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| General Information |
Angling prospects are compiled by fisheries biologists and are based on sampling efforts of the Georgia Dept. 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, Social Circle Fisheries office at 770-918-6418..
Fees - Newton and Walton County residents: No charge. All out of county residents: $5 per boat and $5 per vehicle |
| Boat Ramps |
| A boat ramp is available in the park area. |
| Best Fishing Bets |
| Largemouth Bass, Crappie, Hybrid Bass and Bream |
Largemouth Bass - Abundance and quality of largemouth bass have remained in the good to excellent range for the past few years. The most recent electrofishing survey indicates that about 1/3 of the fish are 14 inches or larger. In the spring and fall, Varner offers a great opportunity to catch a 5-plus-pound bass. Practice selective harvest to improve bass quality by harvesting smaller, legal fish (bass at least 12 inches) and releasing larger bass (those greater than 18 inches).
Technique - Popular lures include topwater baits, soft plastics, swim baits, jerkbaits, spinnerbaits and jigs. These baits can be fished around grass mats, stumps and lay-down trees. Crankbaits and suspending jerk baits around cover or structure in addition to jig-and-pig combinations is effective in late winter and early spring. In late spring, try topwater lures, floating worms and soft plastic shad imitations like flukes or bass assassins. Plastic worms and deep diving crankbaits are ideal for summer, and spinnerbaits work well in fall.
Target - During winter months, use crankbaits, spinnerbaits, swimbaits and jigs around the edges of grass and around other shoreline cover. In spring and summer, concentrate on fishing grass beds and mats. Use weedless lures such as topwater frogs and soft baits. |
Crappie - The population is in good condition. The best time to fish for crappie is in the winter and early spring, especially in April, depending on water temperatures.
Technique - Minnows and jigs are recommended.
Target - Early in the season, fish in deeper water near the creek channels and dam area. In the spring, focus on more shallow water as temperatures approach 60 degrees (F), and target the upper end of the two major tributaries for spawning fish. |
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Hybrid Bass - Numbers of fish were up during the 2008 gill net survey. Expect good numbers of fish in the 14 to 16-inch range, however, catches over 20 inches (6-8 pounds) are very common.
Technique - Live bait, jigging spoons, rooster tails, rattle traps and small crankbaits are recommended.
Target - Fish in deeper water near the creek channels and dam area. Keep an eye to the surface as hybrid striped bass chase shad around the surface, providing some exciting fishing action. |
| Bream - Bluegill and redear sunfish are in high abundance during the first spawn of the season in May. Unfortunately, gizzard shad (an undesirable species), have recently become established in the lake and will likely have a negative effect on the fishery, particularly the bluegill fishery, in the coming years. |
| Contact Info & Website Link |
| Call Newton County for more information, including regulations, hours of operation and current fee pricing at 770-784-2049. |
| 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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