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.boat-

ed.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!

Ethic al anglers fish responsibly, consider the rights of

others, portray a posit ive image, and help t o prot ect and

conse rve our natural resources. Be an et hical a ngler, the

future depends on it.

Et hi cal Angl ers:

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 top-

water 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 year-round, 7 days/week, 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

# Know and obey the fishing

regulations. # Keep only the fish they can

use and release al l others. # Pass on the tradition by

taki ng a child fishi ng.

# 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.

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 Facts Best Fishing Times

Largemouth Bass 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

and more aggressive than males. Bait: Crankbaits, plastic worms, & jigs

N D

J

O F

S M

A A

J J

M

Redear Sunfish “Shellcracker” feed primarily on

aquatic insects including midge larvae

to snails. Unlike bluegill,

shellcracker typically do not stunt.

Fast growth, larger size and good flavor make these a desirable fish. Bait: Crickets, Red Wigglers, & small top

water lures

N D

J

O F

S M

A A

J M

J

Bluegill 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 D

J

O F

S M

A A

J M

J

White Crappie 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

considered a tasty pinfish making

them highly desirable by anglers. Bait: Jigs, Red Wigglers, & minnows

N D

J

O F

S M

A A

J M

J Channel Catfish Channel catfish are a highly adaptable

and desirable fish that are easily

caught. They can reach sizes up to

20 lbs and use their barbells for taste.

Larger individuals are often confused with Blue catfish. Bait: Chicken livers, worms, “stink bait,”

& crickets

N D

J

O F

S M

A A

J M

J

Best Fishing Times Key: Fair Good Excellent

Fish Images: Duane Raver/USFWS

D

Locator

C D

E

6.3

B WD1 F

A 13.6 G

H J I

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G

F 11.1

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I

19.9

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A B B A

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B

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CA5

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B

A 19.9

A C 10.8

B A

RP7

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CA1 CA2

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26.5

25.4

22.6 18.3

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6.5

RP3

11.8

RP4

RP5 7.9

4.6

10.7 CA7

28.8

GB1

22.7

A

22.2

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B

8.3

D

E

CA4

13.4

B A 2.7

A B

RP1

RP2

RP6

Depth Chart

CA6

Welcome Center

1

CA3

Service Building

Kid's Fishing

Lake

Discovery Center

Crate Attractor Waypoint Inset

F G

G

C B D F

E

A

G E F

E D

C D C

Ocmulgee Public Fishing Area

2.3

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CA1

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CA7

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A CA4

Rock/Root Pile (RP)

Crate Attractor (CA)

Ledge (L)

Gravel Bed (GB)

Woody Debris (WD)

Creek Bed

A Feature Waypoint

Spot Depth (feet)

Building

Information Kiosk

Restrooms

Fishing Pier

Parking

Boat Ramp

Map not for navigational purposes - display only!

32°2

2'5

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3

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3

2°2

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3

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3

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83°29'44"W 83°29'42"W 83°29'40"W 83°29'38"W 83°29'36"W 83°29'34"W 83°29'32"W 83°29'30"W 83°29'28"W 83°29'26"W

Crate Attractor Waypoint Inset

D F G

C B D

E

A

5.9

B A

C

CA1

CA2

6.3

C D

F G G E

F E D

C D C

B B A A

WD1

B

A

J

E

F

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13.6

H

CA3

Depth Chart

CA4 I

I

H

G

F 11.1

Map 2 Match Point

0 150

Feet

300

E

19.9

Index Contour (5' Interval)

Contour (1.5' Interval)

10.5

D

18.8

5.7

C A

CA1

CA2

B

A

26.5

25

25.4

22.6

18.3

28.8

22.7

22.2

20 6.5

A

15

RP1

D 13.4 C

A

B E

B

2.7

A

8.3 CA4

10 5

Map 2 Match Point

1

CA3 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!

83°29'44"W 83°29'42"W

83°29'40"W

83°29'38"W

83°29'36"W

83°29'34"W

83°29'32"W

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83°29'26"W

32°2

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6"N

3

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8"N

3

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32°2

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32°2

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32°2

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"N

32

°23

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3

2°2

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3

2°2

3'1

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32°2

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"N

32°2

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"N

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0"N

3

2°2

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83°29'32"W 83°29'30"W 83°29'28"W 83°29'26"W 83°29'24"W 83°29'22"W 83°29'20"W 83°29'18"W 83°29'16"W 83°29'14"W 83°29'12"W 83°29'10"W 83°29'8"W 83°29'6"W

Map 3 Match Point

Map 1 Match Point

5

B CA5

10.5

18.8

L5 B

A

5 A

10 B

A

15

20

B

B A

A 8.4

A

D

2.8

C

B

10.8

RP6 RP7

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18.3

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11.8

4.6

10.7

6.5

20 L4

A

C

B

RP2

RP3 RP4

RP5

7.9

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L3 13.4 B

A

RP1 Map 3 Match Point

2.7

10

5

Depth Chart

Ocmulgee PFA Map 2

Map 1 Match Point

Service Building

CA 5 Waypoint Inset

B

D

A C

0 150

Rock/Root Pile (RP)

Crate Attractor (CA)

Gravel Bed (GB)

Woody Debris (WD)

Feet Creek Bed

300 Index Contour A Feature Waypoint

2.3 Spot Depth (feet)

Building

Information Kiosk

Restrooms

Fishing Pier

Parking

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

Map not for navigational purposes - display only!

