Fishing

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.