Lake Lanier Fishing Report:
Lake Lanier’s water level is at 1070.58 feet, just 0.42 feet below full pool. The water temperature ranges between 84 and 86 degrees, and the water is clear from the south end up through the middle of the lake. August is a fantastic month for striper fishing on Lanier, with huge schools of fish gathering in deep water, especially on the south end of the lake. These fish are starting to group up nicely as we head into the heart of summer, and they are eager to bite on a herring presented on a downline.
The thermocline, a distinct layer in the water where the temperature changes rapidly, is setting up well in these areas. However, herring do not last long below 35 feet due to the thermocline, so it’s crucial to change your bait frequently to keep it lively and attractive to the fish. When you find a school of stripers near the bottom, drop your bait down to them. If they do not bite within a few minutes, swap out the bait to keep it frisky. Bring plenty of herring with you because you will need to change bait often to keep up with the fish’s demands.
For the best results, look for large schools of fish from Brown’s Bridge to the dam, focusing on deep drainages, creek channels, and the river channel. In the early part of the day, target depths of 40–60 feet, and as the day progresses, move to deeper waters, ranging from 80–100 feet. Trolling with lead core or Cannon downriggers is an effective way to locate schools later in the morning. Use a 1.5 or 2 oz Striper Tackle Super Spin Shad with a white head and white shad on sunny days, or a chartreuse/chartreuse glitter combo on cloudy days. Nickel/Silver Fat Hawg or Jr Hawg spoons also work well. When trolling with lead core, aim for a speed of 2.5–3 mph with 6–8 colors out. If using a downrigger, set your baits 50–75 feet behind the ball, which should be positioned 20–30 feet down.
When you find a school of stripers, switch to downlines for live bait fishing. Set up your rig with a 1.75 oz pencil weight, 6–8 feet of 10–12 lb fluorocarbon leader, and a #2 Gamakatsu Circle or Octopus hook. This setup helps get your bait through the hot water quickly, allowing it to swim naturally without being weighed down by heavy gear. Herring is the preferred bait, but if you can get small to medium gizzard shad, they may attract some of the larger fish. Power reeling with a Boss Hawg spoon or a 2 oz Capt Mack’s Chipmunk, paired with a shad or u-tail trailer, is also highly effective when the fish are stacked under your boat.
Stripers in August are very active and hungry, so be ready to move around to stay with the schools. Mobility is key to keeping up with these fast-moving fish.
Important Tips: Lake Lanier Fishing
- Depths: Early day (40–60 feet), Afternoon (80–100 feet)
- Bait: Herring (change frequently), small to medium gizzard shad
- Trolling Speed: 2.5–3 mph with lead core
- Effective Lures: Striper Tackle Super Spin Shad, Nickel/Silver Fat Hawg or Jr Hawg spoon
By following these tips and staying adaptable, you’ll have a successful and enjoyable fishing experience on Lake Lanier this August. Good luck, and happy fishing!
