Episodes

  • Fall Fishing on Lake Lanier: Opportunities Abound Despite Transitional Season

    Fall Fishing on Lake Lanier: Opportunities Abound Despite Transitional Season
    Nov 23 2024
    As of November 23, 2024, Lake Lanier is offering some exciting fishing opportunities despite the transitional fall season. Here’s what you need to know for a successful day on the water.

    ### Weather and Lake Conditions
    The lake level is currently down 2.1 feet, and the water temperature is in the 70s, which is quite pleasant for this time of year. The water clarity is generally clear, although the yearly turnover has begun, causing some areas to have darker colored water, foam, and an odor. This turnover can make fishing a bit more challenging but doesn’t stop the fish from biting.

    ### Sunrise and Sunset
    Sunrise today is at around 6:54 AM, and sunset will be at approximately 5:14 PM. These times are ideal for catching fish, especially during the early morning and late afternoon.

    ### Fish Activity
    Bass fishing on Lake Lanier is fair to good. For bass, the top water bite is still active, with surface activity scattered across the lake. Look for windy areas with humps and long points to increase your chances. Effective lures include the Lip Thrasin Riser, Ima Skimmer, swimbaits, and Spot Chokers. The dropshot technique is also working well around brush and ledges in the 25- to 35-foot range using a Lanier Baits Sweet Rosey or Blue Lily colored worm. The shakey head bite around docks and blow downs has also been productive, especially in the 15-foot range.

    Striper fishing is falling into winter patterns, with the bait thickening up in the creeks and stripers following them. Stripers are schooling on top at random times, often in very large schools that can be seen from several hundred yards away. Use topwater baits like the Berkley Magic Swimmer and Berkley Driftwalker, with the Magic Swimmer being particularly effective in new colors like perfect ghost and olive bone. For live bait, pull freelines with blueback herring 100 feet behind the boat, especially across humps and points.

    ### Best Lures and Bait
    For bass:
    - Topwater lures: Lip Thrasin Riser, Ima Skimmer, swimbaits, Spot Chokers
    - Dropshot: Lanier Baits Sweet Rosey or Blue Lily colored worm
    - Shakey head: Around docks and blow downs

    For stripers:
    - Topwater baits: Berkley Magic Swimmer, Berkley Driftwalker
    - Live bait: Blueback herring on freelines

    ### Hot Spots
    The south end of the lake is a key area for stripers, but they can quickly move further north. For bass, focus on main lake points, especially those with humps and long points. Docks and blow downs in the 15-foot range are also productive.

    Remember to check the contours that create more movement, such as ditches, humps, and feeder creeks where they intersect with the channel, as these areas tend to attract stripers looking for oxygen.

    Enjoy your day on Lake Lanier
    Show More Show Less
    3 mins
  • Lake Lanier Fishing Report: Topwater Bites and Striper Schooling Amid Transitional Fall Conditions

    Lake Lanier Fishing Report: Topwater Bites and Striper Schooling Amid Transitional Fall Conditions
    Nov 22 2024
    As of November 22, 2024, Lake Lanier is offering some exciting fishing opportunities despite the transitional fall season. Here’s what you need to know:

    ### Conditions
    - The lake level is currently about 2.1 feet below full pool[3][5].
    - Water temperature is in the low to mid-70s, which is typical for this time of year[2][3].
    - Water clarity varies due to the yearly turnover, with some areas clearer than others. Look for signs of turnover like darker colored water, foam, and odor[2][3].

    ### Weather and Time
    - Sunrise today is around 7:00 AM, and sunset is about 5:15 PM.
    - The weather has been mild, with some wind, which is beneficial for the topwater bite.

    ### Fish Activity
    - Bass fishing is fair to good. The spotted bass are actively feeding on shad in the creeks and around main and secondary points. They can be found in 15 to 20 feet of water[1][3].
    - Stripers are schooling on top at random times, particularly in areas with more movement like ditches, humps, and feeder creeks intersecting with the channel. They are also following bait into the creeks[3][5].

    ### Catches
    - Yesterday saw a mix of bass and stripers being caught. For bass, anglers reported success with topwater baits like the Lip Thrashin Riser, Ima Skimmer, swimbaits, and Spot Chokers in windy areas with humps and long points. Dropshot rigs with Lanier Baits Sweet Rosey or Blue Lily colored worms were effective around brush and ledges in the 25- to 35-foot range[1][3].
    - Stripers were caught using live bait such as blueback herring on freelines and downlines. The Berkley Magic Swimmer and Berkley Driftwalker have been standout topwater baits, especially in the south end of the lake[5].

