A lake Reborn

Phillips Pond has been restored to its former glory

Story by Bryan Brasher / Columbus Ledger-Enquirer

MORRIS, Ga.

When the dam burst at Phillips Pond in 1994, Phil Moshell said he felt a little queasy as the 150-acre lake and 150 years of family history washed away before his eyes.

"It was like watching a family member die," said Moshell, whose family has owned the lake since the 1800s.

The disaster was a result of Tropical Storm Alberto. And though it left only a small trickle in a spacious lake bottom, it proved to be a blessing in disguise.

While the water was down, pine trees grew in the fertile lake bed - some as tall as 17 feet. Moshell dug ditches and piled up ridges for picture-perfect habitat. He added two peanut combines and several large tractor tires to give fish plenty of places to hide.

In 1999, the dam was repaired - and Phillips Pond was reborn.

"That was the neatest spring of my life," Moshell said. "I could just envision my granddaddy (Vernon Phillips) watching the lake fill up when he first built it. It was a very emotional thing for me."

Once the lake was full, Moshell stocked largemouth bass, bluegill, shellcracker and catfish. Now just four years later, the fishing at

Phillips Pond is as good as it’s ever been.

"We started over like it was a new pond," Moshell said. "It was hard while the lake was down, but it was all for the best. The people who fished the lake before all agree it's a better lake now:"

Piece of history

Evidence of the lake's lengthy history is visible before you reach its grass parking lot and, gated boat ramp.

The original Phillips Pond was built during the 1840s, just above the area where the main pond now sits. The main pond was built during the 1930s by Vernon and R.T. Phillips and used to operate a large grist mill. The mill, which was built with timber removed from the lake bed, still stands at the south end of the lake.

During the 1940s, the pond was leased to the state for the lofty sum of $1 a year. It was used as a fish hatchery and provided fish for lakes all over the Chattahoochee Valley.

After World War II, Phillips Pond became "Phillips Fishing Club" and annual memberships were sold for $20. It remained a membership lake until the dam broke in 1994.

A new beginning

After six years of down time, Moshell reopened the lake in 2000. The price of an annual membership has risen through the years to $495. But with the high quality of fishing and an unmatched serenity, Phillips Pond is still a bargain by today's standards.

"Phil just continues to do all of the right things," said Mike Matthews, a Shellman, Ga., resident and a member at Phillips Pond. "He's done a great job with this lake. The fishing is great and you can come out here to fish without hearing big trucks or being washed away by tournament bass fisher- men. It's the perfect place for a man to come and bring his family."

Moshell's rules allow for any size horsepower, but boaters are required to slow to idle speed near other fishermen. Jet skis, waterskiing, swimming and unmuffled motors are not allowed.

Because Phillips Pond is fed only by two natural springs, it has no pollution issues. Because Moshell limits his memberships to 100, crowds are never a problem.

"If there are four cars in the parking lot on Thursday, I call that crowded for a weekday," Moshell said. "This is just a different kind of place. It's different -and it's special."

PHILLIPS POND

Directions: Phillips Pond is located in Morris, Ga. (between Cuthbert, Ga. and Eufaula, Ala.), about 55 miles from downtown Columbus. Take U.S. 27 South through Lumpkin, Ga., to County Road 146 (the first road past Halliday’s Autos). Go 6 miles and take the first dirt road on the left past County Line Church. Follow the signs.

Membership information: Phillips Pond covers 150 acres. It features plentiful structure and stocked populations of largemouth bass, bluegill, shellcracker and catfish as well as a natural population of crappie. The lake has a paved boat ramp, two piers, a fish-cleaning station, modern rest room and a picnic shed. Camper hook-ups are available and can be used by members for up to three days without fee. Annual memberships are available for $495.

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