Patterson Lake Fishing near Rydal, Georgia

• Overview

  In Georgia, Patterson Lake falls inside Gordon County. It stands 837 feet above sea level. Small at around 10 acres: two anglers spread out cover most of it. The nearest place of any size is Rydal, 11 miles away. After that come Jasper at 14 miles and Calhoun at 16 miles. Local rules may differ a few miles either side of here. The surroundings are ordinary; the fishing is the reason to come.

• Where to Fish on Patterson Lake

  Depth here is unknown, so count the lead down before committing. Standing timber shows when the level drops, and fish sit against it. Held water runs deepest at the wall and shallows back to the inflow. Biodiversity records within roughly six miles include coosa darter, bluegill and black crappie. Take it as evidence of what swims here, not a promise for one session. On Patterson Lake the quiet end is the one worth the extra effort.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Climate records put July near 78°F and January near 40°F. Summer heat is the limit here, not winter cold. Heat pushes fish deep from June onwards, so start early. February into May fishes hardest as the water warms. At Patterson Lake the season follows that pattern closely. Rain lifts the level and moves fish about.

• Tackle & Baits

  Whether you may fish here is not something records settle. Mapping records no facilities at all near this water. For the bass here, soft plastics worked slow along cover and a spinnerbait for searching do most of the work. Some banks are open only from a marked point. Fishing rules and camping rules are set separately here. Should this one be busy, Anderson Lake is 1.9 miles off. Treat Patterson Lake as unsettled until someone local tells you otherwise.