Guide to fishing Ocmulgee public fishing area

Guide to Fishing Ocmulgee Public Fishing Area

Nestled within the boundaries of Ocmulgee Wildlife Management Area in Bleckley County, Ocmulgee PFA offers a 106-acre lake for your fishing enjoyment. The lake can be fished from the bank or by boat and is fertilized and intensively managed to maximize fishing success. Due to its unique location and close proximity to the Ocmulgee River, this area offers many opportunities for the outdoor enthusiast. Visit Ocmulgee PFA for a peaceful fishing or outdoor experience with friends and family.

Facilities

Concrete boat ramp

Fishing piers

Restrooms

Picnic tables

Some facilities accessible Fish cleaning station

to persons with disabilities

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 left in the lake during construction concentrates both crappie and bass for anglers. Crappie will utilize the shade that the timber provides as cover during the daytime. Fishing minnows or jigs to these suspended fish is a good technique. Bass will suspend in the thicker cover as they lay in ambush for passing prey. Early in the morning, top-water baits fished around the edges of the thicker brush 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.

Bluegill and shellcrackers (bream) like to spawn over sandy areas with good hard bottoms. The old submerged haul road that lies just underwater and runs along shore from the boat ramp down to the east end of the dam is excellent spawning habitat. Just up-lake of the dam on the west side, a large sandy flat with scattered cypress trees is another prime bedding location. Try fishing crickets or earthworms just at or on the bottom in these areas during the late spring and summer for these spawning fish. When the bluegill aren't bedding, try casting small artificial lures, spinners and topwater poppers around the shallow edges.

The aeration system creates a current in the lake that also tends to concentrate game fish. Points and high spots underwater that concentrate current flow will also be ambush points for game fish. The narrow break in the old pond dam just down lake of the upper fishing pier is a good example. Underwater features and cover in the general vicinity of the aeration heads themselves also are likely locations where bass and other game fish will be found. Crankbaits or worms fished in these type areas when the aeration system is operational will be productive.

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

www.gofishgeorgia.com or call the phone number listed at the bottom of the page.

LARGEMOUTH BASS CATCH AND RELEASE ONLY!

Directions From Hawkinsville: Take Hwy. 341 towards Eastman, turn left on Hwy. 26 towards Cochran. Travel approx. 0.25 miles and turn left on Upper River Rd. Go about six miles, turn left onto Allison's Landing Rd. then turn right into the PFA at the sign.
From Cochran: Take Hwy. Alt. 129 North Turn left onto Porter Rd. Travel about eight miles and turn right onto Allison's Landing Rd. then turn right into the PFA at the sign.

For more fishing information, visit the Georgia Wildlife Resources Division Web site at www.gofishgeorgia.com or call (478) 825-6151. 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
Largemouth Bass Redear Sunfish Bluegill White Crappie Channel Catfish

Facts

Best Fishing Times

Bass spawn from February to May. Occupy a variety of habitats in reservoirs and rivers. Feed both day and night motivated by hunger or striking. Females are typically larger

D

N

J

O

F

S

M

and more aggressive than males.

Bait: Crankbaits, plastic worms, & jigs

A

A

J

J

M

"Shellcracker" feed primarily on aquatic insects including midge larvae

D

N

J

to snails. Unlike bluegill,

O

F

shellcracker typically do not stunt.

Fast growth, larger size and good

S

M

flavor make these a desirable fish.

Bait: Crickets, Red Wigglers, & small top A

A

water lures

J

J

M

Most likely the first fish caught by children. They aggressively guard nest during spawns. Bluegill are hard fighters, hit a variety of baits, and are abundant in most rivers and lakes. Known as a tasty pinfish. Bait: Crickets, Red Wigglers, & small top water lures

N O
S
A J

D J F

M

A

J

M

Closely related to Black crappie. Prefer areas of submerged brush or other structures. Average life span is approximately 10 years. Typically grow larger than Black crappie. Are

D

N

J

O

F

S

M

considered a tasty pinfish making them highly desirable by anglers. Bait: Jigs, Red Wigglers, & minnows

A J

A

J

M

Channel catfish are a highly adaptable and desirable fish that are easily caught. They can reach sizes up to

D

N

J

O

F

20 lbs and use their barbells for taste.

Larger individuals are often confused S

M

with Blue catfish.

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

A

A

& crickets

J

J

M

Best Fishing Times Key: Fair
Fish Images: Duane Raver/USFWS

Good

Excellent

Locator

CA1

5.9

C DE

B A J

WD1 F
13.6 G
H I

I

H

G

L1

F 11.1 19.9

E

D 5.7
C

B

A 26.5

25.4

CA2

28.8
GB1

22.7 22.2
L2 D
C BE
A 8.3
CA4

6.3

10.5
22.6
13.4 L3
B A 2.7

L4 WD3
WD4

18.8

B
A L5
18.3

19.9 11.8

C RP3

6.5

A

B

RP1

RP2

RP4

B

A

A WD2B

B

A

RP5
4.6 7.9
RP6

5

CA5

B

A

2.8

WD5 L6

D C

10.8

A

B
RP7

10.7

Depth Chart

CA7 CA6

1
CA3

Service Building

Shallow

Deep
Kid's Fishing Lake

Welcome Center
Discovery Center

A B
B A

Crate Attractor Waypoint Inset

D C CA1

BD F E
AC

G CA2

G F E CD

B

A

CA3

FG E

D C

B

A

CA4

D A
C

A B C

CA5

CA6

CA7

Ocmulgee Public Fishing Area

Rock/Root Pile (RP) Crate Attractor (CA) Ledge (L) Gravel Bed (GB) Woody Debris (WD) Creek Bed A Feature Waypoint