83°29'30"W 83°29'28"W 83°29'26"W 83°29'24"W 83°29'22"W 83°29'20"W 83°29'18"W 83°29'16"W 83°29'14"W 83°29'12"W 83°29'10"W 83°29'8"W 83°29'6"W

32°2

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6"N

3

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8"N

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"N

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3

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3

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2"N

3

2°2

3'1

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3

2°2

3'1

6"N

83°29'6"W 83°29'4"W 83°29'2"W 83°29'0"W 83°28'58"W 83°28'56"W 83°28'54"W 83°28'52"W 83°28'50"W 83°28'48"W

Crate Attractor Waypoint Inset

A

A B

C

CA6 CA7

Depth Chart

0 150

Feet

300

Index Contour (5' Interval)

Contour (1.5' Interval)

CA7

CA6

Welcome

Center

Kid's Fishing Lake

Discovery Center

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!

83°29'6"W 83°29'4"W 83°29'2"W 83°29'0"W 83°28'58"W 83°28'56"W 83°28'54"W 83°28'52"W 83°28'50"W 83°28'48"W

Feature Point Longitude Latitude WD2 A -83.48853 32.38567 WD2 B -83.48816 32.38574 WD3 A -83.48789 32.38582 WD3 B -83.48780 32.38596 WD4 A -83.48739 32.38535 WD4 B -83.48724 32.38561 WD5 A -83.48695 32.38558 WD5 B -83.48663 32.38565

Feature Point Longitude Latitude L2 D -83.49334 32.38382 L2 E -83.49338 32.38361 L3 A -83.49145 32.38376 L3 B -83.49126 32.38382 L4 A -83.49075 32.38414 L4 B -83.49044 32.38435 L4 C -83.49043 32.38451 L5 A -83.49056 32.38516 L5 B -83.49039 32.38523 L6 A -83.48668 32.38525 L6 B -83.48644 32.38532 L6 C -83.48633 32.38547 L6 D -83.48618 32.38559

Feature Point Longitude Latitude CA3 G -83.49378 32.38290 CA4 A -83.49339 32.38311 CA4 B -83.49343 32.38317 CA4 C -83.49338 32.38323 CA4 D -83.49338 32.38328 CA4 E -83.49328 32.38337 CA4 F -83.49321 32.38343 CA4 G -83.49313 32.38341 CA5 A -83.48603 32.38608 CA5 B -83.48599 32.38613 CA5 D -83.48587 32.38611 CA5 C -83.48591 32.38608 CA6 A -83.48418 32.38412 CA7 C -83.48438 32.38464 CA7 B -83.48446 32.38468 CA7 A -83.48469 32.38483

Feature Longitude Latitude RP5 -83.48849 32.38500 RP6 -83.48821 32.38441 RP7 -83.48613 32.38514 GB1 -83.49429 32.38307

Ocmulgee PFA Fish Attractor Waypoints

Waypoints for woody debris Feature Point Longitude Latitude WD1 A -83.49383 32.38679 WD1 B -83.49364 32.38701 WD1 C -83.49343 32.38717 WD1 D -83.49322 32.38721 WD1 E -83.49304 32.38716 WD1 F -83.49292 32.38703 WD1 G -83.49287 32.38689 WD1 H -83.49288 32.38671 WD1 I -83.49298 32.38650

Waypoints for ledge features Feature Point Longitude Latitude L1 A -83.49431 32.38467 L1 B -83.49408 32.38482 L1 C -83.49391 32.38507 L1 D -83.49401 32.38533 L1 E -83.49401 32.38567 L1 F -83.49379 32.38596 L1 G -83.49359 32.38617 L1 H -83.49340 32.38632 L1 I -83.49352 32.38653 L1 J -83.49382 32.38670 L2 A -83.49385 32.38342 L2 B -83.49378 32.38360 L2 C -83.49356 32.38378

Waypoints for crate attractors Feature Point Longitude Latitude CA1 A -83.49544 32.38439 CA1 B -83.49534 32.38436 CA1 C -83.49514 32.38451 CA1 D -83.49504 32.38455 CA2 A -83.49470 32.38453 CA2 C -83.49461 32.38457 CA2 B -83.49469 32.38474 CA2 D -83.49459 32.38472 CA2 E -83.49449 32.38468 CA2 F -83.49448 32.38478 CA2 G -83.49429 32.38483 CA3 A -83.49410 32.38261 CA3 B -83.49409 32.38266 CA3 C -83.49405 32.38273 CA3 D -83.49392 32.38274 CA3 E -83.49389 32.38280 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

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