Fishing Forecast - Hamburg Lake
Overview
Hamburg Lake is a 225-acre reservoir located 15 miles north of Sandersville on the Little Ogeechee River at Hamburg State Park. The lake is stumpy, so only boats powered with trolling motors or outboards up to 10 horsepower are allowed. The largemouth bass, channel catfish and shellcracker fishing opportunities make the trip to this quiet area in Washington County worthwhile.
Contact Information: Hamburg State Park: 478-552-2393; DNR Office: 706-595-1619
Best Bets: Largemouth Bass, Crappie, Channel Catfish, and Redear Sunfish
Hamburg Lake - Largemouth Bass
Largemouth Bass
Prospect: Spring sampling efforts indicate that numerous quality-sized largemouth bass are available for anglers. Many 2-3 pound bass should be caught, with some weighing in at 5 or more pounds.
Technique: Spinnerbaits, shallow crankbaits and plastic worms on points, laydown trees and standing timber are best bets. During calm spring, summer and early fall days, anglers can utilize various topwater lures. In winter, deeper crankbaits and jigs worked along the riverbed and deeper banks should land large size bass.
Target: Navigate through the stumps to the for some great spring and fall action.
Hamburg Lake - Channel Catfish
Channel Catfish
Prospect: Annual stockings of channel catfish have produced a popular fishery and it is one of the most sought after fish in the lake. Anglers can expect catfish in the 1-5 pound range to bite spring through fall.
Technique: Chicken livers and worms work best.
Target: Look to creek channels and deep coves in the summer and fall.
Hamburg Lake - Bream
Redear Sunfish
Prospect: Expect the average redear sunfish to be around 1/2 pound, however larger redear are available. April through early May is the best time to target this species. Georgia WRD has routinely stocked redear sunfish and these stockings have increased their population and the numbers being caught. Bluegill are generally smaller, though many hand-size ones will be caught in the spring and summer.
Technique: Crickets, worms, grubs and spinners are recommended.
Target: While at Hamburg, try the area on the Little Ogeechee River for redbreast sunfish.
Hamburg Lake - Crappie
Black Crappie
Prospect: Fishing is best in the spring, but good fish and numbers are caught pre-spawn as well. Catches will average 1/2 pound with bigger catches weighing in around 2 pounds.
Technique: Cast to the banks with jigs and minnows in the spring. At other times of the year, slowly troll or drift along the old riverbed and cast to standing timber.
Target: Target areas where park staff have sunk 50+ Christmas trees.
Hamburg Lake - Chain Pickerel
Chain Pickerel
Prospect: Chain pickerel (a.k.a jackfish) are available, but they are not typically targeted. However, they are sure to grab your attention if they strike.
Technique: Variety of weedless lures and surface plugs work best. A wobbling spoon with trailing pork rind, plastic lizards and hollow-faced chugger type surface plugs are good bets. According to locals, jackfish aggressively attack anything red.
Target: Look to areas of vegetation and stumps.
