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Georgia Fishing Report: October 16, 2026

Georgia DNR, Wildlife Resources Division

The weather has cooled, and many sportsmen and women are putting up their fishing gear and picking up their firearms. You may have a large part of the lake all to yourself. Whether you’re chasing trout on Lake Burton or casting for crappie on Allatoona, now is the time to take advantage of crisp days on the water. The following North Georgia report will help you gear up for success on your next trip.

News to know: 

NORTH GEORGIA

Alexa Damer hungry for fried fish

Is it safe to eat the fish I just caught? (courtesy of GADNR Fisheries Biologist John Damer)

Have you ever asked yourself this question? Do you know where to find the answer? Most sport fish caught in Georgia are generally good to eat and are a tasty, low-fat source of protein. But sometimes, fish of certain species, size, or location can accumulate contaminants, such as polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) or mercury. Staff from the Wildlife Resources and Environmental Protection Divisions of Georgia DNR partner together to regularly collect and test fish samples from Georgia waterbodies for these and many other contaminants. The results are used to update the Guidelines for Eating Fish from Georgia Waters. This publication can provide you with recommendations on how frequently you may choose to eat fish from specific locations. Bon Appétit, Georgia!!

RESERVOIR REPORT

PONDS AND LAKES MIXED BAG (courtesy of Jeff Durniak, Unicoi Outfitters):

Ponds: Still a good bet, especially when our favorite streams and rivers are too high and muddy. UO buddy RSquared: “I fished Heath Lake at Rocky Mountain PFA in Floyd County again this week. I was fishing a popper/dropper rig with a yellow Boogle Bug on top & a Sinking Cricket as my dropper. I used 2.5ft of 4x fluro to attach the dropper to the popper. This state-managed trophy bass lake was not kind to me again this week. I landed one small bass & several Bluegills. I talked with a few other anglers & found out they were having little to no success. However, this lake is known for great fishing & a good chance at a big one. If you don’t go, you don’t know!”

Lakes: UO Lanier guide Joseph: “The wait is over!! I was able to get out on the lake yesterday evening with a buddy. We hit things just right and had a few fish schooling over open water. Things are still pretty inconsistent; however, that will change in the coming weeks. I still have some availability for October and November, but prime dates are going fast. To inquire or book, call the Sautee store at 706-878-3083 or visit my website at www.josephclarkflyfishing.com”

LAKE ALLATOONA

Anglers’ successful crappie catch

Bass (courtesy of Ken Sturdivant, Southern Fishing):

Bass fishing is good. Fish are deep to 20 feet deep and any main lake point can be a hot spot. The trick is to fish them all and break out the good ones and work them with several baits. There are a few small fish a little shallower, but they strike baits so lightly. Try the Zoom finesse worm in natural blue or Limeade. With all the deep fish, there is little to no schooling, and we can blame almost anything but its turnover. All the deep fish start at the 25-foot range. Find the right hole, and it is not clear what makes a hole right other than depth. Drop shot rigs with small hooks and small finesse-style baits will work, and they seem to be producing a little better than a Texas rig. Sand worms, natural blue and cinnamon green pig, and jigs or creepy crawlers are the baits of choice. Be sure to drop a ½ ounce Flex It spoon in the same locations. Hit the shallow brush piles and reef poles early with pig and jigs for the best action. A 20-fish day will be little problem. Also, spinnerbaits in the rocks on windy days will catch a few.

Crappie (courtesy of Red Rooster Custom Baits):

This week’s Lake Allatoona crappie fishing report is brought to you by Rite-Hite Marine Products. A Rite-Hite Transducer Turret is a must-have for spot locking on brush piles, docks, points, and structure while keeping your forward-facing sonar free to scan areas independent of the trolling motor. This is where the Rite-Hite Turret comes in strong for us crappie anglers. If you don’t have a transducer turret, give Rite- Hite a look; you will be glad you did. If you have any questions, give them a call at 417-442-3277, and one of the engineers will answer any question that you may have. Proudly made in America by fishermen for fishermen.

