Fishing at Clayton County Reservoir, Henry County, Georgia

• Overview

  Clayton County Reservoir is one of the Henry County waters in Georgia. Country round the bank runs to dry hill. At about 130 acres, a day is enough to walk the shoreline properly. With about 2.4 miles of edge, you can try several depths in one session. On our Henry County list it sits near the top for size. Stockbridge sits 3.4 miles from the bank. Then McDonough, 5.7 miles, and Lovejoy, 9.9 miles. The boundary is close enough to be worth checking before you fish.

• Where to Fish on Clayton County Reservoir

  Nothing we hold settles how deep this runs. The arms fish better than the open middle whenever the water is up. Rip-rap along the wall holds fish that the open bank never does. Fish reported in the area, according to open records, include bluegill, redbreast sunfish, blackbanded darter and chain pickerel. It is a record of sightings and surveys, so use it as a guide. The shape of Clayton County Reservoir rewards a slow walk along one bank.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Expect July to average close to 80°F, with January the cold end at about 43°F. Heat sets the pattern from late spring onward. Shade and hour of day matter more than month. February into May fishes hardest as the water warms. Plan around that when you fish Clayton County Reservoir.

• Tackle & Baits

  Nothing on record says whether the bank is open or closed. Access is unmapped, which usually means a farm track and a walk. A wire trace and a big bright lure handle the pike; deep water asks for a heavier spoon. A phone call first saves an afternoon. Barbless rules turn up on managed water more often than not. If the gate is shut, Dailey Lake at 2.1 miles is the nearest alternative. Check the position at Clayton County Reservoir before loading the car.