Q&AWater temperature · Georgia
Lake Lanier at 61°F: 8 questions before you go
The questions we hear most about Lake Lanier on November 10, answered with that week's numbers.
Surface water on Lake Lanier is down about 4°F in 9 days, to 61°F. Here is what that means for a trip, question by question.
How warm is Lake Lanier on November 10?
About 61°F at the surface on the latest clear reading (a few days ago), about 4°F cooler than 9 days earlier. Shallow coves can run a few degrees off that on sunny afternoons.
Is Lake Lanier turning over?
It is close. Deep lakes turn over when the surface cools into the 50s and becomes as dense as the water below, so the whole lake mixes. At 61°F, Lake Lanier is a few degrees above that and still sliding. Expect stained water and scattered fish for a few days, then a strong fall bite. Shallow flats and creek backs clear first.
What's biting on Lake Lanier?
Expect striped bass on Lake Lanier to be a solid pick. This is a comfortable range for stripers and white bass; watch for birds diving on bait. On the same water, spotted bass are in a good mood. The 60s are a sweet spot: bass are active, roam widely and will chase moving baits.
Where are the fish holding?
Our pick to start on Lake Lanier is a point drop-off, marked on the map. The bottom falls away fast off this point; fish rest deep and move up the slope to feed. It is a good place for striped bass and spotted bass; try swimbait or live shad where bait is.
When is the best time to fish Lake Lanier that week?
Tuesday rates good for the bite, best 6:30 am to 8:45 am. Dawn and dusk are the most reliable hours any day.
What is the level doing?
The level reads 1,062.5 ft, 0.1 ft lower than a week ago and 1.3 ft down over 29 days. That puts it 4.4 ft below the usual level for this time of year. Falling water pulls fish toward points and channel edges and can strand the shallow end of a ramp.
Where can I launch on Lake Lanier?
Named launch sites include Shady Grove Campground Boat Launch, Bolding Mill Boat Ramp, Six Mile Creek Boat Ramp. Check that your ramp is open and reaches the water at the current level before you tow.
How deep is Lake Lanier?
Around 160 ft at its deepest; it covers about 38,000 acres with roughly 692 miles of shoreline at full pool.
Lake Lanier every morning
Water temperature, level, wind and bite times on your phone.
Read the guide
- Fall turnover: what it is and how to fish through itWhat causes fall turnover on lakes, the signs to watch for, why the bite gets tough, and how to adjust your approach before, during and after it happens.
- Lake Lanier fishing guide: striped bass, spots and crappieHow to fish Lake Lanier near Atlanta: striped and spotted bass on points, crappie and largemouth in the coves, season tactics, ramps and safety basics.
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