Fishing at Nelsons Lake, Jones County, Georgia

• Overview

  The Jones County end of Georgia holds Nelsons Lake. Land around it is open plain. Roughly 28 acres: a morning covers one end, an afternoon the other. It is among the larger waters listed here for Jones County. Some 4.8 miles away sits Macon, the nearest settlement. Further out sit Gray (8.5 miles) and Gordon (14 miles). The line between counties passes nearby, which can change who manages the water.

• Where to Fish on Nelsons Lake

  Depth figures are not published for this one. 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 redbreast sunfish, striped jumprock, bluegill, christmas darter and goldstripe darter. Take it as evidence of what swims here, not a promise for one session. On Nelsons Lake the first feature you find is usually worth a session.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Long-run averages give July about 81°F and January about 45°F. Winter here means light layers, not lost months. March through May is the strongest run, with autumn a second stretch. Late winter often fishes better here than midsummer does. Nelsons Lake runs to that rhythm year in and year out.

• Tackle & Baits

  We hold no note on access for this one. No made access appears within a short radius, so plan to park on a verge and walk. For the pike, wire up and throw larger lures along the weed edges. Check whether a boat is allowed before you tow one. Where tickets apply, they are sold in the nearest town rather than on the bank. Lake Tonowanda at 0.7 miles is the sensible second choice. The position on Nelsons Lake is worth confirming on the day.