February 23, 2024 – Georgia Wildlife Blog

Yellow Perch Catch for Emerson Mulhall earns a State File tie!

It has been nearly two years since an angler has reeled in a state document, so it was thrilling to listen to about Emerson Mulhall’s yellow perch catch this week. He tied the 2013 state document perch at 2 lb, 9 ozwith this 16-inch catch from Lake Burton on Feb. 18, 2024. The feminine perch was launched again into Burton the place she’s going to spawn in just a few weeks. Technique to go Emerson!

NEWS TO KNOW:

State File Tie! Discover out extra about Emerson Mulhall’s yellow perch state document tie HERE. Go to the Wildlife Assets Division State File Fish webpage to view the complete state document fish listing and pictures of present document catches.
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This week, we now have reviews from Southeast, North and Central Georgia. Whether or not a state document is on the top of the road or your first fish or simply “dinner” for the day, we love that you just Go Fish Georgia!

UPCOMING EVENTS: FEB.-APR. 2024

(Fishing report courtesy of Capt. Bert Deener, Retired Georgia WRD Area Supervisor, with assist from Area Workers and Native Consultants)

The chilly stored the chew depressed this week, for essentially the most half, however the forecasted warm-up subsequent week ought to get the fish within the Okefenokee, ponds, and lakes chewing! Crappie and bass fishing must be nice subsequent week!

River gages on February twenty second had been:

Clyo on the Savannah River – 13.0 ft and rising
Abbeville on the Ocmulgee – 12.5 ft and falling
Doctortown on the Altamaha – 12.9 ft and rising
Waycross on the Satilla – 13.4 ft and falling
Atkinson on the Satilla – 13.2 ft and rising
Statenville on the Alapaha –14.8 ft and rising
Macclenny on the St Marys – 7.4 ft and falling
Fargo on the Suwannee – 8.9 ft and falling

Final quarter moon is March third. To observe all of the Georgia river ranges, go to the USGS web site HERE. For the most recent marine forecast, click on HERE.

OKEFENOKEE SWAMP

Naaman Headrick got here down from Tennessee and fished with Dan Prewitt and Capt. Bert Deener within the Okefenokee on Friday. Dan caught the primary bowfin of the journey.

Naaman Headrick got here down from Tennessee and fished with Dan Prewitt and Capt. Bert Deener within the Okefenokee on Friday. Naaman had a pleasant pickerel to begin off the journey.

Naaman Headrick got here down from Tennessee and fished with Dan Prewitt and me on the east aspect on Friday. The water stage remains to be excessive, and fish had been nonetheless unfold out within the prairies, however we discovered two areas that had a focus of pickerel. Casting was the ticket once more for the second journey in a row. We solely had 1 warmouth trolling, and the remainder of the fish had been caught by casting. Dan began the enjoyable, catching a 3-pound bowfin on a crawfish-brass blade Dura-Spin. They shortly added just a few pickerel with the identical lure. Seeing that the bowfin chew was sluggish once more with the excessive water, we focused the shallower, weedy pickerel habitat and picked up some. Towards the top of the journey, they had been reacting to smaller, finesse prototype spinners, and we caught the final a number of on these. White physique with a gold blade was the most effective shade late within the journey. We ended up catching 8 pickerel to 17”, a bowfin, and a warmouth. On Wednesday, Wyatt Crews fished with me on the east aspect. We solely caught 3 pickerel and a pair of bowfin, however one of many bowfin was a trophy. Wyatt fooled it with a crawfish-brass blade Dura-Spin, and it pulled the scales all the way down to 10-lb., 13-oz. We tried for fliers the final little little bit of the journey and fooled 32 fliers (to 7 inches) in 45 minutes. We pitched chartreuse sallies and pink sallies beneath a small balsa float for the fliers. The newest water stage (Folkston aspect) was 121.22 ft once more this week. The water didn’t come up after this week’s rains, so that may be a good factor for the chew.

DODGE COUNTY PUBLIC FISHING AREA (close to Eastman, space information HERE)

Seth Carter made the trek as much as Dodge this weekend for the primary King of the Kayak Match Path occasion. He caught a strong 4-pounder on an Alabama rig. The winner by a mere 1/4-inch was Ryan Mason (whole 73.50 inches – huge fish 16.25 inches). Second was Davey Allen (73.25 inches – huge fish 16 inches). Thomas Humphrey rounded out the highest 3 with huge fish of 15.75 inches and a complete of 61.75 inches. The most important bass of the match was a 20.5-incher. The 31 match anglers ended up averaging about 2 bass submitted per kayak. The subsequent occasion is on Banks Lake, and there may be nonetheless time to enroll if you’re .

LOCAL PONDS

Jeremy Robertson swung by Satilla Feed and Open air on the way in which to the lake and purchased a 6 1/2-inch glide bait then headed to Laura Walker State Park. It didn’t take lengthy earlier than he was setting the hook right into a chunky 3-pound bass. He additionally caught a pleasant pickerel (jackfish) on the identical glide bait. A Baxley angler fished a pond Wednesday afternoon and had an incredible journey for crappie. He trolled chartreuse again pearl 2-inch Keitech swimbaits on 1/16-oz. black-green eye Zombie Eye Jigheads for 22 slabs as much as 1 1/2 kilos. He thought that was a great journey till he went the subsequent morning. That day he made one lap across the pond and caught a restrict of crappie with 4 proper at 2 kilos, and his largest pulling the scales all the way down to 2.4 kilos! He launched all of the crappie over a pound. The identical chartreuse again pearl Keitech on a 1/16-oz. Zombie Eye Jighead trolled at about 0.8 miles per hour was the ticket once more. Chad Lee obtained away to a neighborhood Alma space pond for only a quick half-hour journey and caught 6 actually fats crappie (one was pushing 2 kilos!) and a pair of bass (2 kilos apiece) on a shad-colored straight-tail plastic. Jimmy Zinker fished some Valdosta space ponds this week and had some good catches. He misplaced an enormous fish Wednesday on a spinnerbait, however landed a 6-lb., 2-oz. bass on a sixth Sense glide bait on Tuesday. He additionally caught a 5-lb, 2-oz. old-looking (huge head, huge eye) bass on a Shad Rap on Thursday. The crappie and bass bites in ponds must be unimaginable this week with the forecasted warm-up. Time to go if in case you have permission at a great pond.

SALTWATER (GA COAST)

Rodney Jones had a great saltwater journey within the Savannah space. He fooled a bunch of trout about 20 ft deep with a 1/4-oz. spherical head with a spring keeper (Medusa Head) and a sight flash 3-inch Keitech swimbait. Capt. Tim Reducing (fishthegeorgiacoast.com) had a great journey on Friday. They caught 37 trout (4 keepers) then obtained on a bunch of slot-sized redfish. On Monday they caught a restrict of trout and a bunch of shorts by dragging jigs alongside the underside. Keitechs rigged on 1/8-oz. Zombie Eye Jigheads labored greatest. On Tuesday, they roped the redfish, catching a restrict and a few trout. Half had been fooled with plastics and half with stay shrimp beneath a Harper Tremendous Striker Float. On Wednesday the chew slowed with barely extra stained water, and so they needed to work for them. They ended up with 6 keeper redfish, 6 keeper trout, and a flounder. The water turned nasty on Thursday, and they didn’t catch fish at a number of drops till he discovered some clearer water. They caught all their fish at that cease and had a number of trout and reds.  Wat-a-melon Bait and Deal with in Brunswick is open Friday via Sunday from 6am to 4pm every week. They’ve loads of energetic shrimp and fiddler crabs and have stay worms and crickets for freshwater. They’re on Hwy 303 simply north of Hwy 82. For the most recent info, contact them at 912-223-1379.

Weblog Contributer Capt. Bert Deener guides fishing journeys in southeast Georgia and makes quite a lot of each contemporary and saltwater fishing lures. Examine his lures out at Bert’s Jigs and Issues on Fb. For a replica of his newest catalog, name or textual content him at 912-288-3022 or e-mail him (bertdeener@yahoo.com).

(Fishing report courtesy of Jim Hakala, Fisheries Biologist and Area Supervisor with the Georgia DNR Wildlife Assets Division, with assist from Area Workers and Native Consultants) 

RESERVOIR REPORT

Allatoona Bass Report: (This report courtesy of Ken Sturdivant by way of www.southernfishing.com): Noticed bass fishing is nice. Fish are starting their pre-spawn “dance” and anglers must key in on lengthy factors and creek mouths. Small jigs, just like the Strike King ¼ ounce jig, is a incredible bait. Use them and add the matching Zoom Trailer in inexperienced pumpkin. Strive the shallow operating Thunder Shad in root beer chartreuse for any stained water. Fish them sluggish proper via the comb. Additionally a #5 Rapala Shad Rap can work on a sluggish retrieve. Fish them slowly in colder water. The nice and cozy climate this week might have fish on the transfer. Begin on the mouths of creeks and pockets and work to the again. Crank these bluff partitions near pockets as effectively and please don’t overlook these transitional banks.

