by Josh Garrison
Things have been tough on Lake Nottely this fall with really bad water conditions and abnormal patterns. On any typical year we would have a well-established thermocline during the summer and then one magical day the water on top gets colder than the water under it and the lake “turns over.” When that happens the lake instantly switches from fishing like it’s summertime to fishing like winter. That didn’t happen this year. Even with cold nights and some pretty cool days we still have water temperatures in the mid 60’s over the main body of the lake. The backs of the creeks and the river have been able to cool off but not the core of the lake. With that the stripers are really having a tough time. We are catching 36-inch fish that don’t even weigh 20-pounds… this is not good. These fish really are the leanest I have ever seen.
So now what? Well common sense would say these fish should be really, really hungry. The key is going to be finding the quality water with good bait. Things that would make sense would be to look towards the river and the backs of the creeks when the weather is on a warming trend. Also, try to spend more time on the water during the middle of the day during these patterns vs. getting out early or staying late. If by chance you get a cloudy day, move out a little and start looking for surface activity. Keep an eye out for birds; seagulls, loons, and blue heron are all good indicators of bait in the area but don’t get drawn away by the terns as they are eating tiny stuff.
Once you find feeding fish, the rest is easy. Typical winter patterns of free lines and planer boards will all work great. Blue-back herring will be our primary baits but don’t be afraid to go big if you can get it. Again these stripers are starving right now so they are looking for an easy meal. Why chase herring around all day when you can grab one big trout or gizzard shad? Speaking of gizzard shad, I don’t know for sure what is going on but the gizzards are MIA. I am beginning to think they are falling to the same plight as our white bass and walleye; I think the herring are cleaning them out when they spawn.
December can bring some really cool temps and if it does, artificials can really get going. I really like the Storm “Wildeye” swim baits. The standard ones are ok but their lipped-swimbait, the Kickin Minnow, is incredible. Anything in a shad, herring, or trout color will work and they offer a variety of sizes. This is also the time to start breaking out the A-rigs. Slow rolling them like you would for bass is fine but remember stripers like cold water and feed heavily during this time so I bet you can’t reel it too fast to outrun a striper. I still like wobble spoons and Redfins this time of year but mix it up and find new ways to hook your old friends.
Hughes General Store has everything you need from Water Bugz to bottled water. We will always have herring but call ahead to find out on availability of trout and shad. We have ethanol-free gas and a hot breakfast ready for you. If you are interested in booking a trip with Darren or Josh give us a call or check us out online at www.fishgarrsion.com.
FORECAST BY: Josh Garrison N. Georgia Premier Fishing Guide Service wwww.fishgarrison.com (706) 745-4802