Stenson Lake near McRae: Fishing Spots, Seasons and Access

• Overview

  Out in Telfair County, Georgia, sits Stenson Lake. The surface lies 230 feet up. Surface area runs to about 7 acres — small enough to read in one session. It is a small entry by Telfair County standards. The closest town, McRae, is 6.4 miles away. Helena lies 7.3 miles off, Alamo another 9.8 miles. Two sets of local rules meet not far from this water.

• Where to Fish on Stenson Lake

  Depth here is unknown, so count the lead down before committing. Look for where the old bank line still shows under the surface. Draw-down through summer strips the margins, so follow the water out. Fish reported in the area, according to open records, include blackbanded darter, redbreast sunfish, tessellated darter and chain pickerel. Records show what people reported, not what is stocked. Anyone new to Stenson Lake should walk it once before setting up.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Seasonal averages run from 48°F in January up to 81°F in July. There is no frozen season to plan round. The cooler months are the comfortable ones to be out. The cooler months are the comfortable ones to fish here. The season on Stenson Lake rarely departs from it. Weed growth peaks in late summer and changes where you can fish.

• Tackle & Baits

  Who may fish here is not settled in anything we hold. Access is unmapped, which usually means a farm track and a walk. For the pike, wire up and throw larger lures along the weed edges. Local rules can differ across the county line, so check where you stand. Check whether bait restrictions apply before you buy any. Talmadge Lake, 1.3 miles away, makes the obvious fallback. Signs at Stenson Lake carry more weight than any list.