Allatoona Crappie Report: (This report courtesy of Pink Rooster Customized Boats):

Lake Stage: 834′ and dropping
Water Temp: 47 – 50
Water Readability: Gentle to Heavy Stain Muddy in some areas and heavy stained in others
Space Fished: North Lake (Little River Space), S Turns To Victoria, Kellogg & Owl Creek
Jigs Used: GoldCrush Dagger, CopperHead Dagger, Lectric Rooster Small Fry, Cajun Rooster Small Fry, Jive Turquee Orange Slab Dragon, Copperhead Slab Dragon
Approach: Trolling

The primary a part of final week was a wash! The heavy rains that got here in on Sunday/Monday muddied up the water and trashed the creeks. We didn’t have any good fishing days apart from Wednesday and Thursday. There have been some people that caught crappie in closely stained water trolling 1/32 oz. jig heads and 1/24 oz. jig heads. When the water is closely stained the crappie are usually suspended at 2-4′ in 8′ to 10′ of water. Utilizing 1/32 oz. and 1/24 ozjig heads trolled at .7 to .9 mph will maintain these jigs within the strike zone.  Remember to try our Pink Rooster Combo Packs! In case you are uncertain what colours to make use of in clear or stained water our combo packs ought to assist! We provide confirmed clear and stained water colours in all of our types that ought to show you how to catch extra crappie!  Hopefully this report will show you how to the subsequent time you might be crappie fishing on Lake Allatoona. Lord keen we could have one other nice report subsequent week!

Allatoona Fish Attractors: Discover present DNR fish attractors at Lake Allatoona HERE.

Yellow Perch Catch for Emerson Mulhall earns a State File tie!

Lake Burton Perch (This report courtesy of Fisheries Supervisor Anthony Rabern): Emerson Mulhall caught a 2 lb 9-ounce yellow perch on Sunday (2/18/24) whereas fishing on Lake Burton. Utilizing a jerk bait and focusing on bass, Emerson was stunned when he reeled on this large yellow perch that tied the state document.  The feminine is clearly stuffed with eggs.  Emerson launched the fish again into the lake the place she’s going to spawn in just a few weeks.

Lake Hartwell Bass Report: (This report courtesy of Ken Sturdivant, www.southernfishing.com): Bass fishing is honest. The massive quantity of rain left the lake with loads of water and the creeks took on loads of pink clay that washed off the banks. The outcomes left the creeks with heavy stained water and turned the principle lake rivers to a lightweight dingy inexperienced shade. The shad shade Rapala RS Shad Raps and the DT baits will nonetheless work together with the crawfish and inexperienced tiger colours. Keep on the rivers and principal lake factors with these baits early and search for areas that the wind is blowing on for at the very least 45 minutes. These factors and bowls would be the greatest guess this week. Fishing is hard however hotter temperatures are simply across the nook.

Lake Lanier Bass Report: (This report courtesy of Phil Johnson, 770-366-8845 by way of www.southernfishing.com): Bass fishing on Lake Lanier is nice. The lake is presently at full pool however remains to be rising from the current heavy rain. The backs of the coves and up the rivers are coloring in from the rain whereas the principle lake stays clear. Water temperature is operating from forty-six to fifty levels all through the lake. Not so much has modified since final week with fish nonetheless being caught from 5 to fifty ft. The fish are starting their spring transfer up, however the ditch chew remains to be working additionally. Work a 3 eights ounce Spot Choker Finesse with a three-inch swimbait very slowly down the center of the ditches to attract strikes. Look ahead to these fish to maneuver up from the ditches to the secondary factors and flats. Should you find shad within the ditch a half ounce spoon will even set off them. Work the ditch from deep to shallow to find out the depth the bass are holding. A jig and a worm have been producing regular bites within the twenty-five foot or much less vary on ledges, secondary factors and docks near creek channels. A inexperienced pumpkin jig with some orange strands with a root beer trailer has produced some good fish simply not huge numbers but. Any worm within the green-to-green pumpkin colours has been engaged on a 3 sixteenths shakey head on rocky factors and docks. Look ahead to the bass to proceed to maneuver to the shallower areas and for the lake to stain up fairly a bit over the subsequent a number of days. Watch out on the water proper now as there are loads of floaters on the market that may flip it into a nasty day in a rush. The spring chew is starting so Go Catch ‘Em!

