By Henry Cowen
The old adage that March comes in like a lion and goes out like a lamb is actually just the opposite for striper fishing in and around North Georgia. We actually have two types of patterns that exist for March. The first is the pre-spawn big fish pattern. This takes place during the first two weeks of March. If someone is going to land a trophy on Lake Lanier, it is usually done during this time period. Striped bass are seen crashing threadfin shad on the surface in the coves all over the lake. While the fish can be caught on both the north end as well as the south end, I still give the nod to the north end for this pattern. Look for birds (specifically terns, gulls and loons) to help find these fish. They can be in the backs of the coves in very shallow water or in the mouths of the coves over a 30-40 foot bottom. Either way they will be feeding on threadfin shad in the 2” to 3” size.
Fly anglers need be prepared with both a sinking line as well as an intermediate (slow sinking line) in order to cover both subsurface as well as to twenty feet down. The sinking line comes in handy if you cannot get to the fish while they are on top. The fish on top will make toilet flush type boils on the surface. Some folks have likened it to tossing a cinder block into the water from two stories high. It is an incredible thing to witness.
Something else, coyotes, Clouser’s and baitfish patterns can all be the ticket this time of year. If you start with the bigger flies and get refusals, then simply size down till you get a bite! Look for fish feeding best around first light and last light and especially during cloudy days and pre frontal conditions.
The second half of the month offers a slightly different bite. Now the stripers, largemouth and Kentucky spots will be feeding in the coves and you will come away with a mixed bag of fish. What I love about the second half of March is the sheer number of bites an angler tossing flies can expect. There are plenty of days where fly anglers can land double digit numbers of fish in a morning or afternoon outing. Spring is in the air at this time of year and the fish start getting very active. Dock light fishing is in full regalia! All the lake’s dock lights will be full of fish! This pattern will exist on all our North Georgia lakes as the stripers do not know where they live. They are just feeling jiggy now that spring is in the air and water temps are rising.
Now is the time to clean the equipment in preparation of some fabulous March fishing. Get the honey do list completed and make the time to get out on our area lakes. Spring has sprung and so has the fly fishing! See you on the pond!