Conditions Snapshot
Lake level: 1065.87 (5.13 below full pool)
Water temperature: 85-88 degrees
Water clarity: clear
Current pattern: Deep summer pattern with September approaching
Pattern Update
The calendar may be getting close to September, but Lake Lanier is still fishing more like summer than fall.
The stripers remain in their deep-water summer areas, and trolling continues to be a good way to cover water and reach scattered fish. Downlines can also produce when you find a concentrated group, but you need to let your electronics tell you whether the fish are grouped tightly enough to stop or scattered enough that you should keep moving.
As we move into September, don’t expect the pattern to change simply because the calendar does. Water temperatures will likely remain warm, and September usually continues to fish more like late summer.
What to Expect in September
Stripers typically remain scattered along creek channels from Big Creek south to the dam during September. Fish may hold in 80–130 feet of water from the creek mouths back to about a third of the way into the creeks. And you will also find fish working the river channel in 100–150 feet of water.
Trolling with lead core or a downrigger is usually the go-to technique because covering water matters more than sitting still when the fish are spread out and moving.
When you find enough fish to stop and use live bait, herring may not stay lively for long below approximately 30 feet in the warm water. Bring plenty of bait and check it frequently.
Keep a pitch rod ready as well. A herring worked 40–60 feet behind the boat can pick up fish that will not commit to the downlines. By the end of September, start watching for the first signs of topwater activity.
Fall Fishing Changes Month by Month
Fall is one of the most exciting times to fish Lake Lanier, but “fall fishing” is not one pattern.
September usually fishes more like late summer. During October, turnover gets going, the fish begin their breakout from the south end, and topwater activity becomes more consistent. By November, stripers may be scattered lake-wide, and where you find them will often determine whether you should fish topwater, downlines, flat lines or planer boards.
We’ve put together a complete month-by-month guide explaining how fish location, depth and productive techniques typically change from September through November.
Read the Fall Striper Fishing on Lake Lanier Month-by-Month Guide
Fall conditions can change quickly. Stay mobile, watch the weather, pay attention to your electronics and be ready to change techniques as the fish move.
Get out there and catch ’em up!
Frequently Asked Questions
Has the fall striper pattern started on Lake Lanier?
Not yet in full. Late August and much of September normally continue to fish more like summer. The more noticeable fall transition usually develops as the water cools and turnover progresses.
Where are Lake Lanier stripers during September?
Stripers are often scattered along creek channels from Big Creek south to the dam in approximately 80–130 feet of water. Fish may also be found along the river channel in 100–150 feet of water.
What is the best way to catch Lake Lanier stripers in September?
Trolling with lead core or downriggers is often the most productive technique because it allows you to cover water and reach scattered, moving fish. Downlines can produce when you locate a concentrated group.
When does the topwater striper bite begin on Lake Lanier?
The first signs of fall topwater activity may appear toward the end of September. The topwater bite typically becomes more consistent during October as water temperatures fall and the breakout begins.
How does turnover affect striper fishing on Lake Lanier?
Turnover changes water conditions and helps move stripers away from their deep summer areas. As the process develops, fish begin spreading into more areas of the lake and may be caught with several different techniques.
What is the best month for fall striper fishing on Lake Lanier?
September, October and November can all produce, but each month fishes differently. September is typically dominated by late-summer trolling, October brings a mix of trolling, downlines and topwater, and November offers several patterns across different parts of the lake.
Get out there and catch ’em up!