Fishing Forecast - Ochlockonee River
Overview
The Ochlockonee River may not be as familiar to anglers as other major rivers in south Georgia, but it is worthy of a visit. It is one of the few rivers in Georgia to catch Suwanee Bass. It is a small black water river that lends itself best to small motorized boats due to the long stretches between access points. It can be efficiently paddled at lower flows but be mindful of the many downed trees and constantly changing habitat.
Contact Information: DNR Office: 229-430-4256
Best Bets: Redbreast Sunfish, Largemouth Bass, Catfish
Ochlockonee River - Largemouth Bass
Prospect: The Largemouth population has been stable in recent years and fish larger than 5 pounds are commonly caught.
Technique: The usual arsenal of tackle will work, including spinnerbaits, plastic worms and small crankbaits. Be sure to fish these in slower moving stretches of the river.
Target: Target the backwater areas near and the section of the river upstream from .
Ochlockonee River - Suwanee Bass
Prospect: Smaller than its largemouth cousin, Suwannee bass are a unique member of the sunfish family and are only found in a few streams in south Georgia and north Florida. The overall population is relatively small but the average fish caught is over 12 inches. Several trophy sized fish were sampled last fall. This should provide an excellent opportunity for trophy fish this year.
Technique: Small crankbaits, spinner baits and soft plastics are recommended.
Target: Concentrate in swifter water, but look to brushpiles and blow downs along the deeper banks and pools as summer progresses and the river recedes. The stretch of river that borders offers excellent fishing and lends itself well to the increasingly popular sport of kayak fishing.
Ochlockonee River - Catfish
Yellow Bullhead
Prospect: The river is home to channel, flathead, and bullhead catfish. Fish the river during the warmer months for numerous catfish catches. Recently, flathead catfish were also discovered in the river. For catfish anglers, this will add another species to target.
Technique: Any favorite catfish bait fished on a simple bottom rig should be effective.
Target: Deeper bends and backwaters of the river.
Ochlockonee River - Bream
Warmouth
Prospect: The Ochlockonee is a slow-moving, blackwater stream that offers good fishing for redbreast sunfish. Redear sunfish, bluegill, black crappie, spotted sunfish and warmouth also are available. Last year was a good recruitment year for redbreast and this year should offer some fantastic fishing for this species.
Technique: Live bait is recommended: crickets and worms during early spring. Switch to artificial lures like beetle spins and popping bugs as spring progresses and water temperatures rise.
Target: Target redbreast in the lower portions of the river, from to .
Additional Information
Check the river gauge near Thomasville before heading out. If the gauge height is much above 5 feet then it is difficult to effectively fish because the water is well into the floodplain. If the gauge height is below 2 1/2 feet, plan to drag your boat over logs and other obstructions.
