Episodes

  • Lake Lanier Fishing Update: Top Water Bites, Striper Hot Spots, and Navigating the Turnover Season

    Lake Lanier Fishing Update: Top Water Bites, Striper Hot Spots, and Navigating the Turnover Season
    Nov 10 2024
    As of November 10, 2024, Lake Lanier is offering some exciting fishing opportunities despite the ongoing lake turnover. Here’s what you need to know for a successful day on the water.

    **Lake Conditions:**
    The lake level is currently down 2.1 feet, and the water temperature is in the 70s. The water clarity is clear, although the yearly turnover has begun, which can make the water appear darker in some areas due to the mixing of cooler and warmer water layers.

    **Weather and Time:**
    Today's weather is expected to be mild, with temperatures in the 70s. Sunrise was at around 6:45 AM, and sunset will be at approximately 5:15 PM.

    **Fish Activity:**
    Bass fishing on Lake Lanier is fair to good. The top water bite is still active, with surface activity scattered across the lake. Look for windy areas with humps and long points to increase your chances. Effective lures for the top water bite include the Lip Thrasin Riser, Ima Skimmer, swimbaits, and Spot Chokers. For deeper fishing, the dropshot method around brush and ledges in the 25- to 35-foot range using Lanier Baits Sweet Rosey or Blue Lily colored worms has been productive. The Shakey head bite around docks and blow downs is also yielding results[1].

    Striper fishing is also promising, with these fish seeking oxygen-rich areas. Check contours like ditches, humps, and feeder creeks where they intersect with the channel. Down lines, flat lines, and planer boards with bluebacks, threads, and minnows are effective. Dollar bill size gizzards can also provide some excitement[1].

    **Hot Spots:**
    For bass, focus on the docks in the 15-foot range and work all areas around and in the dock. Also, target the deeper brush in the 35-foot range with drop shots or quarter ounce Spot Chokers.

    For stripers, head to the south end of the lake and troll near the dam north to Young Deer in the river channels. Use Capt. Mack’s 1.5 to 2 ounce chipmunk jigs with trailers or umbrella rigs[3].

    **Additional Tips:**
    Remember to wear your life jacket and stay hydrated. The turnover period can make fishing more challenging, but the fish are still biting. Be prepared to cover a lot of ground to find the active fish.

    Enjoy your day on Lake Lanier
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    3 mins
  • Lake Lanier Fall Fishing Update: Bass, Stripers, and Ideal Conditions on the Water

    Lake Lanier Fall Fishing Update: Bass, Stripers, and Ideal Conditions on the Water
    Nov 9 2024
    As of November 9, 2024, Lake Lanier is offering some exciting fishing opportunities despite the ongoing lake turnover. Here’s what you need to know for a successful day on the water.

    First, the lake level is currently down by about 2.1 feet from full pool, and the water temperature is in the low 70s, which is ideal for fall fishing. The water clarity is generally clear, although the turnover process is causing some areas to be darker and have a distinct odor.

    For bass fishing, the top water bite is still active, with surface activity scattered across the lake. Look for windy areas with humps and long points, and use lures like the Lip Thrasin Riser, Ima Skimmer, swimbaits, and Spot Chokers. The dropshot technique is also effective around brush and ledges in the 25- to 35-foot range, using Lanier Baits Sweet Rosey or Blue Lily colored worms. The shakey head bite around docks and blow downs is producing fish as well, especially in the 15-foot range.

    Stripers are on the move, seeking oxygen-rich areas. Check contours that create more movement, such as ditches, humps, and feeder creeks where they intersect with the channel. Down lines, flat lines, and planer boards are the most effective methods, using bluebacks, threads, and minnows. Dollar bill size gizzards can also provide some excitement.

    The weather for today is expected to be partly cloudy with mild temperatures, making it a great day to be out on the water. Sunrise is at 6:51 AM, and sunset is at 5:14 PM.

