Pettit Lake Fishing in Clarke County, Georgia

• Overview

  The Clarke County end of Georgia holds Pettit Lake. It lies 679 feet above sea level. At 8 acres it is the sort of place you fish for an evening rather than a day. Start from Winterville, 3.4 miles down the road. It is 5 miles to Athens, the nearest city. A county line runs close by, so local bylaws can differ within a short drive.

• Where to Fish on Pettit Lake

  Open data we checked carries no depth for this water. The arms fish better than the open middle whenever the water is up. Inflow corners move water, and moving water gathers fish. Open occurrence data for the surrounding area lists bluegill, redbreast sunfish, snail bullhead, striped jumprock and turquoise darter. The list reflects reported sightings and surveys rather than what is stocked. The shape of Pettit Lake rewards a slow walk along one bank.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Between January at about 42°F and July at about 80°F, the water has a wide range to work through. No part of the year shuts this water. March through May is the strongest run, with autumn a second stretch. April and May are the settled weeks, with October close behind. Time your trip to Pettit Lake by conditions rather than dates.

• Tackle & Baits

  No access rule appears in what we hold. The nearest mapped parking is half a mile away, so the last stretch is on foot. Catfish want bait on the bottom: cut bait or worms, a simple running rig, and patience after dark. Local rules can differ across the county line, so check where you stand. Check whether bait restrictions apply before you buy any. Failing this one, try Bullocks Lake, 1.9 miles away. Nothing on Pettit Lake should be assumed from this page alone.