Fishing

The opportunities for fishing in Jackson Lake are incredible due to a large and diverse community of game and forage fish.  The most predominant game species of Jackson Lake include catfish, crappie, sunfish, bluegill, spotted bass, largemouth bass, striped bass, and hybrid bass. 

The largemouth bass population is impressive and has an abundant population throughout Jackson Lake.  Good fishing locations include most of Jackson Lake’s deep regions, but it is a good strategy to target shallower areas during feeding hours.  Using light tackle, anglers should target largemouth bass in areas near Gus’ Landing, Lloyd Shoals Park, the Yellow River arm, and Tussahaw Creek. Look for rock points that fall off into deep water and docks and timber that border drop offs. Target flooded timber in the upper reaches of Tussahaw Creek in the fall. Also try the Yellow River arm - this section offers a variety of habitat for anglers seeking large bass. During summer, concentrate efforts in the early morning and at night. Largemouth will typically be found in shallower, more turbid waters than spotted bass.

Hybrid bass and striped bass can be caught by targeting several areas through trolling and the use of light tackle.  The area above the Barnetts Bridge, Lloyd Shoals Dam and the Yellow River arm are ideal areas for hybrids and stripers. The mouths of the Yellow, Alcovy, and South Rivers are also good places to target. 

Spotted bass can be targeted in shallow regions of the lake such as along the shoreline and in creeks.  Bear Creek Marina and Tussahaw Creek are excellent places for catching spotted bass.  

Both channel and white catfish can be targeted near the mouths of old creeks and in deep regions of the lake.  The mouth of Tussahaw Creek and near the Lloyd Shoals Dam are good places to catch catfish.  Hard bottoms throughout the lake are also good places to target.  

Panfish such as bluegill (bream), sunfish and crappie can be targeted in sheltered areas.  The shallow regions near the Ocmulgee River, Gus’ Landing, Reasor’s Landing, and various shoreline areas are ideal places for targeting crappie and sunfish. A hot spot for crappie is the bridge crossing at Hwy. 212. Visit in early spring when water temperatures reach 60 degrees (F). Anglers should also target deep water near the dam. Crappie caught in this area have been reported to weigh up to 2 lbs. If targeting this area be sure to be patient.  Target blow downs and weed lines for larger bream. The Ocmulgee River below Jackson dam is a good place to target redbreast sunfish. Fish shallow sandy areas early in the spring and late in the fall.

Facilities

The facilities and accommodations of Jackson Lake include private marinas, public boat landings, piers, public access points, tackle shops, lodging, fueling stations, and nearby grocery stores and restaurants.

The Lake

Jackson Lake is a freshwater reservoir with a total surface area of 4,750 acres.  At its deepest point, Jackson Lake is 94 feet.  It has a shore length of approximately 135 miles.  Jackson Lake is located at an elevation of 528 feet.

Jackson Lake is an excellent fishing destination for the angler in search of a prime opportunity to target bass or the lake’s other abundant populations.

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