Largemouth make up 44 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 abundance was similar in 2010 as it was in 2011. Although approximately 68 percent of the population is less than 11 inches total length, there are some trophy spots (> 20”) out there. 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 sportfish option. The most recent stockings have produced strong year-classes that may produce a quality fishery in the coming years. The average size striped bass is 4-6 lbs.
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. Live, large, gizzard shad is a very effective bait all year.
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 spot for seeking surface feeding stripers early in the morning. 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 8 inches with approximately 15 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).
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