Description: Tobesofkee is a 1,750-acre lake owned and operated by Bibb County near Macon. An admission fee is required to gain access to the lake. The shoreline is becoming heavily developed on the lower end, but is still relatively undeveloped above the Lower Thomaston Road bridge. The Bibb County Recreation Department maintains a large area for bank fishing on the upper end of the lake called the "fingers." This area is a good place to catch crappie, catfish, and hybrids, particularly in the springtime. You can catch crappie, white bass, and hybrids directly below the dam in the spring. On a per acre basis, Tobesofkee probably has the most public bank fishing access of any reservoir in middle Georgia.
The lake is very popular with summertime pleasure boaters. This can make summer fishing difficult. At other times of the year, in early morning or late evening, Tobesofkee can be an excellent choice for hybrids, largemouth bass, and crappie. Some anglers find the fish difficult to catch, but if you are willing to get to know the underwater "landscape" and fish that structure, Tobesofkee can be the place for serious hybrid, largemouth, and crappie fishing.
Lake levels were seriously impacted by the drought in 2000. Underwater boating hazards that were submerged in the past were exposed during the record low lake levels. Upper areas were virtually impassable to boating traffic. On the positive side, the low water levels gave die-hard anglers a chance to check out some of that underwater structure. The good news is that the fish populations were virtually unaffected by the low lake levels.
Tobesofkee should have one of the more abundant hybrid populations among middle Georgia reservoirs. Hybrids have been on the comeback because of good survival of 35,000 and 39,500 hybrids stocked in 1999 and 2000. Hybrids are scheduled to be stocked in the spring of200l. Over half of the fish caught in 2001 will be 15-20 inches in length. Anglers can expect to catch a few larger hybrid bass.
The largemouth bass abundance will be similar to last year. Quality will be improved as the 1998 and 1999 strong year classes continue to grow. Average weight will continue to increase. Approximately one-third should be over 15 inches and some will exceed 22 inches.
Overall crappie abundance is at the highest level we've seen in several years. Greater than 50% of the catch will be over 8 inches, with a fair number of fish over 12 inches. Don't overlook the fish attractors maintained by DNR for crappie fishing. These areas are marked by white buoys and are typically surrounded by sunken trees and brush that serves to attract all species of game fish.
Channel catfish abundance will be at higher than normal. The majority of fish caught will be Y2-1 Y2 lbs, with decent numbers of "quality" 5-10 lbs fish.
Tobesofkee is not noted as a bream lake. Bluegill and shell cracker (redear sunfish) are available, but sizes are not as good as on some area lakes. Bluegill will average around 4 inches, with some at 7-8 inches. Shell cracker will average around 6 inches, with some at 8-9 inches.
No contaminants were found in Tobesofkee fish in levels that cause health concerns earning the lake the distinction of having no restrictions on eating fish! Tobesofkee is a nice place to take the family for the day. Picnic areas, a marina, camping areas, and a large swimming beach are present for your enjoyment. The lake has two excellent boat ramps, Claystone and Arrowhead, with plentiful parking. For more information on the recreational opportunities, contact the Tobesofkee Recreation Area (912-474-8770).
