As this is typed, the lake is about 6 inches over full with record-low temperatures. One day last week, we recorded an official high temperature of 66 degrees. Not exactly ideal summer weather, but this is going to make the striper feel gooood! With surface temps on Allatoona now flirting with the 70s, the hybrids and stripers are finally starting to really put on a show. The surface feeding has increased, bringing the excitement level up several notches. Reports of surface-feeding fish are coming from almost every section of the lake from as far north as Fields Landing to as far south as Dallas Landing. Key areas to target will be between Clark Creek and The Pass as well as Kellogg Creek up to Victoria Landing. Cruise around looking for big splashes.
As you approach the school, do not run into the middle of the action or you risk driving the fish down. Come off plane a good 100 yards early and idle, or better yet troll on high until the fish are in range. Please be ethical and respect your fellow anglers.
Make sure you have all the usual surface lures like Spooks, Sammys and Chug Bugs as well as a selection of popping corks or bubbles with your favorite fly or spoon attached. We have plenty of great surface lures here at Striper Soup to make your day. There is nothing like seeing a lineside knock your lure out of the water repeatedly and wonder how the heck they keep missing two or three sets of treble hooks.Donât overlook the subsurface opportunities. Go with jerkbaits or bucktail jigs. We have fabricated one of the most deadly bucktail lures ever created, the Tailspin Jig. Tied in stunning local patterns like Allatoona Shad, Fried Green Tomato and Wounded Threadfin, these jigs have tons of flash and vibration. When combined with excellent casting range and user-friendly action, it just isnât fair for the fish.
Of course the bigger fish will be below the melee mopping up the leftovers. Itâs a great idea to hang a few live offerings in their faces to see if you canât get your drag ripped. As always, high quality threadfin and gizzard shad will be available for everyone at the shop. Trolling remains effective as usual. U-rigs with chartreuse/white/pink patterns will get that reaction bite if you donât see them up top feeding. Trolling leadcore with a Tailspin Jig or Horse Head is another good tactic and search tool. Pulling six to seven colors at 2.2 to 2.5 mph will do the trick. Hint: Using fresh line and keeping your reels lubricated will increase casting range and accuracy.