LAKE LANIER IS FULL & THE MAIN LAKE IS CLEAR AND CREEKS ARE STAINED IN THE BACKS & 50 DEGREES

Bass fishing is good. The cold front pushed the fish back a little. But, thankfully, another warming trend is headed our way that should cause the lake to bust wide open in the near future. Fish can still be found in the back of creeks and on secondary points at the mouth of creek arms as well as pockets near the main creek channels. A jig, a Davis Shaky Head and a jerk bait have been the most productive lures again this week. The dock bite is starting to pick up as well, particularly when the sun is out. Look for the docks in the 15 to 20 feet range at the front to be the best right now, and if brush is around, even better. Also, look for the rocky areas in creek that receive all day sun to continue to produce at times also. These areas still need to be next to deep water for the most part, although you can find activity in the backs of creeks and pockets in shallower water. One thing to add this week, we have been doing well in the mornings on a Fish Head Spin in the creek ditches in the 15 foot range. Now is a great time to learn prespawn fishing on Lanier. We have the following dates left open in April 7, 11, 15, 22, 24, 25, 28, 29, and 30. I am also booking for May. 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 despite the cold temperatures for this time year, the high winds, and rain. We have two distinct patterns on the lake. The first is the typical pattern of fish relating to points and flats from the mouth of the creeks to all the way in the back of the creeks. The second is an open water bite from Browns Bridge to Big Creek including the mouth of Flat Creek, Mud Creek and Flowery Branch. The technique for both patterns is the same. Use free lines with herring and trout 120 feet back and planner boards with bait at varying distances from 25 feet to 100 feet. Use both weighted and un weighted lines to cover more of the water column. Casting a 1/2 ounce buck tail jig with a fluke trailer while pulling baits, will get an extra fish. The open water bite defies traditional thinking of shallow in the backs of the creeks at this time of the year. Stripers have a way of throwing you a curve about the time you think you have them figured out. The message here is sometimes you have to fish where they are and not where they are supposed to be.

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

Crappie fishing is great. With March known for its unpredictable weather swings, it is going out with a flourish with snow flurries over the lake At least it only lasted a few minutes Water temperatures remain in the mid fifties. Fishing in general remains good to excellent. The trolling bite is about average for this time of year. If you are long line trolling, your best option is the double rig 1/16 ounce jig head with curly tails in a variety of colors. Don’t hesitate to use the darker curly tails. Your trolling speed should be an average of 0.8 mph with your trolling motor. This will keep your jig about 10 feet below the surface. Start putting your spread at 20 foot depth and troll toward the backs of the creeks. If you are tight lining, use 10 to 12 foot rods, 3/8 ounce egg sinker, 18” leader, and a number 6 hook tipped with a crappie minnow. Try to use the slowest speed possible so that your line stays vertical. Keep your bait 12 feet below the surface. Your target areas are flats in the backs of creeks. With both of these methods you should have multiple bites when you’re trolling through a school of fish. When this happens, place a waypoint on your Lowrance, and make a GRADUAL turn to pass back over the waypoint. If you are a dock shooter, you should be in your game. The bite is on, and we are putting a lot of fish in the boat. Four pound high visibility line is a must, with 1/24 ounce jig. This will enable you to see your line movement when you get a bite. Because of the recent cold snaps, we’ve been shooting docks with success in 20’ depths and as shallow as 8 foot depths. Jiffy Jigs and Sugar Bugs are still our favorite any with chartreuse feathers are hot. You are noticing an increased amount of fishermen on the lake. It is hard to determine whether another fisherman has just fished a dock you are approaching. As annoying as it may sound, when you shoot your first shot and you notice spider webs, that is a sign the dock you are fishing has not been visited that day. The fish are still in the pre spawn stage. Hold tight, the spawn is coming. Look for a steady sixty plus degree temperature, and then start fishing the blow downs in shallow water. This is what spring is all about Make it a habit to wear your life jacket; it could 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

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 [email protected]