6 Reasons to Fish in Lake Lanier in Georgia

Anglers in Georgia head to Lake Lanier for good reason. It's one of the state's top fisheries.

Photo credit www.lakelanier.com

Anglers talking about freshwater fishing in Georgia can't help but mention Lake Lanier fishing. The Buford Dam backs up the Chattahoochee River and forms a 38,000 acre lake with 540 miles of shoreline. Depths average 50-60 feet, and the fact that it's 35 miles from Atlanta means that you'll find lots of anglers on Lake Lanier bass fishing.

1. Good water temperatures

The north part of the lake is fed by tributaries which warm up. These areas are good in the spring because temperatures rise to optimal levels earlier than the southern part of the lake. The lake is deeper further south, so head down there later in the season after the water warms too much.

2. Water clarity

Lake fishing changes. At the point where rivers and tributaries enter a lake you'll find shallower water that gets cloudy after a rain. What makes Lake Lanier fishing so good is its size. While the area to the north gets cloudy the deeper water in the south remains clear. After a soaking rain, find areas where there is a change in water coloration. Fish cruise those areas in search of a meal that washes down to them like room service.

3. Diverse Fish to Catch

Lake Lanier fishing is diverse. Because of the temperature changes you'll find both warm and coldwater species like largemouth bass, hybrid striped bass, crappie and bluegills. You'll also find rainbow, brook and brown trout.

4. Common bait you can use

Gizzard shad, herring, threadfin shad and spottail minnows are the common baitfish you can use when fishing in Lake Lanier.

5. You can catch fish all Year long

With the exception of the hottest months of July and August there is always something to catch.

6. Great Fishing Spots

The number of parks on the lake offer decent opportunities for the shorebound angler, but is mostly by boat. Top Lake Lanier fishing spots include drop offs from points, brush piles and fallen trees. Launch your boats at the Morgan Falls, Jones Bridge, Abbott's Bridge, and Highway 20 Bridge, among 22 others spread around the lake!

Fall is a great time to catch fish. If you're not at a UGA or Georgia Tech game and are on the water then send in a Lake Lanier fishing report!

Tom Keer

Tom Keer is an award-winning writer who lives on Cape Cod, Massachusetts. He is a columnist for the Upland Almanac, a Contributing Writer for Covey Rise magazine, a Contributing Editor for both Fly Rod and Reel and Fly Fish America, and a blogger for the Recreational Boating and Fishing Foundation’s Take Me Fishing program. Keer writes regularly for over a dozen outdoor magazines on topics related to fishing, hunting, boating, and other outdoor pursuits. When they are not fishing, Keer and his family hunt upland birds over their three English setters. His first book, a Fly Fishers Guide to the New England Coast was released in January 2011. Visit him at www.tomkeer.com or at www.thekeergroup.com.