Lanier Linesides (This report courtesy of Buck Cannon, 404-510-1778): Lanier stripers have gotten loads of new water to swim in. Lake is simply above full pool, so that you’ll want to make use of your electronics to find the fish and bait after which use your down traces and flat traces with blue backs and trout or gizzards. Flat traces 80 to 100 ft behind the boat trolling at .05 mph on the trolling motor. When you’re on the fish put baits simply above the fish. Planer boards will even have the unfold out to cowl a bigger space. All this new water will have an effect on the chew so be affected person. Water temperature is 48-50 levels, so keep in mind to put on your life jacket.

Jack Becker and pals had an incredible day on Lanier!

Landed 7 stripers between 21-29 inches.

Extra Lanier Linesides (This report courtesy of angler Jack Becker): I discovered loads of bait in muddy water. The water was 2 1/2° hotter than the principle lake. I had my greatest day of the 12 months. Put 7 stripers within the boat. 2 schoolies, 21” & 22” fish. 5 between 27 1/2 inches & 29 inches.

Lanier Crappie (This report courtesy of Captain Josh Thornton, 770 530 6493): The northern finish of the lake is closely stained to muddy. The principle lake is fairly clear. A few of the aspect creeks like 6 mile and 4-mile are fairly muddy nonetheless. The water temperature is 51 levels. Crappie are suspended 5 to fifteen ft deep on open water brush and docks. Crappie are staging for the spawn over the subsequent two months. They are going to be laying eggs in waves not all on the identical time. Please think about solely protecting what you intend on consuming. That approach we could have loads of fish to catch subsequent 12 months. Search for creeks or coves close to a principal channel for roaming fish. Strive colours yellow and brown, inexperienced and black and clear with sparkles have all produced good fish. The gear I like to recommend for crappie fishing is Acc crappie stix 1 piece rod and reel with a 6-pound take a look at K9 line, together with Garmin Reside Scope and Energy Pole.

Alvin Shelton landed this 2 lb, 3 ozcrappie on Lanier.

Extra Lanier Crappie (This report courtesy of Fisheries Supervisor Anthony Rabern): With the nice and cozy days of late winter, we’ve seen loads of anglers on Lake Lanier focusing on black crappie round submerged roadbeds and bridges.  Final week, Alvin Shelton was trolling tiny crappie jigs on Lake Lanier when he landed this 2 lb 3-ounce magnificence.  He additionally talked about that he caught and launched one other dozen of comparable dimension.

Lanier Fish Attractors: Discover DNR fish attractors at Lake Lanier HERE.

Lake Weiss Combined Bag Report: (This report courtesy of Mark Collins Information Service and www.southernfishing.com):

Bass fishing is honest and they’re nonetheless on a winter sample on the river and creek channel ledges. A warming development will assist.
Crappie fishing is honest, and they’re exhibiting up suspended within the river and creek channels 8 to twenty ft deep. Lengthy-line trolling with Jiffy jigs is working effectively and a float and fly is producing.
Striper fishing is poor.
Catfish are biting effectively within the bays and creeks in 8 to fifteen ft of water, minimize bait is working greatest.

West Level Combined Bag Report (This report courtesy of Ken Sturdivant, www.southernfishing.com):  Bass fishing is honest and the largemouth and noticed bass have began to maneuver up on the principle lake factors and in the direction of spawning coves down lake. Discover the warmest water and if there’s a stain within the cove, this can be a plus. Use the Texas rigged u tail worm on a lightweight Texas rig early. Then afternoons strive the Rapala DT6 and DT10 in shad patterns. The important thing to catching fish is to maintain transferring from level to level till the Lowrance electronics finds a focus of bait and bass. Be ready to cowl a big space of the lake.

West Level Fish Attractors: Discover DNR fish attractors at West Level HERE.

