Rice Lake, Georgia: Fishing Spots and Seasons

• Overview

  Rice Lake sits in DeKalb County, out in Georgia. The surface lies 889 feet up. About 7 acres of surface, which puts the far bank inside easy sight. The nearest place of any size is Redan, 2.3 miles away. Atlanta sits 14 miles out, and it is the nearest city worth the name. The county line runs close by, so rules can change within a short drive.

• Where to Fish on Rice Lake

  Depth here is unknown, so count the lead down before committing. A reservoir gives you a hard edge, a shelf, and not much else. Built water gives depth close in, which suits a bank angler. Nearby survey and observation records mention bluegill, redear sunfish, largemouth bass, black crappie and redbreast sunfish. Records show what people reported, so treat the list as a guide to what lives in the area. Rice Lake responds to conditions more than to tactics.

• Seasonal Patterns

  The warmest month averages 79°F, the coldest about 42°F. Summer heat is the limit here, not winter cold. Shade and hour of day matter more than month. The hot months push the fishing to dawn and dusk. It sets the rhythm of the year at Rice Lake. Conditions on the day matter more than the month on the calendar.

• Tackle & Baits

  Whether the bank is open is not something our records settle. Access is unmapped, which usually means a farm track and a walk. Largemouth respond to soft plastics tight to cover; go weedless where the growth is heavy. Bank access can be seasonal on ground like this. Fishing rules and camping rules are set separately here. If the gate is shut, Henson Lake at 0.8 miles is the nearest alternative. Signs at Rice Lake carry more weight than any list.