    Yesterday, anglers reported catching a mix of bass and stripers. For bass, several fish were caught using the mentioned top water lures and dropshot techniques. Stripers were found in the creeks, particularly in areas with plenty of bait, and were caught using medium shiners on flat lines and planer boards.

    Hot spots include the areas around the ditches and humps, especially where they intersect with the channel. The river channel near the Spanish mansion on the point in Flat Creek has been productive for stripers. For bass, focus on the docks in the 15-foot range and the brush and ledges in the 25- to 35-foot range.

    Remember to keep an eye on the wind and bait movement, as these are key factors in locating active fish. With the cooler weather forecast, the fishing should only get better, so it’s a great time to get out there and catch some fish.
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    3 mins
  • Fall Fishing Frenzy on Lake Lanier: Stripers, Bass, and the Best Tactics for an Exciting Bite

    Fall Fishing Frenzy on Lake Lanier: Stripers, Bass, and the Best Tactics for an Exciting Bite
    Nov 8 2024
    As of November 8, 2024, Lake Lanier in Georgia is transitioning into its fall fishing patterns, and the conditions are quite favorable for anglers.

    ### Weather and Water Conditions
    The water temperature on Lake Lanier has cooled down to the low to mid-seventies, which is typical for this time of year. The lake level is about one and a half feet below full pool. The water clarity varies from area to area due to the yearly turnover, where the cooler water on top begins to sink and push deeper water to the surface. This turnover can sometimes make the water appear darker and may have a slight odor, but it doesn't seem to be deterring the fish from biting.

    ### Sunrise and Sunset
    Sunrise today is around 7:30 AM, and sunset will be at about 6:00 PM, giving you a good window for both morning and evening fishing trips.

    ### Fish Activity
    The fish activity on Lake Lanier is quite active, especially for stripers and bass. Stripers are looking for oxygen and can be found in areas with more movement such as ditches, humps, and feeder creeks where they intersect with the channel. For bass, the top water bite has been particularly good, especially in windy areas with humps and long points.

    ### Types and Amounts of Fish Caught
    Yesterday saw a good number of stripers caught using downlines, flat lines, and planer boards. Blueback herring, threadfin shad, and minnows have been the most effective baits. For bass, the schooling activity has improved significantly, with many spotted bass feeding on shad in the creeks. The bass are often found in 15 to 20 feet on the main and secondary points.

    ### Best Lures and Bait
    For stripers, using blueback herring, threadfin shad, and minnows on downlines, flat lines, and planer boards has been highly effective. Up the rivers, dollar bill size gizzards are also producing some exciting catches.

    For bass, the top water bite is strong with lures like the Lip Thrashin Riser, Ima Skimmer, swimbaits, and Spot Chokers. When the bass are not schooling, a dropshot rigged with a Lanier Baits Sweet Rosey or Blue Lily colored worm around brush and ledges in the 25-35 foot range has been working well. Shakey head setups around docks and blow downs are also producing fish.

    ### Hot Spots
    Some hot spots to consider include the channels and channel edges where stripers are actively pursuing bait. For bass, focus on the mouths of the creeks to about halfway back, where the schooling activity is intense. Windy areas with humps and long points are also prime spots for top water bites.

    Remember to keep an eye on your electronics to locate the schools of fish and adjust your tactics accordingly. And always wear your life jacket for safety.
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    3 mins
  • "Fishing Lake Lanier During Turnover: Bass, Stripers, and Crappie Bite Strong"

    "Fishing Lake Lanier During Turnover: Bass, Stripers, and Crappie Bite Strong"
    Nov 7 2024
    As of November 7, 2024, Lake Lanier is offering some exciting fishing opportunities despite the ongoing lake turnover. The lake level is currently about 2.5 feet below full pool, and the water temperature has dropped to around 69 degrees, with clarity varying across the lake due to the turnover.

    For those planning to head out, sunrise is at about 6:45 AM, and sunset will be around 5:15 PM. The weather is expected to be cool, which is typical for this time of year, and this cooler weather is driving the fish to be more active.

