Lake Oconee Fishing Report October 2016

Oconee: Level: 1.1 feet low. Temp: Mid 80s. Clarity: Clear, some stain in the creeks.

Bass: Guide Mark Smith reports, “Bass fishing is tough, but the bass will start moving into the shallows as the bait moves into the creeks and coves. Small crankbaits will be your best option when this migration starts in mid October.”

Crappie: Mark reports, “The crappie fishing is off the charts good. The crappie are stacked up in the tree tops and feeding strong on minnows, as well as jigs dropped into the trees. The trolling bite has not picked up as of Sept. 25. The crappie fishing will only get better and better as the water temperature drops into the 70s. That is when the longline bite will really pick up.”

Linesides: Mark reports, “As for the stripers, they will start their fall feeding in mid to late October. This is some of the best striper fishing around when it happens. Live bait, spoons and umbrella rigs will all catch fish. Use your Lowrance to locate the large schools of bait, and the stripers will not be far away. Pick your bait, and go catching. The fall is a great time to go catching on Oconee no matter what you fish for.”