LAKE LANIER IS UP .74 FEET, THE MAIN LAKE IS CLEAR AND THE CREEKS ARE STAINED AND & 77 DEGREES

Bass fishing is outstanding. The brush in 18 to 25 feet has really been holding well and the fish are becoming very predictable with the daily sunshine. Even when the Corp of Engineers in not pulling water or the clouds are present, the bite is still strong. In the mornings when the wind is up we have been doing well on a variety of swim baits and crank baits around rocky points and islands at the mouths of the major creeks. Once the sun gets up we have been running the brush with top water and swim baits. A Gun Fish, a Chug Bug, a Repo Man, along with the Bite and Snack sized herring from Sworming Hornet Lures have been the best choices. I am completely booked for September, but Rick Steckelberg is available to guide for me on both Lanier and Hartwell. My next available dates are October 4, 7, 8, 10, and 11. Give me a call and reserve your October date soon they are starting to go fast.

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.bigfishon.com

Striper fishing continues to be good. The top water bite has gotten stronger this week. Focus on creek mouth points and humps with a walk the dog type bait, A Zara Spook or Red Fin. Schooling fish are surfacing but they will not stay up long. Keep a buck tail tied on and rip it back through any surfacing fish you see. For some kicks and giggles you can also pitch a herring on a light spinning rod to any surfacing fish. The key is keeping your eyes on the water. Only one person should be watching your Lowrance electronics and everyone else should be watching the water. There are still a few suspended fish at 25 to 40 feet over a 50 to 120 foot bottom which can be caught with down line Herring. The trolling bite with lead core line and umbrella rigs has slowed some this week but that could change any day. We never leave home without the umbrella rigs. Run your umbrella rigs from 130 to 150 feet back at 2.75 to 3.0 MPH. Set your lead core at 8 to 9 colors with a Captain Mack's 1 ounce jig tipped with a white or chartreuse 4 inch shad body. Focus on the south end creek mouths with top water and main lake / creek channel intersections with down rods and lead core. The good fishing should hold until lake turn over which may occur early October this year. 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.