Lake Lanier Crappie Fishing Report May 3 2017
This Lake Lanier Crappie report is from Dan Saknini, member of the Lanier Crappie Angler’s Club. See our club’s website,
Crappie fishing is good to excellent during the month of May. Most of the crappie we are targeting are still on docks with structure at about twenty to twenty five feet deep, but some have moved to stand alone submerged brush piles at similar depths. Those close to a creek or in the backs of creeks on deeper docks seem to be producing best, as well as docks in channels. Because community docks are often in deeper water, they will be good targets, too, but you may have to spend time locating the fish. The crappie are willing to bite, and are doing so aggressively. If you don’t get a bite in the first few casts, move to a new area. If you have down scan and side scan, this will make it easier by locating the fish on the screen. Initially your bite is a little deeper, but once you get the school chasing your bait, you will notice them moving more shallow, and sometimes this will create a feeding frenzy. The key to putting a lot of fish in the boat is to be willing to move from one dock and brush pile on to the next. We usually pre plan our trip ahead of time so that we have an idea of which docks and brush piles to hit first. Some tend to do better earlier in the day, and some do better later in the day. If you notice bait around your fishing spots, that is a big advantage. Always use four pound test line. Our favorite continues to be the high visibility line because it allows you to see the line jump or move when a fish hits. Jig colors still do not matter much this time of year as the fish are feeding well. May is one of our favorite months of the year for fishing. We have witnessed the end of the spawn of the crappie, followed by the spotted bass spawn.
Enjoy fishing, and be safe on the water! Wear your life jacket; it can save your life!