LAKE OCONEE IS FULL, MID 80’S DEGREES

Bass fishing is fair to good. The lake is full, stained up the rivers clear on the south end; Richland creek has a light stain. The water temperature is 80 to 85 degrees. Fish are starting to move from the deep summer water to the creeks and coves. There are some fish still on the deep water humps on the south end of the lake. Use a deep diving crank bait like a Norman DD22 in a shad pattern. Make sure to stay in contact with the bottom. Deep water docks in the mouths of the creeks and big coves are also holding fish. Docks with structure are best. Use a Texas rig worm or a shaky head worm fished under the dock and around the cover. Dark color worms with green in them have been the best producers over the past week. Some limited early morning top water action that should improve as the water cools.

Striper fishing is slow. It is still to hot for the stripers. There is a top water bite at first light down at the dam. Use a popping cork with a floating jig tied behind it. This bite will last as long as Georgia Power is pumping water. There is some activity on the main lake humps in the afternoon when Georgia Power is pulling water. The umbrella rig pulled over the humps has been the best producer. As the water cools the fishing will improve.

Crappie report by Mark Smith, Reel Time Guide Service at 404 803 0741 reeltime@bellsouth.net

Crappie fishing is good. Use your Lowrance to locate the schools of fish in the timber from 10 20 ft. deep. When you find the schools drop a minnow down to the fish and hang on. The weather is cooling and now is a good time to take a child fishing as the crappie are feeding well.

Line side fishing report by Mark Smith of Reel Time guide service. reeltime@bellsouth.net phone: 404 803 0741

Make sure you stop by Sugar Creek Marina and pick up your spoons and all your tackle needs. You can also book your crappie and striper trips with Reel Time Service at 404 803 0741 or reeltime@bellsouth.net. Learn how to use the Lowrance technology with Ken Sturdivant. Free sonar set up ken@southernfishing.com