Georgia Public Fishing Areas are Perfect Family Areas

By Georgia DNR, Wildlife Resources Division

Published: August 14, 2009

Visiting one of Georgia’s ten public fishing areas with the family is a great in-state way to entertain both the kids and adults this summer. PFAs offer a variety of outdoor adventures, and many are just a short drive from home. Fit in a weekend of quality bass, bream, crappie and catfish fishing in addition to hiking, bird watching, picnicking and camping. The Wildlife Resources Division manages these areas, which serve as host sites for a number of kids fishing events and other activities scheduled throughout the year.

“Located throughout the state and within a reasonable drive for most residents, public fishing areas are the perfect inexpensive outdoors summer activity,” says Fisheries Management Chief John Biagi. “Fishing is the main attraction, but Georgia’s PFAs also offer other family-friendly activities.”

Waters on PFAs vary from lakes several hundred acres in size to ponds less than one acre – some are designated as kids-only fishing ponds. Anglers can fish from a boat, along the shoreline or from a pier at most locations. Many areas have picnic tables, nature and wildlife observation trails, fish cleaning stations and restroom facilities. Some offer primitive campsites for those wishing to stay overnight on the area, and many facilities are accessible to persons with disabilities.

Make plans to visit one of the following PFAs today:

Flat Creek PFA (478-825-6151): Located near Perry, this is the newest Georgia PFA (opened June 2009).  This area offers a 108-acre lake with plenty of catfish, bass and bluegill for anglers. 

Rocky Mountain PFA (706-802-5087):  Located 16 miles north of Rome on 5,000 acres in Floyd County. Offers two lakes totaling 559 acres. Species:  largemouth bass, bluegill and redear sunfish, channel catfish, crappie and hybrid striped bass.

McDuffie County PFA (706-595-1684):  Located eight miles east of Thomson on 570 acres in Georgia’s upper coastal plain. Includes 13 ponds ranging from one to 30 acres, a fish hatchery and an education center. Species:  largemouth bass, bluegill, redear sunfish and channel catfish.

Big Lazer Creek PFA (706-845-4180):  Located ten miles east of Talbotton in west central Georgia. Includes a 195-acre lake. Species:  bluegill, channel catfish, crappie and largemouth bass.

Marben Farms PFA (770-784-3059):  Offers 6,400 acres in central Georgia, three miles south of Mansfield in Jasper and Newton counties. Includes 22 ponds ranging from one to 95 acres, a wildlife management area and an education center. Species:  largemouth bass, bluegill, redear sunfish, crappie and channel catfish.

Dodge County PFA (478-374-6765):  Located on 444 acres in Georgia’s middle coastal plain, four miles southeast of Eastman. Includes a 104-acre lake. Species:  largemouth bass, bluegill, redear sunfish, channel catfish and crappie.

Evans County PFA (912-739-1139):  Located on 372 acres, nine miles east of Claxton. Includes three lakes ranging from eight to 84 acres. Species:  crappie, largemouth bass, bluegill and catfish.

Hugh M. Gillis PFA (478-296-6192):  Located on 640 acres in Laurens County, 12 miles east of Dublin. Includes a 109-acre lake. Species:  largemouth bass, bluegill, redear sunfish, channel catfish and crappie.

Paradise PFA (229-533-4792):  Located in south central Georgia, eight miles east of Tifton on 1,250 acres. Includes 60 lakes totaling 525 acres. Species:  largemouth bass, sunfish, crappie and channel catfish.

Ocmulgee PFA (478-783-2557):  Nestled within the boundaries of the Ocmulgee wildlife management area, eight miles north of Cochran in Bleckley County. Offers a 106-acre lake. Species:  largemouth bass, crappie, bluegill, redear sunfish and channel catfish.

Anglers between the ages of 16 and 65 must possess a Georgia recreational fishing license and wildlife management area (WMA) license to fish on PFAs. A three-day hunting and fishing combo license, annual sportsman’s license or a lifetime license will serve in lieu of a WMA license on a PFA.

Take Me Fishing™ A recent national survey indicated that 87 percent of Americans believe fishing and boating have a positive effect on family relationships. So take your family fishing and you will always have something in common. 

For more information on PFAs in Georgia or for detailed PFA guides and maps, visit http://www.gofishgeorgia.com .
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