Lake Lanier Fishing Report: Topwater Bass, Transitioning Stripers, and Reliable Crappie Spots

LAKE LANIER FISHING REPORT - May 12, 2025
By: Artificial Lure, Local Angling Expert

Good mornin' folks! It's a beautiful Monday here at Lake Lanier, and the fishing is just about as good as it gets this time of year. Let me break down what you need to know for today.

Water conditions are mighty fine with the lake sitting about a foot above full pool. Water temps have settled nicely in the low 70s, ranging from 71-73 degrees across most of the lake. Clarity is excellent on the main lake with some staining up north in the river systems and creek backs.

Bass fishing has been fire lately! Those spotted bass are in full attack mode with aggressive topwater action. The bass are hanging in shallow areas, some still on beds while others are feeding like they haven't seen food in weeks. If this wind keeps up like it has been, focus on those main lake points, humps, and reef poles. White spinnerbaits with silver willow leaf blades have been producing bass over four pounds. Chatterbaits worked slow near the bottom are another solid choice. For a different approach, try the Hot Spot Choker with a Keitech trailer for those bass holding in the 15-20 foot range.

Striper fishing is in transition as the spawn winds down. The stripers are moving south from the river systems and creek backs. Your best bet is working secondary points with herring or small to medium shad. For those heading north, check out Wahoo, Little River, and Gainesville on the Chattahoochee side. Down south, Bald Ridge, Young Deer, and Big Creek are producing nicely. Don't forget your topwater baits - Chug Bugs, Zara Spooks, and Redfins are all getting attention.

Crappie fishing remains good with fish gathering on structure in large groups. They're holding at depths of 10-18 feet above deeper bottoms. Minnows under a bobber have been effective on shallow brush, or try a 1/32 jig if you spot them roaming in open shallow water.

Hot spots for today: I'd recommend hitting the points around Two Mile Creek early morning for some topwater bass action, then shifting to Bald Ridge mid-morning for stripers. If you're after crappie, the docks in Young Deer Creek have been consistent producers.

Best times to fish today will be early morning right after sunrise (around 6:30 AM) and again in the evening before sunset (around 8:30 PM).

Remember folks, keep what you need and release the rest. Tight lines and see you on the water!