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McDuffie offers anglers 7 ponds, varying from 5 to 37 acres. Please note that Rod Bender Lake will be open the 1st through the 7th of each month only. |
| General Information |
The McDuffie Public Fishing Area (PFA), a 570-acre site located in Georgia’s upper coastal plain, is open Wednesday through Sunday from sunrise to sunset.
Characterized by majestic longleaf pines and sandy soil, the PFA offers the public a unique and beautiful landscape. Managed by the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, Wildlife Resources Division, this location provides visitors with an array of outdoor opportunities.
McDuffie offers anglers 7 ponds, varying from 5 to 37 acres, for quality bream, bass and catfish angling. The Area is also home to the McDuffie Environmental Education Center (MEEC) and Fish Hatchery. While fishing is the major theme of the area, visitors can take their pick from numerous other outdoor activities. Anglers, hunters and nature lovers can all find a place at McDuffie PFA. NOTE: Rod Bender Lake will be open the 1st through the 7th of each month only. |
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| Major Fish Species and Fishing Tips |
Fish: Largemouth bass, bluegill, redear sunfish, channel catfish
McDuffie PFA ponds are managed for bass, bream and catfish angling. The ponds are fertilized from March through October to enhance fishing opportunities. Some ponds are supplementally stocked in the fall with harvestable size channel catfish. All ponds have concrete boat ramps with courtesy docks. For those anglers who prefer to stay on the ground, good bank access provides convenient fishing around most ponds.
The following baits are suggested:
Bream – worms, crickets and small artificial lures
Bass – plastic baits, spinnerbaits and top-water lures
Catfish – chicken liver, blood baits and worms
NOTE: Grass carp have been stocked into the PFA lakes as a biological plant control. These fish must be released when caught. |
| Lakes Fish Are In |
Lake Bender - 5 Acres in size, fish: Bream, has a Boat Ramp and Dock, Largemouth Bass are catch and release only
Lake Willow - 37 Acres in size, fish: Bream, bass and catfish, has a Boat Ramp and Handicap Accessible Dock
Jones Lake - 8 Acres in size, fish: Bream, bass and catfish, has a Boat Ramp and Dock
Clubhouse - 12 Acres in size, fish: Bream, bass and catfish, has a Boat Ramp and Handicap Accessible Dock
Bream Buster - 7 Acres in size, fish: Bream, bass and catfish, has a Boat Ramp and Dock
Bridge Lake - 30 Acres in size, fish: Bream, bass and catfish, has a Boat Ramp and Handicap Accessible Dock
Beaver Lodge - 10 Acres in size, fish: Bream, bass and catfish, has a Boat Ramp and Dock
* Rod Bender open 1st thru 7th of each month |
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| Fishing Regulations |
Licensing: Anglers 16 years and older must possess a valid WMA license and a current GA fishing license. A 1-day fishing license,
Honorary fishing license (senior or disability), Sportsman's license or Lifetime license does NOT require a WMA license.
 Fishing in “closed” ponds is strictly prohibited.
Children under 14 years of age must be accompanied by an adult.
Anglers may fish with up to two poles and lines. Poles and lines are the only legal fishing gear.
Department personnel may need to count, measure or weigh your fish.
No live fish allowed as bait.
Please observe any special regulations posted at ponds.
Please do not drive on roads posted as “closed”.
Parking on dams is prohibited.
Intoxication is prohibited on the PFA.
No swimming allowed.
Possession Limits: 5 Largemouth Bass - Minimum size is 14 inches unless otherwise posted |
| BOATING |
All boats with electric or gas motors must be registered.
Be sure to carry all necessary safety equipment, including lifejackets, in the boat.
Boats must use electric motors or paddles. A gas motor may be attached, but it can't be used. |
| More Recreation |
| Other recreational activities at McDuffie PFA include: Nature Trails, Fish Hatchery, Kid's Fishing Events, MEEC Environmental Education, Camping, Archery. and Dove and Waterfowl Hunting. Check out more McDuffie PFA recreational info here. |
| Licensing |
To help cover the costs of maintaining these great resources, visitors (ages 16-64) must have one of the following to access Public Fishing Areas except for Rocky Mountain PFA:
3-day hunting/fishing license Wildlife Management Area license
Sportsman's, Honorary or Lifetime license or Georgia Outdoor Recreational Pass (GORP)
To purchase a GORP pass, click HERE |
| Contact, Address and Directions |
| Telephone: 706-595-1684 - Address: Georgia Department of Natural Resources, Wildlife Resources Division, Fisheries Section, 4695 Fish Hatchery Road, Dearing, Georgia 30808
- Directions from Thomson: South on Highway 17 to US Highway 278; left (east) for 5.6 miles; right on Ellington Airline Road for 2.8 miles; right on Fish Hatchery Road for 0.8 miles. |
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Check These Out:
McDuffie PFA Boat Ramps
McDuffie PFA Recreation
GA Public Fishing Areas
Fishing Trip Check List
GA Wildlife Areas:
Bird Watching
Public Fishing Areas (PFA)
Horseback Riding
Fish Hatcheries
Archery & Firearms Ranges
Range Rules
License & Regulations:
PFA Hunting
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