Hard Labor Creek State Park - Lake Rutledge

Well, we're hoping to move into our rental home this weekend. Won't be any fishing for quite a while until things calm down at the new job but once they do, it appears that Lake Rutledge at Hard Labor Creek State Park and Cornish Creek Reservoir will be the closest locations.

Anyone fish them? Are they worth the time versus hauling a boat to Oconee? I like fishing smaller, less crowded water anyways.

ekem22, welcome to our state and this site. be patience you will get some answers and info. the guys are sleeping or else gone fishing. again welcome. Jimmy S.

ekim22,

I'm the Park Manager at Hard Labor Creek and also an avid fishermen. Lake Rutledge is a challenging fishery, and is very reactive to pressure, temperature, and water clarity. Largemouth bass and crappie are the most sought out fish in the lake. If you're looking for a less crowded lake I would highly recommend visiting during the week. For the best luck plan your visit after a few days of steady barometric pressure and relatively clear weather. Due to the high amount of silt in this lake water clarity is greatly affected by rainfall, although minor stain can be beneficial. I do recommend this lake, and if you come on Wednesday's the parking is free. Otherwise the cost is $5.00 per vehicle. We also work with the fisheries unit of the Georgia DNR to help manage this fishery. I have no personal experience with Cornish Creek, so hopefully others will chime in on that one. I hope this info helps, and welcome to the community!

thanks for the post ParkManDan for the information .haven`t her of ittill the post started . looked it up on the net looks like a nice lake .may git to visit it one day .keep the site posted on the fishing up there .

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Originally Posted by ParkManDan

ekim22,

I'm the Park Manager at Hard Labor Creek and also an avid fishermen. Lake Rutledge is a challenging fishery, and is very reactive to pressure, temperature, and water clarity. Largemouth bass and crappie are the most sought out fish in the lake. If you're looking for a less crowded lake I would highly recommend visiting during the week. For the best luck plan your visit after a few days of steady barometric pressure and relatively clear weather. Due to the high amount of silt in this lake water clarity is greatly affected by rainfall, although minor stain can be beneficial. I do recommend this lake, and if you come on Wednesday's the parking is free. Otherwise the cost is $5.00 per vehicle. We also work with the fisheries unit of the Georgia DNR to help manage this fishery. I have no personal experience with Cornish Creek, so hopefully others will chime in on that one. I hope this info helps, and welcome to the community!

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Thanks for the info Dan! I am busy opening the new General Mills facility just up the road in Social Circle.....our go-live is in the next two weeks.

It'll take a while before I have some quiet time to sneak away for a fishing trip but it's good to know that you're around if I have questions about the lake.

I drove by the park last week - been living out of the Hampton Inn in Covington for the past 3 weeks. Back in Va for the Memorial day weekend then back down there for 2 more weeks of hotel living before we hopefully move into a rental home in Social Circle......going to take our time and survey the landscape before we purchase a home down there.

Glad to have you here. Welcome to GEORGIA.

Secondary question - any fish in the Yellow River around Walton & Newton county?

I realize it's not crappie water but looks like it might have small mouth or LM bass in it?