Kevin Dallmier

APRIL
Rainbow Trout
Cooper Creek
Trout season is open and an early spring visit to the popular trout stream southeast of Blue Ridge is an annual tradition. This Toccoa River tributary is heavily stocked.

Public access is excellent since much of the creek flows through the Chattahoochee National Forest. There are two public campgrounds on the stream, and fishing in these areas is a communal affair. If you don’t mind company, fish the lower end of the creek near the campgrounds, where it is heavily stocked. Farther upstream, access becomes more difficult and the number of anglers drops off dramatically. Both stocked and stream-bred trout are possible there.

Small Panther Martin or Rooster Tail spinners are top lures, and worms or corn are good natural bets.

Other Options: The multiple lakes of Paradise PFA near Tifton offer good fishing for bluegill. Filling your fish basket with tasty bream shouldn’t be a difficult task.

Clarks Hill Lake near Augusta offers excellent bass fishing year round, and April is no exception. Carolina-rigging a plastic lizard across flats and gravel points is sure to produce.

MAY
Bluegills
Lake Seminole
Famous for its bass fishing, Lake Seminole offers a unique, alternative fishery in May. The trigger is the mayfly hatch. Literally millions of the insects swarm shoreline vegetation, ringing the dinner bell for fat bream laying in wait, ready to pick off any bug that ends up on the water.

For the most fun, break out the long rod. Even a novice fly-rodder can have good success. Casting accuracy and delicate presentations aren’t required. Just slap a buggy looking fly down near where the fish are feeding, and get ready for a strike.

A 5-weight outfit is a good choice, since at any time a bass may decide to join the fun.

Contact Wingate’s Lunker Lodge at (229) 246-0658 for a fishing report and information about planning a trip.

Other Options: The striped bass run is in full swing on the Oostanaula River near Rome. Shad, either live or as cut bait, are a favorite with anglers enjoying the year’s best striper fishing.

Various species of sharks are thick in the sounds of the Georgia coast. Fish cut bait on bottom when the tide is running.

JUNE
Largemouth Bass
Bartletts Ferry Lake
June kicks off the night fishing season on this Corps of Engineers lake southwest of Atlanta. The impoundment gets heavy pleasure boat use during the day, making nighttime the right time for both largemouth and spotted bass.

Fish the reservoir’s many boat docks at night to fill your string. Lighted docks are best since they attract the most bait, but they also attract the most anglers. Dark docks can produce too, if you do your homework and determine which ones provide the best cover.

Fish a plastic worm or pearl fluke around the pools of light off the ends of the docks. The light attracts the baitfish and the bass are sure to follow. Most fish run a pound or two, but bigger fish are always possible.

Other Options: The Altamaha River is the premier destination in Georgia for monster flathead catfish. Stable water and comfortable weather make June a good choice for catfishing.

Floating the Satilla River for redbreast sunfish is a fun way to spend the day. Plop a popping bug down near any cover on outside bends.