Lake level: Down 1.25 feet
Temperature: 80s
Clarity: Mostly clear, stained creeks
BASS: Bass fishing on Lake Lanier is good. Several methods are working right now to catch the bass. The swim bait bite with the Chrome Slick Stick Pro Series has been a very steady producer when worked over deeper brush and long points. The Cast 20 gram OG has been producing some good fish when worked early or late in the day on the same areas.
When there is a good wind the Chug Bug and the Gunfish have produced some good fish. If the fish won’t come up but they are either in or around the brush, a three eights Spotchoker Pro model with a small fluke has worked well and has brought in some big fish. Count this bait down to the top depth of the brush and work it quickly by the brush with a very erratic action to trigger the bite. To catch the fish being stubborn in the brush a drop shot with a three eights weight and either a Lanier Baits Blue Lilly or Morning dawn will work.
We’re working the drop shot more in the calm weather in the middle of the day. The worm bite around the shady areas of the docks has been consistent but the size tends to be a little smaller. It’s that time of year to dodge the big cruisers and all the other crazies out there so be sure to wear your life vest and connect the kill switch. Hit the lake either early or late and Go Catch ‘Em!
Report by: Phil Johnson: pjohnson15@hotmail.com, 770 366-8845.
STRIPER: Striper fishing on Lanier is in full summer mode. Using your electronics fine water 50-100′ that has some type of closeness to a creek channel. All methods are available: flat lines, down lines, planer boards … using blue back seem to be the bait of choice but water temperature is in the low 80 so change bait often.
Umbrella rigs and lead core have been producing some good results trolling 2.5 to 3.5 mph. Lead core 8 colors and umbrella rigs 130 feet behind the boat. Remember to wear your life jacket.
Report by: Buck Cannon, Buck Tails Guide Service, 404 510-1778.
CRAPPIE: Crappie fishing has been good! The warm water temperature is up so the fish are moving deeper. Recent catches mostly came from 10 to 15 feet deep over a 25-40 foot deep bottom. Look for docks near a channel. The gear I use for crappie fishing: Acc crappie stix 1 piece rod and reel with a 6-pound test k9 line, a black and chartreuse hair jig or a translucent atx lure company jig. Small minnows are working well. With the current conditions, you should have no problem landing some decent sized crappie!
Report by: Captain Josh Thornton, 770 530-6493, www.crappieonlanier.com.