    Bass fishing on Lake Lanier is fair to good. The top water bite is still active, particularly in windy areas with humps and long points. Lures like the Lip Thrashin Riser, Ima Skimmer, swimbaits, and Spot Chokers are proving effective. For those targeting bass in deeper waters, a dropshot rigged with a Lanier Baits Sweet Rosey or Blue Lily colored worm around brush and ledges in the 25- to 35-foot range is recommended. The shakey head bite around docks in the 15-foot range is also producing fish.

    Striper fishing is also promising, with fish moving north to the upper creeks and rivers in search of oxygen. Using blue backs, gizzards, and threadfins on down lines, flat lines, and planer boards is effective. Top water bites using Whopper Ploppers and Mcsticks can be explosive but short-lived, so be ready to react quickly.

    Crappie fishing remains good, with crappie suspended 10 to 15 feet deep over 20- to 40-foot bottoms. Crappie minnows, black and chartreuse jigs, and green and chartreuse hair jigs are the go-to choices. Fishing over brush or structure with a slow retrieval is key.

    Hot spots include the deep end of long points, humps, and ledges, especially where there is brush and shad activity. The river channels and channel edges are also productive for stripers. For crappie, focus on areas with brush piles in about 15 feet or less of water.

    Remember to wear your life jackets and be prepared for the changing conditions due to the lake turnover. Despite these challenges, the fish are still biting, making it a great time to be out on Lake Lanier.
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    3 mins
  • "Fall Fishing on Lake Lanier: Bass, Stripers, and Crappie Thrive in Mild Conditions"

    "Fall Fishing on Lake Lanier: Bass, Stripers, and Crappie Thrive in Mild Conditions"
    Nov 3 2024
    As of November 3, 2024, Lake Lanier in Georgia is offering some excellent fishing opportunities. Here’s what you need to know for a successful day on the water.

    ### Lake Conditions
    Lake Lanier is currently at a level of 2.5 feet below the full pool of 1071 feet, and the water temperature has cooled down to around 69 degrees. The lake is experiencing its annual turnover, which can affect clarity in some areas, but overall, the main lake remains clear while the creeks and rivers are somewhat stained.

    ### Weather and Time
    Today, you can expect a crisp fall morning with the sun rising at around 6:54 AM and setting at 5:34 PM. The weather is mild, making it an ideal time to be out on the water.

    ### Fish Activity
    Bass fishing is good right now. The bass have resumed their normal fall patterns, and the topwater bite is getting better each day. Look for shad balls over humps and long points, as these areas are attracting a lot of bass. Topwater lures such as the Lip Thrashin Riser, Slickstick, Sebile, and Ima Skimmer are working well, especially in chrome during sunny times and white or bone during cloudy periods. For deeper fishing, a three-ounce Spot Choker underspin with a three-inch Keitech is effective for both schooling and suspended fish. Around the docks, worms or jigs in green pumpkin or cinnamon pepper colors are also producing results.

    Striper fishing is also active, with stripers moving north to the upper creeks and rivers. Blue backs and gizzards are popular baits, but threadfins blowing up on the surface are also a good choice. Planer boards with weighted and unweighted flat lines, along with topwater baits like Whopper Ploppers and Mcsticks, can be very effective.

    Crappie fishing is good as well, with crappie suspended 10 to 15 feet deep over a 12 to 30 foot bottom. Crappie minnows and jigs, particularly black and chartreuse or green and chartreuse hair jigs, are working well. Use a slow retrieval and set minnows in rod holders over brush or structure.

    ### Hot Spots
    For bass, focus on the humps and long points where shad balls are present. The main lake and areas around the creeks and rivers are good spots to start.

    For stripers, head to the upper creeks and rivers where they are congregating. Areas like the south end of the lake near the dam and the river channels are also productive.

    For crappie, target areas with brush or structure in the 12 to 30 foot depth range.

