As of November 15, 2024, Lake Lanier in Georgia is offering some exciting fishing opportunities despite the transitional weather. Here’s what you need to know for a successful day on the water.
### Weather and Water Conditions
The lake level is currently down about 2.1 feet from full pool, and the water temperature is in the low to mid-70s. Water clarity varies across the lake due to the yearly turnover, which can make the water darker and produce foam and an odor. However, this doesn't deter the fish entirely.
### Sunrise and Sunset
Sunrise today is at around 6:54 AM, and sunset will be at approximately 5:14 PM. These times are crucial for planning your fishing trips, especially for the early morning and evening bites.
### Fish Activity
Bass fishing on Lake Lanier is fair to good. The top water bite is still active, with surface activity scattered across the lake. Look for windy areas with humps and long points where lures like the Lip Thrashin Riser, Ima Skimmer, swimbaits, and Spot Chokers have been effective. For deeper fishing, the dropshot technique around brush and ledges in the 25- to 35-foot range using Lanier Baits Sweet Rosey or Blue Lily colored worms has been productive. The Shakey head bite around docks and blow downs in the 15-foot range is also yielding results.
Stripers are actively seeking oxygen, so focus on contours that create more movement such as ditches, humps, and feeder creeks where they intersect with the channel. Down lines, flat lines, and planer boards with bluebacks, threads, and minnows are the most effective methods. Dollar bill size gizzards can also provide some excitement, especially up the rivers.
### Best Lures and Bait
For bass, top water lures like the Lip Thrashin Riser and Ima Skimmer are good choices. For deeper fishing, use a dropshot with a Lanier Baits Sweet Rosey or Blue Lily colored worm. A Shakey head setup with a Net Bait Finesse Worm in Key Lime Pie or Paca Melon around docks and blow downs is also recommended.
For stripers, use down lines, flat lines, and planer boards with bluebacks, threads, and minnows. Gizzards, especially those the size of a dollar bill, can be very effective.
### Hot Spots
One of the hot spots is the mid-section of the lake, particularly around main lake points and flats. Another area to focus on is the docks in the 15-foot range, working all areas around and within the dock. For stripers, concentrate on ditches, humps, and feeder creeks where they intersect with the channel.
### Additional Tips
The evening and night bites are getting better, so consider fishing steep rock banks with a ½ ounce black Punisher Spinnerbait or crank baits like the Norman DD22 in midnight blue after dark. Always fish slowly and methodically, especially during the turnover period, as this can make the fish more challenging to catch.
Remember to wear your life jacket and stay safe on the water. Enjoy your fishing trip on Lake Lanier