Lake Conditions
Water Temperature: Mid-80s in the morning, upper-80s by afternoon
Water Clarity: Clear lake wide
Lake Level: 1066.19 (4.81 feet below full pool)
Weather Trend
We’re right in the middle of our typical summer pattern. Hot afternoons, warm mornings, and the chance of an afternoon thunderstorm are keeping the fish in their deep summer routine.
What’s Changed This Week?
Honestly, not much—and that’s exactly what I’d expect this time of year.
The fish are still deep.
They’re still following suspended bait schools.
And the anglers catching fish are still the ones covering water and trusting their electronics.
If you read last week’s report, you don’t need to throw out your game plan. Stay with it.
What I’m Seeing Right Now
Huge schools of fish continue roaming the south end of the lake around creek channels, deep drainages, and the river channel.
The biggest challenge isn’t getting them to bite.
The biggest challenge is finding them.
Once you find bait, you’ll usually find fish.
Once you find fish, slow down and fish them thoroughly before moving again.
Captain Ron’s Tip This Week
One mistake I see a lot of anglers make this time of year is sitting in one place waiting on fish.
Don’t.
Summer stripers are following suspended bait, and that bait is constantly moving.
I’d rather spend twenty minutes graphing than two hours fishing where the fish aren’t.
If your electronics aren’t showing bait or fish, don’t be afraid to crank up and go find another creek.
Tackle Tip
Keep a StriperTackle Super Spin Shad or Fat Hawg Spoon tied on a leadcore setup while you’re searching. Pull those lures 6-9 color blocks behind the boat at 2.5-30 mph.
You’re fishing while you’re looking, and sometimes you’ll pick up a few fish before you ever stop to put live bait out.
Looking Ahead
Unless we get a major weather event, I don’t expect the overall pattern to change much over the next week or two.
The fish will continue following bait on the south end, and staying mobile will continue to be the biggest key to success.
For a more detailed breakdown of the July pattern—including where I’m fishing, the tackle I’m using, and what I expect the rest of the month—be sure to read the July Lake Lanier Striper Fishing Report.
Get out there and catch ’em up!
— Captain Ron