RIVER REPORT

Coosa River White Bass (This report courtesy of Fisheries Supervisor Jim Hakala):  WRD employees sampled the Coosa River earlier this week.  Regardless of the river temperatures solely being within the excessive 40’s, white bass have began to filter into the river from Mayo Lock & Dam downstream to the Outdated River Highway boat ramp.  First rate numbers of feminine white bass had been noticed, but it surely’s nonetheless early within the spawning-run.  Anglers can anticipate warming temperatures over the subsequent a number of weeks to convey an increasing number of of those mini-linesides into the river from Lake Weiss.  In case you are on the lookout for some nice white bass fishing, the subsequent month or so on the Coosa must be pretty much as good as yow will discover anyplace!  Throw small shad-colored crankbaits, white curlytail grubs, or minnows tight to the banks on your greatest shot at some thrilling motion on mild sort out.

SMALL LAKE REPORT

Catching picked up as soon as it the climate warmed up.

Good catch on Queen Metropolis Lake.

Good day trip on the water at Queen Metropolis Lake.

LaFayette Metropolis Reservoir/Queen Metropolis Lake (Report courtesy of Fisheries Technician Richard Childers): One other under freezing morning with water temps a bit above 50 levels.  Water was nonetheless fairly soiled from current rains.  9 boats had been out the day earlier than (Feb 18th) for the primary Queen Metropolis Lake Bass match of the 12 months.  The winner had a 20-pound bag, and the large fish was over 7 lbs.  Seems like a great way to begin the match season!  My early morning was fruitless however gave strategy to bites and hookups as soon as it warmed up.  The fish I managed to land got here from ripping a jerkbait and an underspin off the financial institution the place there have been sharper drop offs.  Nothing huge was caught, however I loved my time on the water. Tight traces!

TROUT REPORT

Delayed Harvest Stocking (This report courtesy of trout stocking coordinator John Lee Thomson): The delayed harvest (DH) program is in full swing. In case you are unfamiliar with the DH rules, these areas have particular rules that mandate synthetic lures solely and it’s essential to observe catch and launch from November 1st-Might 14th.  Good luck and Go Trout Fish Georgia!

Trout and Extra (This report courtesy of Unicoi Outfitters): Take a look at Unicoi Clothing store’s common “Angler Administration” fishing reviews HERE.

North GA Trout (Report courtesy of Georgia Wild Trout): February often brings the slowest trout fishing of the 12 months. This 12 months hasn’t been a lot totally different however there are just a few areas nonetheless fishing effectively all through North Georgia. The moist climate we obtained in late January induced the wild fish in small streams to stray from their winter refuges. Stocked fish in smaller water are far more keen to eat if yow will discover them. Many stocked streams haven’t been replenished in a while so discovering the precise water is the important thing to success. The streams which are stocked extra usually; Coopers Creek, Wildcat Creek, Dicks Creek, Tallulah River, Rock Creek, and the Toccoa River have some trout holding over, however I’d anticipate that these trout received’t make it to the top of the month.

The trout within the Georgia Delayed Harvest sections have lastly unfold out relieving the strain from the extra in style holes. There are nonetheless some fish to be discovered however finesse is every little thing now. The hotter rains from this week ought to assist choose up the chew in coming weeks on the smaller streams however will doubtless make the bigger waters, such because the Toccoa River, too harmful to wade. The small waters are higher alternatives for newbie fly fishing. Alternatives for fishing Georgia’s State Parks are at their greatest in February and March, particularly when Fly Fishing with Youngsters.

Chattahoochee and Tocooa Tailwater Trout (Report courtesy of Georgia Wild Trout): The fishing within the tailwaters was productive the previous couple of weeks of January and will keep constant into February. The shortage of anglers under the dam on the Toccoa River left just a few extra fish for the anglers keen to courageous the chilly and rain when the river stage permitted wading. The fishing under Lanier on the Chattahoochee River has been comparable within the afternoons as soon as the dam finishes producing. The spawn has nearly wrapped up however lots of the fish ought to dangle across the areas above freeway 20 and recoup some power for an additional couple weeks into February, earlier than retreating again to their winter haunts. A few of these trout have been extra optimistic about what’s on the menu following the spawn in an try and get well. These are the perfect circumstances to see trophy dimension trout expose themselves and succumb to a well-presented fly. Our newest article on fly fishing streamers goes into extra element on the topic.

Small remains to be the ticket for numbers and each species all through the river. Midge imitations within the dimension 20 vary are your greatest likelihood to get bit. The dry fly and emergers chew has grow to be a bit extra temperamental. Both much less bugs are hatching as a result of colder temps, or the quantity of era is throwing off their groove. I nonetheless see the occasional trout rising however the consistency is missing in comparison with what’s going to come within the weeks forward the place constant mid-morning hatches ought to grow to be the norm.

