Why plan a trip to one or more of Georgia’s 11 Public Fishing Areas? Naturally, the fishing is great, as the Georgia Department of Natural Resources Wildlife Resources Division manages PFAs for fishing. However, did you know that most areas also offer additional experiences to entertain the whole family?
“Our fisheries staff takes great pride in managing these locations for the enjoyment of anglers and their families,” says Scott Robinson, WRD Fisheries Management Chief. “And, even if fishing isn’t the activity for all of the family, these locations provide something for everyone, including activities like hiking, bird watching, picnicking, and camping.”
The waters on PFAs vary from lakes several hundred acres in size to ponds less than one acre, with some designated as kids' only fishing ponds. Anglers can fish from a boat, along the shoreline, or from piers or docks at most locations.
All PFAs have concrete boat ramps, picnic tables, various nature and wildlife observation trails, fish cleaning stations and restroom facilities. Some PFAs offer camping opportunities (from primitive camping to RV) for those wishing to stay overnight on the area. All PFAs are open seven days a week, and except for Rocky Mountain PFA, also allow night fishing year-round.
Make plans to visit one (or more) of the following PFAs today:
• Rocky Mountain PFA (Floyd County): This area includes two lakes totaling 559 acres. The species include largemouth bass, bluegill and red-ear sunfish, channel catfish, crappie, and walleye.
Additional amenities include a beach and swimming area, camping opportunities (tent, RV, and group primitive camping), picnic shelters, and an archery range. Note that a $5 parking pass is required to visit this PFA.
• McDuffie PFA (McDuffie County): It includes seven lakes ranging from five to 37 acres, a trophy bass catch-and-release pond, a fish hatchery, and an education center.
The species available are largemouth bass, bluegill, red-ear sunfish, and channel catfish. Additional amenities include camping (tent and RV) opportunities, an archery range, and covered pavilions.
• Big Lazer Creek PFA(Talbot County): Includes a 195-acre lake. Species: largemouth bass, bluegill, channel catfish, redear sunfish, redbreast sunfish, and crappie. Additional amenities: primitive camping opportunities, canoe/kayak launch, and a firing range.
• Marben Farms PFA (Jasper/ Newton counties): This park includes 20 ponds ranging from one to 95 acres, a wildlife management area, and the Charlie Elliott Education Center. Species include largemouth bass, bluegill, red-ear sunfish, crappie, and channel catfish.
Additional amenities: RV and tent camping opportunities, archery, shotgun and firearm range, visitors center, and covered pavilions.
• Ocmulgee PFA (Bleckley County): This park includes a 106-acre lake. Species include largemouth bass (catch and release), crappie, bluegill, and redear sunfish.
Additional amenities include an archery and Shooting Range (Ocmulgee WMA) and canoe access.
• Dodge County PFA(Dodge County): Includes a 104-acre lake. Species: largemouth bass, bluegill, redear sunfish, channel catfish, and crappie.
Additional amenities: primitive boat-in camping opportunities, group shelter facility, and archery range.
• Evans County PFA (Evans County): It includes three lakes ranging from eight to 84 acres. Species include largemouth bass, crappie, bluegill, red-ear sunfish, brown bullhead, and channel catfish. Additional amenities include camping (tent and RV) opportunities, an event center (with a commercial kitchen), an archery range, a covered pavilion, and a boardwalk nature trail.
• FlatCreek PFA (Houston County): This includes a 102-acre lake. Species include largemouth bass, bluegill, red-ear sunfish, crappie, and channel catfish.
Additional amenities: Pavilion with picnic tables and grills, archery range.
• Hugh M. Gillis PFA (Laurens County): This includes a 109-acre lake. Species include largemouth bass, bluegill, red-ear sunfish, channel catfish, and crappie.
Additional amenities: primitive boat-in camping opportunities.
• Paradise PFA (Berrien & Tift Counties): It includes 60 lakes totaling 525 acres. Species include largemouth bass, bluegill, red-ear sunfish, crappie, and channel catfish. Additional amenities include primitive tent camping opportunities, reserved group camping, and a canoe/kayak trail.
• Silver Lake PFA (Decatur County): This area includes more than 30 lakes and ponds, totaling 537 acres. Species include largemouth bass, bluegill, red-ear sunfish, and channel catfish.
Additional amenities: Panic Pond (trophy bass pond), primitive camping opportunities, geocaching.
From fins to feathers
Let’s add bird watching to our outdoor adventures at Georgia PFAs. With an average of 154 species seen across all 11 PFAs, you are sure to find something to boost your birding life list. And, when you report those sightings through the eBird app, your observations provide great information for biologists and other birders.
Whatever activity you choose to enjoy at a Georgia PFA, be sure you have a valid fishing or hunting license or Lands Pass. You can get a license online at GoOutdoorsGeorgia.com, buy a license by phone at 1-800-366-2661, or visit a licensed vendor (a list of vendors can be found at GoOutdoorsGeorgia.com).
For more information on PFAs in Georgia or for detailed PFA guides and maps, visit georgiawildlife.com/allpfas.