LAKE LANIER IS UP 1.62 FEET, THE MAIN LAKE IS STAINED AND THE CREEKS ARE STAINED AND & 81 DEGREES

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

Bass fishing is fair. The bait and fish are still spread out all over the lake at many different depths, but we are seeing some evidence of fish starting to group up. There are fish shallow around shallow cover and on rocky points, mid depth around brush, and deep around and over the timber. In the mornings, we have been opting for a Spro crank bait over shallower rocky points and humps on the main lake, sometimes with brush and sometimes not. This bite is better when the wind is up in the mornings. There are still some bites to be had on top water particularly in the afternoons when the sun is up, but it is not what it had been in June and July....yet! This bite is improving as we are starting to see more schooling activity at the mouths of creeks as well as on the main lake. Look for the top water and swim bait bite to improve dramatically as we head into September. A Davis screw lock shaky head and worms of various colors and sizes have worked well for bites in the brush. We have also been fishing the Wackem Sissies in Cotton Candy on a drop shot rig around the brush. The deeper fish are suspending over and around the timber and can be caught, but they are a grind to find and to fish. If you are game, try a fish head spin or drop shot in the deeper tree tops. My September is booming and I only have a few dates left this month: 10, 12, 17, 20, 24, and 30. Give me a call and reserve your September date soon. 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.

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

Striper fishing remains fair and not a lot has changed. Most of the fish being caught are in site of the dam. Down rod herring is the primary technique. Your best bet is to use your Lowrance Structure Scan to find a couple of fish and then drop your baits. Set your down rods at various depths both above and below the fish you marked. If you have a "clean" bottom do not hesitate to drop your bait to the bottom and crank it up a couple of turns. It is critical that you change your bait often. Depending on your depth and where you are on the lake you may have to change baits every 5 minutes. Herring is not lasting long down deep to support 4 down rods. We are using an 8 to 10 foot of 12 pound test Seaguar fluorocarbon line as a leader and a 1 or 1/0 Gamakatsu Octopus hook depending on the size of the herring. Shoal Creek, Bald Ridge Creek and the dam area are your best bets.