As of November 7, 2024, Lake Lanier is offering some exciting fishing opportunities despite the ongoing lake turnover. The lake level is currently about 2.5 feet below full pool, and the water temperature has dropped to around 69 degrees, with clarity varying across the lake due to the turnover.

For those planning to head out, sunrise is at about 6:45 AM, and sunset will be around 5:15 PM. The weather is expected to be cool, which is typical for this time of year, and this cooler weather is driving the fish to be more active.

Bass fishing on Lake Lanier is fair to good. The top water bite is still active, particularly in windy areas with humps and long points. Lures like the Lip Thrashin Riser, Ima Skimmer, swimbaits, and Spot Chokers are proving effective. For those targeting bass in deeper waters, a dropshot rigged with a Lanier Baits Sweet Rosey or Blue Lily colored worm around brush and ledges in the 25- to 35-foot range is recommended. The shakey head bite around docks in the 15-foot range is also producing fish.

Striper fishing is also promising, with fish moving north to the upper creeks and rivers in search of oxygen. Using blue backs, gizzards, and threadfins on down lines, flat lines, and planer boards is effective. Top water bites using Whopper Ploppers and Mcsticks can be explosive but short-lived, so be ready to react quickly.

Crappie fishing remains good, with crappie suspended 10 to 15 feet deep over 20- to 40-foot bottoms. Crappie minnows, black and chartreuse jigs, and green and chartreuse hair jigs are the go-to choices. Fishing over brush or structure with a slow retrieval is key.

Hot spots include the deep end of long points, humps, and ledges, especially where there is brush and shad activity. The river channels and channel edges are also productive for stripers. For crappie, focus on areas with brush piles in about 15 feet or less of water.

Remember to wear your life jackets and be prepared for the changing conditions due to the lake turnover. Despite these challenges, the fish are still biting, making it a great time to be out on Lake Lanier.