2.3 Spot Depth (feet) Building Information Kiosk Restrooms Fishing Pier Parking Boat Ramp

Map not for navigational purposes - display only!

3223'16"N

3223'16"N

3223'14"N

3223'14"N

3223'12"N

3223'12"N

3223'10"N

3223'10"N

8329'44"W

8329'42"W

8329'40"W

8329'38"W

8329'36"W

8329'34"W

8329'32"W

8329'30"W

8329'28"W

8329'26"W

Crate Attractor Waypoint Inset

A B
C B A

D C
CA1 G
F E D
CA3

G BD F
E AC
CA2 FG E

D C

B

A

CA4

Depth Chart

Shallow

Deep

Feet

0

150

300

Index Contour (5' Interval) Contour (1.5' Interval)

5.9

6.3

C

D

WD1
B

E F

G

A

13.6

J

H

I I

H

G F 11.1
L1
19.9 E
D

5
10
10.5
15

CA1

CA2

5.7 C
B
A 26.5

25
25.4

20 20

22.7

25

22.2

28.8

L2

D

C

B

E

A
8.3 CA4

Map 2 Match Point

18.8
L5
A

22.6

18.3

20

15 13.4 L3 B
A

2.7

10

5

B
6.5 L4

A

RP1

3223'8"N

3223'8"N

3223'6"N

3223'6"N

3223'4"N

3223'4"N

3223'2"N

3223'2"N

3223'0"N

3223'0"N

3222'58"N

3222'58"N

3222'56"N

3222'56"N

8329'44"W

8329'42"W

8329'40"W

1
CA3

8329'38"W

8329'36"W

Map 2 Match Point

Ocmulgee PFA Map 1

Rock/Root Pile (RP) Crate Attractor (CA) Gravel Bed (GB) Woody Debris (WD) Creek Bed Index Contour
A Feature Waypoint

2.3 Spot Depth (feet) Building Information Kiosk Restrooms Fishing Pier Parking Boat Ramp

Map not for navigational purposes - display only!

8329'34"W

8329'32"W

8329'30"W

8329'28"W

8329'26"W

8329'32"W

8329'30"W

8329'28"W

8329'26"W

8329'24"W

8329'22"W

8329'20"W

8329'18"W

8329'16"W

8329'14"W

8329'12"W

8329'10"W

8329'8"W

Map 3 Match Point

8329'6"W

3223'12"N

3223'12"N

3223'10"N

3223'10"N

3223'8"N

3223'8"N

3223'6"N

3223'6"N

3223'4"N

3223'4"N

Map 1 Match Point

10
10.5

22.6

20

15

L3

13.4

B

A

2.7
10

18.8
L5 B
A
19.9 18.3

C

RP3

6.5

B

L4 RP2

A

RP1

5 10 15 20
11.8
RP4

WD2 B
A

B A

RP6

WD3 WD4

5
CA5

B
B A WD5

A

8.4

A

D 2.8

L6 C
B

10.8
RP7

4.6
7.9
RP5

10.7
Map 3 Match Point

5
Map 1 Match Point Service Building

8329'30"W

8329'28"W

8329'26"W

CA 5 Waypoint Inset

B A

D C

8329'24"W

8329'22"W

Depth Chart

Shallow 0

Deep

Feet

150

300

Index Contour (5' Interval) Contour (1.5' Interval)

8329'20"W

8329'18"W

8329'16"W

Ocmulgee PFA Map 2

Rock/Root Pile (RP) Crate Attractor (CA) Gravel Bed (GB) Woody Debris (WD) Creek Bed Index Contour A Feature Waypoint

2.3 Spot Depth (feet) Building Information Kiosk Restrooms Fishing Pier Parking Boat Ramp

Map not for navigational purposes - display only!

