Fishing Forecast for Lake Lanier

Fishing at Lake Lanier

Lake Lanier lies northeast of Atlanta, with enough coves and arms that you’ll want to pick a part of the lake before setting out. Spotted bass and stripers are two of the big draws. Largemouth bass, crappie, catfish and bluegill give you other options, particularly if you’d rather work around cover than chase fish across open water.

On the northern end, Don Carter State Park gives you both shore access and kayak rentals. There are paddling trails if you want to explore beyond the bank, so you don’t have to own a boat to try a different angle on the lake. For bass, rocky shoreline is worth a look in spring; later in the year, spotted bass may follow shad and blueback herring into open water. Fallen trees in coves are another place boat anglers can look for largemouth.

If you’re coming from the Forsyth County side, Six Mile Creek Park at 6020 Browns Bridge Road has bank fishing and boat ramps. It’s another starting option, not the only place to reach the lake. Give yourself time to explore rather than treating one park or cove as the whole fishery.

Check parking fees and hours for the particular park you choose. Lanier’s access areas have different operators, and a ramp may stay open after the picnic and shore-access areas close. A parking pass for one park system doesn’t necessarily cover another.