Lake Oconee Fishing Report – October 2009

Oconee: Level: 1.0 feet above full pool. Temp: Low 80s. Clarity: The upper ends of Lick and Sugar creeks are muddy, along with the Apalachee River. Richland Creek is clear, and the rest of the lake has a light stain. Watch for logs and debris.

Bass: Mike Cleveland said you can catch a bunch of little fish right now. “There’s a topwater bite right now on a Devil’s Horse and a Tiny Torpedo,” said Mike. “After a rain there’s usually a good hatch (mayflies). Just run shady banks. If he misses the topwater, throw a 1/4-oz. jig behind it, and he’ll usually get it.” Mike said the majority of the bass are in the back thirds of the pockets gorging themselves on shad. He’s flipping shallow cover, especially docks, with a 1/4-oz. black/blue jig. The fish are also hitting a chrome/blue, 1/4-oz. Rat-L-Trap and a 3/8-oz. spinnerbait. The Ol Nelle works great, and so does a Bob Williams blade. Mike likes a spinnerbait with both Colorado/Indiana blades, gold in color. With a light stain in the water, he uses white/chartreuse for the skirt.