Conditions Snapshot
Lake level: 1066.48 feet (4.52 feet below full pool)
Water temperature: 86–88 degrees
Water clarity: Clear on the main lake
Current pattern: Deep summer pattern
Pattern Update
The stripers have pushed down the lake into their normal summertime areas.
You may still find some fish in main-lake pockets in 50–70 feet of water first thing in the morning, but most of the fish are now holding on creek and river channels in 90–120 feet of water from Big Creek down to the Dam.
Downlines are still the best bet. Depending on what you see on your electronics, you may be fishing your baits anywhere from 30 to 80 feet deep. Keep lively bait on the hook and be prepared to change it often because herring will not last long in the less oxygenated water at or below the thermocline.
The power-reeling bite is still a great option. Dropping a spoon, jig or even a dead herring through the school and reeling it back up can help keep the fish fired up under the boat.
The trolling bite is getting good as well. Scattered singles on your graph is a great indicator that trolling might be best right then. You can cover more water at 2.5-3 mph and make a bait presentation to more fish. Using a 1.5 oz Stripertackle Super Spin Shad in white/white or chartreuse/chartreuse glitter out 7-9 colors will be a go to this week and into September. The Hawg Spoon on your leadcore setup will work as well.
For more details on locations, bait presentation, leader length and power reeling, read the complete August Lake Lanier Striper Fishing Report.
When Should You Leave an Area?
One of the questions I’m asked a lot is how to know when it’s time to leave an area and look for different fish.
The answer starts with what you see on your electronics. Just because fish were in an area yesterday—or even earlier that morning—doesn’t mean they are still there. If you aren’t seeing fish, don’t keep dropping baits and hoping they will show up.
Give the area a reasonable look, but if the fish aren’t there, move. Keep searching until you find an active school. Your electronics are just as valuable for telling you where not to fish as they are for showing you where to drop your bait.
[Watch: How Do You Know When It’s Time to Leave?
Don’t fish yesterday’s fish. Stay with the bait, trust your electronics and keep moving until you find them.
Get out there and catch ’em up!
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Where are the stripers on Lake Lanier right now?
A: Most stripers have moved down the lake and are holding on creek and river channels in approximately 90–120 feet of water from Big Creek to the dam. Some fish may still be found in main-lake pockets in 50–70 feet of water early in the morning.
Q: How deep should I fish my downlines?
A: Downlines may need to be fished anywhere from 30 to 80 feet deep. Let your electronics tell you exactly where the fish are holding instead of choosing a depth before you find them.
Q: How often should I change my herring?
A: Check and change your herring frequently. Herring will not last long in less-oxygenated water at or below the thermocline. If your bait is not lively, replace it.
Q: Is power reeling working on Lake Lanier?
A: Yes. Power reeling is still a great option. Drop a spoon, jig or even a dead herring through the school and reel it back up to trigger bites and help keep the fish fired up under the boat.
Q: When should I troll for stripers on Lake Lanier?
A: If you are seeing scattered individual fish on your graph rather than a concentrated school, trolling may be the better option. Trolling at 2.5–3 mph allows you to cover more water and put your bait in front of more fish.
Q: What should I use for lead-core trolling?
A: A 1.5-ounce Striper Tackle Super Spin Shad in white/white or chartreuse/chartreuse glitter pulled seven to nine colors back will be a go-to setup this week and into September. A Hawg Spoon on a lead-core setup will also work.
Q: How do I know when it is time to leave an area?
A: If you are not seeing fish on your electronics, it is usually time to move. Do not stay in an area simply because you caught fish there before. Keep searching until you locate fish and bait.