01-04-2002, 03:59 PM
LAKE LANIER AND CHATTAHOOCHEE RIVER FISHING REPORT<br>by Bill Vanderford<br><br> Surface temperatures at Lake Lanier are now in the low 50’s, and the lake level is about 12 feet below normal pool and falling slightly. Recent colder weather has slowed the metabolism of the baitfish and forced them into tighter schools, which has made catching predator fish much easier.<br> Schools of striped bass are still roaming the south end of the lake while gorging heavily on schools of baitfish on or near the surface. These big linesided fish are being caught in good numbers with 1/2 ounce Blakemore Road Runners, 3-inch weighted Flukes, and 1/4 ounce Swirleybird spinners when seen surfacing from Brown’s Bridge back to the dam. Also, plenty of stripers are being taken on flat-lined live baits early and late in the day in shallow coves or around points of land.<br> Spotted bass can be found in 30 to 50 feet of water in creek channels around trees and stumps. These bass can be caught with vertically-jigged 3/4 ounce spoons. <br> Trout fishing in the Chattahoochee River below the dam remains very good for both rainbow and browns. Swirleybird spinners continue to be quite effective for trout at this time.<br>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, JFish51@aol.com, or at his web site: www.fishinglanier.com<br><br><br><br>Living to Fish and Fishing to Live<br>Bill Vanderford<br>www.fishinglanier.com<br>770-962-1241