Newnans Lake

If water levels rise, that usually means good things for black crappie (speck) fishing. The crappie bite should start to pick up as temperatures cool, with anglers catching them while trolling or drifting minnows and jigs in open water and moving into the pads later in winter. You might just get onto some big bluegill or redear sunfish (shellcracker) in the pads, typically caught with grass shrimp or crickets under a cork. Anglers should keep a lookout for tagged crappie; there is a reward for submitting the tag. If you catch a tagged crappie, keep the tag, and call the number below to receive information on how to claim your reward.

If you are interested in bass fishing, FWC stocked almost one million Florida bass around Newnans Lake from 2019 to 2021, and these bass should be getting big. While there are not many, bass in Newnans Lake tend to be fat for their size. After a big rain, try getting up into some flowing water at one of the creeks on the North or South sides of the lake, and you may find bass feeding on shad. FWC biologists also usually see plenty of nice bass in the offshore pads this time of year in the North and East sides of the lake. Try targeting bass around plants with soft plastics, spinnerbaits, crankbaits, and topwater baits. If you catch a bass over 8 lbs., take a photo showing the entire fish on a scale with the weight clearly visible, release the fish, and submit it to the TrophyCatch program for a chance to win prizes! For information on best handling practices to help ensure large bass survive after release, see the TrophyCare page.

Steve Beck, FWC fisheries biologist: 352-415-6958

For more information on FWC management activities at Newnans Lake, visit the Orange Creek Basin Working Group webpage.

FWC maintains fish attractors at Newnans Lake, visit the FWC Fish Attractor webpage for locations.