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| General Information |
Operated by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, this 45,180-acre Chattahoochee River reservoir encompasses 640 miles of Georgia and Alabama shoreline and 85 river miles between Columbus and Ft. Gaines.
Angling prospects are compiled by fisheries biologists and are based on sampling efforts of the GeorgiaDepartment 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, Albany Fisheries office at 229-430-4256.
Fees - Many Corps of Engineers facilities have boat launch fees, user fees or both. Refer to contact information for pricing. |
| Boat Ramps |
| There are numerous boat ramps throughout Walter F. George, operated by various entities including Wildlife Resources Division (WRD) and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Information on Corps of Engineers -operated ramps can be found using the contact information below. |
| Best Fishing Bets for 2009 |
| Largemouth Bass, Bream, Crappie, Hybrid Bass, Striped Bass and Catfish |
Largemouth Bass - Expect average catches of largemouth to be around 13-16 inches and 1-2 pounds. Although numbers of 8-plus pound bass have declined in recent years, 2009 should produce excellent numbers of 2 to 4-pound fish. During 2007, Walter F. George ranked third in average bass weight during bass tournaments and second in average size of largest tournament-caught fish. There is a 14-inch minimum length limit on the reservoir, which limits the number of fish weighed-in during bass tournaments, but they remain plentiful for catch-and-release minded anglers. March through May is usually the best time for largemouth fishing, but anglers also experience good success January through mid- October.
Technique - Along with standard medium and shallow-running crankbaits, plastic worms, lizards, tube baits and jigs also are good baits to use during the spawning period (late March through April). Fish consistently are caught through the warmer months by using crankbaits and Carolina-rigged worms adjacent to abundant channel ledges. Rattle-baits fished near the top of hydrilla stands can be highly effective. Top-water lures such as Pop-Rs and buzzbaits can be good producers, especially during mornings of warmer months.
Target - The numerous creeks and coves are the most productive areas for catching largemouth bass. Popular fishing areas include the three branches of Cowikee Creek – Grass, Rood and Pataula Creeks, Sandy Branch and the Highway 82 causeway area. |
Bream fishing includes bluegill and redear sunfish. Bluegill will be relatively small, averaging 6-8 inches and the average redear will be 7-9 inches.
Technique - Red wigglers usually work best for redear sunfish and crickets generally for bluegill, although both baits can catch either fish. Some anglers fish with small jigs, worked slowly under bobbers.
Target - Shallow ends of coves, creeks, and sloughs, especially above the Hwy. 82 causeway. The shallow flats from the East Bank boat ramp north to Sandy Creek often are productive sites for redear fishing. Redear fishing usually heats up in late April and lasts through June, which is when bluegill fishing is at its best. Fishing success often peaks around full-moon phases, as many fish move on to bedding areas. |
Crappie - Spring crappie fishing can be spectacular, both in numbers and in fish size. Both 2001 and 2002 produced above-average year classes, and the surviving fish will average 13-14 inches. There also are good numbers of 8 to –10-inch fish available.
Technique - Minnows or jigs fished at 12 to –16-foot depths.
Target - Favorite spots are creek mouths and under bridges. Other hotspots include Moccasin South, Pataula Creek, White Oak Creek, Rood Creek and Grass Creek. Bank anglers should try the fishing piers at Hardridge Creek and Florence Marina or the marked fishing areas at East Bank and River Bluff boat ramps. These fishing piers also are accessible to anglers with physical disabilities. Additionally, shoreline anglers can find successat the Eufaula National Wildlife Refuge south of Rood Creek. |
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Hybrid Bass and Striped Bass - Among southwest Georgia reservoirs, hybrid fishing in Walter F. George is as good as it gets, with excellent numbers of 3 to 5-pound fish and some up to 8 pounds. Although striper fishing usually is marginal, a 39.5 pounder was taken from Pataula Creek in June of 2007.
Technique - Shiny artificial lures that imitate shad work well. Local anglers use spoons, rooster tails, Ratl-traps and deep-diving crankbaits. Some anglers have luck bottom fishing at night with chicken liver or dead shrimp, but the most popular fishing technique is trolling over sand flats in 10-15 feet of water. Anglers willing to catch and keep live threadfin shad can be rewarded with excellent success as well.
Target - Hybrid bass - Good areas to try are found from Sandy Creek to Pataula Creek, near Cool Branch landing and just above the Hwy. 82 causeway. Flats adjacent to the river channel, 8-15 feet deep, are good areas to try. Hybrids are usually found near forage, and feeding gulls can often give away the location of schools of threadfin shad. |
Catfish - Channel catfishing is excellent on Walter F. George, with average cats weighing 1-2 pounds, good numbers of 2-5 pound fish and the occasional 10-pounder or greater. There are poor numbers of flathead catfish, but fair numbers of blue catfish. Blue cats can be identified from channel cats by their relatively small head and longer, straight-edged anal fin (as opposed to a rounder anal fin in channel catfish).
Technique - Worms and blood baits will produce good results for both species. Larger blue catfish typically are caught with cut gizzard or threadfin shad.
Target - Both species can be found throughout the reservoir, from the back end of coves to deeper (15-20 foot) channel edges and flats. Blue catfish primarily are found in the upper end (above Lakepoint Marina), where fish larger than 20 pounds are available. |
| Additional Info |
| New infestations of the exotic aquatic plant hydrilla were recently found despite ongoing treatment efforts. In addition to chemical treatments, the Corps of Engineers released grass carp in an attempt to control the spread of hydrilla Anglers can help prevent the spread of hydrilla by inspecting their tackle, boat motor and trailer and by removing all plant fragments before entering or leaving boat ramps. More Anglers fishing info |
| Contact Info & Website Link |
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers at 229-768-2516
U.S. Army Corps Walter F. George Lake 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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