    ### Best Lures and Bait
    - For bass: Topwater baits like Lip Thrashin Riser, Ima Skimmer, and swimbaits. Dropshot rigs with Lanier Baits Sweet Rosey or Blue Lily colored worms.
    - For stripers: Live bait like blueback herring on freelines and downlines. Topwater baits such as the Berkley Magic Swimmer and Berkley Driftwalker.

    ### Hot Spots
    - For bass, focus on the mouths of the creeks to about halfway back, and target main and secondary points. Docks in the 15-foot range and areas around blow downs are also productive[1][3].
    - For stripers, check the contours that create more movement like ditches, humps, and feeder creeks where they intersect with the channel. The south end of the lake has been particularly active, but stripers can also be found further north[3][5].

    Remember to wear your life jacket and be prepared to move around the lake to find the best fishing spots. The turnover can make fishing a bit challenging, but the fish are still biting. Good luck on the water
    Show More Show Less
    3 mins
  • Fishing Lake Lanier During Turnover: Topwater Bass and Striper Hotspots

    Fishing Lake Lanier During Turnover: Topwater Bass and Striper Hotspots
    Nov 21 2024
    As of November 21, 2024, Lake Lanier in Georgia is offering some excellent fishing opportunities despite the ongoing lake turnover. Here’s what you need to know for a successful day on the water.

    ### Lake Conditions
    Lake Lanier is currently about 2.5 feet below the full pool level of 1071 feet, and the water temperature is around 69 degrees. The clarity varies, with the main lake being clear but the creeks and rivers showing some staining due to the turnover process. This turnover, where cooler water sinks and pushes deeper water to the surface, can make the water appear darker and sometimes produce foam and an odor.

    ### Weather and Time
    Sunrise today is at around 6:54 AM, and sunset will be at approximately 5:14 PM. The weather is expected to be mild, with temperatures in the 70s, making it a comfortable day for fishing.

    ### Fish Activity
    Bass fishing on Lake Lanier is fair to good. The topwater bite is still active, especially in windy areas with humps and long points. Look for surface activity scattered across the lake, and be prepared to move around to find the best spots. Lures like the Lip Thrasin Riser, Ima Skimmer, swimbaits, and Spot Chokers have been effective for the topwater bite. For deeper fishing, the dropshot around brush and ledges in the 25- to 35-foot range using a Lanier Baits Sweet Rosey or Blue Lily colored worm has been productive. The shakey head bite around docks and blow downs in the 15-foot range is also yielding results.

    Stripers are moving north to the upper creeks and rivers, seeking oxygen. Check ditches, humps, and feeder creeks where they intersect with the channel. Down lines, flat lines, and planer boards are effective, along with bluebacks, threads, and minnows. Dollar bill size gizzards can also provide some excitement.

    ### Best Lures and Bait
    For bass, topwater lures such as the Lip Thrasin Riser, Ima Skimmer, and swimbaits are working well. In sunny conditions, chrome-colored lures are preferred, while white or bone colors work better on cloudy days. For deeper fishing, use a dropshot with a Lanier Baits Sweet Rosey or Blue Lily colored worm, or a shakey head with a Zoom Trick worm in green patterns.

    For stripers, bluebacks, threads, and minnows are the go-to baits. Planer boards weighted and unweighted flat lines, along with topwater lures like Whopper Ploppers and Mcsticks, can be effective.

    ### Hot Spots
    - **Upper Creeks and Rivers**: These areas are good for stripers as they move north seeking oxygen.
    - **Humps and Long Points**: These spots are ideal for topwater bass fishing, especially in windy areas.
    - **Docks in the 15-foot Range**: These areas are producing fish with shakey head setups and around blow downs.

    Remember, the lake turnover can make fishing a bit more challenging, but the fish are still biting. So, gear up and enjoy your day on Lake Lanier
    Show More Show Less
    3 mins
  • Lanier Fishing Report: Topwater Bass, Schooling Stripers, and Changing Seasonal Conditions

    Lanier Fishing Report: Topwater Bass, Schooling Stripers, and Changing Seasonal Conditions
    Nov 17 2024
    As of November 17, 2024, Lake Lanier is offering some exciting fishing opportunities despite the ongoing seasonal changes. Here’s what you need to know for a successful day on the water.

