LAKE LANIER IS FULL POOL, THE MAIN LAKE AND CREEKS ARE CLEAR & 85 DEGREES

Bass fishing is good. There are lots of fish getting in and around the brush in 20 to 25 feet, and they will eat. You can get them to come up for top water and swim baits very well, and that is what we have been doing. A Chug Bug and a Bite Sized Herring have been our go to baits. Every day is a process of figuring out how aggressive the fish are and how far they will come up. If the answer is not at all, then the jig or the Fish Head Spin around the brush is a good choice. I have the following dates open next week: July 8, 9, 10. July is traditionally a good drop shot month and a great time to go spot tail minnow fishing which is great for kids and adults alike!

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 remains very good. The fish are locked into their summer time pattern and most have moved into Creek mouths and bays off the river channel. Your Lowrance fish finding sonar, structure scan and GPS electronics are critical tools for locating summer time stripers. Focus on trees in pockets and off the river and creek channels. If you see a couple of fish stop and drop your down rids to targeted depth. Most of the fish are being caught with down rods set at 30 to 50 feet. We changed the leaders on my down rods this week to 12 pound test Seaguar fluorocarbon and number 1 Gamakatsu Octopus hooks for those small herring. Trolling lead core is working and will only get better as the summer progresses. Set your lines at 7 to 8 colors with a one ounce buck tail jig with one white and one chartreuse shad body trailer. Pull your lead core line at 3 to 3.7 MPH. The umbrella rig is also working. We use a 3 ounce jigs on the 4 arm umbrella rig with 9, 1 ounce buck tail jigs with white and chartreuse 4 inch shad bodies. Set your rigs at 80 to 100 feet back and pull between 2.7 to 3.5 MPH. Don't forget your "Crazy Ivan's" when pulling umbrella rigs. The term "Crazy Ivan" came from the movie Red October. It referred to a random change in course used by the Russian submarines to avoid detection. If you incorporate this "zig zag" approach versus a straight line troll, your rigs will change depth and speed as you turn back and forth. Try it and we believe you will increase your productivity with an umbrella rig. Bald Ridge Creek, Two Mile Creek, Flowery Branch Creek, Flat Creek and the Browns Bridge area are all good places to start. The lake temperature is in the mid 80's. The water is lightly stained in the back of the creeks and clear on the main lake both north and south.

This Lake Lanier Crappie report is from Dan Saknini, President of the Lanier Crappie Angler’s Club. 404 425 4059

Crappie fishing is fair. Water temperatures are in the low to mid eighties. The avid crappie fishermen know that fish have to eat. The bite is typically early in the morning during the coolest part of the day. Hit the lake early. When you hear the jet skis coming your way, you may as well head to the ramp. The fish are still seeking docks in deeper water, close to the creek channels, with submerged brush piles. Some are headed to the submerged natural timber. That group of fish are the most difficult to catch. Soft body or hair jigs remain the best choice. Night fishing is still an option. Bridges are the easiest target, especially those within sight of a boat ramp. For night fishing, use a Hydra Glow type fishing light and either crappie minnows or jigs for bait. This pattern will typically remain for the next several weeks. Stay safe on the water, wear your life jacket. Dan Saknini is an avid fisherman and President of the Lanier Crappie Anglers Club. See our club’s website, www. laniercrappieanglers.com

Meet Lowrance Pro Staffer, Ken Sturdivant at the new Cabela’s in Acworth, Georgia, August 21 though 24, 2014. Ken will be hosting these FREE! Seminar: FRIDAY August 22, 2014 at 3 pm and 7 pm: Fishing Georgia Lakes for bass. SATURDAY August 23, 2014 at 3 pm and 7 pm: Finding Fish with Lowrance technology. SUNDAY August 24, 2014 at 3 pm and 5 pm: The Bass Anglers Tackle Box. Located at the Cherokee Village at I 75 and Highway 92, Kennesaw Georgia

Anglers have a new Bait Shop on Buford Dam Road at the Buford Dam Quick Stop at 2595 Buford Dam Road. Manager is Mark Kenney. Open daily from 6 to 6 they have Herring and other baits like shiners ready to go to the lake. 706 867 5102

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

July 4, 2014