by Capt. Clay Cunningham
The striper fishing on Lake Lanier has been all over the place the past few weeks due to lake turnover which is normal this time of year. As the surface cools with the cool nights the surface water becomes denser than the water below causing the surface water to sink and the lake water to turn over. At first it can affect fishing due to gas being released from the bottom but on the flip side, as the water gets colder the water absorbs more oxygen helping the fishery.
As we move into November, the fishing will become more consistent as turnover is behind us. The first couple weeks will be a continuation of the topwater bite we have been having in October. The difference in the topwater bite in October will be the stripers will want smaller baits as the water temperature drops. Rig up a spinning rod with 10 lb. Trilene Big Game. Use the lighter line for improved casting distance. With the fish being shallow they will be a little spookier of movement and sounds in the boat. On the spinning rod, tie on a casting bubble and a small leader with an ice fly. The casting bubble is a small clear float that holds water to improve casting distance. The ice fly is small and sinks slowly giving the stripers the impression it is a small dying baitfish.
During the second part of November the stripers will most likely move deeper with the baitfish as it moves deeper into the creeks. Live trout on a downline will be a key bait during this time. Rig up the trout on the standard downline similar to summer fishing. For details check with your local bait shop like Oakwood Bait and Tackle and Hammond’s Fishing. They will have all the key components like the swivel sinkers and fluorocarbon leader material. Personally, November is one of my favorite months. The weather is usually real nice and very little boat traffic along with being a good mixture of big fish and numbers of fish. See you out there.
FORECAST BY: Captain Clay Cunningham
Catching Not Fishing Guide Service
770-630-2673 www.catchingnotfishing.com
catchingnotfishing@yahoo.com