Fishing

Lake level: Above full pool
Temperature: 60s
Clarity: Mostly clear

BASS: Bass fishing on Lake Lanier is very good. The bass are up in shallow areas now with some being on beds and others feeding heavily.

The wind has been the biggest advantage recently, blowing on main lake points, humps and reef poles. Several moving baits have been very effective for catching these shallow bass. A white spinnerbait with silver willow leaf blades worked with a moderate retrieve or a white chatter bait worked slower closer to the bottom have caught bass over four pounds.

Scanning around these areas will often show bass in the 15- 20-foot range close to the bottom and they are good targets for the new Hot Spot Choker with a three three Keitech worked slowly by them.

A jerkbait is also a good option in these areas when you work it with a slow steady retrieve.

There is some schooling showing up and it mainly seems to be in the very shallow water areas so have something handy like a chrome IMA Skimmer or a Gunfish on the deck.

The shakey head with a green pumpkin green Trixster Tamale worm will also catch fish around the shallower docks and on the rocky points but recently it has just been more fun to throw the moving baits.

The fishing should only improve over the next several weeks so pick your favorite baits and keep moving in the prime areas. It’s warm and it’s fun so Go Catch ’Em!

Report by Phil Johnson. Email: pjohnson15@hotmail.com; 770 366 8845.

STRIPERS: Lake Lanier stripers are in the spring run and the bite is on! The weather is changing and with the warmer weather, the fishing gets better.

Windy conditions will be a challenge but the fishing will continue to improve. Planer boards, flat lines and down lines are all producing good quality fish. Blue backs, gizzard shad and shiners and the larger river herring are baits of choice.

Points and coves are holding fish and many are in the shallow waters so the planer boards will get close to the banks.

Lots of boats on the lake so be careful and wear your life jackets and be courteous.

Report by Buck Cannon, 404 510-1778.

CRAPPIE: Lake Lanier crappie fishing is good. The water temperatures are in the low 60s and the fish are shallow on structures in large groups under docks. They are starting to show up on open water brush. Small groups can be found roaming in open shallow water.

Try casting a 1/32 jig and letting it fall right in front of them. Try not to go below the target.

Crappie have been at depths of five to 10 feet above a 20- to 40-foot bottom. Minnows have been good four feet under a bobber.

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 an Atx lure company jig. Further optimizing your efforts, a Garmin LiveScope, protected by a sonar shield cover, and a Power Pole are highly recommended.

Report by Captain Josh Thornton, 770 530-6493.