Rutland Lake One Fishing Guide, DeKalb County, Georgia

• Overview

  Out in DeKalb County, Georgia, sits Rutland Lake One. Elevation runs to 899 feet. Surface area runs to about 18 acres — small enough to read in one session. Size puts it in the front rank of our DeKalb County list. Nearest place of any size is Redan, 1.2 miles away. The big place round here is Atlanta, 14 miles distant. A border sits close enough to be relevant to the paperwork.

• Where to Fish on Rutland Lake One

  Depth went unrecorded, which puts the reading back on you. Draw-down through summer strips the margins, so follow the water out. Standing timber shows when the level drops, and fish sit against it. Public wildlife records from this area list bluegill, redear sunfish and largemouth bass. That is what has been logged nearby, not a stocking list, so check local rules before you plan around any one species. On Rutland Lake One the quiet end is the one worth the extra effort.

• Seasonal Patterns

  The seasonal spread runs 42°F to 79°F. Summer heat is the limit here, not winter cold. Heat pushes fish deep from June onwards, so start early. February into May fishes hardest as the water warms. On Rutland Lake One that shapes the whole year. Water temperature lags behind air temperature by days, not hours.

• Tackle & Baits

  The rules here are undocumented as far as public sources go. Expect a half a mile walk in from where the car goes. Largemouth respond to soft plastics tight to cover; go weedless where the growth is heavy. Season dates differ by species, so read the table. Some ground is open by custom rather than by right, so tread carefully. Should this one be busy, Rutland Lake Two is 0.7 miles off. Confirm before you fish Rutland Lake One.