Allatoona Weekly Crappie Fishing Report: We are so thankful that it is October! It’s been a while since we put together a report because honestly, between Mid-June through September it’s hot, the lake is crowded with boaters…did we mention it was hot? Let’s face it, when the water temp is hovering around 88-90 degrees…it just isn’t that much fun, and you have to work hard to catch Allatoona Crappie in the heat of summer. It can be done with spider rigs and minnows over brush piles. With all of that being said, we are ready to get back in the game with the cooler weather, falling lake levels, and cooler water temps. The water temperature has dropped around 10 degrees in the last two weeks, and as a result, we are starting to see some active crappie. The crappie are just starting to move off of the brush and venture around the areas. The crappie on the brush are starting to get more active and in the mood to chase jigs. We are not far from breaking out the trolling rods by middle to the end of October. We are throwing to brush and structure using a Red Rooster Dagger on a 1/16th oz. jig head or a 1/24th oz. jig head. The crappie are very finicky and are still looking for smaller baits like the Red Rooster Dagger. The fall rate of the jig still matters…the 1/16th oz. jig head is going to get down to 10′ – 14′ in about 10-12 seconds, whereas the 1/24th oz. jig head takes a few seconds longer. But if the crappie are being picky, they are looking for something really slow…they are watching…so if it is fast and unnatural, they will not mess with it. I would say a 1/24th oz. Jig head is the way to go on calm days, but if you get some wind, you can switch to a 1/16th oz. jig head because the wind will affect the fall rate. As far as colors go…the water color is clear, and we are using natural/translucent colors. UV Shad, Watermelon Ghost, UV Melon, Watermelon Red, and Motor Oil Red are some of our go-to colors. Another jig that works well is a tiny hair jig for finicky crappie. Of course, spider rigging minnows will still work well for the rest of the month. October is a great month to get back on the water as the crappie are starting to get more active and move around. When that happens…long line trolling is right around the corner!

Make sure to check out our past October Lake Allatoona Crappie Fishing Reports to see what we were doing this time last year!

Red Rooster makes custom jig heads, under spins, and we can color match any jig color that you want or need. We love talking about crappie fishing, so we are here to help. We also do a Facebook Live most Friday nights unless something comes up.

LAKE BURTON

Brown Trout (courtesy of GADNR fisheries biologist Chris French):

Anglers have had luck targeting Brown Trout around 35 feet or so near the dam, continuing the trend of trophy trout coming out of Burton during the last few months. At the end of the month, some of those fish might migrate towards the mouths of feeder streams on the lake, which could make for some good angling opportunities. GADNR is still planning on stocking Burton in the fall with a few thousand Brown Trout now that things are cooling down.

LAKE HARTWELL

Bass (courtesy of Guide Lane Clark, (864)-254-8614; report via SCDNR Freshwater Fishing Trends):

Guide Lane Clark reports that when water temperatures drop into the lower 70s, there should be widespread schooling activity across the lake, and in October fish should also be more willing to eat a variety of topwater baits as they get onto larger bait. While there will still be an offshore bite, also look for more fish to move into the creeks where they can be caught on buzzbaits or jigs.

Bass (courtesy of Ken Sturdivant, Southern Fishing):

Bass fishing is fair. There is a good topwater bite in the shallows, but these are all small fish. Casting to the bank is not where the fish are until midday. Better fish are at 15 feet on average. Chug Bugs, Whoppler Ploppers, and jerkbaits at daylight, then Ned rigs and Shakey heads on points and in small cuts close by at 15 feet. This is mostly Spotted Bass, so scale down. See fish breaking; they are 1-pound white bass. This lake is covered in cane pilings everywhere, so watch the electronics and make 15 casts and move on. Be sure to have a place to stay.

Catfish (courtesy of Guide Chip Hamilton, (864)-304-9011; report via SCDNR Freshwater Fishing Trends):

Guide Chip Hamilton reports that in the fall there is always a transition period as fish move from summer to fall patterns, and it usually correlates to a slower period. The finicky bite started later in September than usual with the hot summer this year, but early in October fishing should get more consistent and schooling activity should increase – some days lasting for hours. Fish will also make a move into the creeks, and in general they will be related to bait wherever it is. Free-lines and down-lines can both work at times, and if fish are schooling, topwater lures and flukes will work.

Crappie (courtesy of Guide Rodney Donald, (864) 356-0143; report via SCDNR Freshwater Fishing Trends):

GADNR planting Maidencane and Pickerelweed out on Lake Hartwell

In October, fish are usually found around brush in the creek runs, but with water levels so low, Guide Rodney Donald will probably be fishing deeper docks more this month. Both minnows and jigs will work.

Linesides (courtesy of Captain Bill Plumley; report via SCDNR Freshwater Fishing Trends):

Captain Bill Plumley reports that the quality of the October catfish bite depends on the weather, but if it cools significantly, then bigger fish will come shallower out of the timber where they can be caught with cut bait in the creek runs. If water temperatures stay high, then smaller channels as well as flatheads will be the main catch.

Mixed Bag (courtesy of GADNR Fisheries Biologist Kyle Rempe):

Region 2 and 3 fisheries staff planted an assortment of aquatic vegetation (Maidencane and Pickerelweed) in a cove arm of Lake Hartwell at Tugaloo State Park. This planting was made possible by the generous efforts of Walton hatchery growing the plants and then hauling them to the reservoir. The aquatic vegetation was placed all the way up the bank due to the low water conditions; hopefully, these plants will successfully establish and spread so that fish of many different sizes can enjoy the natural cover benefits in the future. This habitat should provide valuable refuge for young-of-the-year fish, as well as serve as good ambush cover for any hungry predators that post up amongst the foliage.

