Lake Juliette Fishing & Recreation

Lake Juliette, also known as Rum Creek, is a 3,600-acre Georgia Power reservoir about 15 miles north of Macon in Monroe County. Smaller crowds, an undeveloped shoreline, beautiful scenery and abundant wildlife are the lake’s main attractions.

Georgia Power manages the lake and surrounding uplands in cooperation with the Georgia Department of Natural Resources. Unlike most Georgia Power lakes, there are no private homes, docks, marinas or commercial areas, and water skiing and personal watercraft such as jet skis are not allowed. Outboard motors over 25 horsepower are prohibited, so bring the bass boat and run it on the trolling motor. The water is famously clear.

• Size3,600 acres
• Best betsStriped bass, largemouth bass, redear sunfish
• Motors25 hp maximum
• WhereJuliette, 15 miles north of Macon

Access & Camping

Lake Juliette Fishing Forecast

These prospects come from Georgia DNR Wildlife Resources Division fisheries biologists, based on sampling, past fishing trends and reports from anglers.

Striped Bass

Prospect: Stripers are stocked every year, and Juliette’s deep water and cool summer temperatures support a good fishery. Stripers are less plentiful than hybrids, but anglers have a good shot at 32-inch-plus fish in the low teens. DNR has documented 40-pound-plus trophies over the years; the average striper runs 3 to 7 pounds.

Technique: Troll creek channels in the cooler months, then move to cooler depths on the main lake in summer. Drifting or bottom fishing with live or cut shad has produced some bigger fish.

Target: Fish near the pump discharge just above the dam when Georgia Power is pumping water in from the Ocmulgee River, and around timber topped at 35 feet off the dam. In summer, try the flooded timber on the upper lake; in spring, look for stripers feeding on the upper-end flats.

Largemouth Bass

Prospect: Much of the catch runs 12 to 16 inches, with more 20- to 25-inch fish in the population, and some quality bass push double digits. Anglers report lunkers every spring. There is no minimum size limit on largemouth.

Technique: The clear water calls for lighter, less visible line. Fish main-lake humps with soft-plastic jerkbaits, Carolina-rigged worms or deep-diving crankbaits, and pop topwater plugs over humps and points on the lower lake early and late. Pitch a watermelon worm 30 inches behind a split shot or 1/8-ounce bullet weight into pockets in the vegetation.

Target: Bass spawn in shallow water behind the standing timber on the upper half of the lake. Work points and humps in the timber and the edges of aquatic plant beds. In summer and winter, fish points, creek channels and deep structure mid-lake, including long points and rock outcrops.

Hybrid Bass

Prospect: DNR first stocked hybrid striped bass in spring 2017 and has stocked them every year since. Hybrids grow faster than stripers early on and are easier to catch; expect good numbers of 15- to 22-inch fish.

Technique and target: Many are caught by bass anglers or by trolling creeks in cooler months. Cast around the creeks in early spring when fish gather, or fish sandy flats with live or cut shad.

Spotted Bass

Prospect: Spots have been in the lake since 2000, possibly pumped in from the Ocmulgee River, and their numbers began expanding in 2006. Most run under a pound, with some much bigger. There is no minimum size limit, and anglers are encouraged to keep their limit.

Technique and target: Spots hold deeper than largemouth, mainly on the lower lake. Cast small crankbaits and spinners along steep drop-offs and deep points, or run fast topwater lures such as Spooks, buzzbaits and prop baits, especially at night.

Redear Sunfish & Bream

Prospect: Juliette is one of the best lakes in the area for redear sunfish, with big numbers in spring. Expect 6 to 9 inches, with some over 10. Bluegill tend to be stunted, and a hand-sized one is a treat.

Technique: Cane poles or spinning outfits with small hooks, bobbers and split shot, baited with worms or crickets at various depths including the bottom. Fly rods work spring through fall, and small Beetle Spins, Rooster Tails and Shysters retrieved slowly also catch fish.

Target: Spawning beds in shallow, weedy areas in spring. The upper lake around the Holly Grove boat ramp is excellent redear habitat, and the lake’s many rock outcrops are worth a try.

Black Crappie

Prospect: Numbers are fair, but the fish are often good-sized. Most run 7 to 10 inches, with some 12-inch, 1-pound crappie.

Technique: Light-colored jigs on the upper lake in spring and early summer, or small minnows on long-shanked hooks. Trolling crappie jigs, Triple Ripples or Hal-Flys and casting small crankbaits also work.

Target: One of the best spots is around the Holly Grove boat ramp. In spring, fish the upper ends of coves; at full pool, boats can run the bank “inside” the timber. In summer, go deeper to submerged timber, brush in coves and deep structure.

Yellow Perch

Prospect: Juliette has good numbers of yellow perch, a fish few Georgia lakes offer. Most run 6 to 8 inches, with some up to a pound.

Technique and target: Worms on the bottom with light spinning tackle, or small minnows, around aquatic vegetation and fallen trees.

Contact

Georgia DNR Wildlife Resources Division fisheries office: 478-825-6151. Georgia Power lake information: 404-954-4040.