Fishing at Reservoir 18, Madison County, Georgia

• Overview

  Set in Madison County, Georgia, this is Reservoir 18. The country round it is oak and grass from end to end. It covers about 9 acres, so this is small water you can walk round in under an hour. Supplies mean a trip to Nicholson, 4 miles off. After that come Commerce at 4.2 miles and Jefferson at 10 miles. You are close to a county edge here; who manages the access can change within a short drive.

• Where to Fish on Reservoir 18

  No depth figure appears in our records, so the bank has to tell you. Held water runs deepest at the wall and shallows back to the inflow. Levels move with the draw rather than the rain on water like this. Fish reported in the area, according to open records, include river redhorse, altamaha shiner, yellowfin shiner and bluehead chub. That is what has been logged nearby, not a stocking list, so check local rules before you plan around any one species. On this water the obvious spot is not always the productive one.

• Seasonal Patterns

  In an average year July sits at 79°F and January at 42°F. The season runs year-round, with the peak either side of summer. March through May is the strongest run, with autumn a second stretch. April and May are the settled weeks, with October close behind. At this water the season follows that pattern closely.

• Tackle & Baits

  Access is not recorded for this water. Public mapping records no formal access here, so plan for a walk and soft ground. Keep the gear simple: light line, small hooks, split shot and a couple of proven lures. Where the road in crosses private land, ask first. Some ground is open by custom rather than by right, so tread carefully. If the gate is shut, Reservoir 15 at 0.9 miles is the nearest alternative. Confirm before you fish this water.