PFA Fishing Reports – June 2007

Public Fishing Area Reports

Marben PFA: Levels: Most of the ponds are down slightly due to the drought. Clarity: 18 to 26 inches. Most of the ponds have developed fertilizer blooms to some extent. Temp: 77 to 80 degrees.

Bass: Early morning and late evening have been the best times to fish since the weather has warmed up, and this trend will continue through the remainder of the summer. Pumpkinseed and watermelon plastic worms fished adjacent to drop-offs and channels have produced several bass in the 8- to 10-lb. range. Bennett Lake continues to produce the largest bass, although Fox Lake is also a good bet.

Crappie: Crappie fishing has slowed down as the water has warmed up. Some continue to be caught around the fish attractor in Margery Lake.
Bream: Bluegill and shellcracker have been biting well in all the lakes. Most are caught on the bottom with red wigglers or wax worms, although anglers with fly tackle have been catching a few adjacent to floating vegetation. Fox Lake and Lower Raleigh have been producing some nice bream the last two or three weeks.

Note: Greenhouse and Crossroads ponds have reopened. Check the regs at the sign-in station.

Paradise PFA: Levels: Most lakes have dropped 2 to 3 feet below full pool. Temp: 78 degrees. Clarity: Lightly stained; 24 inches of visibility on Lake Patrick.

Bass: Fair. Bass are hitting buzzbaits and topwater lures early. Concentrate on shallows and along weed lines. Primrose mats have begun growing out from the shoreline and are providing excellent cover for smaller bream and other forage. Bass have been schooling along these weed lines, feeding on the baitfish.

Catfish: Slow. Lakes Horseshoe 1, Tacklebuster and Beaver have given up a few catfish, although fishing has been slow. Most anglers are using liver and mullet gut. Late June has been good in the past using the big Catawba worms for bait. Check the Catalpa trees along the entrance road for worms, and please only take what you need.

Bream: Good. Red wigglers and crickets are the most common baits, but when available, Catawba worms really work well. Good bank access to bream beds can be found on most lakes at Paradise. Lake Bobben and Lake Patrick normally produce hand-sized bluegill during June.

Note: The Tifton Kiwanis Kids Fishing Event will be held at Paradise PFA on June 9. The event starts at 7:30 a.m. Contact the Paradise PFA office at (229) 533-4792 for more information.