfish: Many anglers are catching catfish! Use a chicken liver and fish off the bottom of the lakes for the best chance of success.  Other good options are artificial baits and stink baits also fished off the bottom of the lakes.

Bream: Bream on the PFA are being frequently with worms in and around structure on the lakes.

Reminder: live fish/minnows are not allowed on our PFA.

FLAT CREEK PUBLIC FISHING AREA (courtesy of Area Manager Amory Cook) —

Bass: Anglers using watercraft are reporting that the bass bite has been steady with the majority of catches in the 3-4lb range. Target log jams. Anglers are continuing to report that Powerbait Swim Shad are producing the most catches but shallow running jointed square-bill crankbait lures like are landing fish as well.

Bream: Red Wigglers continue to produce Bream. Drop bait right next to the fishing pier instead of casting out.

Crappie: Cooler weather is promising extended catch times for Crappie. Target submerged treetops and use live minnows and jigs.

Catfish: Catfish are being caught on nightcrawlers. Remember the PFA lake record for catfish is still open and the minimum requirement to qualify is 12lbs or 32in long. You must have the catch weighed on a certified scale and properly documented.  Should you land a catfish that you believe to be at least 12 pounds (about 30 inches long), please notify DNR staff.

MARBEN PFA FISHING REPORT (courtesy of PFA Manager Jamie Dowd) —

• Marben Public Fishing Area
• Water level: All the ponds are full or nearly full, except Otter and Little Raleigh.  Margery is still closed till further notice.
• Pond Closures: Margery, Hillside, and Clubhouse ponds remain closed while under renovation.
• Water clarity: Clarity varies but most water bodies have up to 24″-48” visibility.
• Surface temperature: <70 F and decreasing.
• Marben PFA Fishing Guide

Bass: Bass are moving into shallower water as the temperatures decrease this month.  Spinner baits, crank baits, and top water are good.  Try depths from 6’ and less until you determine where they are.

Crappie: The crappie are not up shallow yet. Fishing over suspended brush is your best bet.  Use jigs tipped with minnows.

Bream: Bluegill and some shellcracker are being caught on or near the bottom.  Wigglers and wax worms are good choices for bait.  We’ve seen several nice bluegill and shellcracker that have been caught lately.

Other: Threadfin are schooling on the surface early morning and late afternoon in Bennett and Fox.   Bass and Hybrid bass (where present) are feeding on the schooling shad.

(Fishing report courtesy of Capt. Bert Deener, Retired Georgia WRD Fisheries Supervisor, with help from Region Staff and Local Experts)

Other than occasional strong winds, the weather has been fantastic this week. Cool weather has kept water temperatures in the range where most species are putting on the feedbag! Dust off your crappie equipment…it’s time…

River gages on October 30th were:

• Clyo on the Savannah River – 4.4 feet and rising
• Abbeville on the Ocmulgee – 1.5 feet and rising
• Doctortown on the Altamaha – 4.1 feet and rising
• Waycross on the Satilla – 5.2 feet and falling
• Atkinson on the Satilla – 4.1 feet and falling
• Statenville on the Alapaha – 1.8 feet and falling
• Macclenny on the St Marys – 2.0 feet and falling
• Fargo on the Suwannee – 1.7 feet and rising

Full Moon is November 5th. To monitor all the Georgia river levels, visit the USGS website. For the latest marine forecast, check out weather.gov/jax/.

