10-14-2002, 05:56 PM
Surface temperatures at Lake Lanier have dropped below 75 degrees, and the lake level is about 9 feet below normal pool and falling. The turnover process has started, and Lake Lanier’s fish population is moving into a fall pattern.
Striped bass are near deeper underwater ridges all over the lake, but many are beginning to move into creek channels at depths of 10 to 25 feet. A few stripers and spotted bass are being caught on jerkbaits, flukes, or other topwater lures, but most stripers are hitting live bait.
Some spotted bass can be caught around points, docks, or blown down trees throughout the lake with topwater lures, flukes, or 1/4 ounce Swirleybird spinners. A few spotted bass are still in brush piles and natural, underwater timber at 10 to 25 feet, and can be caught with plastic worms or live spottail minnows.
Crappie fishing is picking up all over the lake. Live shad, minnows, or spoons fished in standing timber is best.
Trout fishing in the Chattahoochee River below the dam is excellent for both rainbow and browns. Swirleybird spinners, sinking and floating Rapalas, and dry flies are great for trout at this time.
Bill Vanderford has won numerous awards for his writing and photography, and has been inducted into the Freshwater Fishing Hall of Fame as a Legendary Guide. He can be reached at 770-962-1241, [url "mailto:JFish51@aol.com"]JFish51@aol.com[/url], or at his web site: [url "http://www.fishinglanier.com"]www.fishinglanier.com[/url]
[signature]
Striped bass are near deeper underwater ridges all over the lake, but many are beginning to move into creek channels at depths of 10 to 25 feet. A few stripers and spotted bass are being caught on jerkbaits, flukes, or other topwater lures, but most stripers are hitting live bait.
Some spotted bass can be caught around points, docks, or blown down trees throughout the lake with topwater lures, flukes, or 1/4 ounce Swirleybird spinners. A few spotted bass are still in brush piles and natural, underwater timber at 10 to 25 feet, and can be caught with plastic worms or live spottail minnows.
Crappie fishing is picking up all over the lake. Live shad, minnows, or spoons fished in standing timber is best.
Trout fishing in the Chattahoochee River below the dam is excellent for both rainbow and browns. Swirleybird spinners, sinking and floating Rapalas, and dry flies are great for trout at this time.
Bill Vanderford has won numerous awards for his writing and photography, and has been inducted into the Freshwater Fishing Hall of Fame as a Legendary Guide. He can be reached at 770-962-1241, [url "mailto:JFish51@aol.com"]JFish51@aol.com[/url], or at his web site: [url "http://www.fishinglanier.com"]www.fishinglanier.com[/url]
[signature]