In some specific cases, stocking bass does make a difference. For example, in the Flint River below the Blackshear Dam, water level changes during the spawn means that shoal bass don't reproduce very successfully. For about 20 years, the WRD has been stocking fingerling shoalies in that area. For the past five years, stocked bass have been marked with a dye that puts an indicator on their bones so that biologists can track them. Now that those marked bass have reached legal size, they make up 30 to 50 percent of the catch on that part of the Flint River.

Water-level fluctuation, as well as colder temperatures on the Chattahoochee River below Buford Dam, also decimated the natural population of shoal bass in that stream. A stocking effort is currently underway to restore shoal bass to the river and may offer another species of fish for Atlanta-area anglers to catch.

At Lake Nottely in North Georgia, the introduction of blueback herring has created a problem for largemouth bass. The herring eat the same food that bass fry need in the spring, thus keeping them from surviving and growing. But there's also some indication that herring actually eat the young bass. To remedy this situation, the WRD is stocking largemouths in that reservoir.

"Midnight stocking" of non-native species by fishermen is a continuing problem in Georgia lakes and rivers. Blueback herring may have offered a temporary boost to the size of bass in affected lakes, but long-term they create severe problems. Similarly, putting spotted bass in a lake may result in more bass to catch, but it usually causes the population of largemouth to decrease and has practically wiped out smallmouths in some North Georgia reservoirs.

Still, there are many good places to bass fish in Georgia. Below are several that should produce excellent results for you this year.

Allatoona Lake
In the past, Allatoona Lake has been called "The Dead Sea" when it comes to bass fishing, but that perception is changing. Last year, the Creel Census Report showed that this impoundment ties with Lake Russell for the highest bass catch rate per man/hour of any lake fished by clubs. The lake is full of spotted bass, but most are relatively small.

Allatoona is one of the impoundments where the WRD is working with local groups and fishermen to add cover to the lake. One reason why Allatoona has been so hard to fish is its lack of underwater structure. Man-made fish attractors are now providing the cover and offering places for anglers to fish.

In early spring, spotted bass can be found on most rocky main-lake points and steep banks. You can catch them on small jig-and-pigs, jighead worms and crankbaits. Green pumpkin is an excellent color choice for worms and jigs. Fish the steep rocky areas slowly, keeping contact with the bottom.

For largemouths, head up the Etowah River to the Little River area and fish any cover you see. Also watch your depthfinder for brushpiles in coves and on points. Fish them with crankbaits, a jig-and-pig, or a Texas-rigged worm.

During the summer, try fishing the man-made PVC "brush" piles with Texas-rigged worms. Most of this cover was placed in 25 to 30 feet of water, and you can get a map from the WRD showing their locations.