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McDuffie PFA in McDuffie County Georgia

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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.
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
Fishing at McDuffie PFA
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.
BulletFishing in “closed” ponds is strictly prohibited.
BulletChildren under 14 years of age must be accompanied by an adult.
BulletAnglers may fish with up to two poles and lines. Poles and lines are the only legal fishing gear.
BulletDepartment personnel may need to count, measure or weigh your fish.
BulletNo live fish allowed as bait.
BulletPlease observe any special regulations posted at ponds.
BulletPlease do not drive on roads posted as “closed”.
BulletParking on dams is prohibited.
BulletIntoxication is prohibited on the PFA.
BulletNo swimming allowed.

Possession Limits: 5 Largemouth Bass - Minimum size is 14 inches unless otherwise posted
BOATING
BulletAll boats with electric or gas motors must be registered.
BulletBe sure to carry all necessary safety equipment, including lifejackets, in the boat.
BulletBoats 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:
Bullet3-day hunting/fishing license BulletWildlife Management Area license
BulletSportsman's, Honorary or Lifetime license or BulletGeorgia 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.