Fishing Lake Tugalo

AKA: Tugalo Reservoir

Popular Fish Species
Lake Tugalo Fishing Video
Available Fish Species
Amenities
Today's Weather & Forecast
Boat Launch Ramps
Local Fishing Guides
Fishing License
Campgrounds & RV Parks
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Lake Tugalo, GA

Popular Fish Species Lake Tugalo, GA

Lake Tugalo Popular Fish - Largemouth Bass

Largemouth Bass Fishing

Lake Tugalo is a popular bass tournament lake. Tugaloo State Park regularly host's some of the more prominent fishing tournaments in the area. Additionally, there is plenty of areas for fishing from the bank. Weekend and tournament anglers find the fishing to be slow at times, yet pretty good at other times. Fishing for bass can be quite rewarding, with an occasional bass over 4 pounds being caught. Anglers can also catch spotted bass, which reside here in decent numbers. Bass often move shallow and become aggressive when they are in a feeding mood. Use shallow crankbaits around rip rap. Around grass, use worms, jigs, topwater and spinnerbaits. In deeper water, drop shot rigs, big worms, jigs and spoons are good options. In winter, spend your time fishing deeper structure where the bass spend much of their time.

Lake Tugalo Popular Fish - Channel Catfish

Channel Catfish Fishing

To fish for catfish on Lake Tugalo, most any rod and reel will work, as long as the line is strong enough. For serious catfish enthusiasts, using the right equipment improves success. A medium action, to medium-heavy action rod is ideal, in the 6' to 7' range. Use a slip sinker or Carolina rig with popular catfish baits on at least 10-pound line. Use sharp hooks with bait holders on the shank, or circle hooks for live bait. Lake Tugalo has a decent population of channel catfish, and they are eager to bite. The typical fish are about 2 pounds, with larger ones caught frequently. The state record channel catfish is over 44 pounds. Night fishing for catfish often delivers better results than daytime fishing. Fishing for channel catfish is often most productive around any kind of structure in the area. In Spring channel catfish migrate toward incoming water, so stay up river away from the main lake. In early summer look for rocky banks, the bigger the rocks the better. In summer and winter deeper structure is where to look. The river end of the lake is often the area where the bigger catfish are caught. Road beds, creek channels and rocky points are all good places to begin.

Striped Bass Fishing

Due to their large size, striped bass are a favorite of many locals and fishing guides at Lake Tugalo. The state record striper weighed over 60 pounds. They are plentiful, run in schools and can grow to bragging size. In Spring and Fall work the upper end of the lake where water is flowing into the lake. Look for deeper water in the river channel, as a holding place for stripers. In Summer and Winter, stripers hang out in deeper water during the day Morning often draws the stripers to much shallower water, look for them from the surface down to around the 20-foot range as they feed on shallow-running schools of bait. The lake is filled with plenty of baitfish and sunfish to to keep the fishery thriving. Being successful at fishing for stripers is a matter of locating schools of bait, and the wolf packs of stripers which are likely to be nearby. Fish finders, and forward facing sonar, are a big help in locating these roaming schools. Live bait is very effective here, and stripers can be caught year round.

Fish species to fish for...

Guide to fishing for largemouth bass, spotted bass, channel catfish, black crappie, walleye, bluegill, green sunfish, redbreast sunfish, redear sunfish, rock bass, spotted sunfish, warmouth, white bass and yellow perch at Lake Tugalo in Georgia.

Lake Tugalo Fishing Video

Nestled downstream of the Tallulah Gorge, on the Chattooga River, Lake Tugalo is a 597-acre lake in the northeast corner of the state, just east of Tallulah Falls. While there are nearly 20 miles of fishy-looking shoreline, access to much of the Georgia shore is unavailable without hiking.

Lake Tugalo, situated on the border between Georgia and South Carolina, is a scenic reservoir that offers excellent fishing opportunities for anglers. The lake is known for its diverse fish species and serene natural beauty, attracting both locals and visitors alike.

Bass fishing enthusiasts will find Lake Tugalo to be a rewarding destination. Largemouth bass and spotted bass inhabit the lake's clear waters, providing thrilling angling experiences. The best times to target bass in Lake Tugalo are during the spring and fall when the water temperatures are ideal. Anglers can employ various techniques such as casting topwater lures, working plastic worms, or using crankbaits to entice these feisty predators.

Walleye, another sought-after species, can also be found in Lake Tugalo. These elusive fish are known for their delicious taste and challenging fight. Early mornings and evenings are prime times to target walleye, and anglers often use live bait such as nightcrawlers or minnows, as well as jigs or crankbaits to attract these prized fish.

Channel catfish are plentiful in Lake Tugalo. Anglers can enjoy successful catfishing using a variety of techniques and baits such as chicken liver, cut bait, or stinkbaits. Night fishing can be particularly productive for catching catfish.

Crappie, sunfish, and yellow perch are also popular catches in Lake Tugalo. These panfish species can be found near submerged structures and brush piles, especially during the cooler months. Anglers can target them using small jigs, live minnows, or small spinners.

Lake Tugalo in Georgia offers a variety of fishing opportunities for bass, walleye, catfish, crappie, sunfish, and yellow perch. With its picturesque surroundings, boating options, and camping facilities, Lake Tugalo is an inviting destination for anglers and nature lovers seeking a memorable fishing experience in Georgia.

The remoteness of the area makes for a great outdoor experience while boating, sightseeing or fishing. The Lake Tugalo Stone Place Boat Ramp allows for launch of boats with 25 horsepower or less. Popular fish species here are bass, walleye and sunfish. Also residing in the lake are catfish, crappie, yellow perch and white bass. No matter your choice, all species here thrive in good numbers and size. There is no marina or rental boats, but most everything else you might need is within 15 minutes of the lake.

Primary fish species residing in Lake Tugalo

Click images for fishing tips and details about each species.

Lake Tugalo Amenities

Marina: NO
Boat Rental: NO
Boat Launch Ramp: YES
Campgrounds: NEARBY
RV Hookups: NEARBY
Lodging: NEARBY
Convenience Store: NEARBY
Bait & Tackle: NEARBY
Restaurant: NEARBY

Today's Weather & Forecast

Boating is a popular activity on Lake Tugalo, with opportunities for both motorized and non-motorized watercraft. Anglers can explore the lake's scenic coves, rocky shorelines, and hidden fishing spots by boat, allowing them to access prime fishing areas. It's important to be mindful of boating regulations and ensure boating safety measures are followed.

Public Boat Launch Ramps & Landings

Stone Place Boat Launch Ramp
Located mid lake, on the north side of the lake, off Stoneplace Road, this is a one-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and gravel parking.

Fishing Guides On Lake Tugalo

If you offer fishing guide services on this lake, please contact us for a free listing, to be posted here.

Fishing License

Click here for a Georgia Fishing License.

Camping facilities are available near Lake Tugalo, providing anglers and outdoor enthusiasts the chance to extend their fishing trip and immerse themselves in nature. Whether you prefer tent camping or RV camping, there are campsites with amenities like picnic areas, restrooms, and access to the lake.

Campgrounds & RV Parks Nearby

Terrora Campground - 706-754-7979

Windy Sky RV & Cabin Rentals - 706-426-3062