Newnans Lake

Water levels in Newnans Lake have been declining throughout the fall, but rain from recent cold fronts should help stabilize them and get the creeks flowing. 2024 was a record year for catching Black Crappie (specks) on Newnans Lake, Crappie fisheries typically “boom”, then “bust”, so in 2025 there may not be as many to catch, but they should be large in size and we should see another boom in 3 years with good conditions. Anglers targeting crappie may want to fish closer to shore in the bullrush or near the trees this spring as the fish move up to spawn. The pads on the north and east sides of the lake are known to offer up some great catches. Try using minnows, grass shrimp, and artificial jigs. The full moons of February and March usually produce memorable fishing trips. Anglers should be aware of tagged Black Crappie with rewards. If you catch a tagged crappie, call the number below to receive information on how to claim your reward. There have also been reports of great panfish catches as well (Bluegill/Redear Sunfish). If you are interested in bass fishing, FWC has stocked almost one million Florida Bass around Newnans Lake from 2019-2021. After a big rain, try near the creeks on the North or South sides of the lake where the bass often feed on shad. If water levels are high, try fishing up in the flooded cypress trees. Offshore patches of pads usually hold one or two nice sized bass as well. FWC biologists captured numerous bass over eight pounds while sampling at Newnans Lake over the last couple years, with the biggest one weighing 11.7 pounds! There are still monster bass out there waiting to peel some drag.

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 a fish attractor at Newnans Lake, visit the FWC Fish Attractor webpage for location.