by Wes Carlton
Water temperature: 62 degrees, lake level: 2 feet low, clarity: clear.
Trout: The brown trout are beginning to group up in the mouths of the creeks with the milder water temps we’ve had lately. We have been catching these fish on small jerk baits (Rapala Countdowns in Rainbow Color). We have also been using a Kastmaster Spoon (Silver/Blue). Try working these baits and spoons very rapidly in about 2 to 12 feet of water. Most of the bigger brown trout are hanging in 12 to 18 feet of water. Look for the schools of blue-back herring surfacing; the trout will be close by. These are good locations for casting a small Heddon Tiny Torpedo.
Bass: The topwater bite has finally taken off. We have been working a green topwater frog in the backs of pockets the last few days with good success. The frog bite seems to be working early in the morning and midday on cloudy rainy days. The main lake points and humps are loaded with spotted bass. Most of these fish are biting Topwater Sammy’s or Spro Mcsticks. Try making a few casts over a shallow point or hump. Typically the fish will kick up and start schooling on the surface. This is a perfect ambush time for a topwater bait. Don’t be surprised if you catch a 6-pound spotted bass. Look for the bass to start migrating a little deeper over the next few weeks. The spoon bite should kick in as the water temps dive into the 50s.
Walleye: The walleye bite has been a little slow lately with the milder water temps we have had. Look for these fish to start feeding up shallow (12-20 feet) over the next few weeks. Trolling small colorful crankbaits this time of year is the most effective way to catch these fish and cover a lot of water. December is my favorite time of year to catch the bigger walleye in Georgia. Good Luck!