Lake level: Down 3.8 feet
Temperature: 70s
Clarity: Mainly clear
BASS: Bass fishing on Lake Lanier is good. The water temperature has been rising but there is still good top water action across the lake. The main areas to concentrate on are long points, humps and off reef poles with deep water close by.
Having structures on these areas in the 30-foot range is an added bonus. The Skimmer, Spro E Pop 80 and a Lip Thrasin Riser have been the most effective surface baits recently.
One key factor is to use the wind to your advantage as the bite seems slower with calm water. A fluke is a good choice particularly in calm areas but will also draw strikes in the wind.
It seems there are windows for catching them right now with early morning being a prime time for working top water baits. There may be a lull after the early bite that will cause you to have to search more areas to locate feeding bass. Check around the deep structure for suspending bass and work them with a three eights ounce Spot Choker and a three-inch paddle tail bait.
The worm bite has picked up some on the docks nearer the deeper water or mouth to middle of the coves. Any of the green pumpkin combinations on a three sixteenths Shakey head should get you bit. Once we’re through this end of summer hot spell the lake should really be turning on but they are still biting now so Go Catch ’Em!
Report by: Phil Johnson; pjohnson15@hotmail.com, 770 366-8845.
STRIPERS: Lake Lanier stripers are schooling from Big Creek to River Forks. With water temperatures rising along combined with cooler water will lead to real top water action so have your favorite lure ready.
The down lines are still working with blue backs at 35 to 50 feet deep in the morning over the channel. Flat lines will start to produce some bigger fish as the sun rises. Remember to wear your life jacket.
Report by: Buck Cannon; 404 510-1778.
CRAPPIE: Lake Lanier crappie fishing is good. The fish are active early in the morning, right at sunrise. Standing timber in 25 to 40 feet of water has been producing but not in big numbers get a few and move to the next spot.
The deep fish are biting better than the shallow fish. Docks are holding large groups of crappie at depths of 10 to 55 feet above a 25- to 40-foot bottom. The jig color combo that we most often use is 1.5 inch atx lure company d2d jig.
For your best fishing experience consider using the following equipment: a one piece ACC Crappie Stix rod and reel paired with 4 or 6 pound test K9 line with a Atx lure company jigs. Further optimizing your efforts, a Garmin LiveScope, are highly recommended.
Report by: Captain Josh Thornton 770 530-6493.
