Sunny Days Ahead: The Anticipation of Fishing Season in Georgia
As we emerge from a frigid weekend blanketed in snow and ice, anticipation brews for sunlit fishing days on the horizon. With 11 Public Fishing Areas across Georgia offering excellent angling opportunities, it’s high time to plan your expedition. Check out GeorgiaWildlife.com/allpfas for detailed insights on where to cast your line this season.
What’s Happening Now
Fisharama/Turkeyrama Event
Join fellow outdoor enthusiasts in Perry this weekend, February 6-8, for the highly-anticipated Fisharama/Turkeyrama event. This gathering features numerous hunting and fishing vendors, as well as experts ready to share their insights. More details can be found at buckarama.net/fisharama.
Art Contest Deadline Approaches
Creatives, take note: the Fish Art Contest is still open for entries, both printed and digital, until February 28. Resources including educational materials, guidelines, and entry forms can be found at theartofconservation.org.
Essential Fishing Information
Unsure of where to fish or what species to target? The Angler Resources webpage at GeorgiaWildlife.com/fishing/angler-resources has you covered.
This week, we present fishing updates from North, Central, and Southeast Georgia, with a Southwest report returning next week. Be sure to visit a PFA and make your fishing plans!
Reservoir Report
Lake Allatoona: 11 Feet Below Full Pool, Water in the 40s
Current Conditions
According to Captain Joseph Martinelli, Lake Allatoona remains around 15 feet below full capacity, but conditions vary from north to south. The south end, fed by Allatoona Creek, has become notably clearer than its counterpart, fed by the Etowah River. Launching from Block House early in the morning can feel like navigating an icebreaker as boats skim across sub-32°F surface temperatures.
Water temperatures just below the surface have fluctuated between 34°F and 36°F, rising to 40°F by late morning in certain channels and creeks. Though visual signs of a significant shad kill are absent, some anglers have reported encountering dying shad—a likely result of the cold snap.
Target Species
Fishing remains fruitful despite the cold, particularly in Tanyard Creek, where schools of bait fish have proliferated. Targeted species include:
- Spotted Bass: Abundant but mostly solitary in the northern waters.
- Crappie: Present in various depths, with success reported for both deeper and shallower fishing.
- White Bass & Hybrids: Frequent contributors to the daily catch; however, stripers remain elusive.
Angler insights reveal successful catches across varying depths, including a reported 26-pound striper in deeper waters. As anglers prepare for the coming pre-spawn action, crappies, usually active year-round, are expected to be a popular target.
The Crappie Comeback
Despite challenging conditions, crappie fishing is anticipated to improve as temperatures rise, with recent catches suggesting healthy populations. Trolling near structures and targeting deeper waters with slow, deliberate jig movements remains effective.
Why It Matters
With the winter thaw approaching, the opportunities for outdoor recreation—including hunting and fishing—contribute significantly to Georgia’s local economies. These activities bolster tourism and conservation efforts, protecting vital ecosystems while providing sustainable revenue streams for communities reliant on natural resources.
Engaging in these outdoor pursuits also fosters a deeper appreciation for conservation that can foster lasting stewardship among residents and visitors alike.
Field Insights: Pro Tips for Anglers
- Choose Your Time Wisely: Focus on fishing during peak warming hours later in the morning when water temperatures are at their highest.
- Explore Deeper Waters: During colder periods, target crappies in the 10-16 feet range, employing slower trolling speeds to adapt to their lethargic feeding habits.
- Watch for Activity: Look for birds diving or gulls actively hunting bait—this usually indicates a productive fishing spot.
Whether you’re a seasoned angler or a weekend warrior, gear up for the fishing season as nature awakens from its winter slumber. Enjoy the sunny days ahead, and don’t forget to relish the tranquility of the great outdoors.