Goat Rock has an abundant largemouth population. The lake is quiet and anglers will encounter little recreational boating activity. Lunker catches are possible for experienced anglers, however most largemouths are in the 8 to 14 inch size range.
Technique
Carolina-rigged plastic worms and lizards are effective largemouth baits. Mid-depth crankbaits and spinners also can be productive.
Target
Target rocky points in deep water. Also, shorelines and protected coves with structure are good places to locate largemouths.
Spotted bass
Prospect
Spots are not large in Goat Rock, though are plenty to catch. Most spots will be in the 7 to 10 inch range. The less abundant larger spots will average around 1 pound.
Technique
Live bait like night crawlers, crayfish, and minnows are effective. Crankbaits and plastic worms also work well.
Target
The best time to fish is between April and June. Target rocky points in deep water. Main channels and shoreline cover often hold schools of spots.
Striped Bass
Prospect
Gulf-race striped bass are being stocked in Goat Rock. They will join a few larger striped bass, which likely traveled downstream from Bartlett's Ferry where they also were stocked. There is a clear indication that a striped bass fishery is beginning to develop!
Technique
Spoons and popping corks with trailing jigs. Live shad also are effective for stripers.
Target
Target the tailrace in the spring. During the rest of the year, stripers can be found throughout the lake following schools of baitfish.
Catfish
Prospect
Goat Rock continues to be an excellent catfish lake. Large channel catfish up to 10 pounds are caught year-round. Channel cats 1-4 pounds are most common.
Technique
Channels like live bait like night crawlers and minnows fished at or near the bottom. Stink and cut baits also are popular choices.
Target
Target the river channel area, deep holes and rocky bottoms.
Bream
Prospect
Bluegill and redear sunfish fishing historically has been good. Average bluegill catches should weigh approximately 1/4 to 1/2 pound, while redear catches should average 3/4 to 1 1/4 pound.
Technique
Live worms and crickets are most effective for bluegill and redear sunfish.
Target
Backs of coves and sloughs are most productive. April, May and June are the best months to fish.
Crappie
Prospect
Anglers looking for crappie often fair well in Goat Rock.Most catches average more than 1/2 pound. "Slabs" will be common for the dedicated angler.
Technique
Trolling with jigs. Live minnows work well for crappie.
Target
Target woody brush and structure along shorelines. Trolling along the river channel also is effective.
Other Species
Prospect
A small population of shoal bass are present and occasionally are caught in Goat Rock.
Technique
Crayfish and baitfish are favorite foods for shoal bass.
Target
Target rocky areas below Bartlett’s Ferry Dam and up Mulberry Creek.
Additional Information
The redevelopment of Goat Rock Marina is complete and the facility is now open. The facility is completely renovated with an enlarged paved parking area, new courtesy dock, a restroom and area lighting. The access road to the marina has also been paved.
Generating schedules and lake levels information is available by calling Georgia Power at 706-317-6000.
Try fishing the five new fish attractors recently added to the lake. Fish attractors are marked with buoys.
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