LARGEMOUTH BASS, REDBREAST
SUNFISH, WALLEYE & WHITE CATFISH
Largemouth
bass
Prospect
Surveys indicate that largemouth bass in
the 1 to 2-pound range are overly abundant in Lake Tugalo.
Anglers are encouraged to harvest 12 to 14-inch largemouth bass
in order to improve the overall size structure of the largemouth
bass population.
Technique
From December through March, largemouth
bass wedge themselves among the deeper branches of downed trees.
Pig-n-jig combinations and other slow moving baits are effective
this time of year. During the spawning period (April and May),
cast soft plastic baits like flukes, trick worms and curly tail
grubs around visible structure in the small coves and pockets
that dot the shoreline. When water temperatures rise in the
summer months, look for quality-sized fish in the cooler
headwater areas of the lake. Bouncing crayfish imitations along
the bottom is an effective approach for bass in these rocky,
shallow, swift water areas. Blueback herring lures, live
crayfish, nightcrawlers and minnows also are effective in the
headwaters. The fall transition pushes bass into the deeper areas
of downed trees, especially on the upper end of the lake.
Shad-imitating crankbaits, soft plastics and jigs are best bets
in the fall. Anglers should also keep a watchful eye for surface
feeding fish in the upper reaches of the lake and cast toward
breaking fish with crankbaits and surface plugs.
Target
The shoreline is very steep, undeveloped
and saturated with downed trees, which provide a haven for
largemouth bass most of the year. Largemouth bass gorge on
blueback herring during the early fall months and anglers should
focus their efforts on the upper reaches of each river arm and
fish around the deep water edges of blown down trees. The
Chattooga River arm in the vicinity of South Carolina is one of
the best places to fish for bass in both spring and fall. The
upstream headwater areas on both river arms are the best places
to target bass in the summer.
Catfish
Prospect
Catfishing is popular among local anglers
who fish on Tugalo. White catfish that average 2 pounds in size
are abundant in the Chattooga River arm of the lake, especially
in the vicinity of the South Carolina boat ramp.
Technique
Catfish techniques involve simple baits and
simple tackle. Worms, liver, small bream and artificial catfish
mixtures are the most popular baits. Impale preferred bait on a
number six size hook up to a 1/0 size hook, attach a few split
shots onto the line and fish on the bottom along the main channel
banks at depths ranging from 20-40 feet.
Target
The best time to fish for Tugalo’s
white cats is on a summer afternoon when power is being
generated. The gentle current through the reservoir created by
power generation seems to trigger a feeding frenzy in the fish.
Surveys indicate that the highest concentrations of white catfish
are found in the vicinity of the South Carolina boat ramp. Target
the points on the Georgia side, especially in the sharp bends
upstream of the boat ramp. During the summer, bank anglers catch
catfish from the South Carolina boat ramp.
Walleye
Prospect
Annual stocking of walleye in Lake Tugalo
supports an abundant and popular walleye fishery. Anglers
typically catch fish from one to three pounds, but walleye over 8
pounds have been caught. State record-class fish also are
available. The dominant prey of walleye in Lake Tugalo is
blueback herring. Live herring or artificial lures that mimic
herring are the most effective baits to attract walleye anytime
of the year.
Technique
Fishing access to key target areas is
reachable only by boat on this remote lake. In mid-March, walleye
congregate in the flowing waters of the Tallulah River below the
Tallulah Falls power plant – cast floating Rapalas or
nightcrawlers on a jig head at night into the flowing waters
below the power plant. Use a slow but steady retrieve and be
prepared for gentle resistance on the line, which indicates a
strike. In April, move to the Chattooga River arm and fish the
area where the river pours into the lake. Fish nightcrawlers or
curly tail grubs during the day or night on the bottom. The heat
of summer creates a different pattern for walleye. Rising water
temperatures force walleye to migrate to the lower end of the
Chattooga River arm in the vicinity of the dam where they
congregate at depths of 40-60 feet. Fish on the bottom along the
points in the target depth range with nightcrawlers or minnows on
a jig-head. In the fall months, walleye move into shallow water
in the evenings to feed on bluegill, yellow perch and blueback
herring. Nightcrawlers, minnows and shad-imitating lures are
effective this time of year. Walleye have a very light bite, so
anglers new to walleye fishing should remain alert to slight
movements in the line, which may indicate a strike.
Target
During March, target the area below the
Tallulah Gorge power plant on the Tallulah River arm. In April,
target the river section of the Chattooga River arm. In the
summer months, fish the points on the lower lake on the Chattooga
River arm at depths of 40 to 60-feet. Fish the same areas in the
fall but in more shallow water.
Bream
Prospect
Bluegill, redbreast sunfish and redear
sunfish (shellcrackers) are plentiful in Lake Tugalo. Redbreast
are the most abundant and redear reach the largest size among the
trio of bream species. All three species reach quality size in
Lake Tugalo.
Technique
Crickets and spinners are effective baits
for redbreast and bluegill when worked around visible structure,
shallow pockets and the backs of coves. Red wigglers fished on
the bottom are more effective for redear sunfish, especially when
fished on rock banks and points.
Additional
Information
Because of Lake Tugalo’s
rugged access roads, vehicles with four-wheel drive that trailer
small boats are strongly recommended. Boating access on the
Georgia side of the lake is available through Tallulah Gorge
State Park, which is located off Hwy. 441 in Tallulah Falls, Ga.
Easier access to the lake is available at the South Carolina boat
ramp. Directions to the South Carolina ramp are as follows: From
Hwy. 441 in Clayton, Ga., turn east onto Hwy. 76. After crossing
the Chattooga River Bridge into South Carolina, travel about
three miles and turn right onto Orchard Road. At the stop sign,
turn right onto Battlecreek Road. At the fork in the road, bear
right. After passing Damascus Church, turn right onto the gravel
road. This long, winding gravel road will lead to the boat ramp,
which becomes paved and very steep as you approach the parking
area.
A walleye fishing guidebook prepared by DNR is available at no
cost on the Wildlife Resources Division’s Web site at:
Walleye Fishing in Georgia Brochure
Good: 
Fair: 
