Lake Oconee Fishing Report November 2017

Oconee: Level: 0.1 feet low. Temp: Upper 70s. Clarity: Some stain.

Stripers: Guide Doug Nelms reports, “November is an exciting time for stripers. The water will drop into the low 60s, and the shad will start congregating in the coves and in the lower part of the lake. I think this time of year all the stripers will be in the lower quarter of the lake. The gulls will also migrate to Oconee, and we have a ball chasing them as they look for the bait balls. It is a good time to use live bait, but I have found my customers enjoy throwing artificial lures. I love throwing 3-inch Sassy Shads on 1/4-oz. D.O.A. heads. I know I report about these lures a lot, but it is a really great combination for Oconee in the winter time. Look on the humps and in the big coves that are on the south end of the lake. On some days, it is not unusual for customers to boat 30 to 50 fish on half-day trips.”

Crappie: Guide Jody Stephens reports, “Conditions for crappie are improving as the water cools, and fish are more active. Trolling timber with double-jig rigs has been producing good fish, and I expect fish to migrate from the timber in search of fall shad to feed on as water temps continue to drop. Lowrance downscan will show clouds of shad and crappie waiting to ambush. Hit the water. Fall is finally here!”