BY THE NUMBERS
8 Kayaks available for rent at Don Carter State Park
1,316 Acres in Don Carter State Park
38,000 Surface acres of water in Lake Lanier
This week’s cool down that local weather gurus have been calling a “cold” snap puts our southern summers in perspective. The front dropped local temperatures down to the steamy mid-80s level.
Such a short-term drop does little to improve fishing conditions that have tailed off under the scorching summer sun. Lake Lanier fortunately has bucked the trend of slowing July fishing conditions this year.
Catches of spotted bass continue to be reported from the reservoir. Anglers have been catching fish up to 4 pounds. A lot of that action is taking place in the southern end of the impoundment.
The spots are being caught early in the mornings using topwater lures fished over humps on the bottom or along shoreline points running out into the lake. White or shad-colored lures have worked best.
The fish move deeper later in the day. Look for them along the bottom in areas with 18- to 25-foot depths.
Jig-and-grub combinations or swimbaits recently have been most dependable for fooling these deeper fish. Green has been the most successful color to use.
Causal anglers have some new opportunities for fishing on Lake Lanier at Don Carter State Park. It is located on the northern end of the reservoir and is Georgia’s newest state park.
Park manager Will Wagner said the park is part of the loaner fishing-tackle program. Visitors can borrow rods and reels free of charge on a first-come, first-served basis.
The park also offers rental kayaks that are great for fishing. Most of these boats are sit-on-top tandem models that can hold two anglers. Some solo boats also are available. Paddles and life jackets are provided with the kayaks.
Visit gastateparks.org/doncarter for more information on the park, the loaner-tackle program and kayak rentals.
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