Lake Level: down 2.2 feet
Temperature: 80s
Clarity: Clear
BASS: Bass fishing on Lanier is fair. Not much has changed over the last few weeks as far as the bass are concerned.
There is a little more topwater activity beginning to happen and the cooler nights with the rain should help to improve this bite. If you are seeing the topwater activity try using a fluke or small walking baits. This activity can happen anywhere and anytime so have a rod ready to fire at them.
There are still fish located around the brush in 25 to 35 feet deep, off the ends of long points and on humps. The drop shot has worked well but the size of the fish is not great. Lanier Bait’s Sweet Rosy, Blue Lily and Morning Dawn have been the most consistent producers. Downsizing your leader line to six-pound test will also increase the number of strikes you get.
The Spybait worked in the same areas will also produce fish. Be prepared to move a lot since it is often a one fish and done type pattern. You’ll be able to see many fish on your Panoptics but getting them to bite can be a frustrating situation. Look for the bite to continue to improve over the next few weeks and the topwater activity to improve greatly.
Just a reminder that the free High School tournament is coming up on September 10 at South Forsyth High School. If you are a high school age fisherman or fisherwoman make plans to attend. Meanwhile, they will still bite so Go Catch “Em!
Report: by Phil Johnson. Email: Pjohnson15@hotmail.com, 770 366-8845.
STRIPERS: Stripers are still working the creek mouths and humps. Down lines over 50 feet fishing 35 to 45 feet deep. The smaller the baits the better, and locate the baits using your electronics. Trolling umbrella rigs and lead core and a lure is another option. Fish lead core seven to eight colors at 3 mph over points and humps. Umbrella rigs pulled 130 to 150 feet behind the boat and Mini Mac on lead core is a good option. Dog days are here so just have fun and have a lot of options. Remember to wear your life jackets.
Report by Buck Cannon, Buck Tails Guide Service. 404 510-1778
CRAPPIE: Crappie fishing is good. We are finding crappie suspended 10 to 15 feet over a 20- to 40-foot bottom. The crappie are suspending for long periods of time and the bite is soft. Look for deep water brush up to 30 feet deep. Look for points near a main channel where the depth falls off quickly and if there is a structure there.
Crappie can still be found in shallow water if you can find an area with shade and the water temperature is lower. We caught fish recently in 8 feet of water. If you are using jigs I would go with light colors in clear water and dark colors in stained water. I am setting minnows 10 to 12 feet deep most of the time over a 20 to 30 foot bottom.
Crappie love the shade so cast into the shadows or shaded areas of dock. When dock shooting the biggest fish are usually the first to bite. I use ATX lure company’s jigs on a lip thrashing lure. I use 5 pound test high visibility yellow k9 braid for my line unless I am using a bobber, then it’s the k9 6 pound high vis line (k9fishing.com) and an Acc crappie Stix. I use Garmin Live Scope and the Navionics Boating app.
Report by Captain Josh Thornton, www.crappieonlanier.com, 770 530-6493.
Crappie tournament: There will be a crappie tournament on October 1, 2022 at Little Hall Park. There’s a 49-boat limit for this event. For more info go to www.crappieonlanier.com, call Captain Josh Thornton at 404 510-1778 or email jet9323@yahoo.com. This is a benefit tournament for www.fishingwitheverydayheros.org.
