Last updated: April 5, 2026 | Bear Creek Marina, Mansfield, GA
Spring bass fishing on Jackson Lake in central Georgia peaks from late March through early June, with prespawn bass moving into shallow coves in 55–65°F water and postspawn fish relating to main-lake points by mid-May. Bear Creek Marina sits at the lake’s north end in Mansfield, GA (Jasper County), about one hour southeast of Atlanta, and offers public boat launch access, dry boat storage, kayak rentals, and a lakeside restaurant for anglers starting or ending their day. Below is a concrete 2026 guide to where the fish are biting, what baits work this season, and how to plan a productive day from the marina.
What fish are biting on Jackson Lake right now?
Largemouth bass and spotted bass dominate the April 2026 catch reports from Jackson Lake. Crappie is also strong in brush piles 8–14 feet deep, hybrid stripers are schooling near the dam and Tussahaw Creek mouth, and channel catfish are active on cut bait along flats at night.
- Largemouth bass: 2–5 lb average, schooling on secondary points, hitting jigs and square-bill crankbaits
- Spotted bass: 1–3 lb, holding tight to rocky main-lake points
- Crappie: 0.5–1.5 lb, suspended on brush in 8–14 ft of water
- Hybrid striper: schooling activity near dam, Alabama rig and swimbaits working
- Channel catfish: flats at night, cut shad
Where are the best spring bass fishing spots on Jackson Lake?
The most productive spring bass areas on Jackson Lake are the Tussahaw Creek arm, the South River arm, the Alcovy River arm, and the rocky points near the dam. In April, prespawn largemouth stage on the first secondary points inside these creek arms in 6–10 feet of water before moving shallow to spawn.
Top spots from Bear Creek Marina (listed by proximity):
- Tussahaw Creek mouth — 10 minutes by boat; secondary points and laydowns
- North End Flats near Bear Creek — protected pockets ideal for spawning bass
- Alcovy River arm — stained water, good for reaction baits
- South River arm — clearer water, finesse tactics
- Lloyd Shoals Dam points — main-lake rock, spotted bass hold here year-round
What baits and lures work best on Jackson Lake in April?
In April 2026, the most productive Jackson Lake bass baits are 1/2 oz black/blue jigs with craw trailers, 3/8 oz white spinnerbaits, shad-pattern square-bill crankbaits (Rapala DT-6, Strike King 1.5), Carolina-rigged Zoom Trick Worms in green pumpkin, and wacky-rigged Senkos in watermelon-red. Water temperature is the key variable: at 55–62°F focus on reaction baits near staging areas; above 65°F, switch to soft plastics and topwater early and late.
When does Bear Creek Marina open for launches?
Bear Creek Marina’s boat ramp and gas dock are open daily during spring hours. The restaurant and bar open at 11:00 AM with lakeside dining and live entertainment on weekends. Dry boat storage is available short-term and long-term for boats of all sizes, and kayak rentals are available for non-motorized lake exploration.
Call ahead for current hours: (770) 787-9621
How do I get to Bear Creek Marina from Atlanta?
Bear Creek Marina is located in Mansfield, Georgia (Jasper County), approximately 55 miles southeast of Atlanta via I-20 East to exit 98 (GA-11), then south through Covington. Total drive time from downtown Atlanta is about 1 hour, and from Covington the marina is roughly 20 minutes south. Jackson Lake is one of the oldest reservoirs in the state of Georgia, and Bear Creek sits on its north shore with direct access to the main lake body and the Tussahaw Creek arm.
What should I bring for a spring fishing day on Jackson Lake?
- Georgia fishing license (required ages 16+, available online from Georgia DNR)
- PFD for every person onboard (Georgia law)
- Layered clothing — April temps range from low 50s to mid 70s
- Rain jacket — spring storms common
- Polarized sunglasses for sight-fishing spawning bass
- Cooler for drinks and any fish you keep (Jackson Lake has a 5-bass limit, 12-inch minimum on largemouth)
Plan Your Jackson Lake Fishing Trip From Bear Creek Marina
Bear Creek Marina is the north-end launch point for Jackson Lake bass fishing in Georgia. Call (770) 787-9621 to reserve dry boat storage or a kayak, or stop by the restaurant after your day on the water for handcrafted burgers, fresh catch, and live music. Life is better at the lake — especially during spring bass season.
Sources: Georgia DNR Wildlife Resources Division (fishing regulations, license info), Jackson Lake Association (jlaga.org), and on-site observations at Bear Creek Marina, April 2026.
