Fishing Report Archive

Rates

Virtually any trip that you desire can be modeled for you - whether early morning, afternoon, or evening. My boat can easily handle four passengers and myself. Contact me if you would like me to help customize your fishing trip. During the winter and early spring months, most folks select either a five or six hour trip. The rate for a five hour trip is $325 and a six hour trip is $375.

Captain Tom's New Book

Captain Tom's Book, "Fishing for Lake Lanier Striped Bass", is now available at createspace

Of Fishing Interest

Lanier Striped Bass Coalition

Lanier Striper Club

Georgia Fishing License Information

Georgia Boat Registration

2011 Georgia Sport Fishing Regulations

Lake Sidney Lanier - U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

Lake Sidney Lanier Water Level

O'Neill Outside

Weather Underground

Fishing Reports - 2012


Fishing Report for the week ending January 27, 2012

Water temperature and visibility: Morning temperatures average 47 to 50F. Visibility is good for most areas of the Lake south of GA Hwy 60 Bridge; the water above the Bridge is muddy.

Moon phase today: 19% of Full; Waxing Crescent

Lake Water Level: 1062.25 and rising.

Current Rating: Fair

Overall Comment: Water temperatures hover in the 48 degree range and seem to have leveled off.

Fishing Conditions and Factors: On the north-end of the Lake, the bait will be near the surface until the Sun appears. Soon thereafter, the Threadfins will move to a deeper depth. A slight stain can be found in most northern creeks. The Chattahoochee River is heavily stained north of Lake Marker 60.

Fishing Pattern: The fishing pattern for the north-end of the Lake remains unchanged. More fish are being caught on Umbrella Rigs and Down Lines. Early in the morning, you might find success with Planer Boards; however, once the bait moves down in the water column, be ready to use the Umbrella Rigs or use your Down Lines. You can catch fish with Herring and small Trout. With the exception of one or two places, fishing is fairly poor on the south end of the Lake. Last week, I found little bait and very few fish.

Best Fishing Methods: Down Lines and Umbrella Rigs.

Equipment Requirements: My favorite Umbrella Rig consists of nine one-ounce jigs which are white in color. I place four-inch shad bodies on the jigs; these bodies may be white or chartreuse. When bait fishing, remember to match the size of your hook with the size of the bait. Try four ft. leaders when using Trout and five to six ft. leaders when using Herring.

Tom Blackburn, Professional Fishing Guide, USCG Captain, for Striper Tales LLC, offering a Premier Fishing Guide Service for beginners as well as experienced fishermen.

Author of: Fishing for Striped Bass on Lake Lanier, released in 2011.

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Fishing Report for the week ending January 15, 2012

Water temperature and visibility: Morning temps average 49 to 50F. Visibility is good for most areas of the Lake.

Moon phase today: 55% of Full; Waning Gibbous

Lake Water Level: 1060.40. On May 1 the level was 1071.1.

Current Rating: Good

Overall Comment: Water temperatures hover in the 50 degree range and seem to have leveled off.

Fishing Conditions and Factors: On the north-end of the Lake, the bait will be near the surface until the Sun appears. Soon thereafter, the Threadfins will move to a deeper depth. A slight stain can be found in most northern creeks and the Chattahoochee River.

Fishing Pattern: The fishing pattern for the north-end of the Lake remains unchanged. More fish are being caught on Umbrella Rigs and Down Lines. Early in the morning, you might find success with Planer Boards; however, once the bait moves down in the water column, be ready to use the Umbrella Rigs or use your Down Lines.

Best Fishing Methods: Down Lines and Umbrella Rigs.

Equipment Requirements: My favorite Umbrella Rig consists of nine one-ounce jigs which are white in color. I place four inch shad bodies on the jigs; these bodies may be white or chartreuse.

Tom Blackburn, Professional Fishing Guide, USCG Captain, for Striper Tales LLC, offering a Premier Fishing Guide Service for beginners as well as experienced fishermen.

Author of: Fishing for Striped Bass on Lake Lanier, released in 2011.