08-07-2002, 05:31 PM
LAKE LANIER AND CHATTAHOOCHEE RIVER FISHING REPORT<br>by Bill Vanderford<br><br> Surface temperatures at Lake Lanier are above 85 degrees, and the lake level is about 7 feet below normal pool and falling. The thermocline has formed, and Lake Lanier's fish population is fully into the summer pattern.<br> Striped bass are near deeper underwater ridges all over the lake, and many are being caught over main river and creek channels at depths of 20 to 35 feet. A few early morning stripers and spotted bass are being caught on jerkbaits, flukes, or other topwater lures.<br> Some spotted bass can be caught around points, docks, or blowndown trees throughout the lake with topwater lures, flukes, or 1/4 ounce Swirleybird spinners. However, most of the spotted bass have already moving into brush piles and natural, underwater timber at 10 to 25 feet, and can be caught with plastic worms or live spottail minnows.<br> Crappie fishing is still good at night under bridges all over the lake. Live shad or minnows are the best bait. <br> Trout fishing in the Chattahoochee River below the dam is excellent for both rainbow and browns. Swirleybird spinners, sinking and floating Rapalas, and dry flies are great 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>Living to Fish and Fishing to Live<br>Bill Vanderford<br>www.fishinglanier.com<br>770-962-1241