02-02-2001, 12:22 PM
Cold nights and rain had dropped surface temperatures at Lake Lanier into the low to mid 40’s, but the warming has begun. Less water release at the dam and more steady rains have raised the lake level to less than 14 feet below normal pool.<br> Even though the continued drop in surface temperatures had extremely decreased fish activity all over the lake, this warming trend will certainly spur increased feeding activity. Because of the extended cold period, combined with a better than average shad kill, any warmer weather is going to have a very positive effect on fish activity. In fact, spring fishing could begin before the end of this month, and should be the best we have had in years!<br> Most of the striped bass activity is being seen from Brown’s Bridge to just above Little River. Down-lined live baits and near-surface flat lines are probably the best bet unless surface feeding is seen. Cast 1/4 ounce Swirleybird Spinners or weighted Flukes into these visibly feeding fish for best results.<br> Some black bass are still hitting 5/8th ounce Ranger jigs that are dressed with double-tailed grubs, which are heavily impregnated with salt. The ideal depth seems to be 20 to 40 feet around wood structures, rocky points, or boat docks.<br> The walleye population is still holding near Clarks Bridge for their annual spawning migration into the shoals of the upper Chattahoochee River. As the water warms and starts to rise, fishing for this larger member of the perch family should become much better, and this still promises to be a banner year for the walleye clan!<br> Larger crappie are being caught with live minnows or small jigs under marina docks and other deeper boat docks.<br> Trout fishing in the Chattahoochee River below the dam has increased tremendously for both rainbow and browns, especially in the delayed harvest area below Morgan Falls Dam near Roswell. The new “Chattahoochee Special” spinner has been dynamite on the trout all over the river!<br><br><br>Living to Fish and Fishing to Live<br>Bill Vanderford<br>www.fishinglanier.com<br>770-962-1241