Trout Stocking Bucket Brigade: 40 volunteers stocked 1800 trout – Thanks Volunteers!

Trout Stocking Bucket Brigade: 40 volunteers stocked 1800 trout – Thanks Volunteers!

Trout Stocking Bucket Brigade: 40 volunteers stocked 1800 trout – Thanks Volunteers!

Trout Stocking Bucket Brigade: 40 volunteers stocked 1800 trout – Thanks Volunteers!

Morgan Falls DH Trout Stocking (This report courtesy of Buford State Trout Hatchery Supervisor Travis Taylor): Many because of all of the “bucket brigade” volunteers that got here out to assist inventory trout into the Morgan Falls Delayed Harvest part of the Chattahoochee River this previous Wednesday.  The 40 or so volunteers stocked 1,800 trout.  Wish to volunteer with the DNR?  Search for future volunteer trout stocking alternatives together with different DNR volunteer alternatives HERE.

Trout Fishing Alternatives for These With Disabilities: These websites are open to the general public and supply particular facilities for anglers with disabilities.

Parting Trout Be aware:  Wish to do extra to help trout fishing in Georgia?  Think about upgrading to a Trout Limitless license plate this 12 months. Other than being an incredible wanting tag, every buy or renewal of a Trout Limitless license plate instantly helps Georgia’s trout conservation and administration applications, hatcheries, and wild trout efforts within the state.

MISCELLANEOUS

Georgia Bass Slam! Do you could have what it takes to finish a Georgia Bass Slam in 2024?  The thought behind the Georgia Bass Slam is to acknowledge anglers with the information and ability to catch 5 (5) totally different species of black bass in quite a lot of habitats throughout the state, and to stimulate curiosity within the conservation and administration of black bass and their habitats.  North Georgia anglers have an incredible alternative to finish a “slam”, as seven of Georgia’s ten program eligible bass species could be caught in numerous waters from Atlanta north.  Give it a shot and possibly you too will make the distinguished listing of profitable “slammers” in 2024!

Why Transferring Bass is a Actually Unhealthy Concept.  Don’t be a part of the issue that’s decimating native bass populations in Georgia and all through the southeast.  Right here is a superb podcast from our pals on the North Carolina Wildlife Useful resource Fee, that includes skilled angler Matt Arey, discussing the issues illegally launched Alabama Bass are having on in style native bass populations.

What did I catch?  With effectively over 300 fish species (largely freshwater) calling Georgia “dwelling”, it may possibly generally be powerful to establish your catch.  Is it a inexperienced sunfish or a warmouth?  What sort of minnow is that this?  The subsequent time you end up in such a scenario, try the “Fishes of Georgia” web site. The location’s shade pictures and state vary maps may assist you determine what’s on the top of your line!

(Fishing report courtesy of Steve Schleiger, Area Supervisor and fisheries biologist with Georgia DNR Wildlife Assets Division, with assist from Area Workers and Native Consultants)

RESERVOIR FISHING REPORTS BELOW COURTESY OF SOUTHERN FISHING WITH KEN STURDIVANT.

LAKE RUSSELL IS DOWN .62 FEET, 50’S

Bass fishing is sluggish.  There’s a now a warming development that might fireplace the bass off quickly.  With the runoff, the water is coloured so use the smaller Zoom lizards or inexperienced pumpkin.  Fish all of the factors and ledges.  The large quantity of wooden and submerged timber that lies beneath the floor would be the key issue for catching bass this week.  The Carolina rig would be the greatest guess and rig one up with ten- or twelve-pound take a look at line utilizing simply sufficient weight to achieve the underside.  Strive to not use something greater than a ¼ ounce weight.  Use a 30 to 32-inch chief with a 2/0 Mustad hook on the Carolina rig with a really sluggish presentation.  Because the water temperatures heat up later this month swap to the ribbon tail worm.  But when the water stays chilly follow the finesse worm.

