by Shane Goebel, Big Ol’ Fish Guiding Service &
Lake Blue Ridge is not just one of the most idyllic settings in the North Georgia Mountains; it is also the source of some of the best smallmouth and bass fishing in the area, and October is a great month to hit the water. It’s also a beautiful lake to check out those awesome fall colors on the Blue Ridge Mountains.
Currently, Lake Blue Ridge is 3 feet below full pool. Water temperatures are in the upper 70’s. Water clarity is clear in the main lake and in the creeks and rivers.
Everything remains the same out here. We are still catching substantial amounts of smallmouth and spotted bass averaging 20 to 30 fish a trip. The majority of our spots and smallmouth are being caught from the dam to all the way back up the Toccoa River. Target these fish off rocky points, ledges, and shallow humps. We are finding larger schools of spots mid-lake and in 25 to 35 feet of water. Downlining live blueback herring seems to be the best technique for the larger smallmouth and spots. Look for large schools of smallmouths in the Toccoa River and Star Creek area. Live bait is always the key out here to catch a ton of fish, especially if it’s a frisky blue back. Also, this time of year the spotted bass and smallmouth start to school up and feed heavily on herring. Keep an eye out for the topwater bite, too. When they start busting on the surface, they will hit just about anything you can throw at them.
October is a fantastic month for catching some wicked smallmouth on this lake. Give Big Ol’ Fish Guiding Service a call and let the area’s #1 guide service put you on some of Lake Blue Ridge’s best trophy fish. And for all your live bait and tackle needs, go check out Hughes General Store in Blairsville, GA. They carry everything you need for a successful day of fishing. Now, hit the water, and go get your fish on! Good luck!