Fishing at Smythe Lake, Dade County, Georgia

• Overview

  Georgia holds Smythe Lake, in Dade County. The setting is open plain on every side. At 12 acres it is the sort of place you fish for an evening rather than a day. On our Dade County list it sits near the top for size. The town to know is Trenton, 1.9 miles out. Beyond it, Chattanooga Valley at 8.5 miles and Lookout Mountain at 9.8 miles. A county line runs close by, so local bylaws can differ within a short drive.

• Where to Fish on Smythe Lake

  Depth is unmeasured here, so let the shoreline guide you. Rip-rap along the wall holds fish that the open bank never does. Built water gives depth close in, which suits a bank angler. Survey and observation records for Dade County include redline darter, snubnose darter, bluegill and redbreast sunfish. The county list is broader than any single water. Smythe Lake gives up more to patience than to distance.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Temperature averages peak at 76°F in July and bottom out at 37°F in January. The hard part of the year is the heat, not the cold. March through May is the strongest run, with autumn a second stretch. November and March are the quiet, comfortable months to be out. That shapes the year on Smythe Lake.

• Tackle & Baits

  We have no record of the rules that apply on this bank. Mapping is blank for access, so scout the approach before committing the car. For the bass here, soft plastics worked slow along cover and a spinnerbait for searching do most of the work. Look for a notice board at the entrance. Night access is frequently treated as a separate matter. Failing this one, try Getter Lake, 0.6 miles away. Check the position at Smythe Lake before loading the car.