Kolomoki Mounds State Park offers plenty of fishing options
BLAKELY ‒ Fishing the Little Kolomoki Creek as the sun sets can be a somewhat surreal experience. Random shards of pottery scattered along the creek’s bank remind the angler that they are not the first to fish this stream.
The park is named after an archeological site covering approximately 300 acres. It has been estimated that approximately 2,000 inhabitants lived on the site. Evidence of their habitation here includes eight visible mounds built for both ceremonial and burial purposes.
In the 1930s, members of the Civilian Conservation Corps worked for $1 a day building facilities on what would become Kolomoki Sate Park. One of their major projects was the creation of a museum built to incorporate part of an excavated mound providing an authentic setting to view artifacts.
In 1974, a thief entered the museum stealing more than 129 artifacts, including effigies, points and other items associated with the site's prehistorical record. Many of the artifacts were recovered; however, more than 70 are still unaccounted for. It is believed that they are currently in private collections. The museum recently closed to the public to abide by updated regulations of the Native American Graves Protection and Reparations Act. Although no museum experience is currently available, ranger-led programs are frequently offered.
Location: 205 Indian Mounds Road, Blakely Ga. 39823
Contact: (229) 724-2150; gastateparks.org/KolomokiMounds
Activities: Miniature golf, camping, hiking, boating, swimming, geocaching, field trips
Fish Species: Largemouth bass, bluegill, redbreast sunfish, crappie, channel catfish
Fishing: The park encompasses two lakes, the larger being Lake Kolomoki, covering 80 acres, and Lake Yahola, which covers 50 acres. Both lakes are on Little Kolomoki Creek, with Yahola being the upper body of water draining into Lake Kolomoki.
Lake Kolomoki has a large cove near its upper end of the southwest shore called Cypress Cove for the cluster of trees located there, providing shade and cover for the fish on the shoreline indention. Boating anglers regularly target bass in this area. The deeper water along the dam is another area that holds bass.
Bank angling is possible along the dam on the Kolomoki as well as the northwest shore beside the campground. Fishing is prohibited along the swimming beach. However, another fishable stretch of water can be found in front of the picnic shelter. Beyond this shelter, a fishing pier extends out into the lake.
Lake Yahola provide more limited access for bank anglers, although it is possible to fish around the boat ramp on the dam’s south end. However, aquatic weeds line much of the shore here. Anglers can fish from the wooden footbridge crossing the cove. With some access available at the north end of the dam. A short stretch of Little Kolomoki Creek can be fished below Yahola’s dam and is a good option to try for bluegill and redbreast.
Both lakes have concrete ramps, and private boats are allowed. There is a 10-horsepower limit on outboards. Rental canoes, kayaks, and jonboats are available on Lake Kolomoki. These boats do not come with motors, but paddles and personal flotation devices are provided.
Kolomoki State Park also participates in the Fishing Tackle Loaner Program. Anglers in need of gear can borrow rods, reels, and tackle for the day. This gear is provided by the DNR's Georgia Wildlife Resources Division and can be obtained from the park office.
Much of the information in this article was obtained from "Angler’s Guide to Georgia State Parks," written by Polly Dean and Jimmy Jacobs. The book may be found at most Georgia State Parks and online at Amazon.
