UTERBlue catfish fishing in Georgia freshwater
In Georgia freshwater, blue catfish peak October–June and are around year-round, spawning in May–June, according to Fish Scouter's month-by-month season calendar. March: Altamaha and the Ocmulgee — invasive blues, keep them.
No note for October — see the months around it.
Blue catfish in Georgia freshwater, month by month
- JanuaryPeak
- FebruaryPeak
- MarchPeakAltamaha and the Ocmulgee — invasive blues, keep them.
- AprilPeak
- MaySpawning
- JuneSpawning
- JulyAround
- AugustAround
- SeptemberAround
- OctoberPeak
- NovemberPeak
- DecemberPeak
Where to fish blue catfish near Lake Lanier, Lake Seminole, West Point Lake
Spotted-bass and striper highland reservoirs north of Atlanta, the Flint's shoal bass, Seminole's grass bass, blackwater rivers full of redbreast, and the trout of the Chattahoochee and the mountains.
What to use for blue catfish
- NightcrawlersWhole on a #6 to #2 hook under a bobber or on a bottom rig; threaded on a spinner harness drifted for walleye. The bait that catches everything in fresh water.
- Minnows (fatheads, shiners)Hooked lightly through the lips or behind the dorsal on a #6 to #2 hook under a slip bobber for crappie, perch and walleye; a big golden shiner on a 2/0 to 4/0 for largemouth, pike and stripers.
- Leader10–20 lb fluorocarbon
- Hook#2–3/0
- Jig head1/8–1/2 oz
- Braid10–30 lb
Feeds in 40–90°F water, best at 55–80°F.
Questions anglers ask
When is the best time to catch blue catfish in Georgia freshwater?
Peak season is October–June, with fish spawning in May–June (often a closed or catch-and-release window — check the rule). Blue catfish are here year-round. March: Altamaha and the Ocmulgee — invasive blues, keep them.
Where do blue catfish hold in Georgia freshwater?
Look on river, reservoir, lake, bridge — around Lake Lanier, Lake Seminole, West Point Lake, Lake Allatoona, Flint River, Altamaha River.
What is the best bait for blue catfish in Georgia freshwater?
Live bait: nightcrawlers, minnows (fatheads, shiners). Nightcrawlers: Whole on a #6 to #2 hook under a bobber or on a bottom rig; threaded on a spinner harness drifted for walleye. The bait that catches everything in fresh water. Tackle: leader 10–20 lb fluorocarbon, hook #2–3/0, jig head 1/8–1/2 oz, braid 10–30 lb.
What are the rules for blue catfish in Georgia freshwater?
Size and bag limits and closed seasons are set by the Georgia Department of Natural Resources (Georgia DNR) and change — read the current rule at https://georgiawildlife.com/regulations before you keep a fish. A licence is sold at https://georgiawildlife.com/licenses-permits-passes.
Fish it with the tide in your pocket
Fish Scouter scores blue catfish for this hour on this water, draws every reef, wreck and access point near you, and keeps your spots. $9.99 a month, 14 days free.
Start 14 free daysMore
All about blue catfish · Georgia fresh water, the whole year