Martin Lake Fishing in Pickens County, Georgia

• Overview

  Out in Pickens County, Georgia, sits Martin Lake. The setting is pine and hardwood. At 7 acres it is the sort of place you fish for an evening rather than a day. Compared with other Georgia water on our list, it sits high. The nearest place of any size is Jasper, 6.6 miles away. For a city, Sandy Springs is 40 miles off. A county boundary sits nearby, which can matter for local access rules.

• Where to Fish on Martin Lake

  Nothing we hold settles how deep this runs. Draw-down through summer strips the margins, so follow the water out. A reservoir gives you a hard edge, a shelf, and not much else. Open occurrence data for the surrounding area lists blackbanded darter, coosa darter, greenbreast darter and redeye bass. Presence in the area does not guarantee a fish in this exact water on the day. The shape of Martin Lake rewards a slow walk along one bank.

• Seasonal Patterns

  The range across the year is 39°F to 76°F. The season runs year-round, with the peak either side of summer. Heat pushes fish deep from June onwards, so start early. June to September is hot work, so the first and last hours are what count. The season on Martin Lake follows the weather closely.

• Tackle & Baits

  The access position is unclear from public sources. Mapping is blank for access, so scout the approach before committing the car. For the bass here, soft plastics worked slow along cover and a spinnerbait for searching do most of the work. Local rules can differ across the county line, so check where you stand. Check whether bait restrictions apply before you buy any. The nearest alternative is Van Valkenburgh Lake, 0.6 miles out. Confirm access to Martin Lake locally before you travel.