Small Mouth In Georgia?

[North Ga Hillbilly]

I'm down here in Georgia and have only caught two SM bass to this point, both during the same outing in West Virginia. I was wondering if there were any SM's to be caught in Georgia, and if not how far I'd have to go to find some.

Thanks

NGaHB

[LWD]

Haven't heard of any SM this far south as far as reservoirs are concerned, check the rivers perhaps.

[Fishing Rhino]

http://www.aa-fishing.com/ga/georgia-bass-fishing.html

[Randall]

Your best bet for smallmouth is Lake Blueridge in North Georgia. Spotted bass have replaced a lot of smallmouth and largemouth over the years so very few smallmouth lakes are left here.

[Evans]

Just accross the GA/NC line is some pretty good lakes for smallies. Lake Hiwassee has the NC record for smallmouth(10+lber caught in the 50's and only 1 of 2 over 10lbs not caught in Dale Hollow), although I don't think there is anything that big swimming in there now, but it still has some really good smallmouth in it. My biggest is 3.5lbs but I've heard of and seen pics of 5 and 6lbers that have come from it. Fontana isn't that far away either and it's probably one of the deepest lakes(well, it and Carters are probably close) you will ever fish. Spots have taken a hold in both lakes but the smallies seem to be surviving pretty good.

Also some other lakes that have smallies in them around here, Blue Ridge as Randall mentioned, Santeetlah(I call this lake dinkville!), and Nantahala(small lake but decent fishing). All have smallmouths in them and are pretty close to north east GA. I definately think Blue Ridge and Hiwassee are your best bets for good size smallies. Fontana definately has the potential and the fish, but the lake is so huge and deep, it would definately be a lake you would have to put a lot of time into it to find em good.

My favorite time to fish for smallies is winter. I keep one rod on the deck, 9'6" float n fly rod. Anything else and I just feel that I'm wasting my time. I'm sure you can catch em on different stuff all year long, but I love the float n fly and tying up my own flies. Kinda like making your own jigs and catching fish on them, but it's even more rewarding with flies because it takes me a lot longer and more concentration to make the flies. All you need is a 1/16oz minnow head jig head, some thread, craft hair, and feathers. Best of luck to you! Hopefully we can share pics of our smallies come winter. Last winter wasn't a good year at all for me and I plan on making up for it this winter!