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Friday, July 25, 2008
Hot spots: Horton a small-lake alternative
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Fishing guide Randall Kirkpatrick, who takes his clients to some of metro Atlanta’s productive small bass lakes, says one lake not to overlook is Lake Horton in Fayette County.
The 780-acre drinking-water reservoir has a healthy population of largemouth bass — “They’re like footballs,” he said. — and lots of places to fish for them.
Kirkpatrick, who operates Fish Atlanta Guide Service, says 25 pounds (for five fish) won a recent tournament at Horton.
Horton has abundant grass and timber and targeting either or both will be you bit. Especially look for deep timber this time of year.
Deep crankbaits (10 to 15 feet), jighead/worm combos, jigs and swimbaits have been catching Horton bass lately. There is a topwater bite early and on cloudy days.
Updated fishing reports as of July 24:
LAKE ALLATOONA
Stripers/hybrids: Guide Robert Eidson (First Bite Guide Service) reports his clients have been catching between 25-50 fish on half-day trips. The summer pattern is in full swing. The fish are out over the channels and are eating shad, shiners and bream on down lines fished between 19-30 feet deep. The best bite on the lake right now is in eye site of the dam. Not much top water action this week. Don’t look for it to really heat up for another two weeks.
Trolling: The umbrella rig bite is still good. Eidson has been pulling the Mack Farr four-arm rig loaded with nine half-ounce jigs at 3.1 mph and have been doing very well after the sun comes up.
White bass: The white bass bite that was going on in the afternoon at HarborTown has really slowed down.
LAKE LANIER
Stripers: Guide Doug Youngblood says the striper fishing remains very good on Lanier.
Downlining is the still the way to go, with 50 to 60 feet the magic numbers. Use a 2-ounce sinker, with a No. 2 circle hook bait with live herring. Spool your reel with 20-pound test, and tie on a 7-foot leader of 15-pound flourocarbon. Look south of Brown’s Bridge. If you troll, use lead core line with 1-ounce bucktails.
Bass: Move out to brushpiles in 20-22 feet for the best spotted bass bite.
CHATTAHOOCHEE RIVER
Trout: No change to the report. Guide Rob Smith at the Fish Hawk in Atlanta says numbers of fish caught and released have been high. Two of the best flies have been blue lightning bugs and zebra midges, both fished under strike indicators.
Shoal bass: Below Morgan Falls Dam, shoal bass fishing is strong as long as the water is pretty clear. Use a super fluke junior.
Stripers: Striper fishing also is strong below Morgan Falls. Use a Shadalicious, a paddle-tailed soft plastic bait made by Strike King.
If you have a tip or report, please share.