LAKE LANIER

Bass (courtesy of Phil Johnson, (770) 366-8845 or pjohnson15@hotmail.com; report via Southern Fishing):

Dashawn Johnson on Lake Lanier catching Largemouth Bass and Spotted Bass.

Bass fishing on Lake Lanier is good. The lake is currently a little over a foot below full pool, and the water temperature is running in the low seventies. Overall, the lake is clear. The fall patterns are setting up, and the bass are feeding up for the winter, but it is still somewhat up and down on catching them. Wind and bait have been the key factors over the last week. Finding the shad over the humps, flats, and long points has been important in finding the bass. The schooling activity has picked up, but it is scattered, and the fish are only staying up for short periods, so it’s important to get the cast into the school before they go down. The Lip Thrasin Riser, an Ima Skimmer, a small Gunfish, a swimbait, or a Jerkshad have all produced for the week. The key has been to chase the wind and find where the bait is blown. Either while the bass are schooling or when they dive, a three-eighths Spot Choker with a three-inch Keitech reeled fast through the area will produce fish also. On the low wind days, the drop shot has been producing fish around the brush and on the ledges. FFS definitely helps with this bite, as the fish may be scattered around the area rather than tight on the brush or ledge. The Lanier baits Sweet Rosy and Blue Lily have been the main colors for the drop shot setup. The bite around the docks, brush, and blowdowns has picked up the shaky head and jig. The watermelon green trick worm or a brown and chartreuse jig has produced the most fish. With the cooler weather forecast, the water temperature should drop, which should fire the bass up more, so it’s a great time to Go Catch ‘Em!

Crappie (courtesy of Captain Josh Thornton, (770) 530-6493; report via Southern Fishing):

Crappie fishing is good. The weather has changed, and the crappie are getting more active. You can find crappie suspended shallow, 5 to 10 feet deep over a 12 to 20 foot bottom. Crappie minnows worked well on open water brush this week. Set minnows in a rod holder over brush or structure while casting jigs. This week we had luck with black and green color plastic jig (ATX D2D). The gear I recommend for crappie fishing is an Acc Crappie Stix 1-piece rod and reel with a 4 to 6 pound test K9 line, along with Garmin LiveScope and Power Pole.

Linesides (courtesy of Captain Ron Mullins, The Striper Experience):

October fishing is all about being versatile. Turnover has started early, stripers are beginning to break out of their south-end summer pattern, and fish are showing up above the GA Highway 369 bridge. Anglers should be prepared to move between topwater, casting, vertical presentations, flatlines, and downlines as the fish and bait move throughout the day.

Turnover will continue to influence water clarity and fish location throughout October. Below GA Highway 369, schools may explode on the surface during the first few hours and the last couple of hours of the day, especially with cloud cover. Some fish have already moved north of the bridge, where they have historically been less likely to come up consistently. That could be different this year because more fish stayed farther north than normal during the summer.

How the Pattern Will Change This Month: Expect the pattern to change during the day. Surface-feeding fish may quickly drop back down, and schools holding 30–40 feet deep over 60–100 feet of water should remain a dependable target throughout the month.

Where Fish Will Set Up: Focus on:

James Richardson is reeling in spotted bass on Lake Lanier

What Will Work Consistently

What Will Stop Working

Key Takeaways for Anglers

What to Expect Heading Into November: As turnover continues and water temperatures fall, keep following the bait and watching how the fish respond. The best location and presentation may change quickly, so use your electronics and surface activity to decide whether to cast, fish vertically, pull a flatline, or drop live bait.

Captain Ron’s Final Thoughts: October rewards anglers who are prepared to change with the fish. Keep several rods rigged, watch the surface, and use your electronics to stay with the school after it goes down. If you can move quickly from one presentation to another, you can keep catching fish as the lake turns over and the fall pattern develops. Get out there and catch them up!

LAKE NOTTELY

Mixed Bag (courtesy of GADNR fisheries biologist Josh Stafford):

GADNR recently planted 600 native water willow plants along the shoreline of Lake Nottely. So far this year, GADNR has deployed several dozen fish attractors and brush piles and planted over 1200 native plants in Nottely with the help of Union County High School students, UGA Extension, and local volunteers. Tennessee Valley Authority provided GADNR with materials for the fish attractors and brush piles, and GADNR grew most of the native vegetation in their greenhouse at Walton Fish Hatchery. The native plants will help with bank stabilization, reduce erosion, and provide habitat for sportfish like largemouth bass and bluegill. Also, adding fish attractors will enhance fishing opportunities for anglers, as these structures will concentrate sportfish. Find out where GADNR has deployed these attractors in several lakes and reservoirs throughout Georgia by checking out GADNR’s Fishing Forecast website.

