I am often amazed at the hidden jewels of fishing lakes we have in Georgia. I fish many big lakes in this area and am familiar with them, but I often get a surprise when visiting lakes a little further from home.

A few years ago in late December I drove up to Lake Burton to get information about a February Georgia Outdoor News article. Burton is a small Georgia Power lake between Clayton and Hiawassee, north of Gainesville. The 157 mile trip took me just under three hours each way and I went by Tallulah Falls, a place that brought back many childhood memories of summer trips to the mountains.

Lake Burton hit the news when a new state record spotted bass was caught by Wayne Holland on February 23, 2004. His huge spot weighed an amazing 8 pounds, 2 ounces and looked like it had swallowed a softball it was so fat.

I fished with local angler Daniel Workman and we were on the lake for four cold hours, from 7:00 AM until 11:00 AM. I got only one bite during that time but managed to land a spot that weighed 4 pounds 1 ounce on Daniel’s scales. That just missed being my biggest spot ever, not quite matching the 4.24 pounder I caught at Lanier a few years ago.

Burton is an old lake ringed by docks. The houses are very nice and many of the docks are double decker houses that would make a fine lake cabin by themselves. It would look a lot like Jackson if it were not for the clear water and high hills surrounding. The scenery is very nice and just adds to the fishing.

There are lots of largemouth in the lake, too. Daniel said his best tournament catch ever came in a night tournament when he brought in five largemouth weighing 22 pounds – and came in third place. The best catch he has ever seen there was five largemouth weighing an amazing 27 pounds.

If you want something different, plan a fishing trip to Burton. The drive is worth it for the change in scenery and big spotted bass. During our trip we saw one other boat, a canoe being paddled around the edge of the lake.