City Lake Fishing near Fairburn, Georgia

• Overview

  City Lake is a Fulton County water, Georgia side. The ground around here is dry hill. Some 1.4 miles away sits Fairburn, the nearest settlement. Union City is 3.7 miles and Palmetto 5.3 miles. Nearby, in order: Eubanks Lake at about 1.2 miles, Durhams Lake 1.3 miles away, Edwards Lake at about 2.7 miles, Dixie Lake Number Two 3.1 miles away and Redding Lake at about 3.2 miles. Rules can differ a short way off, since the county line is near.

• Where to Fish on City Lake

  Our records hold no depth for this water. Held water runs deepest at the wall and shallows back to the inflow. Levels move with the draw rather than the rain on water like this. Public wildlife records from this area list bluegill, black crappie and redbreast sunfish. That is what has been logged nearby, not a stocking list, so check local rules before you plan around any one species. City Lake gives up its fish to patience rather than distance.

• Seasonal Patterns

  July is the warm end of the year here, averaging about 78°F, while January sits near 42°F. Heat sets the pattern from late spring onward. Heat pushes fish deep from June onwards, so start early. November and March are the quiet, comfortable months to be out. City Lake runs to its own calendar within the local pattern.

• Tackle & Baits

  The rules here are undocumented as far as public sources go. Parking sits half a mile out, which makes for a walk with tackle. For the catfish, fish bottom baits into the deeper holes and let them sit. Some banks are open only from a marked point. Check whether bait restrictions apply before you buy any. Failing this one, try Eubanks Lake, 1.2 miles away. Where City Lake is concerned, a local answer beats a written one.