Fishing Smith Lake in Jasper County, Georgia

• Overview

  Jasper County in Georgia is where Smith Lake sits. Height above sea level is 617 feet. Small at around 17 acres: two anglers spread out cover most of it. Monticello is the closest town at 3.7 miles. Athens is the closest city, 47 miles away. If this one is busy: Murphy Lake lies 1.1 miles on, 4.1 miles out stands Tucker Lake, Rex Haven Lake Number One lies 5.3 miles on, 5.5 miles out stands Rex Haven Lake Number Two and Malone Lake lies 6.1 miles on. This one is safely inside the county line.

• Where to Fish on Smith Lake

  Depth here is unknown, so count the lead down before committing. The old creek line under the surface is the feature worth finding. Look for where the old bank line still shows under the surface. Open occurrence data for the surrounding area lists christmas darter, redbreast sunfish, bluegill, striped jumprock and turquoise darter. Check the state or provincial list before planning around one species. Treat Smith Lake as a water to read rather than to cover.

• Seasonal Patterns

  The warmest month averages 80°F, the coldest about 43°F. Heat sets the pattern from late spring onward. March through May is the strongest run, with autumn a second stretch. June to September is hot work, so the first and last hours are what count. The season on Smith Lake follows the weather closely.

• Tackle & Baits

  Who may fish here is not settled in anything we hold. A carry of half a mile from the nearest parking is the price of fishing here. For the catfish, fish bottom baits into the deeper holes and let them sit. Gates get locked out of season on water like this. Access can change hands, so last year's answer may not hold. Murphy Lake at 1.1 miles is the sensible second choice. Signs at Smith Lake carry more weight than any list.