Fishing

Lake level: Down 3 feet
Temperature: 50s
Clarity: Mostly clear

BASS: Bass fishing on Lake Lanier is good. The bite has remained steady over recent weeks with the ditch bite, crankbaits and worms.

The Spot Choker and spoon have been very consistent in the ditches that have both structure and shad in them. A three eights Spot Choker with a Cast Echo in either Ozark or Blue Back Herring has been productive when worked down the middle of the ditches in 35 to 60 feet of water. Work this bait very slowly along the bottom and don’t set the hook hard when you feel the bass.

Some of these strikes will only feel like something heavy on the line so just speed up the reel when you feel it instead of a strong hook set.

For the spoon a half ounce Georgia Blade in either chrome or white has worked well when you see the fish and can get vertically over them. Work this bait with a two foot bounce through the area of the bass and try to keep it straight under the boat to reduce hang ups.

There has been a crankbait bite with a 55 Spro RKCrawler up shallow early in the morning. Look for the rocky points and slopes and cast close to the bank to draw the strikes. These early fish have been in less than 10 feet of water. A green pumpkin Senko worm worked in these same rocky areas has also been producing bass.

As always as the water temperature drops be sure to slow down the presentation of any baits you may be using.

It’s a great time to bundle up and Go Catch ‘Em!

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

STRIPERS: Lanier stripers are cold and easy to find but getting them to bite is the challenge.

The top water bite has definitely been good it’s just getting to them before they sound. Blue backs and gizzards are the bait of choice using down lines and flat lines 80 to 100 feet behind the boat. Umbrella rigs is another option 130 feet behind the boat using the outboard running 2.5 to 3 mph. Remember to wear your life jacket. The life you save may be yours.

Report by: Buck Cannon Buck Tails Guide Service, 404 510-1778.

CRAPPIE: Lake Lanier’s crappie are showing increased activity as water temperatures fall into the mid to low 50s. Recent rainfall has concentrated these fish into larger schools, making for excellent opportunities to land some large crappie.

Recent successful fishing spots have been in depths ranging from five to 15 feet above a deeper bottom of 20 to 40 feet.

Crappie minnows have proven to be the most effective bait accounting for over 75 percent of the catch.

To maximize your chances of a rewarding fishing experience on Lake Lanier consider using high quality gear. A one piece ACC Crappie Stix rod and reel paired with 4 or 6 pound test K9 line provides excellent sensitivity and control. For enhanced precision and fish location a Garmin LiveScope protected with a Sonar Shield Cover is highly recommended.

Report by: Captain Josh Thornton, 770 530- 6493, www.crappieonlanier.com

Note: The 2025 Atlanta Boat Show is January 9-12 at the Georgia World Congress Center. The Let’s Go Fishing Seminars are set. For details on the seminars visit www.atlantaboatshow.com.