LARGEMOUTH BASS, REDEAR SUNFISH, BLACK CRAPPIE & CHANNEL CATFISH
Largemouth bass
Prospect
Expect average catches to weigh around 2 pounds with good numbers of 5-6 pounders also available. Lake Seminole has improved over the last 10 years in its largemouth fishery, with both more and larger fish weighed in during its many tournaments. Visit the lake February through May for the best largemouth fishing.
Technique
Throw a lipless crankbait, plastic worm, spinnerbait or top water lure in and along the edges of Seminole's abundant aquatic plants.
Target
Fish for bass in the late winter and early spring in the numerous backwater areas, especially in the Flint, Spring Creek and Flint River arms. Bedding fish can be found in pockets in coves and sandy flats primarily during March and April. Grass lines will be productive throughout the warmer months (May-September), and ledges and main lake points adjacent to river channels are productive during cooler months (December-January).
Hybrid Bass and Striped Bass
Prospect
A small number of hybrid striped bass are again being stocked annually into Lake Seminole. Additionally, some fish escape every year from Walter F. George and Blackshear and find their way downstream to the reservoir. Despite stocking efforts, striper abundance remains low. Dedicated anglers should expect the average fish to range between 2 and 4 pounds, with the occasional hybrid reaching 5-plus pounds and the occasional striped bass reaching 10-plus pounds.
Hybrid
Striped
Technique
Best bets are to find schooling fish during warmer months in deeper water and use jigging spoons or live shad. During cooler months when water temperature is below 70 degrees (F), fish can be caught drifting or slow-trolling live shad or trolling jigs. Night fishing can be productive during the summer, but anglers should be careful of numerous standing trees and stumps left in Seminole.
Target
In the lower area of the lake (between Faceville Landing on the Flint River arm and Desser Landing on the Chattachoochee arm) target the main lake areas. From March through May, many hybrids will run up the river and can be targeted below Albany, Andrews and Walter F. George dams. Hybrids are attracted to cool water during the warmer summer months. However due to ongoing efforts to rebuild striped bass populations, fishing is closed in five springs located in Lake Seminole from May through October. For more information on these restrictions, please see the current Sport Fishing Regulations booklet.
Catfish
Prospect
Channel catfishing is good on Lake Seminole, with average cats weighing 2-3 pounds, but be sure to hold out for the occasional 10-pounder or greater. Lesser in numbers are blue catfish, but they provide good opportunity to tangle with a larger (10-20 pound) fish.
Technique
Local anglers prefer prepared blood and cheese baits fished on small artificial worms. Cut shad or bream work best for larger blue catfish.
Target
Channel catfish can be found throughout the reservoir, but often are found on shallow flats adjacent to river and creek channels and off ledges adjacent to channels. Blue catfish can be found primarily in the Chattahoochee are of Lake Seminole up to Columbia dam.
Bream
Prospect
Lake Seminole is known for, at times, spectacular redear sunfish fishing. The average redear sunfish is less than 8 inches, but fish greater than 1 pound are not uncommon. Fishing for bedding fish will produce average fish of about ½ pound. Bluegill fishing also can be excellent, although fish over 8 inches are rare.
Technique
Red wigglers usually work best for redear sunfish and crickets generally for bluegill, although both baits can catch either fish.
Target
Locate shallow water spawning beds during spring and early summer. Numerous backwater areas off the Chattachoochee River arm provide good catches. Spawning beds often are located on main lake shallow flats in 1 to 4 feet of water. Fish can be caught throughout the reservoir during summer months, with many anglers targeting weedline edges, weed pockets and sandy flats.
Crappie
Prospect
Though not generally recognized for its crappie fishing, Seminole produces some good catches, especially for larger-size crappie in the spring and fall.
Technique
While fish are spawning in February and March, concentrate on shallow backwater areas using minnows and jigs. During warmer months, use minnows along grass lines and areas with some sort of cover adjacent to river channels 8-20 feet deep.
Target
Target the old Flint and Chattahoochee river channels during summer, fall, and winter. During spring, fish are found throughout shallow, warmer coves and wind-protected areas as they spawn.
Additional Information
The exotic Hydrilla plant continues to restrict boating and fishing access in the lake. The effects are most notable from mid-summer and fall when Hydrilla reaches the surface; at this time the most accessible areas of the lake are along the river channels. Grass carp are currently being used to help control the Hydrilla and are being contained behind designated barriers. Use caution when navigating boats through these areas and report any damage to the Corps of Engineers at 229.662.2001.
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