Fishing

Lake level: .60 above full pool
Temperature: 50s
Clarity: Clear in main channels, creeks stained

BASS: Bass fishing on Lake Lanier is good to very good.

The bass are definitely in pre spawn mode and making a strong move to the shallower bedding areas. For the spotted bass these areas can be sand, reef poles and flats in the 10- to 15-foot range while the largemouth are looking to bed more in the backs of pockets in the three- to five-foot range.

The most productive bait for the week has been three sixteenths shakey head with senko style worm in some green pattern. The Trixster Sweet Candy and a green pumpkin purple worm produced in recent days. Work this bait on secondary points, both rock and clay, as well as rocky banks. Target the last three or four docks in a sunny pocket also. You won’t feel all of the bites as some of the bass simply walk off with the worm so pay close attention to your line.

In the stained water a white spinnerbait with silver willow leaf blades has worked on the same areas, especially if there is wind. The jerk bait has produced some fish by working it with a slow and steady retrieve. The fluke is beginning to work on the flats and in the pockets but you need to let it have a long pause to draw the strike.

Before the last few cold days there was a little top water action starting so look for it to pick back up and keep something ready on the deck to throw at them. It’s typical spring activity so look to target the 20 foot or less range to find the most fish. They are biting so Go Catch ‘Em!

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

STRIPERS: Stripers are looking for warmer temperatures and moving north in both rivers. The birds will show their location, just watch for the gulls hovering overhead and the stripers will be in the area. Same method as last report: use down line, planer boards weighted and unweighted flat lines. Baits are blue backs, trout, gizzards and shiners, they all have caught fish lately. This is the time of the year to change leaders and check for bent hooks. You don’t have to lose the fish of a lifetime because of tackle failure. Remember to wear your life jackets.

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

CRAPPIE: Crappie are on the banks spawning, while some can still be found suspended from four to 15 feet deep under docks.

Look for creeks or coves near a main channel for roaming fish. They are shallow, in 2 to 4 foot of water. Cast to them or troll for them. Minnows are working well. Try jig colors in grey on grey, or green and black and green and chartreuse.

The gear I recommend for crappie fishing is Acc crappie stix 1 piece rod and reel with a 6 pound test K9 line, along with Garmin Live Scope and Power Pole.

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