Cunningham Lake near Roanoke: Fishing Spots, Seasons and Access

• Overview

  Cunningham Lake is a Troup County water, Georgia side. It lies 696 feet above sea level. It covers about 7 acres, so this is small water you can walk round in under an hour. Roanoke is the closest town at 11 miles. It is 42 miles to Columbus, the nearest city. It sits near the edge of the county, so check which rules apply.

• Where to Fish on Cunningham Lake

  No chart reached our records; the first cast is your sounding. Inflow corners move water, and moving water gathers fish. Held water runs deepest at the wall and shallows back to the inflow. Records collected within a few miles name largemouth bass, spotted bass, bluegill, gizzard shad and channel catfish. Local agencies hold the definitive list for this water. At Cunningham Lake light and wind decide more than tackle does.

• Seasonal Patterns

  The year swings from about 44°F in January to roughly 79°F in July. Temperatures stay workable through the cold season. October and November give a second good stretch as it cools. March through May is the strongest run, with October and November a second stretch. Plan around that when you fish Cunningham Lake.

• Tackle & Baits

  The rules here are undocumented as far as public sources go. A made slipway is half a mile from here, which settles the boat question. A small crankbait along the drop and a worm in the thick stuff cover the bass. Local rules can differ across the county line, so check where you stand. Signs go up and come down, so check on the day. Cofield Lake at 3 miles is the sensible second choice. Signs at Cunningham Lake carry more weight than any list.