I’ll be trying to catch walleye in Georgia. 2 questions. Are they there? If so, how do I catch them?

Oh yes the walleye are in the sweet southern state of Georgia. They choose to hang out in five different bodies of water. The state record walleye came out of Richard B. Russell Lake weighing in at 11 pounds, 6 ounces. Starting in the north-west corner of the state about 5 miles outside of Ellijay, Georgia lays Carters Lake that measures 3,200 acres. A short trip in the north-eastern direction will bring you to Hartwell Lake. This 56,000 acre lake provides a border for the state in a city bearing the same name, Hartwell, Georgia. Next on the list is Lake Sidney Lanier. This 39,000 acre reservoir sits in the upper center portion of the state in Gainsville, Georgia. Then there is Nottely Lake that provides a northern state board with its spacious 4,200 acres of water. Last but certainly not least is the body of water that the state record walleye hailed form. Richard B. Russell Lake is 45,000 acre reservoir that borders the eastern portion of the state next to South Carolina. Georgia walleye are not picky eaters. Then again, they never are. Walleye prefer a food menu showcasing live bait, crank baits and their favorite crawfish. Ideal fishing times are sundown to midnight. This is when walleye typically come out of their hiding spots to look for a nighttime snack. Time of year also plays a role into where you will find Georgia walleye. Starting in springtime, walleye begin to seek out shallow waters and feeder streams in preparation for spawning season. Summer draws them to deeper waters, especially during the heat of the day. Much the same holds true for the fall as well. Hot spot locations include rocky or gravel bottoms paired with deep structure where they can hide out and keep an eye on things. Winter brings colder water which in turn brings slower moving walleye. They tend to stay shallow at the beginning of the day, around feeding time. As the day progresses, they move out to deeper locations. Make sure to match your movements to their slower movements. The walleye will still bite; it will just be at a slower pace. Good luck and happy Georgia walleye fishing!