DeSoto Lake near Rome: Fishing Spots, Seasons and Access

• Overview

  Out in Floyd County, Georgia, sits DeSoto Lake. It sits at 630 feet above sea level. At roughly 3 acres, the whole thing is within casting reach of a single walk. Rome at 2.5 miles is the nearest place to stop. Lindale is 2.7 miles and Shannon 10 miles. More in the same country: Martens Lake just 2.4 miles, Mitchells Lake at 3.2 miles, Paris Lake just 3.9 miles, Milner Lake at 4.3 miles and Camps Lake just 4.3 miles. Two sets of local rules meet not far from this water.

• Where to Fish on DeSoto Lake

  Depth is unknown to us, and the shoreline is the better guide. A reservoir gives you a hard edge, a shelf, and not much else. Rip-rap along the wall holds fish that the open bank never does. Species logged nearby in open biodiversity records include coosa darter, green sunfish, bluegill and redeye bass. Records show what people reported, not what is stocked. Fish DeSoto Lake where the bottom changes rather than where it looks deep.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Climate records put July near 78°F and January near 40°F. Winter is the comfortable season here rather than the difficult one. October and November give a second good stretch as it cools. June to September is hot work, so the first and last hours are what count. At DeSoto Lake the season follows that pattern closely.

• Tackle & Baits

  Nothing on record says whether the bank is open or closed. There is recorded parking some 100 yards off. A small crankbait along the drop and a worm in the thick stuff cover the bass. Sort the permit out before you load the car. Some ground is open by custom rather than by right, so tread carefully. If the gate is shut, Martens Lake at 2.4 miles is the nearest alternative. Ask locally about DeSoto Lake if anything is unclear.