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| Best Fishing Bets |
| Redear Sunfish, Redbreast Sunfish, Bluegill, Catfish and Largemouth Bass |
| Lower Ocmulgee River Fishing Tips |
Bream - Bluegill, redear sunfish and redbreast sunfish all are present in the lower section of the river. Expect bluegill and redbreast catches to be slightly below average this year, while the redear sunfish population is slightly above average. Expect redear catches between 9 and 12 inches and 1-2 pounds.
Technique - For bluegill: Popular baits include crickets and catalpa worms fished near the bottom below a light cork. For redbreast sunfish: Fishing crickets or worms are most popular. Try fishing your bait suspended below a float just above the bottom or straight-lined on the bottom. For redear sunfish: Favorite baits are red wigglers or crickets fished near the bottom under a cork.
Target - When targeting bluegill try pitching bait around cover along the shoreline of oxbow lakes, sloughs, slack-water areas or eddy pockets. Target redbreast in flowing water around structure along creek and river channels. Also try the head and tail ends of sandbars. In late summer, target redear sunfish around woody debris and overhanging vines along the riverbank. During fall, try fishing around flooded grasses and vegetation near mouths of oxbow lakes and creeks. |
Largemouth Bass - Expect bass catches slightly below average, with most averaging 12-16 inches, but be prepared for the occassional lunker in the 7 to 10-pound range.
Technique - Crankbaits, spinnerbiats, plastic worms and lizards are popular lures.
Target oxbow lakes and slack-water areas containing overhanging willows and woody structure, especially during spring. In the summer, try fishing eddy pockets, the downstream end of sandbars and heavy cover along the banks. |
Catfish - Expect good numbers of channel and flathead catfish catches this year. Most channel cats will average 1/2 to 2 1/2 pounds. Good numbers of 4 to 10-pound flatheads are present, and anglers are encouraged to harvest catches of flatheads. Late winter to late summer is considered the best time to target flatheads.
Technique - Utilize heavy-duty sporting tackle on limb or trotlines. Live baits work best; try fishing shiners, bream or Louisiana pinks.
Target - For flatheads, target areas around snags in the deep holes along outside bends of the river channel during the day. |
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| Contact Info |
| Wildlife Resources Division, Bowen’s Mill Fisheries office - Phone: 229-426-5272 |
| 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 licnese 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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Check These Out:
Georgia Lakes
WMA Public Fishing Areas
GA Fishing Lakes
Georgia Rivers & Map
GA Lakes & Rivers Map
Water Safety
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