Willis Lake in Carroll County: How and When to Fish It

• Overview

  Set in Carroll County, Willis Lake is a Georgia water. The water sits 1,070 feet up. About 7 acres of surface, which puts the far bank inside easy sight. It is a small entry by Carroll County standards. You are 5.8 miles from Villa Rica. Further out sit Temple (7.5 miles) and Carrollton (8.8 miles). Local rules may differ a few miles either side of here.

• Where to Fish on Willis Lake

  Our records carry no depth, so judge it from the bank. Rip-rap along the wall holds fish that the open bank never does. Built water gives depth close in, which suits a bank angler. Biodiversity records within roughly six miles include blackbanded darter, yellow bullhead, green sunfish, largemouth bass and black crappie. Local agencies keep the authoritative list for each water. Anyone new to Willis Lake should walk it once before setting up.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Temperature averages peak at 78°F in July and bottom out at 41°F in January. Fish stay active all year, but they move with the heat. The cooler months are the comfortable ones to be out. April and May are the settled weeks, with October close behind. Time your trip to Willis Lake by conditions rather than dates.

• Tackle & Baits

  Ownership and access are not documented in what we hold. The map shows no ramp or car park nearby, so this is a walk-in water. For the bass here, soft plastics worked slow along cover and a spinnerbait for searching do most of the work. Where a permit is needed, the nearest town usually sells it. Fishing rules and camping rules are set separately here. Fishing Lake sits 1.6 miles off and takes the overflow. The position on Willis Lake is worth confirming on the day.