Lake Burton, north of Atlanta near Helen, is a 2,200-acre jewel nestled between the foothills of north Georgia. Deep and clear, it shares the characteristics of most mountain lakes, but Burton has an added attraction. This beautiful body of water is surrounded by some magnificent homes. In fact this lake is more likely known as a playground for the wealthy than its angling opportunities. For goodness sake, Nick Saban has a house there.

All the same, Burton is a pretty good bass lake if you know how to fish it. The population boasts both spotted and largemouth bass, and every year some giants are boated from the deep, clear water.

Eric Welch, of McCaysville, is a full-time guide who has been fishing Burton for more than 20 years. He guides on other area lakes as well but spends a great deal of angling time on Burton each year. Eric said May is an excellent time to fish Burton.

“The bass are moving up and getting active in preparation...