LARGEMOUTH BASS
Surveys indicate that largemouth bass in the 1 to 2-pound size range are abundant in Lake Tugalo.

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.

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 the spring and fall. The upstream headwater areas on both river arms are the best places to target bass in the summer.

WALLEYE
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.

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.

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.

WHITE CATFISH

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.

Catfishing 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.

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 indicated 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.