CLARKS HILL IS FULL, 50’S

Bass fishing is sluggish.  With the climate altering weekly bass fishing has taken a great hit on the standard and variety of bass caught over the past couple of weeks.  A warming development is anticipated to occur in the direction of the later a part of the week, and this could enhance bass fishing considerably.  There may be an early morning chew on crank baits on the Rapala DT10 collection of Rapala crank baits.  After the morning passes, the most effective baits to modify to is the Husky Jerks or the Thunder Sticks.  Strive utilizing the #10 first after which go to the #14 throughout the late afternoon hours.  Use the deeper diving baits because the day progresses.  Principal lake factors nonetheless appear to be greatest.  Attempt to discover those close to channel ledges or some type of a drop off.  These areas appear to be the most effective producers proper now with the massive kicker bass nonetheless holding tight within the deeper cowl.  Work an space good after which transfer on to the subsequent.

LAKE OCONEE IS FULL 50’S

Bass fishing is poor.  The lake is full, muddy from the 44-bridge north, heavy stain over a lot of the lake.  Richland creek is stained.  Water temperatures vary from 42 to 45 levels.  The Richland creek arm of the lake has the most effective watercolor and has been producing higher than the Oconee aspect.  Small crank baits with rattles fished on sea partitions and round docks are working. Jigs fished round docks within the Richland creek arm of the lake have produced just a few fish over the previous week.  Darkish Jigs with a rattle, brown, blue, and black have been the most effective colours.  Spinner baits fished alongside any rock financial institution will even draw a strike.  There may be additionally a spoon chew on the south finish of the lake the place Richland Creek and the Oconee come collectively.  Discover the faculties on the Lowrance and drop a spoon all the way down to the college.

LAKE SINCLAIR IS DOWN 1.3 FEET, 50’S

Bass fishing is honest.  Some bass are coming from shallow water though just a few faculties of bass stay deep.  Any warming development will ship the fish to the banks.  Small to medium sized crank baits and Rat L Traps are the principle lure sorts producing fish.  Catches with these baits are coming from clay and rocky banks, factors and simply contained in the mouth of coves, docks, and riprap.  Extra fish will presumably be transferring towards the center and backs of coves throughout the present warming development.  Chrome blue Rat L Traps in ¼ and ½ounce sizes have each caught fish for a number of days now.  Most of the fish are hitting midway again to the boat, so sluggish the bait down and permit it to bump backside on every retrieve.  Strive the #5 and #7 Shad Rap, Bandit #200 and Rapala DT6.  A number of shade patterns can work like chrome blue, fireplace tiger, pearl, and shad patterns.  A couple of massive fish will hit a jig and plastic chunk round docks and blow downs.  It is a very sluggish chew, but it surely may add a kicker to the catch.  One other sluggish chew that will produce an enormous fish is with a spinnerbait.

LAKE JACKSON IS 1.1 FEET OVER FULL, 50’S

Bass fishing is sluggish however there are probabilities for an enormous bass.  Use the #7 crawdad Shad Rap and work all the ocean partitions which are dealing with the solar.  Some massive noticed bass over three kilos are feeding on the southern finish of the lake within the clearer waters.  The identical sample ought to proceed to carry apart from the bass getting a bit extra energetic with the climate warming up in the direction of the top of the week.  If the rain strikes in and the watercolors will get worse, fish the Rapala Shad Rap proper up on the financial institution.  Swap to a Rapala #5 if this occurs.  The Rattlin Raps is one other good bait to make use of in soiled water.  Solid them shallow and crank them slowly.  A Fish Head Spin or jigging spoon will catch these fish.

Two bass in hand are higher than two within the water. Is that the precise saying? Good catch at McDuffie PFA.

MCDUFFIE PUBLIC FISHING AREA (Extra Information HERE)

Bass: Waters are nonetheless chilly and clear. However the days are getting longer, and waters are slowly warming. We’re entering into spawning season, so bass are transitioning.  They’re transferring from deeper waters into shallower spawning habitats.  Giant egg-laden females are already being seen coming out and in of deeper water to banks and drop-offs.  Nonetheless, anglers need to be craftier and affected person.  Sluggish backside lures, creature lures, are the most effective guess.  A pleasant plump feminine weighing almost 9 kilos was just lately caught on Jones Lake.  Sluggish backside lures can work in deeper water.  Jerk baits drawn in in the direction of banks, particularly with cowl and rocks, might entice a bass.

Catfish: The catfish chew has been very sluggish.  However just a few bites are being had in deepest waters on the slinkiest of baits.

Striped Bass: Stripers are nonetheless being caught.  They’re hitting on the same old hen livers sunk deep within the waters of Bridge and Clubhouse lakes.  Working the siphon outflows on Bridge and Clubhouse persistently yield bites.

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