LAKE LANIER IS .18 FEET UP FROM FULL POOL, THE MAIN LAKE IS CLEAR AND CREEKS ARE SLIGHTLY STAINED & 69 DEGREES

Bass fishing is fair. The spawn is now in full swing. There are still many fish very shallow in the weed lines in the backs of creeks and pockets. A small jig head and worm combo will catch these fish as will a fluke. The main lake fish are moving up shallower on the points and humps and are also spawning in those same places. Also, in many of the same type areas the spots are spawning, the blue back herring are spawning as well. Great choices to fish the herring spawn: fish head spin, spinnerbait, wake bait, jerk bait and a fluke. Also, top water baits such as a popper are starting to work as are many other options. Throw these baits when you see schooling fish, which may or may not be related to the herring spawn. The dock bite is good right now also. Davis Shaky Head and worm combo, Senko's or a fluke around the docks are still your best bet. I have the following dates open next week: May 12, 13, 14, and 15. I am also have some dates open the following week. Give me a call and let’s go fishing.

This Lake Lanier Bass report is from Jimbo Mathley. www.jimboonlanier.com 770 642 7764


This Striper report is from Captain Ken West and Captain Mike Maddalena of Big Fish On Service 404 561 2564. www.bigfishonguide.com

Striper fishing is good and becoming a lot more consistent. The primary pattern has been creek and main lake points. The Stripers are mixed in with Spots and you may halve to wade through a number of Spotted Bass to get to the Stripers. A few fish were caught with the Red Fin this week and the Red Fin bite should improve this week. Keep one tied on and keep your eyes on the lake for surfacing fish. We have not seen any fish surfacing this week but keep your eyes on the water as things change very fast this time of year. We are fishing with a single board on each side and 3 or four free lines out the back. By using only one board per side and three to four free lines, we can maximize the number of baits in the 10 to 30 foot depth range. One fish on a given point seems to be rule for me as the fish spook getting the first fish in the boat. If you catch a fish on a given point or flat think about revisiting that same area later in the day. We have been using herring but have had some reports of success with gizzard shad. We pulled the umbrella rig this week with limited success. The key is keeping baits in the water and pull flats and points. There are fish in every creek from the South end to the North end. However, the North end is attracting the most fishermen.

This Lake Lanier Crappie report is from Dan Saknini, President of the Lanier Crappie Angler’s Club. 404 425 405

Crappie fishing is good. Water temperatures are in the mid 60’s in the middle of the creeks, and low 70’s in the backs of the creeks. After approximately six weeks of the spawn, fishing seems to have slowed down to some degree. However, if you’re in the right place, fishing is good. The males are still on brush piles in two to six feet of water from the mid creek pockets all the way toward the backs of the creeks. The older the brush pile, the better your chances of finding fish on them. They are holding tight to the brush. Early in the morning and late in the day, you can cast to them either with a jig or a minnow under a weighted cork. You will notice that the color of the fish are black to purple and are mostly males. Their color darkens when they move into shallow water. We’ve been targeting the better quality fish on docks with structure, using the dock shooting technique. The 1/24 ounce Jiffy Jigs, Sugar Bugs, or Mr. Crappie soft body jigs, all in various colors, are still working well. The fish are aggressive enough at this time of the year that the color does not matter much. Our favorite line is still the four pound test high visibility line. Always tie your jig directly to the line, with no weights or swivels. This will give your jig better action. Be safe on the water as the lake is getting more crowded! Wear your life jacket, it can save your life!

Dan Saknini is an avid fisherman and President of the Lanier Crappie Anglers Club. See our club’s website, www. laniercrappieanglers.com

We have a new Bait Shop on Buford Dam Road at the Buford Dam Quick Stop at 2595 Buford Dam Road. Open daily from 6 to 6, Marty Kenney has Herring (Yipee) and other baits like shiners ready to go to the lake. Please call him at 706 867 5102 and say hello.

Call Ken Sturdivant about the ON THE WATER SCHOOLS for Sonar or the Rods, Reels and Lures for Bass or a full day STRIPERS School. Call 770 889 2654 for details. Send an e mail to ken@southernfishing.com