This Lake Lanier Fishing guide report is bought to you by Mike Maddalena of "BIG FISH ON" Trophy Striper Guides - www.bigfishonguide.com 770-598-5195.
Lake level: 1 feet above full pool. Temp: High 40's - Low 50's Clarity: back of creeks are stained
Striper fishing remains good however, high winds, colds fronts and rain has made for some interesting challenges. One day the fish and bait are in the back of the creeks the next day they are in the mouth of the creeks over a 50 -70 ft bottom. Trout, herring and shiners on flat lines, downrods at 25 - 50ft, U rigs and casting buck tails are all working but not consistently.
The key is to remain flexible and if one method is not working try another.
The fish are also very spooky so if the fish move off pick up and go find them again.
The double B's (birds and Bait) will remain the key throughout the month of January. Find the Birds and the Bait and you have a very good chance there are stripers nearby. As the water temperature continues to drop in the mid 40's and below the stripers will be rolling on small threadfin shad. Do not hesitate to downsize your bait, jigs and spoons. Tiny (2 or 3 inch trout or
small/medium shiners will be your best live bait choices. A #2 or #4 hook,
12lb test leader and a light drag are needed when fishing these small baits.
Planers, flat lines and down rods are all viable methods, be sure to put a split shot on some of your planers and flat lines. The floating down rod (place a float on a release 10ft or so above your down rod swivel) is also a good choice. U-RIGS and casting small buck tails will also continue to work. The stripes will also hit a fly if you're so inclined. A fly tied a couple feet behind a casting float will work with conventional tackle. The back 1/3 of the creeks lake wide should be your first stop. On the Northern portion of the Chattahoochee, the river channel from the HWY 53 bridge to Clarks Bridge is traditionally a place to look as well. Remember - Birds and Bait. The new Lowrance Structure Scan is very helpful tool for finding the schools of threads. If you haven't had a chance to see the LSS in action, you need to!