Largemouth bass abundance has been steady or slightly increasing over the last few years. About half of the population is greater than 12 inches and fish greater than 15 inches are fairly common. The average catch weighs 1 - 1 1/2 pounds.
Technique
For spring spawning fish try shallow crankbaits, plastic worms and spinners. In warmer months, fish deeper crankbaits and worms. And during winter fishing, try deep-running plugs, jigs and worms.
Target
Boat docks and fishing piers are popular areas to target largemouths. Also target rocky points and underwater humps. The peak time for largemouth fishing is from early March through May, when water temps are in the 60s. In fall, fish further up the lake, above Georgia Power's Blanton Creek Park.
Spotted bass
Prospect
The spotted bass fishery is under utilized and anglers are encouraged to take spotted bass home for a meal due to the lack of a minimum size restriction. The average spot will be 7-10 inches and weigh 1/2 to 3/4 pound.
Technique
Jigs and plastic worms work well for spots. Also, live bait like night crawlers, crayfish and minnows.
Target
During the spring, target rocky points in deeper water. Boat docks are good places for spots to hide in the summer and they tend to hold to structure like blow downs and woody debris year- round.
Hybrid Bass
Prospect
Hybrid fishing is still available despite no recent stocking efforts. Therefore, the smallest hybrid should be at least 17 inches long and weigh nearly 3.5 pounds. Average hybrid catches should be in the 3.5 to 5.5 pound range.
Technique
Spoons, curly-tail jigs, and live shad work well.
Target
For good fishing action in early spring, target just below the Riverview dam area (a.k.a. Crow Hop) during normal flows. For summer and winter months, try lake wide fishing especially in the area near the dam.
Striped Bass
Prospect
Experienced anglers can find stripers exceeding 25 pounds. However, most stripers are in the 14 to 20 inch and 3 to 5 pound range.
Technique
Spoons and popping corks with trailing jigs. Also try bucktail jigs and live shad.
Target
Look to the dam during the winter and upstream to Riverview Dam in early spring during spawning runs. During summer and fall, the target extends lake wide as they school after young-of-the-year shad near the surface. Also target immediately below Riverview dam during periods of power generation at West Point.
Catfish
Prospect
Fishing for catfish is considered good to excellent year-round. Average channel cats weigh 2 to 3 1/2 pounds, but 8-12 pound catches are possible.
Technique
Big cats like stink and cut baits. Live bait like worms and minnows also are effective.
Target
Fish bait on or near the bottom. After a big rain, try tributary mouths where muddy water enters the lake. Also, night fishing in the hot months works well.
Crappie
Prospect
Bartlett’s maintains an excellent black crappie population. At least 50 percent or more measure in at 10-15 inches in length and the average crappie weighs 3/4 to 1 pound, though larger slabs are abundant.
Technique
Trolling with jigs at different depths to locate schools of crappie is effective. Minnows also can provide excellent results.
Target
From early February through April, target fish on structure and the upper end of the lake below Riverview dam. Later in the year, target the lower end of the lake, where hundreds of cypress and Tupelo trees have been planted both as fish habitat and as shallow area markings for boaters.
Other Species
Prospect
Though not known for bream fishing, bluegill, redbreast sunfish, and shellcrackers are all available. Bluegill average 7 inches and only 3-5 ounces. Redear sunfish generally grow to 1/3 to 1/2 pound. Few white bass are available and average around 1 pound. Bartlett’s Ferry also maintains a good white crappie population.
Technique
Red wigglers and crickets work well on bream.
Target
In spring, fish bream beds in shallow water areas in protected coves and tributaries. Target bluegill and shellcrackers around docks and piers during the summer.
Additional Information
Boating can be hazardous during low flows at the upper end of the lake.
Blanton Creek WMA borders much of the upper Georgia side of the lake. Georgia Power operates Blanton Creek Park, which has an additional ramp and camping. However, Blanton Creek is a seasonal park and not open in the winter months (see Georgia Power’s link under 'Contact Information, above for more details).
Generating schedules and lake level information is available by calling 706-317-6000.
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