Lake Oconee Fishing Report – December 2007

Oconee: Level: 3.2 feet below full pool and dropping. Temp: 58 to 62 degrees. Clarity: Slight stain.

Boating advisory: When Georgia Power is moving water the level may drop by 1 to 1 1/2 feet so use caution when running the lake.

Bass: Good, said Al Bassett. “They are in very shallow water, less than 2 feet,” he said. “Using a small crankbait or a spinnerbait fished around the docks where deep water is nearby is your best bet. A Rat-L-Trap has been working very well. If you should come across brush in shallow water, use a Texas-rigged worm and work all around it. As the month comes to an end the water temperature will drop to the mid 40s and bass fishing will slow. Once the water temperature drops below 50, start looking for schools of shad with your depthfinder and fish a spoon or a drop-shot rig under the schools of shad. Look for the schools of shad in the openings to coves around the lake.”

Crappie: Good. “These fish are holding over brush and drop offs in 10 to 15 feet of water,” Al said. “The best bait has been a 1/16-oz. Jiffy Jig tipped with a minnow. Trolling in the Sugar Creek area around the bridge has been producing some good catches. These fish will move and hold in deeper water by the end of the month. Fishing will slow as the water temperature drops, but you should be able to catch some real nice fish.”