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Walleye

Walleye

Walleye in Georgia represent the southernmost extent of the species' North American range, making them a unique angling opportunity.

These coolwater predatory fish are native to the Tennessee River and Coosa River Valley systems in northeast Georgia and northwest Georgia.

What to know

Habitat Distribution

  • Native to the Tennessee River and Coosa River Valley systems in northeast and northwest Georgia.

Key Locations

  • Native to northeast Georgia (Fannin, Union, and Towns counties) and northwest Georgia (Dade, Walker, and Catoosa counties).
  • Historic rivers like the Coosawattee, Conasauga, Etowah, Oostanaula, Toccoa, Nottely, and Hiwasee.
  • Eleven North Georgia lakes including Seed, Rabun, Tugalo, Yonah, Hartwell, Chatuge, Blue Ridge, Lanier, Carters Lake, and two Rocky Mountain Public Fishing Area lakes.
  • Best fishing lakes include Tugalo and Yonah for year-round action, with Rabun, Seed, and Blue Ridge offering excellent seasonal opportunities.

Specific Spots

  • Target shallow rocky areas in headwaters during spring.
  • Summer requires targeting deeper waters on the lower half of lakes at 15-25 feet early summer, progressing to 30-50 feet by summer's end around points, coves, brush piles, and bottom structures.
  • Fall fishing around points and flats on the lower third of reservoirs.
  • Rocky shoal areas below dams at Burton, Seed, Tugalo, and Yonah provide bank access.

Walleye FAQ

Answers from onWater's species guide.

What are the best lures and bait for Walleye in Georgia?

3/8-ounce jigs tipped with live minnows, nightcrawlers, or plastic grubs. Nightcrawlers, weighted bottom bouncers with in-line spinners tipped with nightcrawlers or blueback herring, deep-diving crankbaits in perch, fire tiger, and shad patterns.

When is the best time to fish for Walleye in Georgia?

Prime walleye fishing in Georgia occurs during late spring through fall, with excellent opportunities from March through early April during evening 'golden hour' periods just before and after sunset. Summer fishing (May-September) requires targeting deeper waters.

How do you catch Walleye in Georgia?

Using 3/8-ounce jigs with slow, steady retrieves across rocky structure. Summer presentations include nightcrawlers worked slowly along bottom structure, weighted bottom bouncers with in-line spinners, and deep-diving crankbaits. Vertical jigs with spoons for deeper water.

What do Walleye eat?

They are primarily piscivorous, feeding on blueback herring, shad, yellow perch, sunfish, crayfish, and minnows.

Where do Walleye live in Georgia?

Native to the Tennessee River and Coosa River Valley systems in northeast and northwest Georgia.

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