Georgia Public Hunting and Fishing Areas
Georgia's Public Fishing Areas and Wildlife Management Areas are not just for
hunters and fishers! Some offer excellent hiking, boating, and camping
opportunities. These sites are especially important in the Coastal Plain
south of Macon, where there are few State Parks or Federal public areas to
explore. Usually, Public Fishing Areas are better able to accommodate casual visitors than Wildlife Management Areas.
Note: Remember to buy your permit in advance, as they are not
for sale at the site. Through the end of 2011, permits are required for
hunting and fishing. Starting in 2012, permits will also be required for many
other activities. Information on
purchasing new permits.
Caution: Most parts of Wildlife Management Areas are open to hunting much of the year. We recommend you stay away from active hunting areas, unless you are familiar with the hazards and appropriate precautions. Hunting regulations are located at the Wildlife Resources
web site.
Below is a list of sites around Middle Georgia. Information available on the
web is limited, and in many cases the best approach is to telephone the
respective land managers. The latest phone numbers for Wildlife Management Areas are in the Georgia Official Hunting Regulations, a tabloid available for
free at hunting and fishing stores. It is also available on the Web, although
the tabloid format is not very convenient on a computer screen. Some Public
Fishing Areas have good web pages, and these are listed below.
Sites listed alphabetically
This page is just a starting point. Once you decide which sites you might visit, we strongly recommend you contact the owner or manager for the latest information on features, access, and safety.
Return to Middle Georgia Outdoors
This site is just southeast of the city of Eastman. Besides for a 104 acre
lake with shore, boat, and wheelchair fishing access, it features an excellent
nature trail. The trail is one of the better places to experience the
wiregrass prairie that once covered much of the Coastal Plain. The trail also
crosses hardwood bottoms and mixed pine/hardwood
forest. Detailed information.
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Echeconnee Creek forms the boundary between Bibb and Houston Counties. This
small site includes wetlands along the creek. The wetlands also serve as
floodplain for the nearby Ocmulgee River. Maps of the Natural Area.
The Natural Area has a small parking area, but when visited in 2010, the
parking area was closed.
From Warner Robins, travel north on GA 247. Just north of the Echeconnee Creek
bridge, turn right on Feagan Road. Immediately turn right again on Saint Clara
Drive, and the Natural Area will be on the right.
Note: Feagan Road has two intersections with GA 247. If you do not
immediately see Saint Clara Drive, you probably used the northern
intersection. Stay on Feagan Road for about three miles, and Saint Clara Drive
will be on the left.
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Northeast of Jackson Lake, this combination of facilities has twenty
fishing ponds, a primitive camping area, and nature trails. Nature center
has scheduled events for the public and organized groups. Natural
communities include planted pines, granite outcroppings, old fields,
and hardwood forests. Detailed
information.
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This is the site of a planned state park. In the meantime it is available as a
public fishing area. It is west of the city of Perry, and features a
lake. Details
on the public fishing area, including maps.
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The wildlife management area extends along the eastern side of the Ocumulgee
River near Cochran. The public fishing area is about half way between Cochran
and Hawkinsville. There is good river access nearby at Knowles
Landing and Dykes Park. The public
fishing area opened in June 2006 facilities with wheelchair accessible
facilities including picnic tables and restrooms. Although designed for
fishing, the public fishing area should be good for wildlife viewing. Details
on the public fishing area, including maps.
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Lake Juliette was built to provide water to one of the nation's largest coal fired power plants. However, it has also attracted birds such as osprey and grebes. Most access is by road, but there is a short, interpreted nature trail next to the office.
The site has good access via Interstate 75. To reach the management area
office, take the State Route 18 exit eastward. To get to the campground, boat
ramp, and picnic areas, continue east on State Route 18 and turn left (north)
on US 23. WMA map
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This page is just a starting point. Once you decide which sites you might visit, we strongly recommend you contact the owner or manager for the latest information on features, access, and safety.
Return to Middle Georgia Outdoors
David Farrier, farrier@iglou.com
Last edited 9 July 2011.