ALTAMAHA/OCMULGEE RIVERS

Both rivers have produced some really good bass fishing this fall, but the water level is going to come up this week with the heavy rains in the Piedmont area of the state. Shane and Joshua Barber fished the lower Altamaha Friday and caught 19 bass and a few pickerel. They had 5 bass over 3 pounds. Texas-rigged plastic craws and worms produced their fish. Wyatt Crews fished with me on Friday in the lower Altamaha, and we caught and released 14 bass, a big bowfin (5-lb., 12-oz.), and an 18-inch pickerel.  Most of our fish ate Texas-rigged plastics, but late in the day they were chasing 3/8-oz. white/chartreuse River Rat Spinnerbaits (built with Indiana blades) and 3/8-oz. copperfield Wobble Blades. Our worm setup was a lighter 1/4-oz. weight, a 3/0 Lock Tight Worm Hook, and black 6-inch Assassin worms or 6-inch Keitech Mad Wag worms. We never had a hot area – just a fish here and a fish there for the entire time we were on the water. Blake Yarbrough and a friend fished the middle Ocmulgee on Saturday and had a great afternoon. They caught 30 bass (both largemouth and spotted bass) on crankbaits, Wobble Blades, and Texas-rigged plastics. Their biggest largemouth were 5 and 4 3/4 pounds, and they had a spotted bass right at 3 pounds. They released the largemouth and the biggest spotted bass and kept the smaller spotted bass for supper. Staff from the Georgia Wildlife Resources Division recently completed their fall sampling on the Altamaha River, and the populations of largemouth bass and redear sunfish (shellcrackers) are impressive.

ST MARYS RIVER

I had a couple reports from the St. Marys, and they were all slow again this week. Crappie is what I would target if I were going to this river.

OKEFENOKEE SWAMP

Jim Spencer came up from south Florida and fished the east side this weekend on some short trips and caught several pickerel, a few warmouth, a big bowfin, and a gar. I fished the east side Wednesday evening for two hours and caught 32 fliers up to 8 1/2 inches. They all ate a #10 pink Okefenokee Swamp Sally under a foam float pitched with a Tankara rod (like a lighter action bream buster). They were eating the pink fly so well that I didn’t even try anything else. I caught a few from an area and kept moving, and I caught them in all four areas I tried. Early indications are that the flier bite will be good this winter! Mike Campbell came down from Virginia and fished with me on the west side of the Okefenokee Swamp on Thursday. He caught and released 36 fish during the 4-hour trip, including 3 new species that he had never caught before (bowfin, flier, and warmouth). It was extremely windy, so some techniques didn’t work as well as usual. Trolling was best, as the fish were actively chasing Dura-Spins. The best colors were fire tiger-chartreuse blade and crawfish-brass blade. His biggest bowfin that he landed was a 5-lb., 10-oz. chunk. While casting a fire tiger Dura-Spin, he had a bowfin in the 10-pound class boatside before it pulled off. He also landed 3 pickerel over 21 inches (2 casting and 1 trolling). Vertical fishing with a 1/16-oz. Mirage Jig Magnum and cut flier worked for several of the bowfin. The water is getting low, but you can still get around. Expect to bump some places. For the latest information about open areas, call Okefenokee Adventures or SC Foster State Park. The most recent water level on the Folkston side was 120.70 feet. On the west side, the level on Thursday was 3.84 feet.

HUGH M. GILLIS PUBLIC FISHING AREA (NEAR DUBLIN)

DODGE COUNTY PUBLIC FISHING AREA (NEAR EASTMAN)

OCMULGEE PUBLIC FISHING AREA (NEAR HAWKINSVILLE)

PARADISE PUBLIC FISHING AREA (NEAR TIFTON)

LOCAL PONDS

I talked with a friend who caught a limit of crappie on two different trips this week. He spider-rigs 1/16oz Tennessee shad Specktacular Jigs tipped with minnows and pulls chartreuse pearl 2-inch Keitech swimbaits for his fish. The crappie bite is in full-swing in some areas.

SALTWATER (GEORGIA COAST)

Winds were bad for some of the week, but folks still got out. Capt. Greg Hildreth (georgiacharterfishing.com) has been putting it on the bull redfish in the sounds on days he could get out. Cut bait on the bottom has been the ticket for several fish per trip. After your next trip to the Georgia coast, drop off your fish carcasses in the freezer at the GA Wildlife Resources Division Waycross Fisheries Office at 108 Darling Avenue. The Coastal Resources Division collects most inshore saltwater species so that they can determine age and growth for each species. All the supplies and information cards are in the freezer. Filet your fish then drop off the carcasses in the freezer. Wat-a-melon Bait and Tackle in Brunswick is open Friday through Tuesday each week (closed Wednesday and Thursday). They have plenty of lively shrimp and also have live worms and crickets for freshwater. For the latest information and their hours, contact them at 912-223-1379.

