Jackson Lake Fishing Spot

• Elevation: 552'
• Last Modified By: vinny60 on 09/08/09 02:48 PM
• Ask about Jackson Lake in our Fishing Forums

Jackson Lake is one of the oldest manmade lakes (a reservoir) in Georgia, 44 miles (71 km) southeast of Atlanta in a rural area situated within parts of three counties (Jasper, Newton and Butts). The Lloyd Shoals Dam was built in 1910 by Central Georgia Power Company, and electricity was originally generated for the city of Macon. Relative to others in the state, it is a smaller lake (about 4,750 acres (19.2 km²) with 135 miles (217 km) of shoreline) which still generates electricity and provides a location for watersports such as camping, boating, skiing, wakeboarding and fishing. Jackson Lake is formed by the confluence of theYellow, Alcovy and South rivers. Tussahaw Creek is also a significant tributary. Below the Lloyd Shoals Dam, the lake's outlet is the Ocmulgee River. Since flood control is not one of Lake Jackson’s primary duties, the lake’s water level usually varies only 3 to 4 feet throughout the year. The lowest water is from December to March. Since Jackson is an old reservoir, the bottom is heavily silted and little of the original cover remains. Anglers and shoreline residents have rectified this situation by placing numerous brush piles in the lake. In addition, the Georgia Wildlife Resources Division maintains 15 fish attractors. The attractors are marked by a white buoy and are easy to find. Summertime boat traffic on Jackson is heavy. Access to the lake is good with several public boat ramps. During more extreme drawdowns approaching 8 feet, only a few ramps remain useable. Lake Jackson is known for producing big bass. Largemouth bass exceeding 14 pounds have come from the lake, and Jackson is famous for the number of bass weighing more than 5 pounds it gives up every year. Jackson is one of the better bream lakes in central Georgia and specimens that weigh 1 pound or more are not uncommon. Other popular species are catfish, crappie, and hybrid striped bass. Key species: largemouth bass, redear sunfish, crappie, channel catfish, hybrid striped bass.