Lake level: 2 feet below full pool and rising from recent rains.
Temperature: 70s
Clarity: Main channel clear, creeks stained

BASS: Bass fishing on Lanier is good. While I said that bass fishing is good it is up and down. One day the fish will react and the next day they almost disappear.

The bass have moved to a lot of the off shore brush in 25 to 35 feet of water. The most consistent producer recently has been the Jerk Shad in either the Blue Ghost or FZNH2O colors. Long cast and long pauses seem to be a key to getting bites. The Slick Stick Pro Series has also caught a lot of fish in the same areas. A steady retrieve with an occasional twitch has been the best retrieve.

The true top water activity seems to be running about a month behind. There is scattered activity around the lake but it only seems to be one or two fish at a time and they are only up for a minute and then gone. For this fish there have been some strikes on either the Gunfish or an IMA Skimmer. Working a Spotchoker around the deeper brush and on the schooling fish has produced some good fish. If the bite on the other baits slows either a worm or a jig will produce some quality fish. While the jig bite doesn’t produce as many fish it can draw some of the fish out of the brush.

The fish are getting more active so go Catch ‘em!

Report by Phil Johnson, Pjohnson15@hotmail.com, 770 366-8845.

STRIPERS: Stripers are moving in large groups and if you’re lucky you can load the boat. Mid lake and most of the creeks feeding to the river channels are hot. Down lines and planer boards are the best methods using blue back herring.

Once you mark the fish using your electronics, drop the bait to the bottom and reel up a couple of turns and make sure the drag is set so you won’t get spooled. You should put the bait 30 to 35 feet behind the boards. Remember to wear your life jacket.

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

CRAPPIE: Crappie fishing has been great lately. Conditions for catching these fish have been perfect!

The best gear to use for optimal success is an Acc crappie stix 1 piece rod and reel with a 6-pound test k9 line, a black and chartreuse atx lure company jig or a small minnow.

With the current conditions, you should have no problem landing some decent sized crappie. I also use Garmin Live Scope and power pole.

Report by Captain Josh Thornton, 770 530-6493.

News and notes

Ken Sturdivant, Southern Fishing Schools Inc. will host several upcoming free fishing-related classes, including:

  • Basics of bass fishing for Teens and Tweens, at the Forsyth County Library, Hampton Park branch, June 20, 2023 at 6 p.m.
  • Basics of striper fishing, at the Forsyth County Library, Cumming branch on June 25, 2023 at 2 p.m.
  • Rods, reels, and lures for bass at Forsyth County Library, Sharon Forks Branch on July 23, 2023 at 2 p.m.

For more information visit www.southernfishing.com.