has the lake started to turn yet? haven't been out there--- replacing a windshield on the boat-- but hopefully will get it back and installed by this weekend. Can't remember when the lake starts to turn over each year. seems like the reports indicate something's changing up

By the way, for those interested--- stripers in the hooch seem to be slow; nothing active at Morgan Falls, but had heard of some activity down by Hwy 41 bridge. Light colored flukes, etc +/- weights (depending on current) seem to be most productive. They'll chase smaller hard baits and the like but seem to commit better on the soft plastics. Live bream a good call, too. Also: a buddy pulled one out the other week and checked its stomach--- full of crayfish, so that thar's a clue.....

Can someone please educate me on what the lake turning over means. What does it do to the lake and the fishing. Any info is greatly appreciated.

Interested in fish in the river. Wade in like trout fishing. Light tackle and what time of the day is better. What size stripes are in there? If they are eating the trout that are in there.

In a nutshell, the surface becomes cooler than the deep. Cold water denser, sinks to the bottom, warm at bottom rises to the top. You can see it by the angled lines rising on your graph. Typically, associated with more difficult fishing. You can also see it below the dam. The water looks horrible. Hopefully someone has more time to write in more detail.

Clay's right-- it's tech term is thermocline inversion--- colder surface water sinks and the whole lake flips. Stirs it up, which is great for re-oxygenating the bottom water. Import for the lake's lifestyle, but tends to suck for the fishing since it's a huge change. And you know how even little things can affect the fish bite. The hooch turns green/brown when it happens because the lake bottom gets stirred up, and it's bottom water coming out of the dam (which is why it's so cold even in july).

marleymoo: wading works, but a canoe or kayak is better-- you can get to more of the deeper holes. However, any of the accessible shoals near 285 are both wadable and have holes. What i've found is that the tails of the deeper runs at shoals tend to hold the fish (really, just like any predator-- they'll be hanging just outside of the current looking for bait struggling in the fast water). Throw a white or natural fluke upstream of the deeper runs, so it has time to sink by the time it gets to the tailing edge of the run, where the big boys sit. Just like trout--- or just like what the trout used to do in these runs until the stripes swallowed them whole! By the way-- I've seen schools of both shad and herring in the river now and again.

Light tackle is asking for trouble-- these are fish ranging from 3-20 lbs, and the mid- to large sized will either strip your reel or break your line once they get into the current. I've seen heavy jig hooks get straightened. Picture pulling an angry, fully open lead umbrella against a stiff current. A med-hvy wgt rod with braided line may seem like too much, but I can tell you it can be very handy. However, I have seen 3-5 lbs landed with fly rods, but thru luck and patience. Nothing over 5 lbs is coming in on a fly rod without a boat to chase it

Low light is always best on the river--- there's no dark depths for them to hang out in like on the lake, and stripers tend to avoid sun. My largest was just at dusk-- in fact it was fully dark when i finally landed it. My assumption is dawn and before is also good--- haven't gotten up early enough often enough to know this firsthand

Not trying to sound like an expert-- just telling you a summary of what i've learned by experience and from others i've talked to, particularly a friend who lives on the river and works it several times each week.

The lake seems to be turning over in some areas already. For instance, a friend who lives in Flat Creek says it is evident by all the trash, etc. that is already coming up to the top. However, FWIW, the DNR says turnover typically occurs around Christmas. Now that's a lot later than anyone I know thought.

That is right about Christmas. That is when it is finished.

Had this saved as a "Favorite." It's everything you ever wanted to know about lake stratification and also de-stratisfication(Turn Over). Even better...it's about Lanier's "Turn Over."

Scroll down and you will see it. Don't forget to save it...

http://georgiawildlife.dnr.state.ga.us/content/displaycontent.asp?txtDocument=359

Wormboy - stripers on crayfish? Not a freakin chance, what the heck is the matter with you!! HA! Only kidding, I have heard from multiple sources that crayfish are GREAT baits in river envirorments, I just haven't figured out how to present them properly. Stripers feed on the bottom ALOT - think cut bait, putting a down rod on the bottom and cranking up 2 cranks,etc.

I heard that a crayfish on a bobber, with a small weight so it's floating just a foot or two above the bottom is Killer. Anybody know where to buy some crawfish? I need to try the bobber thing next time I am cut baiting.

Mike, my sister is the manager at one of the Pappadeaux's.....they have them LIVE. I could picture a little trade happening.....

We used "Soft Shell Crab" in the Tidal rivers(Virginia). Great bait. Cut'em in half, put'em on a Carolina Rig, cast'em out, sit back and wait...good times.

Sounds good Corey.

Mike
The papadeaux size is probaby the way to go; I see claws along the shore that are 3-4 inches and the occasional mini-lobster carcass fo over 6 inches--- the crayfishin the river at least near morgan falls are sizeable! Louisiana mug bugs thrown into the current with a split shot-- or carolina rigged a la skiffya-- sounds like a winner. Might be able to get them at the dekalb farmers market, too
FYI-- took the canoe to the hooch friday-- water was muddy, but landed a 6-7 lb stripe on a white fluke. Decided on a fish fry (catholic/fish/friday--- 3 for 3---why not?) and checked its stomach. Nothing but bream. Go figure.