South Georgia- Douglas/Homerville Area

[skiff89_jr]

Wondering if any of you guys on the forum are familiar with any of the waters listed below:

Okefenokee Swamp
Suwannee River
Alapaha River
Altamaha River
Banks Lake
Lake Verne

I'm gonna be interning up in Douglas, GA for the summer and staying in Homerville, GA which is only about 30 minutes from most of the places listed above. I'm gonna be taking my boat up there and exploring these places but wanted to know if anyone had any insight on these waters.

Thanks- Skiff

[papasage]

don`t know anything about those places . ben to Okefenokee Swamp [Billys lake ] one time . was born in Homerville but was raised in Fitzgerald .maybe some one in here will chime in .

[Specklocker]

Everything is high right now. The Altamaha is currently at 11.3 feet at Doctortown but falling fast. Needs to get down to around 7 for prime conditions. It has crappie, blugill, shellies, cats and some striper. There are ramps at several locations. Jaycee Landing in Jesup/Doctortown. really nice people at the bait shop. No ramp fee. Upper County, Morgan Lake to name a few. I'm no pro here but I understand the key to this river is to find the 'oxbow' lakes off the river. I don't have one but jon boats are the flavor around here. Not familiar with the upper part. The Okeefenokee was closed to fishing about a month ago. The Satilla doesn't look as high now. Never fished it but I hear the 'gils are awesome there. I think there is a ramp on Hwy 121. I think your timing will be perfect. Not much fishing has been done around here because of the water levels. Be blessed and post some pics when you find em. Welcome to the area!

[crappielimits]

Banks Lake has great bluegill fishing, nice bass and specks. It can be tough, overcast days are better. I like being there at daylight and being gone an hour or so after the sun gets high. I recommend a smaller boat and GPS to navigate through the trees and pads. I like to pitch crickets. You will get lost and need to be prepared to put your boat in the stuff to catch fish. This place is beautiful and you will usually have an area to yourself, the fish and God.

The Swamp is similar, great bream fishing. Bring small boat, crickets, GPS , and beetle spin.

Suwannee has awesome red belly fishing. Same gear, possibly a smaller boat than other two places.

[skiff89_jr]

Thanks for your insight fellas.

I fish off an 84 16ft aluminum bass tracker with a 40 johnson so I think I can maneuver the "skinny water" on it.

The Altamaha sparks the most interest because I love flathead fishing and that's what that river is known for. But it is also the farthest from Homerville. I guess a few trips will be manageable though.

Keep an eye out for some reports. I will be wetting a hook every chance I get.

[jones5420]

Thanks for your insight fellas.

I fish off an 84 16ft aluminum bass tracker with a 40 johnson so I think I can maneuver the "skinny water" on it.

The Altamaha sparks the most interest because I love flathead fishing and that's what that river is known for. But it is also the farthest from Homerville. I guess a few trips will be manageable though.

Keep an eye out for some reports. I will be wetting a hook every chance I get.

The Okefenokee has a 10 HP. limit. We fish it several times a year. Warmouth, Jack, and fliers (small bream) are the main targets. Warmouth is our main target. Use crawfish and big red worms. We normally fish there in June or late May. Mainly fish the sill and Billy's Lake at Fargo. You can use your electric motor and keep your large motor tilted. We generally do very well there.