Lake Oconee Fishing Report – May 2007

Oconee: Level: Full pool. Temp: 62 degrees. Clarity: Stained except south near the dam and Richland Creek.

Bass: Guide Al Bassett said the fishing has been good using small crankbaits like a 3/8-oz. Rat-L-Trap or a No. 5 Shad Rap. Fishing a Texas-rigged worm right on the seawalls will produce some bass through early May. “Cast your bait on to the shore, and pull the bait off into the water,” Al said. “These fish are in less than 2 feet of water.” Al said the shad spawn was just starting in a few spots. “Be on the lookout for these areas,” Al said. Along rip-rap banks you’ll see shad flipping up on the rocks first thing in the morning. “Using a buzzbait or a Rat-L-Trap in these areas should bring you a few good fish. Once the bite has slowed, back off a little and use a small crankbait fishing the same area for the next hour or two.” The shad will move off the shallow rocks when the sun hits the water.

Linesides: Good on the south end of the lake for quality hybrids. Successful anglers have been using medium and large bass minnows both freelined and downlined.

Crappie: Good, according to Billy Brack. The action had slowed due to the cold weather, and is just starting to pick back up. Try trolling Jiffy Jigs tipped with minnows along the creek-channel breaks. Billy mentioned Sandy and Rocky creeks as being good lately. Both are off of Richland Creek.