8329'14"W

8329'12"W

8329'10"W

8329'8"W

8329'6"W

3223'2"N

3223'2"N

3223'0"N

3223'0"N

3222'58"N

3222'58"N

3222'56"N

3223'16"N

3223'16"N

3223'14"N

Map 2 Match Point

3223'14"N

8329'6"W

8329'4"W

8329'2"W

8329'0"W

8328'58"W

8328'56"W

8328'54"W

8328'52"W

8328'50"W

8328'48"W

5 10

Crate Attractor Waypoint Inset

A

A

B

C

CA6

CA7

Depth Chart

Shallow
0

Deep

Feet

150

300

Index Contour (5' Interval) Contour (1.5' Interval)

3223'12"N

3223'12"N

3223'10"N

3223'10"N

3223'8"N

3223'8"N

3223'6"N

3223'6"N

3223'4"N

3223'4"N

3223'2"N

3223'2"N

3223'0"N

3223'0"N

CA7

Map 2 Match Point

CA6

10

Welcome Center

Kid's Fishing

5

Lake

5

8329'6"W

8329'4"W

8329'2"W

Discovery Center

8329'0"W

8328'58"W

Ocmulgee PFA Map 3

Rock/Root Pile (RP) Crate Attractor (CA) Gravel Bed (GB) Woody Debris (WD) Creek Bed Index Contour
A Feature Waypoint

2.3 Spot Depth (feet) Building Information Kiosk Restrooms Fishing Pier Parking Boat Ramp

Map not for navigational purposes - display only!

8328'56"W

8328'54"W

8328'52"W

8328'50"W

8328'48"W

3222'58"N

3222'58"N

3222'56"N

3222'56"N

Ocmulgee PFA Fish Attractor Waypoints

Waypoints for woody debris

Feature Point Longitude

WD1

A

-83.49383

WD1

B

-83.49364

WD1

C

-83.49343

WD1

D

-83.49322

WD1

E

-83.49304

WD1

F

-83.49292

WD1

G

-83.49287

WD1

H

-83.49288

WD1

I

-83.49298

Latitude 32.38679 32.38701 32.38717 32.38721 32.38716 32.38703 32.38689 32.38671 32.38650

Feature WD2 WD2 WD3 WD3 WD4 WD4 WD5 WD5

Point A B A B A B A B

Longitude -83.48853 -83.48816 -83.48789 -83.48780 -83.48739 -83.48724 -83.48695 -83.48663

Latitude 32.38567 32.38574 32.38582 32.38596 32.38535 32.38561 32.38558 32.38565

Waypoints for ledge features

Feature Point Longitude

L1

A

-83.49431

L1

B

-83.49408

L1

C

-83.49391

L1

D

-83.49401

L1

E

-83.49401

L1

F

-83.49379

L1

G

-83.49359

L1

H

-83.49340

L1

I

-83.49352

L1

J

-83.49382

L2

A

-83.49385

L2

B

-83.49378

L2

C

-83.49356

Latitude 32.38467 32.38482 32.38507 32.38533 32.38567 32.38596 32.38617 32.38632 32.38653 32.38670 32.38342 32.38360 32.38378

Feature L2 L2 L3 L3 L4 L4 L4 L5 L5 L6 L6 L6 L6

Point D E A B A B C A B A B C D

Longitude -83.49334 -83.49338 -83.49145 -83.49126 -83.49075 -83.49044 -83.49043 -83.49056 -83.49039 -83.48668 -83.48644 -83.48633 -83.48618

Latitude 32.38382 32.38361 32.38376 32.38382 32.38414 32.38435 32.38451 32.38516 32.38523 32.38525 32.38532 32.38547 32.38559

Waypoints for crate attractors

Feature Point Longitude

Latitude

Feature Point

Longitude

Latitude

CA1

A

-83.49544

32.38439

CA3

G

-83.49378

32.38290

CA1

B

-83.49534

32.38436

CA4

A

-83.49339

32.38311

CA1

C

-83.49514

32.38451

CA4

B

-83.49343

32.38317

CA1

D

-83.49504

32.38455

CA4

C

-83.49338

32.38323

CA2

A

-83.49470

32.38453

CA4

D

-83.49338

32.38328

CA2

C

-83.49461

32.38457

CA4

E

-83.49328

32.38337

CA2

B

-83.49469

32.38474

CA4

F

-83.49321

32.38343

CA2

D

-83.49459

32.38472

CA4

G

-83.49313

32.38341

CA2

E

-83.49449

32.38468

CA5

A

-83.48603

32.38608

CA2

F

-83.49448

32.38478

CA5

B

-83.48599

32.38613

CA2

G

-83.49429

32.38483

CA5

D

-83.48587

32.38611

CA3

A

-83.49410

32.38261

CA5

C

-83.48591

32.38608

CA3

B

-83.49409

32.38266

CA6

A

-83.48418

32.38412

CA3

C

-83.49405

32.38273

CA7

C

-83.48438

32.38464

CA3

D

-83.49392

32.38274

CA7

B

-83.48446

32.38468

CA3

E

-83.49389

32.38280

CA7

A

-83.48469

32.38483

CA3

F

-83.49385

32.38284

*Note:All crate points are clustered (e.g. CA1) with individual points labeled from west to east (left to

right) within a cluster. See crate attractor inset maps for examples.

Waypoints for rock/root piles and gravel bed

Feature

Longitude

Latitude

RP1

-83.49054

32.38414

RP2

-83.49027

32.38418

RP3

-83.48975

32.38453

RP4

-83.48886

32.38454

Feature RP5 RP6 RP7 GB1

Longitude -83.48849 -83.48821 -83.48613 -83.49429

Latitude 32.38500 32.38441 32.38514 32.38307

All waypoints are in geographic coordinates (decimal degree) and cast on the North American Datum of 1983.