Hatcher Lake in Clayton County: How and When to Fish It

• Overview

  Hatcher Lake falls in Clayton County, part of Georgia. Height above sea level is 846 feet. At roughly 8 acres, the whole thing is within casting reach of a single walk. Jonesboro lies 3.2 miles from the water. After that come Morrow at 3.4 miles and Stockbridge at 4.1 miles. Other water nearby: Indian Lake 1.2 miles away, Wrights Lake about 1.9 miles, Lake Spivey 2 miles away, Wall Lake about 2.2 miles and Bunyon Lake 2.2 miles away. The boundary is close enough to be worth checking before you fish.

• Where to Fish on Hatcher Lake

  Without a survey to go on, judge depth from how the bank falls away. Look for where the old bank line still shows under the surface. Standing timber shows when the level drops, and fish sit against it. Species logged nearby in open biodiversity records include bluegill, longnose gar and yellow bullhead. That is what has been logged nearby, not a stocking list, so check local rules before you plan around any one species. Fish Hatcher Lake to its features, not to its size.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Long-run averages give July about 80°F and January about 43°F. Fishing runs all year, with summer the awkward season. October and November give a second good stretch as it cools. November and March are the quiet, comfortable months to be out. Hatcher Lake fishes to that pattern most years.

• Tackle & Baits

  The rules here are undocumented as far as public sources go. You will be walking about half a mile from the nearest car park. For the catfish, fish bottom baits into the deeper holes and let them sit. Parking is often the real limit rather than the bank itself. Access can change hands, so last year's answer may not hold. For a change of water, Indian Lake is 1.2 miles distant. Check the position on Hatcher Lake before loading the car.