Lake temperatures are in the 70s. Lake Lanier is very close to full pool at 1070.8 feet. The main lake and creeks are stained and the Chattahoochee River is clear.
Bass fishing has been decent. Both largemouth and spotted bass are in all stages of spawning. There are a few pre-spawn bass left, but most are either spawning or are through and in a post-spawn pattern.
One thing is for sure, all the trees and grass that grew on the banks during the drought, and are now submerged, make for awesome spawn. This cover should greatly help both largemouth and spotted bass to reproduce.
Two methods have been working well for me that deserve mention. The first is to fish a SPRO McStick up shallow on the main lake banks that have rock and clay. This lure runs 3-to 5-feet deep, and you want it to actually contact the bottom to get the best results. My theory is that the spawning spotted bass are chasing the lure away from their beds.
The second is to cast a Big Bites Six Inch Pro Lizard on a Carolina Rig around the backs of the coves, secondary points and out on the main lake, too.
Finesse worms on a jig head are a consistent method for catching spotted bass on Lanier year round. Target docks and secondary points, and skip your worm up under the docks if at all possible. It takes some practice to skip.
The main lake topwater action is just getting started. Cast a SPRO Dawg 100 or other topwater plugs over submerged brush piles to entice these bass to the surface. I have been using information from LanierMapped.com to find the submerged brush and other prominent features.
Striper fishing remains productive and these aggressive fish are in the upper part of the water column, feeding on bluebacks and gizzard shad.
Use live baitfish on a flat line or behind a planner board for your best results and keep an eye on your Humminbird Electronics for the best locations. There are a lot of fish in the creeks and rivers, but guide Shane Watson says he is also catching nice-sized stripers around the main lake channels.
There has been some topwater activity this week. Cast a Red Fin around the main lake humps or points and reel these lures slow and steady to create a v-wake. The stipers will really explode on these surface plugs and it can be really exciting! Bomber Long A’s in pink and natural colors are both producing after dark on the main lake around the dam and in the lower lake creeks.
Crappie fishing is good. Both boaters and bank anglers are catching plenty of these tasty fish. Continue to target lay downs, docks and any type of cover with crappie minnows and small jigs. They will bite both day and night in the backs of the coves and creeks.
Trout fishing is very good below Buford Dam and up in the mountains. Below the dam, use inline spinners or live bait where permitted. Mornings, or later in the day toward sunset, will tend to the most productive times. Fly-fishing has also been very good later in the days as the insect hatches happen.
Eric Aldrich is a part-time outdoors writer, bass fisherman and is sponsored by SPRO, Gamakatsu, Hammonds Fishing and Boat Storage, Humminbird and Denali Custom Rods. Reports are based on personal experience and permission from a close network of friends. E-mail him at esaldrich@yahoo.com or visit his website at aldrichfishing.com. Remember to take a kid fishing!