Lake level: 1065.16 (5.84 feet below full pool)
Water temps: 84-86 degrees
Water clarity: Clear on the main lake
Trolling Is Taking the Lead
Lake Lanier is still fishing more like summer than fall. Stripers remain deep and are often scattered along the creek and river channels, making trolling one of the most consistent ways to cover water and locate active fish.
Look along the sides and middle of creek channels such as Big Creek, Two Mile, Young Deer and Bald Ridge. Fish may be scattered in 60–130 feet of water from the creek mouths to about halfway back into the creeks. The river channel from Big Creek south to the dam is also worth checking in 100–150 feet of water.
What’s Working This Week
There is a little change this week. The fish are getting deeper in the water column and you will have to put more line out or even slow down more. You are going to have to stick to the river or creek channels to troll because the trees are pretty high since the lake is almost 6’ down. Pull lead core at 2.5–3 mph and start with your baits 9-11 colors behind the boat. Adjust the amount of line based on the depth of the fish you see on your electronics.
Capt. Mack’s Chipmunk Jigs, underspins and Mini Macks with 1 ½ oz StriperTackle Pro Ultra Swim Bait Heads are all good trolling options. White, chartreuse, silver and pink remain dependable colors.
If you hook a fish while trolling, watch your graph and consider stopping the boat while you bring it in. The rest of the school will often follow the hooked fish. When that happens, drop a live herring or Boss Hawg Spoon for an opportunity at another bite.
When to Switch to Live Bait
When your electronics show a concentrated group of fish, stop trolling and drop downlined herring. Use a 9–11-foot leader of 10-pound fluorocarbon and place your bait at the depth where you are marking fish.
Herring are not living long below 30 feet in the warm low dissolved oxygen water, so carry plenty of bait and replace any herring that is no longer lively. Carry a pair of scissors and start cutting up your dead herring. Don’t know for a fact the chumming is working, but it sure isn’t bad to try.
Captain Ron’s Tip This Week
Do not spend too much time sitting over scattered fish. Troll while they are spread out, then stop and drop when your graph shows that the fish have gathered under the boat.
For more locations, tackle recommendations and trolling setups, read our September 2026 Lake Lanier Striper Fishing Report.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where are stripers holding on Lake Lanier this week?
Stripers are holding along the sides and middle of creek channels in approximately 60–130 feet of water. Focus on Big Creek, Two Mile, Young Deer and Bald Ridge, along with the river channel from Big Creek south to the dam in 100–150 feet of water.
What is the best technique for catching Lake Lanier stripers this week?
Lead-core trolling is one of the best techniques while the fish are scattered. Troll at 2.5–3 mph with your baits approximately 7–9 colors behind the boat, adjusting the amount of line based on the depth of the fish shown on your electronics.
When should I switch from trolling to downlines?
Continue trolling when you are marking scattered fish. When your electronics show a concentrated school under the boat, stop and drop downlined herring or a Boss Hawg Spoon.
What trolling baits are working for Lake Lanier stripers?
Capt. Mack’s Chipmunk Jigs, underspins and Mini Macks are all good trolling options. White, chartreuse, silver and pink are dependable colors.
How should I rig a downline for September striper fishing?
Use a 9–11-foot leader of 10-pound fluorocarbon and place your herring at the depth where you are marking fish. Bring plenty of bait and replace herring frequently because they will not remain lively for long in the warm, deep water.
How do I book a Lake Lanier striper fishing trip with Captain Ron?
Call or text Captain Ron Mullins at 678-300-4865 or visit The Striper Experience booking page to reserve your trip.