    ### Conditions
    - **Sunrise and Sunset**: Sunrise is at 6:58 AM, and sunset is at 5:28 PM. Nautical twilight begins at 6:01 AM and ends at 6:25 PM[1].
    - **Moon**: The moon is in its waxing gibbous phase, rising at 1:19 PM and setting at 11:36 PM. This phase can be beneficial for night fishing due to the increased moonlight[1].
    - **Water Level and Temperature**: The lake is currently about 2.1 feet below full pool, with water temperatures in the low to mid-70s. Water clarity varies due to the yearly turnover, which can make fishing a bit more challenging but still productive[4].

    ### Fish Activity
    - **Bass**: Bass fishing is fair to good. The top water bite is still active, especially in windy areas with humps and long points. Lures like the Lip Thrashin Riser, Ima Skimmer, swimbaits, and Spot Chokers are effective. For deeper fishing, use a dropshot with a Lanier Baits Sweet Rosey or Blue Lily colored worm around brush and ledges in the 25- to 35-foot range. The shakey head bite around docks and blow downs is also producing fish[2][4].
    - **Stripers**: Stripers are actively seeking oxygen, so focus on contours that create more movement like ditches, humps, and feeder creeks intersecting with the channel. Down lines, flat lines, and planer boards with bluebacks, threads, and minnows are working well. Large schools of stripers have been seen schooling on top at random times, particularly at the south end of the lake but also moving northward[4][5].

    ### Best Lures and Bait
    - For bass, topwater baits such as 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.
    - For stripers, the Berkley Magic Swimmer and Berkley Driftwalker are highly effective topwater baits. If using live bait, freelines with blueback herring 100 feet behind the boat can be very productive[5].

    ### Hot Spots
    - **Windy Areas with Humps and Long Points**: These areas are ideal for topwater bass fishing.
    - **Docks and Blow Downs**: Look for docks in the 15-foot range and work all areas around and in the dock for bass.
    - **Ditches, Humps, and Feeder Creeks**: These areas are key for finding stripers as they intersect with the channel[2][4].

    Overall, Lake Lanier is in a good state for fishing, with various species active and a range of effective lures and baits to use. Be prepared to adapt to the changing water conditions due to the seasonal turnover.
    Show More Show Less
    3 mins
  • Lake Lanier Fishing Update: Topwater Action and Striper Schooling in Transitional Conditions

    Lake Lanier Fishing Update: Topwater Action and Striper Schooling in Transitional Conditions
    Nov 16 2024
    As of November 16, 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 Lake 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. The water clarity varies, with some areas clearer than others due to the yearly turnover, which can bring darker colored water, foam, and an odor. However, the overall clarity is still good, especially considering the recent rain.

    **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 those targeting surface activity.

    **Fish Activity:**
    Bass fishing on Lake Lanier is fair to good. The topwater bite is still active, with surface activity scattered across the lake. Look for windy areas with humps and long points where bass tend to congregate. Effective topwater lures include the Lip Thrashin Riser, Ima Skimmer, swimbaits, and Spot Chokers. For deeper fishing, the dropshot has been working well around brush and ledges in the 25- to 35-foot range using Lanier Baits Sweet Rosey or Blue Lily colored worms. The Shakey head bite around docks and blow downs in the 15-foot range has also been productive.

    Stripers are actively schooling on the surface, particularly in the south end of the lake, although they can quickly move further north. These schools can be very large and visible from several hundred yards away. For stripers, topwater baits like the Berkley Magic Swimmer and Berkley Driftwalker are highly effective. If using live bait, freelines with blueback herring 100 feet behind the boat can yield good results, especially when pulled across humps and points.

    **Best Lures and Bait:**
    For bass, focus on topwater lures such as the Lip Thrashin Riser, Ima Skimmer, and swimbaits. For deeper fishing, use dropshot rigs with Lanier Baits Sweet Rosey or Blue Lily colored worms. For stripers, the Berkley Magic Swimmer and Berkley Driftwalker are top choices, along with live blueback herring on freelines.

    **Hot Spots:**
    The south end of the lake is a key area for stripers, but they can also be found further north. For bass, target windy areas with humps and long points, as well as docks and blow downs in the 15-foot range. Ditches, humps, and feeder creeks where they intersect with the channel are also good spots for stripers.

