Conditions Snapshot
Lake level: 1065.52 (5.48 below full pool)
Water temperature: 85-88 degrees
Water clarity: clear
Current pattern: Deep summer pattern with September approaching
September Is Here, but Summer Is Holding On
Not much has changed in the Lake Lanier striper pattern since last week. Air temperatures have climbed back into the 90s, and the lake is still fishing more like summer than fall.
Most of the stripers remain in their deep-water summer areas from Big Creek south to the dam. Look along creek and river channels in approximately 90–120 feet of water. You may still find some fish shallower early in the morning, but the deeper pattern remains the most consistent.
Let the Fish Choose the Technique
Trolling continues to be a good option when the fish are scattered. Lead core and downriggers allow you to cover water and put your bait in front of more fish instead of waiting for a scattered school to come to you.
When your electronics show a concentrated group of fish, stop and drop downlines. Set your bait based on the depth you see on the graph rather than choosing a depth before you locate the fish.
Keep plenty of lively herring in the boat and check your bait frequently. Herring will not last long in the warm, less-oxygenated water at or below the thermocline.
Power reeling with a spoon, jig or dead herring is also a good option when you have fish under the boat. Dropping through the school and reeling back up can trigger reaction bites and help keep the fish active.
Don’t Fish the Calendar
September does not automatically mean the fall pattern has arrived. Water temperature, weather and bait movement determine when the fish begin transitioning out of their summer areas.
For now, continue fishing the pattern that is in front of you. Stay mobile, trust your electronics and be prepared to adjust when cooler conditions finally begin changing the lake.
To see how Lake Lanier striper fishing typically changes from September through November, read our complete Fall Striper Fishing Month-by-Month Guide.
Read the Fall Striper Fishing Month-by-Month Guide
Get out there and catch ’em up!
Frequently Asked Questions
Has the fall striper pattern started on Lake Lanier?
Not yet in full. September has arrived, but the return of hot weather means Lake Lanier is still fishing more like summer. The fall transition will become more noticeable as water temperatures begin to cool.
Where are Lake Lanier stripers right now?
Most stripers remain in their deep-water summer areas from Big Creek south to the dam. Look along creek and river channels in approximately 90–120 feet of water.
Should I troll or use downlines?
Troll when your electronics show scattered fish so you can cover more water. When you locate a concentrated school, stop and use downlines set at the depth where the fish are holding.
How often should I change my herring?
Check your herring frequently and replace any bait that is no longer lively. Herring will not last long in the warm, less-oxygenated water at or below the thermocline.
When will the fall striper pattern begin?
The transition usually develops as water temperatures cool and turnover progresses. The calendar alone does not determine the pattern, so continue watching the weather, water temperature, bait and fish movement.