|
Boating and associated water sports are vigorously pursued on Lake Jackson. Boats from all over the region have been trailered in and launched from one of the marinas. Although the main lake pool provides the most space for boating It is not unusual to see variations of skiing such as boat-towed large innertubes, etc. Navigation of the upper rivers requires some caution, as the currents create shallow areas and large sandbars in the channels. Most of the marinas can provide tips about their local area, and any obstacles to boat operation.  |
Gas for your boat The following Marinas have boat gas:
Georgia Boating Rules, as they apply to Lake Jackson: "No wake" buoys are strickly enforced. In addition, the state has a 100 foot law, which states that a person cannot operate a vessel faster than idle speed if they are closer than 100 feet from objects in the water, including the shoreline adjacent to part-time or full-time residencies. There is no size limit on a boat or vessel operating on Lake Jackson. However, there is a restriction on GA's smaller lakes (including Jackson) that no vessel can operate on Lake Jackson if it has a galley, a marine toilet, or sleeping quarters (GA Code 52-7-13-D). If you are buying a boat to use on Lake Jackson, be careful not to buy an unusable boat for these waters. This includes all houseboats, many sailboats, and boats with a cutty cabin! Boats may not have a Gally or Head Another law to be aware of is not to operate PWC's (Jet Skis), or use water skis, after sunset. Sunset is usually considered to be approx. 30 minutes before dark. Sunset times of day can be found in newspapers, televised news, or on many GPS (Global Positioning Systems) units. |
|
The best place to camp (RV or tent) is at Factory Shoals Recreation Area (Newton Factory Shoals Rd., off Hwy. 36). Located on the Alcovy River, this is a scenic and wooded spot next to some of the most attractive river frontage (rocks and rapids) in the area. Because it is so shallow, navigation by any boat, other than a canoe, is not possible. For information, telephone Newton County Government at (770)784-2000 and request information on your specific area of interest. Another area that is public use, is Lloyd Shoals, down at the dam, and is controlled by GA Power Co. They may not allow camping there but they say: "Reservations are available for the current season. Picnic pavilions, particularly those for large groups, may require reservations. You can get information or reservations for any Georgia Power park by calling the park directly or by simply calling this toll-free number": 1-888-GPC-LAKE (1-888-472-5253) You might also try the FFA-FHA camp. This is a controlled camp, and you would have to ask what their policy is. 770-786-6926 Click for - GA Power Co., Jackson Lake Info Click for more information. |
Note: At the present time, there are no temporary, short-term, weekend or vacation house rentals available on Jackson Lake. |
Certainly ranked as one of the best fishing lakes in Georgia, nutrient-rich Lake Jackson beckons anglers with trophy-sized fish. Bream (bluegill), Crappie, large-mouth bass, hybrid bass, catfish, and carp are caught year round. Baits used can be artificial or live, with night crawlers, minnows and crickets topping the list of preferred bait. Marinas and bait stores can advise on what's working best. |
A Georgia Fishing License is required, and Georgia limits and sizes are enforced. Fishing license prices: http://georgiawildlife.dnr.state.ga.us Details of Fishing License: http://georgiawildlife.dnr.state.ga.us/ NOTE: Georgia Fishing Licenses are free to GA residents over age 65 and to veterans who are totally disabled. Additional Information can be found by calling Georgia Dept. of Natural Resources - Wildlife: 404-656-0772 Free Fishing Days Go fishing with family and friends without buying a fishing license during Georgia's 2006 Free Fishing Days June 3 & 10 - National Fishing and Boating Week September 23 - National Hunting & Fishing Day (fourth Saturday in September of each year) Free Fishing Days are declared by the Commissioner of the Department of Natural Resources to: encourage people to try fishing and help celebrate fishing as wholesome and healthy recreation; promote respect for our state's natural resources, wilderness, and wildlife; and recognize anglers for their contribution of billions of dollars to the state's economy and financial support for programs to conserve and protect our natural resources. What happens on a Free Fishing Day?
GA Power Co. - Jackson Lake GA DNR - Get Fishing Licenses Fishing License FAQ Lake Jackson's Primary Fish Public Access for Fishing Lake Jackson Water Level |
This Catfish was caught by 10 year old Jeremy Reese. It is 32" long, and was larger than the scale it was weighed on, denying a true weight; however, it weighed in excess of 13 lbs.
On Sunday morning, Mar. 7, 2000, Tim P. caught this 8 1/2 pounds, 27 inches long, hybrid Bass caught on 6 lb line using a "rattle trap" lure in our "back yard".... it hit the very first cast.
Mark and his father caught this huge 37# Carp off his dock.
A typical string of Crappie caught in a Jackson Lake cove
Public areas provide the best places for picnics. The three major areas are:
Click for - Lake Jackson Maps
Beach, bath houses, picnic pavilion, picnic tables and restrooms
located on the west side of the lake at the dam, in Butts Co.
Picnic tables and restrooms and a fishing pier, and a new boat launch ramp behind the dam
(on the Ocmulgee River below the dam) in Jasper Co.
Click for - GA Power Co., Jackson Lake Info
770-775-4753
404-526-2741
or write
Central Georgia Land Field Office
180 Dam Rd.
Jackson, GA 30233
For information about the state of Georgia call
Georgia State Parks and Historic Sites
800-864-7275
Click for more information.
Swimming can be enjoyed all over the lake and up the rivers. Many people simply anchor their boat somewhere out of the way and jump in. Refreshments are kept in a cooler. A public swimming area is also provided at Lloyd Shoals Park off Big Dam Rd. in Butts County.
Click for - GA Power Co., Jackson Lake Info
Click for more information.
Water Skiing 
Waterskiing can be enjoyed on the main pool or far up the three major river tributaries. Many times, the lake is like glass, particularly in morning or evening hours, when you can actualy hear the skis hissing through the water. Depending on the weather, you will find waterskiers enjoying the sport late in the fall or very early in the spring.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Lake Jackson's Primary Fish
Lake Jackson Water Level
Lake Maps
Contact
Webmaster-Jackson Lake.com
copyright jackson-lake.com 1997-2006
launched - 10/17/97