Perkins Lake in Stewart County: How and When to Fish It

• Overview

  The Stewart County entry here is Perkins Lake, in Georgia. Open plain runs right down to the water. About 9 acres of surface, which puts the far bank inside easy sight. Some 3.9 miles away sits Richland, the nearest settlement. Columbus sits 32 miles out, and it is the nearest city worth the name. The county edge is within a short distance of the bank.

• Where to Fish on Perkins Lake

  The records we hold are silent on depth, so plan to find it yourself. The arms fish better than the open middle whenever the water is up. Draw-down through summer strips the margins, so follow the water out. Open occurrence data for the surrounding area lists spotted bass, brook trout and brown trout. Presence in the area does not guarantee a fish in this exact water on the day. On Perkins Lake the obvious spot is not always the productive one.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Temperature averages peak at 80°F in July and bottom out at 46°F in January. No part of the year shuts this water. October and November give a second good stretch as it cools. June to September is hot work, so the first and last hours are what count. It sets the rhythm of the year at Perkins Lake.

• Tackle & Baits

  There is no clear statement anywhere on who can fish it. There is no mapped parking or launch nearby, which keeps numbers down. Bass water: a Texas-rigged worm near cover, a spinnerbait when you need to cover ground. Where a permit is needed, the nearest town usually sells it. Where the way in crosses private ground, ask first. Elders Pond sits 3.4 miles off and takes the overflow. Check the position on Perkins Lake before loading the car.