On the Georgia side of the lake, Lightwood Log Creek, Shoal Creek, Gum Log Creek and Eastanollee Creek typically yield the highest catch rates of bass. During the spring months, shallow water bait presentations around cover located in coves and pockets is the preferred technique. In early summer, bass key in on shad and herring on main lake humps and points. A favorite summer pattern is fishing early mornings and late afternoons with topwater baits like the Sammy, Zara Spook or Super Fluke, in clear water around 25 feet deep near the reef marker points on the lower half of the lake. Fishing guides often comment how bass explode to the surface from their deep-water hideouts to take these topwater baits.

The areas with the largest numbers of crappie on the Georgia side of the lake include Eastanollee Creek, Gum Log Creek, Shoal Creek and Lightwood Log Creek. As the water starts to warm in late February to early March, anglers will find fish in these areas around submerged trees, bridge abutments, and old road beds in 10 to 15-feet of water. When the water temperature reaches 65oF by early April, crappie will move into 2 to 3-feet of water in the back of the cove around submerged cover. Fishing around structure and cover is critical to your success. During the fall, large numbers of crappie congregate in the submerged timber in Eastanollee Creek.