Cooler fall weather is great fishing weather, and one of Georgia's public fishing areas is about an hour from Columbus.

The Georgia Department of Natural Resources is encouraging families to visit its 11 Public Fishing Areas this fall. The closest to Columbus is Big Lazer Creek Public Fishing Area in Talbot County.

Big Lazer Creek PFA, Talbot County

• Where: 1541 Bunkham Road, Talbotton. From Talbotton, take U.S. 80 east for 4 miles, turn left on Po Biddy Road for 6.4 miles, then left on Bunkham Road.
• The lake: about 195 acres, on the 5,900-acre Big Lazer Creek Wildlife Management Area.
• What's biting: largemouth bass, bluegill, channel catfish, redear and redbreast sunfish, and crappie.
• Amenities: a two-lane concrete boat ramp, fishing pier, restrooms, picnic tables, primitive camping, a canoe and kayak launch onto the Flint River, and a shooting range.
• Hours: open year-round, sunrise to sunset.

More than just fishing

Georgia's fishing areas are built for the whole family. Most have nature trails, picnic areas and bird watching. The state reports an average of 154 bird species seen across its fishing areas, so non-anglers can bring binoculars.

Other fishing areas within a few hours

• Flat Creek PFA (Houston County, near Perry): 102-acre lake, pavilion and archery range.
• Marben PFA (Jasper and Newton counties): 20 ponds and the Charlie Elliott Education Center.
• Silver Lake PFA (Decatur County, near Bainbridge): more than 30 lakes and ponds, including a trophy bass pond.

Before you go

You'll need a valid Georgia fishing or hunting license, or a Lands Pass. Buy one online at GoOutdoorsGeorgia.com, by phone at 1-800-366-2661, or at a license vendor; many sporting goods stores and bait shops sell them.

Maps and guides for every fishing area are at GeorgiaWildlife.com/allpfas.