Bait for Trout Fishing in Georgia

Several baits are effective for trout fishing in Georgia.

Georgia offers anglers opportunities to catch stocked and wild trout. The mountain regions have cold streams and wild trout, and many of the valley areas have stocked ponds and rivers. Some of the trout waters in Georgia have special regulations and allow only artificial flies and lures. Some of the waters also have restrictions on live bait.

Herring

Blueback herring are found in several Georgia lakes, and large trout will feed heavily on the baitfish. According to Georgia Sportsman Magazine, using live herring as bait is one of the most effective techniques in Lake Burton. Anglers can run a size 2 hook through the mouth of the herring and add split shot above the bait. Swim and jig the herring through shallow flats and depth-change areas where schools of herring are visible on a fish finder.

Worms and Power bait

Worms are a favorite bait for trout anglers throughout the United States and Canada. Night crawlers are a top producer in Georgia, but garden-variety worms are also effective. In small streams, anglers should cut the worm in half and fish it with 2 split shot. Lake anglers can use a full night crawler and fish it with split shot on the bottom or beneath a float. Power bait is useful and is designed to attract trout through scent and color. The bait is especially effective for stocked trout because it imitates the shape and smell of fish hatchery food. Rainbow, orange and chartreuse are all effective, and power bait with built-in trout scent is a top choice. Fish the power bait by adding split shot to bounce it on the bottom or fish it beneath a float.

Salmon Eggs

Salmon eggs are effective for trout year-round but the spring and fall are prime seasons for using the eggs in Georgia. Anglers can have success using the eggs in waters with rainbow trout in the spring and waters with brown trout in the fall. This corresponds with the spawning seasons of the fish. Use split shot to sink the eggs in the stream and bounce them on the bottom or fish them beneath a float in still waters.

Water Color

Water color is important when deciding which bait to use in Georgia. The clear mountain streams and lakes have high visibility and anglers will have success with bright colors. White, pink, red and chartreuse are all top choices in the clear waters. Although trout thrive in the clear waters, they can survive in muddy lakes and streams if the water temperature is below 70 degrees Fahrenheit. In muddy waters, use darker colors that are visible to the fish. Black and blue are top choices, and added contrast with a lighter color will make the bait stand out against different backgrounds. Power bait has the largest range of colors available, making it a top choice for a variety of waters.

Seasons

The season has an impact on bait choice. The spring season in Georgia is wet, and rising water levels will erode banks. Worms are a top choice and are available in large numbers as a result of the erosion. The summer is a general season and the trout will eat a large variety of bait. Late summer and fall are productive with drowned grasshoppers fished near the banks.

Restrictions

The Georgia fishing regulations are updated regularly and anglers must read and understand the laws before going fishing. As general restrictions, only bait fishing with herring is allowed in Lakes Juliette, Lanier, Chatuge and Nottely. Herring is also limited to the Altamaha River system and rivers that feed directly into the Atlantic Ocean. Trout anglers are also limited to one fishing pole and must use a line and reel. Snagging trout is illegal and the general limits allow anglers to keep a combination of eight brown, rainbow and brook trout.

Expert Insight

Bait fishing is an effective method of catching trout in Georgia but it is restricted from several quality fisheries. Carry several lures and flies in addition to bait on each fishing trip. Spoons, spinners, dry flies, nymphs and streamers are all effective in Georgia waters.

References

• AA-Fishing: Georgia Trout Fishing
• Georgia Sportsman Magazine: Trout Fishing in Georgia
• Georgia Outdoors: Trout Fishing
• Georgia Wildlife: Fishing Regulations