45Lake Varner

Key species: largemouth bass, bluegill, redear sunfish, crappie.

Overview: An 850-acre drinking water reservoir owned by Newton County, Lake Varner opened to the public in 1992 and has produced excellent fishing ever since.

Best way to fish: boat, shore.

Best time to fish: March through October.

Description: First known as "Cornish Creek Reservoir," this 850-acre impoundment was built in 1991 to provide an additional source of water for county residents. The lake opened to public fishing in 1992 and although some unique regulations are in place, anglers continue to flock to the lake to get in on the hot action.

Much of Lake Varner remains virtually uncharted water. Since all boats are limited to electric motors only, the upper ends of the lake distant from the single access point get very little fishing pressure. Also, prospecting for offshore structure is a time-consuming task without a gasoline motor.

Lake Varner is not an extremely deep lake. In the main creek channels, the water is close to 20 feet deep. The deepest point on the lake is near the dam and has 38 feet of water. Lake Varner's waters are usually clear, and aquatic vegetation is abundant.

The lake has one public access point on the east side near the dam. Th access point has a paved boat ramp, parking, fishing pier, and shoreline fishing area.

The lake offers good fishing for several panfish species, and specimens up to 10 inches are common. Anglers targeting bluegill, redear sunfish, and crappie should have no problem finding the main ingredient needed for a fish fry.

The bass fishing in Lake Varner has been excellent from the start. Several ponds were flooded when the lake was built and trophy fish were possible from opening day. In the years since the lake opened, fish populations have expanded to fill the lake, and since growth is good, even more trophies are available. Several bass weighing more than 13 pounds have been caught, and many of the bass weigh 2 pounds or more.

A view of Lake Varner from near the dam.

The fishing: Some of the best fishing holes are within sight of the boat ramp. The old pond dams flooded at impoundment offer very good fishing. Both dams are in about 8 feet of water and provide bass the type of structure they love. One dam is in the boat ramp cove just east of the ramp, while the other is across the lake to the right of the long point with a gazebo. Both locations can be fished in a variety of ways. A jig-and-pig, Texas-rigged plastic worm, or crankbait are all good choices.

The coves on either side of the gazebo point offer good bream fishing. Starting in May, keep a close eye out for beds. Redear sunfish spawn as early as April and only spawn once, but bluegill spawn repeatedly throughout the summer. Whether you are lucky enough to catch redear sunfish on the beds or have to settle for bluegill, expect some fast fishing for hand-sized bream. Red wigglers or crickets are the best for live bait, and casting spinners or a popping bug can produce a good stringer of fish.

Crappie begin to move shallow in March and the spawning peak usually comes sometime in early April. Spawning crapple are drawn to wood like a magnet, and when they are shallow, any piece of cover is likely to produce. Small minnows or jigs are standard baits with crapple anglers.

GA-G grid: 27, C-9

General information: The most important thing to realize when planning a trip to Lake Varner is the lake is limited to electric motors only. Gasoline motors or gas tanks are not allowed on the lake, even if they are not used. Anglers living outside Newton and Walton Counties must pay a $5 daily parking fee and a separate $5 boat launch fee; local residents are exempt from the fees. Lake hours vary seasonally and are posted along with other rules and regulations. All anglers fishing the lake must meet standard Georgia licensing requirements.

Nearest camping: The nearest camping is about 15 miles away at Hard Labor Creek State Park. The park has 51 sites with water and electric hookups, picnic tables, and grills. Comfort stations have hot showers and flush toilets. In addition, the park has 20 cottages for rent each equipped with a stove, refrigerator, air conditioning, fireplace, kitchen supplies, linens, and towels.

Directions: From Interstate 20, near Covington, take exit 92 (Alcovy Road). Travel northeast 3.3 miles to the entrance road on the left just after crossing the bridge over Cornish Creek.

For more information: Contact the Newton County Parks and Recreation Department or the Wildlife Resources Division Fisheries Section Office in Social Circle. For camping information, contact the Hard Labor Creek State Park Superintendent's Office.