by Jimbo Mathley
October on Lake Lanier means transition. Often you can find fish shallow and in the mid-depth ranges. As well, some fish start to move deep. The lake traditionally begins its turnover/stratification process this month which provides an additional challenge. In addition, the lake is below full pool considerably again this year which provides another intricacy that must be considered. Further, we have been an experiencing a cooler than normal late summer as well. In this month’s installment, we will examine the options for fishing Lanier in October under abnormal conditions, and how to approach catching spotted bass in this highly transitional month.
Location: As the water temperature cools this year much sooner than the last few, the bait, and therefore many of the fish begin to move shallower in search of the warmer water that remains. As always, staying up with the location of the bait is key to consistently catching fish. To complicate matters, the lake traditionally begins its turnover process in October, which provides an unstable environment for the bait and the fish. The stratified layers of the lake mix at different times in different places. During this time, focus your efforts on the areas of the lake that have not yet or already have turned over or stratified. Look for the clearer water and avoid water that has a dark, cloudy, or pea-green look to it. Often, you can find fish shallower in the creeks during this period. However, some fish may also be deeper relating to the brush that had been holding fish through September. Some of the fish may go even deeper and begin relating to the timber edges in preparation for winter. This year, with the lake being down approximately 6 feet going into October and the water temperatures cooler than normal, creek ditches may become hot sooner than normal. Often, the traditional Lanier ditch bite doesn’t get good until November or even December, but if we continue the recent trend of cooler than normal temperatures in October in culmination with lake being down, don’t forget to check for the classic Lanier ditch bite in mid to late October. I have spoken about this many times before in this series, and it can be an awesome bite if the stars align! Obviously, there are numerous factors to consider when searching for the catchable fish in October. Examine your options, understand the status of the lake and the effect of recent weather changes, stay flexible in your search, and stay on the move until you find a viable, repeatable pattern during your fishing day. Now let’s examine some potential lure choices.
Lures and Presentation Mid-Depth:
1. Topwater/Swimbait– This bite in October can be outstanding. Large schools of fish can be found around humps and points near the creek or river channel. Experiment with different baits and presentations to match the conditions. A Zara Spook, Chug Bug and Gunfish are some of my favorite topwater baits. On the swimbait side, make sure to try the Sweet Bait Company Swimbait offerings. Awesome baits!
2. Chattahoochee Jig – Great bait throughout the fall on Lake Lanier. Fish the bait around rocky/clay points, on ledges and timber edges.
Lures and Presentation Shallow:
1. Shaky Head – A Picasso Shake Down head with a trick worm can be an awesome bait in October. Fish shallow around docks and secondary points with this bait for some bruisers.
2. Senko – A great bait to fish shallow around docks as it can be skipped under and around objects with ease. Dead stick the bait and wait for the tick!
Lures and Presentation Suspended:
1. SuperSpin– This is an excellent producer on Lanier. Fish the bait at the depth you see the fish suspending near bait balls. Understand the fall-rate for your rig and count the bait down to the depth of the fish and maintain that depth.
2. Jerk Bait – Another great tool for targeting suspending fish. Chose a bait that suspends at the depth the fish are holding and experiment with your retrieve cadence until you find what the fish are looking for any given day. I really like the SPRO offerings in the jerkbait, both the McStick and the McRip. Start with those.
I still have a few dates available this October, but they are going fast. Call me to book a trip! See you on the water!
Jimbo is a full-time, year-round spotted bass guide on Lake Lanier. Contact him today to book a trip at 770-542-7764 or at www.jimboonlanier.com.