Guide to fishing Big Lazer Creek public fishing area

Guide to Fishing Big Lazer Creek Public Fishing Area

This 195-acre public fishing lake is located on Big Lazer Creek Wildlife Management Area in Talbot County between Talbotton and Thomaston, Georgia. Big Lazer Creek PFA offers excellent fishing for bluegill, channel catfish, crappie and largemouth bass. Approximately 15 acres of standing timber remain along the old creek channel and around a small island. The upper end of the lake is fairly shallow, averaging less than five feet deep. Fish attractors have been installed around the fishing pier to improve fishing. All PFA users are asked to please sign in.

Facilities

Concrete two lane boat ramp Picnic tables with grills

Restrooms

Primitive camping

Some facilities accessible Fishing piers and fish cleaning

to persons with disabilities station

Trip Check List Check the current boating regulations about life jackets at http://www.boated.com/assets/pdf/handbook/ga_handbook_entire.pdf
Boats with enclosed areas that may trap gas or vapors are required to be equipped with a USCG approved fire extinguisher.
Carry your current license and boat registration with you.
Check your boat's trailer and navigation lights, and fuel before leaving home.
Carry a first aid kit, insect repellent, sunscreen, extra clothing, food and drinking water.
Be aware of and abide by all fishing regulations.
Tell someone where you are going and when you expect to return.

BE AN ETHICAL ANGLER!

Ethical anglers fish responsibly, consider the rights of others, portray a positive image, and help to protect and conserve our natural resources. Be an ethical angler, the future depends on it.

Et hical Angl ers: # Know and obey the fishing
regulations. # Keep only the fish they can
use and release all others.
# Pass on the tradition by taking a child fishing.
# Leave a place cleaner than it was found.
# Do not transfer fish or plants between bodies of water.

# Report violations and pollution.
# Do not litter! # Dispose of fishing line
prope rly. # Do not tresspass. # Are courteous of others. # Lend a helping hand.

Major Fish Species and Fishing Tips

Largemouth bass

Crappie

Bluegill

Redear sunfish (shellcracker)

Channel catfish

The standing timber that was left in the lake during construction holds a lot of fish. Fishing jigs to these suspended fish is a good technique. Early in the morning, top-water baits fished around the edges of the shoreline weeds may fool hungry bass. Later in the day, fishing swimming lures around the edges of the thicker timber or pitching weedless baits right into the thick cover can be productive. In the spring, spinner baits as well as watermelon and pumpkinseed colored finesse worms and lizards produce well.

Bluegill and shellcracker (bream) fishing heats up in late April and early May. Before May, bream likely will be in deeper water near the standing timber and in close proximity to the main channel. Once water temperatures warm up for the bream to spawn, anglers can catch them on beds. Bream will aggressively guard their nests and can be fairly easy to catch on small hooks with bobbers. Live worms and crickets are effective for catching either bluegills or shellcrackers. When the water reaches summertime temperatures, try fishing shady areas around the banks and flooded timber. They can usually be found at a depth of 10 ft. or less during the summer. Fishing just after sunrise and in the late evening should provide good results for the bream angler.

In winter, crappie can be caught in deep water around the old river channel and around standing timber. Multi-colored plastic jigs often work well in these locations. As temperatures increase in the spring, crappie can be found in more shallow water by trolling with black and chartreuse jigs. Curly tail jigs and grubs can also catch good sized crappie. In warmer months, crappie will utilize shade from the timber as cover. Fishing jigs to the suspended fish is a good option. Fishing with live minnows is not allowed. Channel catfish can be caught by fishing deep or on the bottom with night crawlers or livers.

Hours: Open Wednesday through Sunday, sunrise to sunset.
Regulations Public Fishing Areas have special regulations that are posted on site as well as published in the Georgia Sport Fishing Regulations.
Anglers 16 years of age and older, except honorary license holders, must possess a current fishing license and a wildlife management area (WMA) license to fish. An angler possessing a 3-day fishing/hunting, sportsman's or lifetime license is not required to possess a WMA license. For more information, visit us at www.gofishgeorgia.com or call the phone number listed at the bottom of the page.

Directions From Talbotton: Following the signs, go East on Hwy. 80 for 4 miles; left on Po Biddy Road for 6.4 miles; left on Bunkman Road at sign; left into area. From Thomaston: Following the signs, go South on Hwy. 19 for about 2 miles; right on Indian Trail for less than 2 miles; Bear right on Po Biddy Road for about 8 miles; right on Bunkman Road at sign; left into area.

For more fishing information visit the Georgia Wildlife Resources Division Web site at www.gofishgeorgia.com or call (706) 845-4180 T.I.P (Turn in Poachers): To report game/fish law violations, fish kills or hazardous spills, call (800) 241-4113
GEORGIA DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES / WILDLIFE RESOURCES DIVISION / FISHERIES SECTION 2070 U.S. HIGHWAY 278, SE / SOCIAL CIRCLE, GEORGIA 30025

Fish Species

Biology

Best Fishing Times

Largemouth Bass

Bass spawn from February to May. Occupy a variety of habitats in reservoirs and rivers.

D

N

J

O

F

Feed both day and night

motivated by hunger or striking.

S

M

Females are typically larger and more aggressive than males. Bait: Crankbaits, plastic worms, & jigs

A J

A

J

M

Redear Sunfish

"Shellcracker" feed primarily on aquatic insects including midge larvae to snails. Unlike bluegill,

D

N

J

O

F

shellcracker typically do not

stunt. Fast growth, larger size

S

M

and good flavor make these a

desirable fish.

A

A

Bait: Crickets, Red Wigglers, & small top water lures

J

J

M

Bluegill

Most likely the first fish caught by children. They aggressively guard nest during spawns.

D

N

J

O

F

Bluegill are hard fighters, hit a

variety of baits, and are abundant

S

M

in most rivers and lakes. Are known as a tasty panfish. Bait: Crickets, Red Wigglers, & small top water lures

A J

A

J

M

Channel Catfish

Channels are a highly adaptable fish. Catfish use their Are a highly desirable fish that are easily caught. Can reach sizes

D

N

J

O

F

up to 20 lbs. Catfish use their

barbells for taste. Larger

S

M

individuals are often confused

with Blue catfish.

A

A

Bait: Chicken livers, worms, "stink bait," & crickets

J

J

M

Black Crappie

Has a preference of clear water, and associated with vegetation during spawns. Young prefer

D

N

J

O

F

insects, switching to fish as it

matures. Maximum life span is

S

M

approximately 8 years. An

extremely popular game fish in

A

A

Georgia Bait: Jigs, Red Wigglers, & minnows

J

J

M

Best Fishing Times Key:

Fair

Good

Excellent

Fish Images: Duane Raver/USFWS