Lake Burton Fishing Report December 2012

Burton: Level: 11.7 feet above full pool. Temp: 55 degrees. Clarity: Clear.

Bass: Guide Wes Carlton reports, “The spotted bass have moved to a deep-water, late-winter pattern. We have been catching these fish on white crankbaits and spoons. The spoon bite should continue on through December. Work the spoon over a 35- to 48-foot bottom. I like to flip flop the spoon slowly this time of year. This seems to catch a few of the larger, lethargic fish. White/gold, 5/10 spoons have been working best.”

Brown Trout: Wes reports, “The brown trout continue to be in the backs of creeks. Some of the larger fish are out a little deeper. This year’s stocking looks great, with lots of bigger fish. Hopefully with these bigger stockers, Lake Burton’s predators won’t be able to eat them. Most of the juvenile fish will eat any bait presented at them. The Rapala Countdown, Mepps spinners and Shad Raps have been working well. Most of these fish are shallow (less than 8 feet). Trolling large Loco Spoons has been working well for the bigger browns. I have been varying my trolling speed with lots of turns (2.5 to 3.5 mph). The bigger brown trout will slowly work toward deeper water over the next couple of weeks. Look for these fish to show up near and around the main river channel.”

Walleye: Wes reports, “The walleye bite continues to be consistent. We are still having our best luck trolling large crankbaits (20-foot divers). The numbers of fish are not so great, but when you catch one they are large (5 to 7 pounds). Most of the walleye in the north Georgia lakes are holding in the 35-foot range. Some of the bigger fish have been caught in the 28-foot depths. Drop shotting brushpiles should be good for the month of December as long as the state does not see record low temps.”

Yellow Perch: Wes said, “Wow! I have seen the yellow perch as shallow as 4 feet and as deep as 28 feet this month. Maybe the concentrations of small baitfish swimming in and around all of the creeks has caused this. Try and locate a concentration of fish in about 15 feet of water on your electronics, pull the boat about 25 feet or so away. Then, cast any panfish jig working it slowly toward the boat, and you’ll produce. Slow trolling small crankbaits this time of year is very effective.”