Lanier 10/17 - 10/21

[LanierSpots]

Lanier was very good last week. The water started to cool a bit and the fish really made some moves. This is the time when you must keep on the move for big catches on Lanier. The fish are schooling a bit and looking for the bait. IF you find some good schools of bluebacks, there will be lots of good size spots around. If it were me, I would not pay any attention at all the threadfins and concentrate on the big schools of herring. That is where the real fish will be.

For a good consistent bite, look for windy points and deep banks on the south end. Throw small crankbaits and Mini Me spinnerbaits on these points. Look for the fish to be holding in the 10 feet range. You can also toss a green worm rigged on a 3/16 ounce spotsticker jighead head and drag one up on that. There will be some good fish on these points if the bluebacks are present.

My best spinnerbait combo is always a single willow 1/2 ounce Mini me in white or gray during the fall. Move the bait around fast and cover as much water as possible. This is not the time to homestead a place on Lanier. My clients and I had over 16 pounds everyday this week and one of them weighed in 16 Saturday in a tournament. All of these are spotted bass.

Good luck out there and if anyone here would like to take a trip with me this winter. I only have a few days remaining. I know I am new here but I work hard with my clients and will give you the best trip I can. My jigging spoon bite is fantastic during the Nov-Dec timeframe.

Thanks and good luck out there

Ryan

[toddandy]

Ryan....You may be new here on BBC,but there are MANY of us that know of you and your reputation.....Welcome aboard....No nasty guys here like on BFHP.....Just really good people

Ok...now for a real question.....how is the boat traffic on the south end these days......I've stayed up north almost all year due to them.....At least up the 'Hooch,I can get me a few largies

[Bass Hawk 87]

Todd, the south end is the south end....it is better in winter, but still not a good place to be in a small boat.

There is some great fishing down there, but there is good fishing up the river too. Guess I am a bit biased though since I am only 5 minutes from most of the ramps up here, and can spend a great day here catching fish without running out a lot of gas

[LanierSpots]

Todd. The traffic on the south end, below browns bridge, has been very slow lately. I did not see man boats at all last week and this weekend was even slow. With the cooler weather, it should even slow down more. With the fish moving around in the creeks on the south end, you should be fine in a smaller boat right now. I feel that the south end is much better than the north end for the bigger spots. 90% of the tournaments are won down there to prove it. The chestatee has been doing OK but most of the big schooling fish are moving around on the south end at the mouths of the creeks.

Good luck and thanks for the kind words. I have been on the BFHP since the very first year. I know there are alot of trouble makers over there but some good people are still left. This seems to be a great place and I hope to hang around for a while.

[Tr21Pd]

Ryan ,, when you mention South End ... what ramps would that be close to .. im on vacation the 1st week in November , and im going to try to make a couple of those days on Lanier .. Thanks

[LanierSpots]

I would suggest Vans Tavern if you are on the West side of the lake and either Old Federal or Big Creek if you are on the East side. Depends on if you come up I985 or 400

Fishing is excellent in Nov. My favorite month

[Tr21Pd]

Ryan , im coming 400 .. always ... live over here by TMike ....

[LanierSpots]

Your best bet will be Vans Tavern. Its right off HWY369. Stop by North Ga fishing and get you a fe mini mes. Dont listen to Don, they are awesome on Lanier. Listen to a spinnerbait fisherman. LOL.

Bring your spoons and spinnerbaits. Leave the rest behind if you want to catch some mags.

[Tr21Pd]

Thanks Ryan .... Got a few mini me's already .... Don give'em to me

[Bass Hawk 87]

Ryan, I know the south end offers some great fishing, and some huge spots, just giving Todd a hard time. I do fish down there some, especially in winter, but after 20+ years of running the north Hooch, it's home to me. I catch quite a few 4-5 lb spots here, and they school in a few areas, but not like the south end. I have actually done better with the largemouths this year as well....probably the best year for them (numbers wise) than any year I can remember.

When I fish the south end, I spend a good deal of time around Balus, and Flat creeks, and occasionally get over around Flowery Branch. I like the 2 mile area in winter, and also 6 mile , but the best area for me is the back of 4 mile.