Lake Burton Fishing Report December 2017

Burton: Level: 4 feet low and dropping. Temp: 59 degrees. Clarity: Clear.

Bass: Guide Wes Carlton reports, “The topwater bite has finally taken off. We have been working a green topwater frog in the backs of the pockets the last few days and have had good success. The frog bite seems to be working early in the morning and midday on cloudy, rainy days. The main-lake points and humps are loaded with spotted bass. Most of these fish are biting topwater Sammys or Spro McSticks. Try making a few casts over a shallow point or hump. Typically, the fish will kick up and start schooling on the surface. This is a perfect ambush time for a topwater bait. Don’t be surprised if you catch a 6-lb. spotted bass. Look for the bass to start migrating a little deeper over the next few weeks. The spoon bite should kick in as the water temps dive into the 50s.”

Trout: Guide Wes Carlton reports, “The brown trout are beginning to group up in the mouths of the creeks with the milder water temps we’ve had lately. We have been catching these fish on small jerkbaits, like a Rapala Countdown in the rainbow color. We have also been using a Kastmaster Spoon in silver/blue. Try working these baits and spoons very rapid in about 2 to 12 feet of water. Most of the bigger brown trout are hanging in 12 to 18 feet of water. Look for the schools of blueback herring surfacing; the trout will be close by. These are good locations for casting a small Heddon Tiny Torpedo.”

Walleye: Guide Wes Carlton reports, “The walleye bite has been a little slow lately with the milder water temps we have had. Look for these fish to start feeding up shallow over the next few weeks in 12 to 20 feet of water. Trolling small colorful crankbaits this time of year is the most effective way to catch these fish and cover a lot of water. December is my favorite time of year to catch the bigger walleye in Georgia.”