Lake level: Down 5.2 feet
Temperature: 70s
Clarity: Clear (before rainfall)
BASS: Bass fishing is good. The fish are moving into both the fall areas and the fall patterns across the lake.
The top water bite is good, especially with the wind, using a Riser, Gunfish or Ima Skimmer in the chrome patterns. Look for the bait and the bass over humps, long points and windblown banks with the main depth for all of these places being 30 feet up to the bank. A new pattern recently has been the new quarter ounce Pro Model Spot Choker with a Colorado blade paired with a three-three Keitech. Work this bait on banks with rock and clay and throw it right on the bank and reel it back with a slow steady retrieve. It’s even better if it is a windblown bank.
The worm bite has really picked up around the docks and the same red clay rock banks. The bass are around the docks in 15 feet of water or less and are making their move toward the backs of the coves. The green pumpkin patterns and natural green have been the colors of choice for the worm.
If you prefer to work offshore then look for the bait balls over the standing trees, humps and end of points to locate the bass. Work either a three eights Spot Choker with a three Keitech or a Spybait at the depths of the bass with a steady retrieve until the bass react and then speed up your retrieve to trigger the strike.
Watch for the top water bite to improve with the cooler temperatures and always have a top water bait on the deck as schooling may happen anywhere at any time. It’s a great time to be out there right now with some really good Spots being caught so Go Catch ‘Em!
Report by: Phil Johnson; pjohnson15@hotmail.com, 770 366-8845
STRIPERS: Stripers has been on the move affected by the change of weather. The fishing has been hit or miss but one of the keys is bait, once you locate the bait using your electronics deploy your spread out, planer boards, weighted flat lines and down lines have been effective. Blue backs and gizzards are bait of choice but trout if available will work. Use a two ounce weight with a 6 to 8 foot fluorocarbon leader. Flat lines 80 to 100 feet behind the boat same setup with no sinker.
Trolling motor speed .04 to 1.0 mph. Trolling the umbrella rigs with the outboard at 2.5 to 3.5 mph if there a strong wind or lots of boat traffic.
And remember to wear your life jacket.
Report by: Buck Cannon, Bucktails on Lanier; 404 510-1778.
CRAPPIE: Crappie fishing is good. The crappie are all over open water brush at 7 to 14 feet deep. Recent trips have produced several large fish in the 13- to 14-inch range. Minnows have been 60% of the catch.
Small hair jigs with little to no action has been successful also.
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 jig.
Report by: Captain Josh Thornton; 770 530-6493.
