By Ryan Coleman
“Recovering”. -We are recovering here on Lanier after the snow and ice storm. The lake is up about 5 inches over full pool and the surface temps are in the low 40’s. As we get to late February to early March, it should be up around 50 degrees, which is perfect for the big spots and largemouth to stage. One of the best patterns in the early spring on Lanier is just to fish a jerkbait. There are so many ways to fish it on Lanier; I could fill this magazine with articles. Everything from off shore structure to points and pockets to docks and sunny bays, there are just too many patterns to list.
I like to start the spring off in the backs of shallow flat pockets with the jerkbait. The staple jerkbait here on Lanier is the Megabass 110. That bait is just perfect for us. Any of the shad colors are good but I prefer the white bottom baits and the “Hasu” colors. I typically fish that bait on 10 pound fluorocarbon but I will use 12 pound if I am working heavy structure like docks or blow downs.
Fish are moving back in the sunny pockets this time of year and working a jerkbait is deadly for the fish that are suspended in the water column trying to soak up some of the sun. Start out the day with a slow to medium retrieve then speed up as the day goes along. Remember, the fish’s metabolism will speed up as his body temp warms (cold blooded). This will change his activity level as will it increase his ability to metabolize food.
For now, a jighead worm has been my best bet and will really turn on as March rolls in. A Zoom Swamp Crawler or trick worm rigged on a 3/16 ounce SpotSticker jighead is a set up you need every single day on Lanier in March. Once the water hits 50 degrees, the dock bite will get out of control. Skipping and pitching to the shade around the docks is one of our best spring patterns.
Look for some of the largemouths to move up and spawn late in March and most of the spotted bass to move up in April. If we can get some warm weather over the next few weeks, we can get back on track with the spring spawn. With the water being up, we should get a great spawn this spring again and more fish will stay up shallow than normal. Any piece of shallow structure should have a fish around it.
Good luck out there!
Ryan Coleman
LanierSpots Pro Guide Service
770-356-4136