Lake level: .28 feet below full pool
Temperature: 50s
Clarity: Stained in most of lake

BASS: Bass fishing on Lake Lanier has been good. Then again, perhaps the key word for the lake is slow, regardless of the bait you are throwing the bass seem to want a slow presentation. The steadiest bait recently has been a trick worm on a three sixteenths head worked on rocks and docks. Look for the sun facing rock with deeper water nearby or docks that sit near the creek channel. It seems a key to both these patterns has been to have deeper water close by so the bass can easily move between depths. The three eights Spotchoker rigged with a three inch Keitech is still producing in the ditches. It takes some time to locate bait in the ditches now so be prepared to be in search mode. Once you find bait the fish are more willing to feed on the Spotchoker. Again a very slow presentation is the key to triggering the fish. If you feel a tick and the bass doesn’t hook up just stop your bait for several seconds and start your retrieve again.

Jigs worked in the deeper water and along the ledges have also been producing some good fish. Look very closely at your electronics as the fish are often glued to the bottom right now.

Don’t get locked into only looking in one depth right now as the bass are beginning their spring migration form the deep to the shallow. Two or three degree changes in the water temperature can greatly change the depth that you find them.

It’s the time of transition so be flexible and go catch ‘em!

This bass fishing report is by Phil Johnson; Pjohnson15@hotmail.com, 770 366-8845.

Stripers are beginning to look for large schools of bait so they can pack on the weight for their move up the rivers.

Flat lines, planer boards and trolling mini macs and umbrella rigs should cover the method. Blue backs, gizzard shad are the bait of choice.

Watch for birds and your electronics and once you’re ready, put out your spread.

Remember to wear your life jackets.

Report by Buck Cannon; Buck Tails Guide Service, 404 510-1778.

CRAPPIE: Crappie can be found in shallow water and suspended shallow under docks. We started trolling in recent days and had limited success but the fish we got from trolling were the best fish of the year. I expect the trolling to get better every day until the spawn.

A recent catch came mainly from docks the fish were suspended in 5 to 25 feet of water. The jig that produced the best was the black and grey color combination. 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 Thrashin 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 and a Acc crappie stix.

I’m hosting an Outdoor Apparel all ladies fishing tournament on Saturday March 25 from 7:30 a.m. to noon. Call for details.

Report by Captain Josh Thornton, 770 530- 6493.