Blog Contributor Capt. Bert Deener guides fishing trips in southeast Georgia and makes a variety of both fresh and saltwater fishing lures. Check his lures out at Bert’s Jigs and Things on Facebook. For a copy of his latest catalog, call or text him at 912-288-3022 or e-mail him (bertdeener@yahoo.com).

(Fishing report courtesy of Caroline Cox, Fisheries Biologist with the Georgia DNR Wildlife Resources Division, with help from Region Staff and Local Experts)

LAKE SEMINOLE

According to Ken Sturdivant at southernfishing.com bass fishing is fair. The fish have been a little frustrating to figure out lately. The cooler temperatures should eventually make the fish bite better. There has been a decent lipless crankbait bite going down on the main lake. Try the Spro Aruku Shad 75 in old glory color on 20-pound Sunline fluorocarbon. The best places to fish the bait are on grass points on the main lake. The grass has started dying back already and in some of these places it may be underwater. This time of year the fish really just prefer a steady retrieve with the bait. Another pattern that is working well is to fish a spinnerbait in these same areas or a soft plastic jerk bait. A good spinnerbait to use is a 1/2 ounce Strike zone Lure Company Edge buster spinnerbait in chartreuse and white or all white. The best soft plastic jerk bait to use is a 6-inch Big Bite Baits Jerk Minnow in glow silver on a 6/0 EWG Gamakatsu Hook.

LAKE WALTER F. GEORGE

According to Ken Sturdivant at Southernfishing.com. Bass fishing is fair. Start out in the backs of the creeks up the lake early. Later in the day, on rocky points, use crank baits in blues and shad colors. Add the old wintertime lure the jig and pig combinations and head into the backs of the major creeks. It’s worth finding any warm water flowing into the creeks. The Bill Norman Little N is working in a stop and go retrieve and don’t hesitate to cast this lure right into the trees blown over in the lake. Work this lure through the trees as slowly as possible and tick the lures off the tree limbs. The larger #1 Stanley jigs in the 1/2-ounce sizes with brown, dark blue and black combinations. Add the larger Uncle Josh Pro pork trailer and work every limb with this lure as well.

LAKE BLACKSHEAR

This past week had good reports of Crappie being caught, with most folks reaching towards their limits per day. The conditions were perfect for the Crappie Tournament conducted on Blackshear through Peach State Crappie Club. Folks reports said that ATX Lure Company 1.25” and 1.75” flat tails and 1.5” wicked Shad’s were effective. Besides Crappie, good size catfish are still being caught out on the lake. Some unique catches this past week were some good size Bowfin.

FLINT AND CHATTAHOOCHEE RIVERS

Fishing on the Flint has been good the last few weeks.  The river has been low and clear.  The catfish bite has been descent in the deeper bends of the river.  Bass fishing has been good with the clear water.  Flukes and small crawfish imitations have worked well.  Bass should become more aggressive as the summer heat ends.  Bream fishing has been good with crickets/worms and Satilla spins.

The Chattahoochee River is also low with good water clarity.  Descent catches of catfish have been recorded.  Fish are being caught in deeper bends and on noodles.  Some good catches of bream have been reported off of shoreline structure.  Good numbers of crappie are also being caught in deeper water on brush piles.

BIG LAZER PUBLIC FISHING AREA

Bass fishing is fair right now. Fish plastic worms in deeper water and around structure. These baits should be fished slower as the water begins to cool. Bream and catfish fishing is also fair to average right now even though we have had reports of decent fishing trips for these species. Pressure on the PFA is decreasing so now may still be a good time to fish for dedicated fisherman.

Related