
Lake Sidney Lanier has some of the best freshwater fishing in the Southeast. From striper to largemouth and spotted bass to crappie, walleye, and catfish, you will create great fishing memories here. There are plenty of locations to fish from the shore, but fishing from your boat is superb. With all the little islands and inlets you are sure to find your favorite spot.
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As much fun as fishing is for adults, fishing can be just as fun and educational for kids! Commemorate your child’s first catch with this fun “First Fish” certificate provided by the DNR..

The evolution of a Georgia Bass Slam Angler
In 2019, angler Nick O’Conor of Dallas, Ga. managed to reel in five black bass species and got his first Georgia Bass Slam. Aware that there are 10 black bass species found in Georgia, Nick knew he wanted more. This began a journey of learning more about the various...
Corps-approved Fishing Tournaments for Lake Lanier – SEPTEMBER 2023
9/1 – Laurel Park – Clermont Bass Club
9/8 – Laurel Park – Clermont Bass Club
9/9 – Bolding Mill – North Georgia Crappie Anglers
9/9 – Little Hall – East Hall Bass Club
9/14 – Vann’s Tavern – Old Timers Club
9/15 – Laurel Park – Clermont Bass Club
9/30 – Sardis Creek – Chestatee Bass Club
Other:
9/23 – Lower Pool – Kids Fishing Event – Cumming Kiwanis/Forsyth Optimist
9/23 – Olympic Park – Swim Across America
9/30 – Olympic Park – LCKC Middle School Regatta
Lanier Fishing Report
compiled by Ken Sturdivant, Southern Fishing
September 2023 Fishing Report
Lake level: Down 2.2 feet
Temperature: 80s
Clarity: Mostly clear
BASS: Bass fishing on Lake Lanier is fair. It is the hot time of the year and the fish are in their summer mode.
Early in the morning before the sun gets on the water there is a top water bite on the Zara Spook, Gunfish or Chugbug. Once the sun gets up, its more about structure, ledges and humps in the 25- to 35-foot range. There is still a decent bite on the Jerkshad worked over these areas.
I am using a reel and stop method to let this bait slowly fall then a quick twitch to trigger strikes. When you locate the brush in the right depth a drop shot has been an effective way to put fish into the boat. I’m using 10 pound braid backing with an eight pound fluorocarbon with a quarter ounce weight as my setup. I have this loaded on a seven foot six medium action rod. Recently we have been working the Morning Dawn and Blue Lily colors for out drop shot fishing. Be prepared to move often to find the active fish on the brush because finding them doesn’t always mean they will bite.
If you are out in this heat be sure to have plenty of cold drinks in order to stay hydrated. There are still fish to be caught so go catch ‘em!
Report by: Phil Johnson: pjohnson15@hotmail.com, 770 366-8845.
STRIPERS: Stripers on Lanier are popping up everywhere on the south end, using their typical summer patterns. Using down lines with blue backs, fishing in 35- to 50-foot depths, are pretty consistent. Trolling umbrella rigs and lead core has produced some healthy fish, too. Just try to get the fish back in the water ASAP. I started using the Seaquelizer to get to the correct temperature and where the best oxygen levels are. We need to take care of the population, it’s hot outside so drinking lots of water can extend your fishing trip. And remember to wear your life jackets.
Report by: Buck Cannon, Buck Tails Guide, 404 510-1778.
CRAPPIE: Crappie fishing on Lanier has been good, however, the crappie are not very active so use small bait, and use slow action. Target shaded areas, deep brush piles or fallen trees, and areas near the main channel to increase your chances of catching crappie. Use live small minnows straight down with a split shot or small jigs with a slow retrieval for best results. Try fishing during early morning or late evening when the temperature is slightly cooler. Crappie are deep so concentrate on 15 feet deep over a 25- to 40-foot deep bottom but don’t be afraid to look a lot deeper. Look for docks near a channel!
Report by: Josh Thornton, 770 530-6493.
Bait & Tackle Shops
CUMMING
Buford Dam Bait & Tackle – (706) 429-7211
2595 Buford Dam Rd, Cumming, GA 30041
Located in Chevron station
Hammond’s Fishing – (770) 888-6898
4255 Browns Bridge Rd, Cumming, GA 30041
Daniel’s Grocery – (770) 887-7052
2355 Pilgrim Mill Rd, Cumming, GA 30041
OAKWOOD
Oakwood Bait & Tackle Shop – (770) 965-9400
5422 McEver Rd, Oakwood, GA 30566
GAINESVILLE
Kelly Brown Bait & Tackle – (423) 509-3708
3535 Thompson Bridge Rd, Gainesville, GA 30506
Sherry’s Bait & Barbecue – (678) 971-5607
2807 Dawsonville Hwy, Gainesville, GA 30506
STOP BY FOOD MART#2 – (770) 536-6421
2145 Cleveland Hwy, Gainesville, GA 30506
The Outdoor Depot – (770) 539-9356
250 John W Morrow Jr Pkwy, Gainesville, GA 30501
Located in Gainesville West Shopping Center
WINDER
Happy Hooker, Inc. – (770) 867-4814
104 S Broad St, Winder, GA 30680
Check out these videos of fishing on Lake Lanier …