    ### Tips
    Remember to adjust your lures and baits according to the weather and time of day. Always wear your life jackets and stay safe on the water.

    It’s a great time to be out on Lake Lanier, so grab your gear and enjoy the fall fishing
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    3 mins
  • Excellent Fishing Opportunities on Lake Lanier: Topwater Bass, Schooling Stripers, and Suspended Crappie Await

    Excellent Fishing Opportunities on Lake Lanier: Topwater Bass, Schooling Stripers, and Suspended Crappie Await
    Nov 2 2024
    As of November 2, 2024, Lake Lanier in Georgia is offering some excellent fishing opportunities. The lake is currently about one foot below full pool, and the water temperature has cooled down to the low 70s, which is ideal for this time of year.

    The weather today is expected to be partly cloudy with a high in the mid-60s and a low in the mid-50s, making it a comfortable day to be out on the water. Sunrise is at around 7:30 AM, and sunset will be at about 6:00 PM.

    For bass fishing, the top water bite has been particularly good, especially as the day progresses. Look for shad balls over humps and long points, where lures like the Lip Thrasin Riser TKO, Slickstick, Sebile, and Ima Skimmer have been performing well. In sunny conditions, chrome-colored lures are effective, while white or bone-colored lures work better on cloudy days. Additionally, a three-ounce Spot Choker underspin with a three-inch Keitech has been successful for both schooling and suspended fish. Around the docks, the worm or jig bite is also picking up, with green pumpkin or cinnamon pepper colors being the most productive.

    Striper fishing is also heating up as the fish move north to the upper creeks and rivers. Blue backs and gizzards are popular baits, but the abundance of threadfins on the surface is also attracting stripers. Planer boards with weighted and unweighted flat lines have started to produce, and having top water lures like Whopper Ploppers and Mcsticks ready can be rewarding due to the brief but intense surface bites.

    Crappie can be found suspended 10 to 15 feet deep over a 12 to 30 foot bottom. Crappie minnows have been the majority of the bite, and using black and chartreuse or green and chartreuse hair jigs with a slow retrieval has been effective. Setting minnows in rod holders over brush or structure is also a good strategy.

    Hot spots to consider include the upper creeks and rivers for stripers, and areas around humps and long points for bass. The docks, especially those with nearby structure, are also worth a try.

    Remember to wear your life jackets and enjoy the great fishing conditions on Lake Lanier.
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    3 mins
  • Fall Fishing on Lake Lanier: Bass, Stripers, and Crappie Thrive in Ideal Conditions

    Fall Fishing on Lake Lanier: Bass, Stripers, and Crappie Thrive in Ideal Conditions
    Nov 1 2024
    As of November 1, 2024, Lake Lanier in Georgia is offering some excellent fishing opportunities. Here’s what you need to know for a successful day on the water.

    ### Weather and Water Conditions
    The water temperature on Lake Lanier has cooled down significantly, hovering around the mid-70s, which is ideal for this time of year. The lake level is currently about one foot below full pool. The main lake is clear, while the creeks and rivers have varying degrees of stain.

    ### Sunrise and Sunset
    Sunrise today is at around 7:30 AM, and sunset will be at approximately 6:30 PM. These times are crucial for planning your fishing trips, especially for those targeting topwater bites.

    ### Fish Activity
    Bass fishing on Lake Lanier is good, with the bass resuming their normal patterns for this time of year. The topwater bite is getting better each day, particularly over humps and long points where shad balls are present. Chrome-colored lures work well in sunny conditions, while white or bone-colored lures are more effective on cloudy days. The Lip Thrashin Riser, Slickstick, Sebile, and Ima Skimmer have been producing well. For deeper fishing, a three-ounce Spot Choker underspin with a three-inch Keitech or worms and jigs around the docks in green pumpkin or cinnamon pepper colors are effective.

