Lake level: Near full pool
Temperature: 50s
Clarity: Clear in main lake, stained elsewhere
BASS: Bass fishing on Lake Lanier is good but it has slowed. With the drop in the water temperature recently the bass have backed up some from the shallows. There are still some fish to be caught in less than five feet of water but it seems more fish have simply slid back into the 10- to 20-foot range in the same areas. Secondary rocky or red clay points have been holding steady for fish. Docks with the back in five feet of water and 15 to 20 feet of water in front have also been good targets.
The three eights shakey head with a green pumpkin worm is still a main bait to use but you will need to slow down the presentation to get the bass to bite. The dropshot can also be used around the same docks to get bites, just pitch it to the back of the dock and slowly work it back. A quarter ounce Spotchoker with either a two-eighth or three-inch Keitech worked along the front of the deeper docks or off the sides of points is still producing good fish. One key to look for is the schools of shad in the pockets. They can be anywhere from five to 20 feet deep and when you find them the bass will be close by.
Get ready for the quick Georgia weather swing as 80-degree days are coming back. The shad will react quickly to the warming water and make a move back shallow with the bass following them so be prepared to move up with them. With both the rise in water temperature and the next full moon approach the bass will be feeding up before the spawn so it makes for a great time to be checking areas near the bedding areas. Spring in Georgia is a roller coaster for temperatures and for the fishing but we should be on the warm rebound now so Go Catch ‘Em!
Report by guide Phil Johnson: pjohnson15@hotmail.com, 770 366-8845.
STRIPERS: Lake Lanier stripers are looking for love all over the place. The females are full of eggs and the males are showing off too.
Flat lines and planer boards are luckier than down lines although you should have a couple in water as the schools may show up at anytime.
Planers should have some with weights and some without. Fish the baits 30 to 50 feet behind the boards. Flat lines 80 to 110 feet behind the boat, baits could be a mixture of blue backs and medium to large shiners. Boat speed at .05 to 1.5 mph. Water depth can vary depending on the creek you’re in. The inside boards should be near the shoreline because the bigger ones are chasing the bait near the bank.
Report by Buck Cannon, Buck Tails Guide Service, 404 510-1778.
CRAPPIE: Crappie fishing is good. The water temperatures should rise rapidly with the high forecasted temperatures. Keep looking shallow. Look to the sides of major creeks as they have started moving back to docks and a little deeper water.
I like looking for rock walls and standing timber or blow downs in the shallow waters to cast to. Trolling is good so hit large shallow bays or coves.
The jigs that are producing the best for me are the gray color combinations or dark colors. 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.
Report by Captain Josh Thornton, 770 530-6493.
Note: Southern Fishing Schools Inc.’s recommended Tackle Box List for bass, striper, and crappie fishing is available for free. Drop a line to kensturdivant@att.net for your copy.