    **Safety:**
    Remember to wear your life jacket, especially when using planer boards and down lines.

    With the right gear and knowledge of the lake's current conditions, you're set for a productive day of fishing on Lake Lanier. Good luck on the water
    Show More Show Less
    3 mins
  • Lake Lanier Fishing Report Fall 2024 - Tackle, Tactics, and Hot Spots for Bass and Stripers

    Lake Lanier Fishing Report Fall 2024 - Tackle, Tactics, and Hot Spots for Bass and Stripers
    Nov 15 2024
    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
    Show More Show Less
    3 mins
  • Lakeside Lures: Conquering Lake Lanier's Transitional Fishing Bounty

    Lakeside Lures: Conquering Lake Lanier's Transitional Fishing Bounty
    Nov 14 2024
    As of November 14, 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 lake.

    ### Lake Conditions
    Lake Lanier is currently 2.1 feet below full pool, with water temperatures in the 70s and clarity varying across the lake due to the annual turnover. This turnover, where cooler surface water sinks and pushes deeper water to the surface, can sometimes make fishing challenging, but the bass and stripers are still active.

    ### Weather and Sunrise/Sunset
    Today, expect mild temperatures with highs in the mid-70s and lows in the mid-50s. Sunrise is at around 6:54 AM, and sunset will be at approximately 5:14 PM. The weather is mostly clear, making it an ideal day for fishing.

    ### 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 Thrasin 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 blowdowns in the 15-foot range is also yielding results.

    Striper fishing is also promising, with these fish seeking oxygen-rich areas. Focus on contours that create 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.

    ### Hot Spots
    One of the hot spots for bass is around the rocky points and humps, especially those with wood cover. For stripers, head to the upper creeks and rivers where they are moving in search of baitfish. The areas around submerged islands and underwater humps are also prime locations.

    ### Bait and Lures
    For bass, top water lures like the Lip Thrasin Riser and Ima Skimmer are working well. For deeper fishing, use dropshot rigs with Lanier Baits Sweet Rosey or Blue Lily colored worms. Shakey heads around docks and blowdowns are also effective.

    For stripers, bluebacks, threads, and minnows on down lines, flat lines, and planer boards are the go-to choices. Gizzards, especially dollar bill size ones, can also attract these fish.

    Overall, it's a great time to be out on Lake Lanier, with plenty of fish to catch and beautiful weather to enjoy. Just remember to check your electronics frequently to locate the fish and to wear your life jacket for safety.
    Show More Show Less
    3 mins
  • Lake Lanier Fishing Update: Top Water Bites, Striper Hot Spots, and Navigating the Turnover Season

    Lake Lanier Fishing Update: Top Water Bites, Striper Hot Spots, and Navigating the Turnover Season
    Nov 10 2024
    As of November 10, 2024, Lake Lanier is offering some exciting fishing opportunities despite the ongoing lake turnover. Here’s what you need to know for a successful day on the water.

    **Lake Conditions:**
    The lake level is currently down 2.1 feet, and the water temperature is in the 70s. The water clarity is clear, although the yearly turnover has begun, which can make the water appear darker in some areas due to the mixing of cooler and warmer water layers.

    **Weather and Time:**
    Today's weather is expected to be mild, with temperatures in the 70s. Sunrise was at around 6:45 AM, and sunset will be at approximately 5:15 PM.

    **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 to increase your chances. Effective lures for the top water bite include the Lip Thrasin Riser, Ima Skimmer, swimbaits, and Spot Chokers. For deeper fishing, the dropshot method 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 is also yielding results[1].

    Striper fishing is also promising, with these fish seeking oxygen-rich areas. Check contours like ditches, humps, and feeder creeks where they intersect with the channel. Down lines, flat lines, and planer boards with bluebacks, threads, and minnows are effective. Dollar bill size gizzards can also provide some excitement[1].

    **Hot Spots:**
    For bass, focus on the docks in the 15-foot range and work all areas around and in the dock. Also, target the deeper brush in the 35-foot range with drop shots or quarter ounce Spot Chokers.

    For stripers, head to the south end of the lake and troll near the dam north to Young Deer in the river channels. Use Capt. Mack’s 1.5 to 2 ounce chipmunk jigs with trailers or umbrella rigs[3].

    **Additional Tips:**
    Remember to wear your life jacket and stay hydrated. The turnover period can make fishing more challenging, but the fish are still biting. Be prepared to cover a lot of ground to find the active fish.

    Enjoy your day on Lake Lanier
    Show More Show Less
    3 mins