Fishing Richards Lake in Bartow County, Georgia

• Overview

  Richards Lake is a Bartow County water, Georgia side. The water sits 817 feet up. Surface area runs to about 9 acres — small enough to read in one session. Rydal is the closest town at 3.5 miles. It is 37 miles to Sandy Springs, the nearest city. What else is close: Little Lake out at 1.2 miles, Falk Lake just 3.8 miles, Manning Lake out at 4.4 miles, Sugar Hill Pond just 5.2 miles and Self Lake out at 5.3 miles. It sits near the edge of the county, so check which rules apply.

• Where to Fish on Richards Lake

  Without a survey to go on, judge depth from how the bank falls away. Inflow corners move water, and moving water gathers fish. Built water gives depth close in, which suits a bank angler. Species logged nearby in open biodiversity records include coosa darter, blackbanded darter, bluegill and green sunfish. Local agencies keep the authoritative list for each water. At Richards Lake light and wind decide more than tackle does.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Averages move between 40°F in January and 78°F in July. The season runs year-round, with the peak either side of summer. The cooler months are the comfortable ones to be out. June to September is hot work, so the first and last hours are what count. Richards Lake fishes to that pattern most years.

• Tackle & Baits

  We have no record of the rules that apply on this bank. Formal access is not mapped, so the last stretch is likely on foot. Largemouth respond to soft plastics tight to cover; go weedless where the growth is heavy. Take the rules with you rather than trusting memory. Signs go up and come down, so check on the day. The nearest alternative is Little Lake, 1.2 miles out. The position on Richards Lake is worth confirming on the day.