American Legion Lake in Schley County: How and When to Fish It

• Overview

  Out in Schley County, Georgia, sits American Legion Lake. Beyond the shoreline you have oak and grass. This is a pocket water of some 12 acres, and every part of it is reachable from the bank. You are 4.5 miles from Ellaville. Columbus is the closest city, 42 miles away. Within easy reach: Lanceford Lake about 1.6 miles, Brays Mill Pond just 2.7 miles, Rufus Peepe Lake North about 3.3 miles, Rufus Peepe Lake Suth just 3.7 miles and Hills Millpond about 3.9 miles. The nearest boundary is a fair way off.

• Where to Fish on American Legion Lake

  Depth remains unrecorded, so treat the first session as a survey. Inflow corners move water, and moving water gathers fish. A reservoir gives you a hard edge, a shelf, and not much else. Nearby survey and observation records mention blackbanded darter, brown darter, bluegill, dollar sunfish and redfin pickerel. Local agencies hold the definitive list for this water. Work American Legion Lake in sections rather than trying to cover it.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Averages here run 80°F at the top of summer and 46°F at the bottom of winter. Cold never closes this one. March through May is the strongest run, with autumn a second stretch. Late winter often fishes better here than midsummer does. Keep it in mind when planning a trip to American Legion Lake.

• Tackle & Baits

  We have no record of the rules that apply on this bank. Mapping records no facilities at all near this water. For the pike, wire up and throw larger lures along the weed edges. Gates get locked out of season on water like this. Where parking is tight, arriving early solves most problems. Lanceford Lake at 1.6 miles is the sensible second choice. For American Legion Lake in particular, ask before you travel.