Lake Oconee Fishing Report – August 2006

Level: Full pool. Temp: 89-90 degrees. Clarity: Clear.

Bass: Bass fishing is fair, said guide Al Bassett. “The best fishing is early morning or mid to late afternoon when Georgia Power is pumping back or pulling back water. During these times fish the main-lake points and underwater humps,” he said. Al recommends using a Carolina-rigged Zoom finesse or u-tail worm in the green-pumpkin or watermelon colors. “Fish these baits on 12-lb. test Trilene line with a two- to three-foot leader using a 10-lb. test line. If Georgia Power is not generating, fishing is slow. Down size your weight and line as much as possible, and fish brushpiles with a Texas-rigged green pumpkin or a watermelon worm. Work this bait as slow as you can, and watch your line watching for the light bite.”

Linesides: If you just want to have some fun, small white bass are schooling from Sugar
Creek to Salem, and they’ve been coming up in the middle of the day around noon. Use a white Rooster Tail. For hybrids try the main-lake humps from Richland Creek to the dam and downline live shad. If you don’t mind getting hung a few times, try trolling a crankbait over the humps.

Crappie: Fair. “Your best crappie bite is taking place at night fishing under dock lights or in the timber,” Al said. “Use live minnows and fish the docks in 10 to 15 feet of water or put lights out in timber or over a brushpile. Fish this bait on 6-lb. test P-Line with a No. 6 light gold hook. You can catch a few during the day fishing over brush or by using a drop-shot on drop-off using live minnows.”