Hollingsworth Lake in Carroll County: How and When to Fish It

• Overview

  Look for Hollingsworth Lake in the Carroll County part of Georgia. Height above sea level is 1,109 feet. The water measures roughly 9 acres, so nothing here is far from anything else. Most waters listed here for Carroll County are larger. The closest town, Temple, is 3 miles away. Then Bremen, 5.3 miles, and Carrollton, 8.2 miles. You are close to a county edge here; who manages the access can change within a short drive.

• Where to Fish on Hollingsworth Lake

  Depth is unknown to us, and the shoreline is the better guide. Rip-rap along the wall holds fish that the open bank never does. A reservoir gives you a hard edge, a shelf, and not much else. Records collected within a few miles name blackbanded darter, bluegill, redbreast sunfish, black madtom and blacktail redhorse. That is what has been logged nearby, not a stocking list, so check local rules before you plan around any one species. Fish Hollingsworth Lake to its features, not to its size.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Average temperature peaks around 77°F in July and bottoms out near 41°F in January. Cold never closes this one. October and November give a second good stretch as it cools. March through May is the strongest run, with October and November a second stretch. Hollingsworth Lake runs to that rhythm year in and year out.

• Tackle & Baits

  No access rule appears in what we hold. There is no recorded infrastructure here; expect to find your own way in. For the panfish, a small hook, a float and a piece of worm outfish everything fancy. Look for a notice board at the entrance. Access can change hands, so last year's answer may not hold. Failing this one, try Spence Lake, 1 mile away. Signs at Hollingsworth Lake carry more weight than any list.