Fishing Report Lake Lanier December 2024: Stripers, Bass, and Crappie Thrive in Cooler Temps

As of December 12, 2024, Lake Lanier is offering some excellent fishing opportunities despite the cooler weather. Here’s what you need to know for a successful day on the water. First, the lake level is currently at 1067.24 feet, which is about 3.76 feet below full pool. Water temperatures are ranging between 60 to 62 degrees, with the main lake being clear and some light stain in the backs of the creeks. The weather today is expected to be partly cloudy with a high in the mid-50s and a low in the mid-30s. Sunrise is at 7:26 AM, and sunset will be at 5:14 PM. Fish activity has been good, especially for striped bass. The stripers have spread out across the lake, but they can be found in significant numbers in creeks like the Chestatee and Chattahoochee, including areas such as Johnson/Lathem, Thompson, Gainesville, and Little River. The southern creeks like Flowery Branch and Bald Ridge are also holding fish. For striped bass, the go-to lures this month are Striper Tackle Jigging Spoons and Pro Swim Bait heads rigged on a 2.8” Keitech swim bait. These small baits are what the stripers are keying on right now. Live bait such as shad or minnows is also effective, especially when trolling to cover a lot of water. For bass fishing, the ditches, ledges, and the ends of long points in the 35-plus foot range are holding good numbers of bass. Half-ounce spoons, Damiki Rigs, drop shots, jigs, and worms have all been producing results. If you’re targeting crappie, look for them in shallower waters from 10 to 20 feet deep above a bottom ranging from 15 to 30 feet. Crappie minnows and jigs are proving highly effective, especially around brush piles in open water. Some hot spots to consider include Flat Creek, which is known for its deep waters and abundant baitfish, making it a prime location for catching striped bass. Another spot is Vanns Tavern, which is great for largemouth bass due to its plenty of cover and structure. Keep an eye out for bird activity, as it can be very helpful in locating schools of bait and subsequently, the stripers. With the full moon approaching on December 15, expect even more bird activity to help guide you to the fish. Overall, Lake Lanier is offering a great fishing experience this time of year, so make sure to bundle up and take advantage of the cooler weather to catch some quality fish. This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI.