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Fifty degrees. It’s the magic number that sends north Georgia’s ever-increasing walleye population on an annual spawning run. According to the Department of Natural Resources’ Wildlife Resources Division, this upstream migration (and prime fishing opportunity) peaks in mid to late March.

“The March spawning run is the ideal time for north Georgia anglers to focus their fishing efforts on walleye,” says Wildlife Resources Fisheries Biologist Anthony Rabern. “The concentration of fish in several north Georgia reservoirs is greater during early spring thanks to the annual spawning run and the division’s annual stocking efforts,” he explains.

Seven north Georgia lakes receive annual stockings of walleye - Burton, Seed, Rabun, Tugalo, Yonah in the Savannah River drainage, Lake Lanier and Carters Lake. For the past eight years, the Wildlife Resources Division’s Summerville, Burton and Walton fish hatcheries staff have made great strides in their efforts to increase walleye stocking numbers, resulting in more concentrated walleye fishing opportunities.

The headwaters of lakes Rabun, Hartwell, Seed and Yonah provide excellent shoreline fishing opportunities for bank anglers, while boating anglers can find success on lakes Tugalo, Hartwell, Burton, Blue Ridge and Carters.

During the day, walleye retreat to deep water downstream of rocky, shallow areas where they spawn, and Wildlife Resources Division Fisheries biologists recommend trolling Shad Raps or live nightcrawlers near the bottom. In the evening, walleye shift upstream, and floating Rapalas or curly-tailed grubs are most effective.

Golden brown in hue with a white belly, walleye have distinct glassy, marble-like eyes and long, sharp canine-like teeth. The current state record, caught on Richard B. Russell Lake in 1995, weighed 11 lbs., 6 oz. Typical weights range from 2-4 lbs. but a few walleye caught in stocked reservoirs over the past few years have tipped the scales weighing in at 10 lbs.

For anglers who happen to miss the walleye spawning run, excellent fishing opportunities continue through April. April walleye anglers should try trolling Shad Raps and nightcrawlers in 10 feet of water in the upper reaches of lakes Rabun, Seed, Tugalo, Yonah and even Hartwell.

To download the brochure, Walleye Fishing in Georgia or for more information on walleye fishing and WRD stocking efforts, visit www.gofishgeorgia.com or contact the nearest WRD Fisheries Management Section office.

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