Largemouth make up 45 percent of the black
bass population in Jackson. Average catches weigh 1 - 2 pounds
with several over 5 pounds common. October - February fishing
typically produces larger bass.
Technique
Crankbaits and jigs fished in or around
deep water produce larger bass. Plastics fished on a Carolina rig
are often successful.
Target
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.
Spotted
bass
Prospect
Spotted bass numbers once again increased
with another strong year of reproduction. The average size fish
around ¾ pound with some in the 4-5 lb range available.
Although approximately 60 percent of the population are less than
11 inches, these fish are very healthy and plump. Unlike
largemouth bass, there is no size restriction and anglers are
encouraged to harvest their catches.
Technique
Spotted bass generally are found in deeper,
clearer waters than largemouth. Casting smaller crankbaits and
spinners into deeper water tends to attract spots. Because they
are very aggressive predators, top-water lures such as spooks,
buzz-baits and propeller lures fished fast often trigger
bites.
Target
Stick to the main lake where the water is
clearer. Target deeper points and fish parallel to the bank at
varying depths to locate fish. Night fishing along docks and
humps also produces good catches.
Striped
Bass
Prospect
Striped bass offer anglers an added sport
fish option. The most recent stockings have produced strong
year-classes that may produce a quality fishery in the coming
years. Anglers also have a chance of catching a trophy 10 to 20
pound striped bass stocked in 2004 or earlier.
Technique
Trolling with crankbaits and large
swim-baits through schools of suspended shad can produce some
nice stripers most of the year. When the stripers are chasing
shad to the surface, topwater lures can trigger some extreme
action.
Target
Look for schools of shad and stripers
breaking the surface early in the morning and just before dark.
The power lines north of where the Alcovy meets the South and
Yellow Rivers is a popular early morning spot for surface feeding
stripers. Target cooler water habitat near the dam for
trolling.
Catfish
Prospect
Lake Jackson provides an array of catfish
species with fishable populations including bullheads, channel,
white, blue and flathead catfish. Jackson holds a greater
proportion of larger size channel and blue cats than most other
central Georgia reservoirs and most will average 3-5 pounds.
Technique
Cut shad and liver fished on or just off
the bottom is effective. Night fishing with live bream may also
produce some quality catfish.
Target
Target the deep waters near the dam or deep
holes on the outside bend of the old creek channels. Flathead
catfish will typically be found near rocky structures or hard
bottoms.
Bream
Prospect
One of middle Georgia's better bream lakes.
Bluegill and redbreast sunfish typically reach 5-7 inches, while
redear sunfish also are numerous and much larger. The average
size redear sunfish is nearly 8 inches.
Technique
Live bait such as redworms, mealworms or
crickets fished just off the bottom should result in redear
catches from 7 to 10 inches; individuals weighing 1 pound or more
are common.
Target
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.
Crappie
Prospect
Similar to previous years, crappie are
abundant. The average size has increased to around 9 inches with
approximately 22 percent of the catch over 10 inches.
Technique
Trolling small jigs around drop-offs,
points and creek channels is most effective. Live minnows, small
crankbaits and pitching jigs all work great in late spring.
Target
A hot spot: the bridge crossing at Hwy.
212. Visit in early spring when water temperatures reach 60
degrees (F).
Good: 
Fair: 
