Fishing at Alston Lake, Franklin County, Georgia

• Overview

  You will find Alston Lake in Franklin County, Georgia. What surrounds it is dry hill. At roughly 9 acres, the whole thing is within casting reach of a single walk. Supplies mean a trip to Franklin Springs, 7.2 miles off. The nearest city of size is Athens, 24 miles away. Being near a boundary, it pays to know which side you are fishing.

• Where to Fish on Alston Lake

  We hold no depth figure for this one. Draw-down through summer strips the margins, so follow the water out. The old creek line under the surface is the feature worth finding. Species logged nearby in open biodiversity records include yellowfin shiner. The records cover the area rather than this water alone. Fish Alston Lake to its features, not to its size.

• Seasonal Patterns

  The range across the year is 41°F to 79°F. The year never really closes; it just gets uncomfortable in summer. Late winter and spring fish steadiest here. March through May is the strongest run, with October and November a second stretch. That is the shape of the year on Alston Lake.

• Tackle & Baits

  The paperwork position is blank for this one. Nothing is mapped in the way of a ramp or car park within a short radius. One rod, a handful of hooks and floats, and a few small lures are enough for this water. Some banks are open only from a marked point. Some water is controlled locally without a sign saying so. Alston Lake sits 0.6 miles off and takes the overflow. Where Alston Lake is concerned, a local answer beats a written one.