Description: Since its impoundment in 1957, this 37,500-acre COE reservoir, formed at the junction of the Flint and Chattahoochee Rivers in the southwestern comer of Georgia, has earned the reputation for producing excellent fishing. During 2001, Lake Seminole should provide excellent fishing for bluegill, redear sunfish (shellcracker), and channel catfish and good fishing for largemouth bass and crappie.
Largemouth bass fishing continues to show signs of recovering from the bass fishing slump that occurred during the mid-1990s on this famous bass fishing destination. The number of bass larger than 12 inches is presently greater than it's been in recent years. As a result, bass fishing will continue to improve again this year, especially for 2-3 lbs fish. All indications are that bass fishing will continue to improve over the next few years, and Lake Seminole will regain its reputation as one of the premier bass lakes in Georgia. Since 40% of the reservoir is covered with aquatic vegetation, the key to catching bass is learning to fish weed beds. Your best bet will be to throw a plastic worm, spinner bait, or top-water lure along the edges of the weed beds. March through May are the best months.
Hybrid bass will provide plenty of action this year. Hybrid numbers are down somewhat; however, anglers can expect to catch good numbers of 3 lbs fish. Striped bass numbers are higher than they have ever been. Fishing is expected to be good for this species, with fish averaging around 21/2 lbs. Because these fish prefer open water, your best bet at catching some nice hybrids, or stripers, will be in the areas near the dam, or up the Flint or Chattahoochee River arms in the spring and winter months. Due to the ongoing efforts to rebuild striped bass populations, fishing for all species will be closed in five springs located in Lake Seminole from May through October. For more information on these restrictions, please see the 200 1-2002 Sport Fishing Regulations.
Channel catfish numbers continue to be good, and catfish anglers should be rewarded with excellent fishing this season. The good catfish population is probably the result of fish escapement from upstream ponds, lakes, and a private hatchery during the flood of 1994. The average catfish caught will weigh around 2-3 lbs, but the chances of catching 10 lbs and larger catfish will be good. Main lake areas in the Flint and Chattahoochee River arms should provide the best fishing. According to local anglers, prepared blood and cheese baits fished on small artificial worms is a year round favorite.
Although Seminole is not usually noted for its crappie fishing, it can produce some good catches, especially in winter and spring.
Crappie numbers will be good this year, and the average weight will
be nearly lib, with fish over 2 lbs available. Your best bet is to use minnows and jigs in the open areas near the dam and in the Flint and Chattahoochee River arms.
Bluegill and redear sunfish fishing was excellent in both numbers and size last year. All indications are that fishing will be equally good this year. The average size fish should be 8 inches and larger, with an occasional one pounder. The key to consistently catch
these fish is to locate shallow water spawning beds during spring and early summer. Good areas to start looking are Spring Creek, Saunder's Slough, and in backwater areas off the Chattahoochee River. The best baits are red wrigglers and crickets.
The infestation of Hydrilla, an exotic plant, continues to restrict boating and fishing access in approximately 15,000 acres of the lake. The problem is worse in late summer and fall when Hydrilla grows to the surface. The most accessible areas of the lake are along the river channels. The COE is currently using sterile grass carp to help control Hydrilla in the Fish Pond Drain and Cypress Pond areas. Grass carp were stocked behind barriers in these two areas. The barriers are designed to contain the grass carp and allow boat passage. Boaters should use caution when navigating through these areas and report any damage to the COE as soon as possible. Grass carp caught within the confined areas should be immediately returned to the water. Dead grass carp found inside, or outside, the barriers should be iced, or frozen, and given to the COE. Beginning in early summer, the COE is planning to control Hydrilla in the Spring Creek arm of the reservoir with a large-scale, low dose, application of the aquatic herbicide Sonar. Call the COE Resource Management Office (912-662-2001) for information and lake maps, or visit the COE web site www.sam.usace.armv.mil/sam/on/rec/seminole Current fishing reports and information on lodging in the Lake Seminole area can be found on the Bainbridge Bass Club web site www.bassangler.com/bbc.
Services:
Species: Largemouth Bass
Look for early-bedding fish up the Spring Creek and Flint River arms. Slow-rolling spinnerbaits and ripping buzzbaits over the bedding areas can be very good. Plastic worms and lizards fished on the beds can also be deadly.
Shellcrackers
Crickets and earthworms are just the trick for catching them.
