Anglers love to tell the story about the big one that got away. But imagine if you could predict your catch BEFORE a fishing trip began?
Well, maybe you can’t quite predict your specific catch, but a handy forecasting tool from the Georgia Department of Natural Resources does offer some insights into what’s likely biting in lakes and rivers around the state.
Georgia’s Wildlife Resources Division (WRD) fisheries biologists and technicians annually update the fishing forecasts for 31 Georgia reservoirs and 19 rivers, and they are available in one convenient location: GeorgiaWildlife.com/fishing-forecasts.
“These forecasts provide information, such as best bets, technique tips and more. Each is connected to an interactive map, which provides an additional layer of information to this already excellent resource,” explains Scott Robinson, Chief of the WRD Fisheries Management Section.
Checking Out Lake Allatoona Tips
To check this out, we visited the fishing forecast site of nearby Lake Allatoona. The enlargeable map identifies major access points to the huge lake. That includes including boat ramps, public bank access, and kayak and canoe put-in points. But most helpful for prospective anglers: nearly 100 “fish attractor” locations. These habitats feature conditions most suitable for hauling in a great catch.
The standard maps indicate the species of fish most likely found in each of the state’s lakes and rivers. For Lake Allatoona, that included spotted bass, hybrid striped bass, white bass, and crappie. It also noted that Lake Allatoona hides large mouth bass, bream and catfish, but those species show up less frequently.
Local and “Insider” Knowledge
And, there’s more. For novice and experienced anglers alike, the fishing resource pages include recommended techniques and baits to catch specific species. Plus, it offers helpful “insider knowledge” about areas where conservation efforts improve fishing habitat.
For Lake Allatoona, we found this insider tip: “More than 1,000 shoreline trees have been toppled throughout the lake since 2007 as a means of improving bass habitat. The newest trees toppled in 2021 and 2022 can be found in the 5-fingers area of Stamp Creek.”
Lake forecasts include Allatoona, Andrews, Bartlett’s Ferry, Big Haynes (Randy Poynter), Blackshear, Blue Ridge, Burton, Carters, Chatuge, Chehaw, Clarks Hill, Goat Rock, Hamburg, Hartwell, High Falls, Jackson, Juliette, Lanier, Nottely, Oconee, Oliver, Rabun, Richard B. Russell, Seed, Seminole, Sinclair, Tobesofkee, Tugalo, Varner, Walter F. George, West Point, and Yonah.
Rivers detailed include the Altamaha, Chattahoochee, Chattooga, Conasauga, Coosa, Coosawattee, Etowah, Flint, Ochlockonee, Ocmulgee, Oconee, Ogeechee, Oostanaula, Satilla, Savannah, St. Marys, Suwannee and Toccoa rivers.
For even more fishing tips, be sure to check out the weekly Fishing Blog post at GeorgiaWildlife.blog/category/fishing/.
Don’t Forget Your Fishing License
And don’t forget, anglers need a fishing license for public lands in Georgia. Annual fishing or hunting licenses are good for 365 days from its purchase date cost $15 each for state residents. Discounted short-term licenses from one to 10 days are also available for residents and non-residents. A basic one day fishing license for non-residents is only $10.
You can purchase a purchase a license online or from a local agent, or call 800-366-2661.