    Striper fishing is also strong, with stripers moving north to the upper creeks and rivers. Using blue backs, gizzards, or threadfins blowing up on the surface can be very effective. Planer boards with weighted and unweighted flat lines, along with topwater baits like Whopper Ploppers and Mcsticks, are recommended. Lead core lines with Berkley Fusion White bucktails or Capt. Mack white chipmunk jigs tipped with chartreuse Shad bodies are also catching big fish.

    Crappie fishing remains good, with crappie suspended 10 to 15 feet deep over 20 to 40-foot bottoms. Crappie minnows and jigs, especially in black and chartreuse or grey on grey combinations, are working well. Using an Acc crappie Stix rod and reel with a 4 to 6-pound test K9 line, along with Garmin Live Scope and Power Pole, is highly recommended.

    ### Hot Spots
    For bass, focus on the humps, ledges, and long points, especially where there is structure like brush. The upper creeks and rivers are hot spots for stripers, particularly around areas with schooling shad. For crappie, target the deeper brush in the 20 to 40-foot range.

    ### Tidal Report
    Since Lake Lanier is a freshwater lake, it does not have tidal fluctuations. However, the water level can change due to dam operations, so it's always a good idea to check the current lake level before heading out.

    In summary, with the cooler temperatures and clear water, Lake Lanier is in prime condition for a variety of fish species. Make sure to wear your life jackets and stay hydrated as you enjoy the fall fishing season.
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    3 mins
  • "Fall Fishing Frenzy on Lake Lanier: Chasing Bass, Stripers, and Crappie"

    "Fall Fishing Frenzy on Lake Lanier: Chasing Bass, Stripers, and Crappie"
    Oct 31 2024
    As of October 31st, Lake Lanier in Georgia is experiencing a transitional period that makes for some exciting fishing. Here’s what you need to know:

    ### Lake Conditions
    The lake level is currently about 1.3 feet below full pool, and the water temperature has cooled down to the low 60s. The main lake is clear, while the creeks and rivers have varying degrees of stain.

    ### Weather and Time
    Today, you can expect a crisp autumn morning with sunrise at around 7:30 AM and sunset at about 6:30 PM. The weather is forecasted to be cool, which should keep the fish active.

    ### Fish Activity
    Bass fishing on Lake Lanier is good, with the fish feeding up for the winter. The topwater bite is getting better each day, especially over humps, long points, and areas with shad balls. Schooling activity has picked up, but it's scattered, so you need to be quick to cast into the schools before they dive. Lures like the Lip Thrasin Riser, Ima Skimmer, small Gunfish, swimbaits, or Jerkshads have been producing well. On low wind days, the drop shot with Lanier baits like Sweet Rosy and Blue Lily worms around brush and ledges is effective. The worm or jig bite around docks, brush, and blowdowns is also improving, with watermelon green trick worms or brown and chartreuse jigs working well.

    ### Striped Bass
    Stripers are moving into shallower waters, typically less than 30 feet deep. Freelining blueback herring while slowly trolling around points mid-lake can be effective. Planer boards with medium shiners and flat lines have also produced results, especially in areas with plenty of bait. A recent trip to the river channel near the Spanish mansion on the point in Flat Creek yielded three stripers, with the largest almost 14 pounds.

    ### Crappie
    Crappie are getting more active with the cooler weather, suspended 5 to 10 feet deep over 12 to 20 foot bottoms. Crappie minnows and jigs, particularly black and green or green and chartreuse, are working well on open water brush. Using a rod holder with minnows and casting jigs with a slow retrieval is a good strategy.

    ### Hot Spots
    - **Humps and Long Points**: These areas are hot for bass, especially where you can find shad balls.
    - **River Channel near Spanish Mansion**: This spot has been productive for stripers, especially with planer boards and medium shiners.
    - **Flat Creek**: Look for areas with plenty of bait and structure for both bass and stripers.

    Remember to stay hydrated, wear your life jackets, and enjoy the fall fishing on Lake Lanier.
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    3 mins