Lake Lanier, the largest artificial lake in Georgia, has something to offer for everyone, from water supply for the city of Atlanta to recreational activities like fishing, boating, and swimming. With an average depth of 50 feet and a size of 22 miles long and 12 miles wide, Lake Lanier is one of the most popular destinations for fishing enthusiasts in Georgia. In this guide, we will take a closer look at the best spots for fishing at Lake Lanier and some of the most popular fish species in the lake.
History of Lake Lanier
Lake Lanier was created by damming the Chattahoochee River and flooding an area known as West Point Lake, a resort area. It was first used as a water source for the city of Atlanta. During this time, West Point Lake was popular with vacationers who enjoyed its sandy beaches and clear waters. But the lake has a dark side as well. Since the 1950s, there have been 500 drowning and boating deaths at Lake Lanier. About 28 bodies were never recovered from the lake. Hundreds of people are reduced every year at Lake Lanier. Some people believe this lake is cursed. Others think it’s just a coincidence.
Best Time to Fish at Lake Lanier
The best time to fish at Lake Lanier is from April through September. During this time, the water is warmest, and there is plenty of fish to catch. The best time to find suspended fish is around the lake’s main channel, where bait is herring, according to current weather conditions. Most strikes occur during morning hours, while boat traffic is less common during afternoon hours.
Best Spots for Fishing at Lake Lanier
Lake Lanier is an excellent place for fishing, and there are plenty of spots to choose from. However, one thing to remember is that the traffic at the Van Pugh North boat ramp can be pretty heavy. So if you want to avoid the crowds, try one of these other spots instead.
Lake Sidney Lanier, Little River, and the Chestatee River are the best places for catching catfish, crappie, and bass. If you’re looking for catfish, try fishing in the backwaters or along the shoreline at night. Crappie tends to hang out in the shallows, so try fishing there during the day. Bass like deep water with structure and cover, so look for sunken trees or other shelter spots.
Popular species in Lake Lanier
Bluegill
Bluegill is one of Lake Lanier’s most popular fish species, and it’s no surprise why. With the largest bluegill population in any freshwater system globally, the lake is an excellent place for bluegill fishing. These fish are usually found in schools and are known for their aggressive behavior. The best time to fish for bluegill is in the early morning and late afternoon. The lake’s coastal zone is an ideal location to catch bluegill. Crickets, worms, and grasshoppers are the best baits for bluegill fishing.
Spotted Bass
The spotted bass is another common fish species found in Lake Lanier. They are often confused with striped bass but can be distinguished by the shape of their dorsal fin – spotted bass has a more rounded dorsal fin, while striped bass has a pointed one. The lake is an ideal location to catch spotted bass. They can be identified by their dark spots on a light background. These fish prefer clear water and are usually found in deep holes or near the shorelines. They are a great catch for anglers, with sizes of up to 5 pounds!
Largemouth Bass
The largemouth bass is the most popular sport fish in Georgia, and Lake Lanier is home to about 30% of the largemouth bass population in the state. With the lake’s crystal-clear waters on the southern end near Buford Dam and the murkier waters on the northern end, it’s a diverse fishery. The lower side of the lake produces larger fish, but colossal largemouth bass can also be caught on the upper side. The lake’s largemouth record holder is 17 pounds, 9 ounces, and the world record for the giant largemouth bass was caught in 1985. Spawning begins much earlier on the northern end of Lake Lanier than on the southern end.
Crappie
Crappie is a delicious fish species found in Lake Lanier, and they can easily be caught year-round by shooting up underneath docks. These fish are typically found in deep water, so using a weight to your advantage is recommended. The lake’s crappie fishing is some of the best in Georgia, and the average weight of crappie in Lake Lanier is 1 to 1 and a half pounds. Trolling the shoreline or shooting up underneath docks are the best ways to catch crappie.
Walleye
Walleye fishing is accessible in Lake Lanier using crankbaits, minnow-like swimbaits and lures that resemble baitfish. Anglers can also use live bait such as minnows, leeches, or nightcrawlers to catch walleye in Lake Lanier. Walleye fishing is best during the early morning and late evening hours, especially during the months of March, April, and May. During these months, walleye move into shallow waters to spawn, making them more accessible to anglers.
It’s important for anglers to have the appropriate fishing gear and equipment when targeting walleye. A medium-light to medium-action spinning rod with a 6-10 lb test monofilament or fluorocarbon line is ideal. Anglers should also use a slip sinker rig with a 1/4 to 1/2 ounce weight and a size 4-6 hook.
Catfish
Lake Lanier is known for its giant catfish. These fish can weigh more than 50 pounds and measure up to six feet in length. They are a popular target for anglers, and there are many ways to catch them. Some of the most popular techniques include using live bait or artificial lures. Catfish can also be caught by casting or trolling with a fishing line. Lanier is also home to many different species of bass and bream. Bass can be caught using live bait or artificial lures, while bream is often seen by casting or trolling. The best time to fish on Lake Lanier is spring and summer, when water temperatures are highest. This is also when catfish are most active and hungry, so they’ll be easy to catch.
Fishing Gear for Lake Lanier
To maximize your chances of catching fish on Lake Lanier, having the right fishing gear is important. Here are some of the essential items you’ll need:
Rods and Reels
The type of rod and reel you need depends on your target fish species. A medium-heavy spinning rod with a fast-action reel is recommended for bass fishing. For catfish and striped bass, a heavy baitcasting rod with a high gear ratio reel is recommended.
Lines
The type of line you need also depends on your target fish species. A monofilament line with an 8-12 lb test is recommended for bass fishing. A braided line with a 30-50 lb test is recommended for catfish and striped bass. It is also essential to consider the water’s clarity when choosing a line.
Baits and Lures
There are a variety of baits and lures that work well on Lake Lanier, including live bait such as shad, worms, and crickets, as well as artificial lures such as spinnerbaits, crankbaits, and jigs. It’s essential to have a variety of baits and lures on hand to be prepared for different conditions.
Hooks
The size and type of hook you need also depends on the fish species you target. For bass fishing, a 3/0 or 4/0 worm hook is recommended. A 5/0 circle hook or J-hook is recommended for catfish and striped bass.
Fishing License
Don’t forget to obtain a fishing license before heading out on Lake Lanier. A Georgia fishing license is required for all anglers over 16. Licenses can be purchased online or at various locations around the lake.
Final thoughts on Lake Lanier fishing
Lake Lanier is the perfect place to spend a day, weekend, or week. With plenty of activities to enjoy, people from all walks of life can find something that interests them. The Army Corps of Engineers values the flood control benefits of the lake, saving millions in damages each year. In addition to fishing and boating opportunities, Lake Lanier boasts something for every type of person- and I mean that, not figuratively! For example, many hiking trails around the lake offer beautiful scenery. Be sure to check out our website for more information on fishing spots and regulations.
FAQs
What baits and lures work best on Lake Lanier?
There are a variety of baits and lures that work well on Lake Lanier, including live bait such as shad, worms, and crickets, as well as artificial lures such as spinnerbaits, crankbaits, and jigs. It’s important to have a variety of baits and lures on hand to be prepared for different conditions.
What are some of the best fishing spots on Lake Lanier?
Some of the best fishing spots on Lake Lanier include the dam, the islands, the rivers, and the docks. These locations provide opportunities to catch a variety of fish species, including bass, catfish, and striped bass.
What is the best time of day to fish on Lake Lanier?
The best times to fish on Lake Lanier are early morning and late evening, when fish are more active. However, fishing can be good throughout the day if the conditions are right. It’s important to pay attention to the weather conditions and adjust your fishing strategy accordingly.