Fishing

Lake level: Down 6.1 feet
Temperature: 70s
Clarity: Mostly clear

BASS: Bass fishing is very good. There are several techniques working well right now in the less than 20 feet of water range including the spinnerbait, Spot Choker underspin, Ima Skimmer, Wacky rig, Fluke, Shakey Head and Neko rig.

To start with, the herring spawn is going on with the key shallow areas being hard surfaces such as red clay points, bridge pilings, blow through and marina walls. Often you will smell the area the shad are in before you see the surface flickers they make.

Early in the morning a top water bait worked slowly around the spawn will draw strikes with the quarter ounce Spot Choker with a Keltic or a white spinnerbait with silver blades working also. Another good bait choice is a chartreuse fluke worked in the same spawn areas. On the marina walls, work them parallel with the spinner bait, Spot Choker and Fluke. This is the area that it will be easier to see the herring moving around.

Away from the spawn the long red clay points and flats with rocks and reef poles have been productive areas for spotted bass. The spinnerbait and the SpotChoker have been producing some quality fish in these areas. The top water bite is just getting started on the humps and ends of long points so keep the Ima Skimmer and Riser handy as these fish get more post spawn and the water temperature continues to rise.

Right now is one of the greatest times of the year on Lanier with over 20 bass per day and many three and four pound bass being caught. Get out and enjoy what makes Lake Lanier so special and Go Catch ‘Em!

Report by: Phil Johnson, pjohnson15@hotmail.com, 770 366-8845.

STRIPERS: Stripers are in the back of the coves from mid lake to upper lake in both rivers. Watch for any top water activity then put your spread out using blue backs on planer boards and flat lines.

Put your baits 40 feet behind the boards and 60 to 80 feet back on the flat lines. Just use a medium swivel and #4 circle hook with a 12 pound leader 6 feet long. Temperature are rising and there is lots of pollen. Check your bait often to ensure they are lively. Remember to wear your life jacket.

Report by Buck Cannon, 404 570-1778.

CRAPPIE: Crappie fishing is good. The crappie are moving off the banks and back to docks. Most of the fish we are catching are still in 10 to 15 feet or less of water and they want to chase the bait. Vertical jigs have not been productive yet.

Large schools are roaming near the creek channel. Look for small groups or individual fish for your best chance of landing a trophy. The jig color of choice is pretty pearl white and purple by ATX lures or a blue and chartreuse hair jig.

Report by: Captain Josh Thornton, 770 530-6493