Hamburg Lake

Hamburg Lake is a 225-acre reservoir located 15 miles north of Sandersville on the Little Ogeechee River at Hamburg State Park. The lake is stumpy, so only boats powered with trolling motors or outboards up to 10 horsepower are allowed. The bass, jackfish and shellcracker fishing opportunities make the trip to this quiet area in Washington County worthwhile.

Contact Information

Hamburg State Park:  ph. 478-552-2393

Prospects and Fishing Tips

Best Bets

CRAPPIE, LARGEMOUTH BASS, CHANNEL CATFISH & REDEAR SUNFISH

Largemouth bass
Prospect	Sampling efforts indicate numerous quality-sized largemouth. Many 2-3 pound bass should be caught with several weighing in at more than 4 pounds.
Technique	Spinner baits and plastic worms on points and next to standing timber. During calm spring and fall days, utilize suface plugs. In winter, jerking spoons along the riverbed should land large size bass.
Target	Navigate through the stumps to the back of the lake for some great fall action.

Catfish
Prospect	Fish stockings since 2007 quickly made catfish one of the most sought after fish in the lake. Catfish in the 1-4 pound range bite year-round.
Technique	Chicken livers and worms work best.
Target	Look to creek channels and deep coves in the summer and fall.

Bream
Prospect	Expect redear sunfish to be around 1/2 pound. April through early May is the best time to hit the water. Georgia WRD will stock redear sunfish fingerlings in March this year to supplement the population.
Technique	Crickets, worms, grubs and spinners are recommended.
Target	While at Hamburg, try the area just below the dam on the Little Ogeechee River for redbreast.

Crappie
Prospect	Fishing is good year-round. Catches will average 1/2 pound with bigger catches weighing in around 2 pounds.
Technique	Cast to the banks with jigs and minnows in the spring. At other times of the year, slowly troll or drift along the old riverbed and cast to standing timber.
Target	Two marked fish attractors hold fish summer through fall.

Pickerel
Prospect	Chain pickerel (a.k.a jackfish) are available and though not typically targeted, they are sure to grab attention when they strike.
Technique	Variety of weedless lures and surface plugs work best. A wobbling spoon with trailing pork rind, plastic lizards and hollow-faced chugger type surface plugs are good bets. According to locals, jackfish aggressively attack anything red.
Target	Look to areas of vegetation.

Best Fishing Times Key

Excellent:       Good:     Fair: