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| General Information |
| Angling prospects are compiled by fisheries biologists and are based on sampling efforts of the Georgia Department of Natural Resources (DNR), knowledge of past fishing trends, angling experience and information provided by anglers and marina owners. For more information, contact the Wildlife Resources Division Fisheries office at 478-825-6151. |
| Campgrounds, Parks and Marinas Amenities |
| Bear Creek Marina - Boat ramp, restrooms, gas, food, camping, tackle, restaurant and beach |
| Berry's Marina - Boat ramp, boat storage, restrooms and tackle |
| Factory Shoals Recreation Area - Picnic Tables and Camping |
| Gus's Landing - Boat ramp, tackle, food and restrooms |
| Lloyd Shoals Park - Boat ramp, picnic tables, fishing pier, handicap access, restrooms, beach and bank fishing |
| Martins Marina - Boat ramp, boat storage, mechanic, RV camping, lodging, tackle, gas, restaurant and restrooms |
| Reasor's Landing - Boat ramp, boat storage, gas, tackle, food, restaurant, restrooms and mechanic |
| Ocmulgee River Public Access - Boat ramp, picnic tables and bank fishing |
| Riverside Park - Picnic tables, restrooms and bank fishing |
| Walker Harris Marina - Boat ramp, tackle and restrooms |
| Boat Ramps |
| Information on Georgia Power-operated boat ramps can be found using the contact info below. |
| Best Fishing Bets |
| Largemouth Bass, Spotted Bass, Striped Bass, Bream, Catfish and Crappie |
Largemouth Bass - Largemouth make up 57 percent of the black bass population in Jackson. Average catches weigh 1.5 - 2 pounds. October - February fishing produces larger bass at or around 5 pounds or greater.
Technique - Crankbaits and jigs fished in or around deep water produce larger bass. Plastics fished on a Carolina rig are often successful.
Target - Look for rock points that fall off into deep water and docks and timber that border drop offs. Target flooded timber in the upper reaches of Tussahaw Creek in the fall. Also try the Yellow River arm - this section offers a variety of habitat for anglers seeking large bass. During summer, concentrate efforts in the early morning and at night. |
Bream - One of middle Georgia's better bream lakes. Bluegill and redbreast sunfish typically reach 5-7 inches, while redear sunfish also are numerous and much larger.
Technique - Live bait such as redworms, mealworms or crickets fished just off the bottom should result in redear catches from 7 to 10 inches; individuals weighing 1 pound or more are common.
Target blowdowns and weedlines for larger bream. The Ocmulgee River below Jackson dam is a good place to target redbreast sunfish. |
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Catfish - Lake Jackson provides an array of catfish species with fishable populations including bullheads, channel, white, blue and flathead catfish. Jackson holds a greater proportion of larger size channel and blue cats than most other central Georgia reservoirs and most will average 4-5 pounds.
Technique - Cut shad and liver fished on or just off the bottom is effective. |
Crappie - Similar to previous years, crappie are abundant. The average size has increased to around 8.5 inches with approximately 20 percent of the catch over 10 inches.
Technique - Trolling small jigs around drop-offs, points and creek channels is most effective. Live minnows, small crankbaits and pitching jigs all work great in late spring.
Target - A hot spot: the bridge crossing at Hwy. 212. Visit in early spring when water temperatures reach 60 degrees (F). |
Spotted Bass numbers are up this year with the average size fish around ¾ pound. Although approximately 60 percent of the population are less than 11 inches, these fish are very healthy and plump. Unlike largemouth bass, there is no size restriction and anglers are encouraged to harvest their catches.
Technique - Spotted bass generally are found in deeper, clearer waters than largemouth. Casting smaller crankbaits and spinners into deeper water tends to attract spots. Because they are very aggressive predators, top-water lures such as spooks, buzz-baits and propeller lures fished fast often trigger bites.
Target - Stick to the main lake where the water is clearer. Target deeper points and fish parallel to the bank at varying depths to locate fish. Night fishing along docks and humps also produces good catches. |
Striped Bass offer anglers an added sport fish option. The most recent stockings have produced strong year-classes that may produce a quality fishery in the coming years. Anglers also have a chance of catching a trophy 10 to20 pound hybrid white x striped bass, stocked in 2004 and earlier.
Technique - Trolling with crankbaits and large swim-baits through schools of suspended shad can produce some nice stripers most of the year. When the stripers are chasing shad to the surface, topwater lures can trigger some extreme action.
Target - Look for schools of shad and stripers breaking the surface early in the morning and just before dark. The power lines north of where the Alcovy meets the South and Yellow Rivers is a popular spot for seeking surface feeding stripers early in the morning. Target cooler water habitat near the dam for trolling. |
| Contact Info - Website Link & Address |
| Georgia Power Company - Phone: 404-954-4040 - Georgia Power Lake Jackson Website |
| Be An Ethical Angler |
Ethical anglers fish responsibly and consider the rights of others. They portray a positive image and help protect and conserve our natural resources. Be an ethical angler; the future of fishing depends on it.
Ethical Anglers:
 Know and obey the fishing regulations
Report viloations and pollution
Keep only the fish they can use and release all the others properly so they will survive
Pass on the tradition by taking a child fishing
Don't transfer fish or plant species between bodies of water - Non-native species can adversely affect existing populations.
Appreciate the environment by not littering, dispose of fishing line properly and leave a place cleaner where they found it
Show coutesy to other, lend a helping hand whenever possible and always ask permission before fishing on private property |
| Trip Checklist |
Each person on board must have a readily accessible U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) approved type I, II, II or V (hybrid) Personal Flotation Device (life jacket) in good condition with no rips or tears. Type V devices are acceptable only when worn and surely fastened. Each vessel, except for Class A vessels, canoes, and kayaks must be equipped with at least one type IV (throwable) device. Also, any child under age 10 who is on board a boat must wear an appropriately sized USCG approved life jacket at all times while the boat is moving, whether it be drifting, sailing, or mechanical power.
Boats with enclosed areas that may trap gas or vapors are required to be equipped with a USGC approved fire extinquisher.
Make sure your boat registration and fishing license are current. Carry your license and registration card with you.
Check your boat trailer lights, navigation lights and fuel before beginning your trip.
Carry a first aid kit, insect repellent sunscreen, extra clothing, rain gear, and plenty of food and drinking water.
Be aware of and abide by all fishing regulations. A copy of current fishing and boating regulations can be obtained from any DNR office and many sotres that sell bait and tackel. Have a float plan. Always tell someone where you are going and when you expect to return.
Follow these guidelines for a safe and fun recreation experience. |
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