LAKE WEISS

Bass (courtesy of Ken Sturdivant, Southern Fishing):

Bass are starting to move shallow on secondary points and in the backs of the coves following the shad movement. Shallow-running crankbaits like the Bandit 100 series are working awesome right now. A 3/8 ounce spinner bait in chartreuse and white with double silver willow leaf blades is also a great fall bait. Spotted Bass are being caught on the old river channel ledges in 4 to 8 feet of water. Fish are showing up on secondary points, humps, and sand bars midday. Rat L Traps and flat-sided crankbaits and spinnerbaits are catching fish.

WEST POINT LAKE

Bass (courtesy of Ken Sturdivant, Southern Fishing):

Bass fishing is good. Shad are headed for the creeks, and it’s about time for the bass to follow along in big numbers. The best bite through late week was up the river on the crankbaits. Find the fish around the shad. Once the bass get into the creeks in full force, it’ll be a good opportunity for crankbaits and spinnerbaits. Rat L Traps and Rapala Shad Raps should be good patterns. Hit the banks, throwing at any piece of wood. Make accurate casts to maximize the chances for a hookup. Buzz baits in the morning will draw some strikes also. Fish are schooling like crazy in the shallows just before sunset. There are mostly hybrids and white bass along with a few spotted bass chasing shad to the bank once the sun gets low. Nearly any kind of shad-imitating lure will do the trick.

RIVER REPORT

Trying to get into flyfishing and don’t know where to start? Give Jeff Durniak’s guide, Dredger’s Flyfishing Intro for Rookies, a read over on the Unicoi Outfitters website. It contains some helpful links and tips to get you pointed in the right direction!

River, Creek, Warmwater and More (courtesy of Cohutta Fishing Company):

Ian Conrey’s beautiful rainbow trout

Toccoa River & Creek Fishing: The Toccoa is still experiencing turnover temperatures, so we have been focusing on the creeks. Though they have been low, fish have still been eager to eat a small dry like an olive or grey Parachute Adams, Purple Haze, or yellow Stimulator.

Warmwater Fishing: With these cooler nights, temps have been dropping on our warmwater fisheries. With water in the mid-70s to low 70s, we’ve been getting bass on olive, white, and black Boogle Bugs or MFC poppers.

Bass & Striper Fishing: Some places have dropped to the mid-to-low 60s, and we’ve been catching better quality fish on bigger baitfish patterns.

Stripers are on their way back to the reservoirs and getting out of the rivers, but the ones that are still there are eating big baitfish patterns as well.

The striper have been in faster, more oxygenated water, while the bass have been tight to structure. Incorporate long pauses in your retrieve with the baitfish patterns as well as the topwater stuff.

Trout Are Seasonal (courtesy of Paul DiPrima and Jimmy Jacobs; report via On the Fly South):

Here is the opening paragraph from Paul’s article that helps to paint a picture of how the changing of the seasons affects two of the trout species found in Georgia waters.

“Trout are seasonal fish. I am not referring to the old “trout season,” when many states regulated the days of the year when trout could be legally caught. I mean the effect that the hours of daylight and the angle of the sun have on the lives of wild trout and the plants and animals that live in or near trout habitat. In the fall, daylight hours become shorter, the days begin to cool and  – just as the deciduous trees change from the many shades of green to vibrant yellow, orange and red – the trout also change.”

Mixed Bag Report (courtesy of Jeff Durniak, Unicoi Outfitters):

Wes’ Hot Fly List:

A Redbreast Sunfish caught by Athens Jay

Stockers: Except for 1-2 fall stockings and the DH streams’ monthly dosing’s, trout stocking season is over in GA.  Your best bets for summer leftovers will be the two tailwaters, once they clear from stormflows.

Private Waters: They’ve reopened and, while low and clear, are fishing very well. UO-Helen manager Wes claims that,  “Despite the low flows, our private waters are back open and fishing great! The best patterns for me have been mops, dead drifted buggers, small flashy nymphs, and soft hackles.”

Delayed Harvest: The Georgia Delayed Harvest (DH) program resumes on Nov 1. Recall from last week’s report that North Carolina WRC DH regs started on Oct 1, but the agency is delaying stocking until November. We have some great Delayed Harvest tips in our beginners guide on our website: unicoioutfitters.com/fishing-reports/dredgers-flyfishing-intro-for-rookies

Warm Rivers: UO buddy Athens Jay says,  “Piedmont rivers are very low and clear. Water is still warm enough for wet wading. Fish are concentrated in deep holes and somewhat spooky. I did have some luck with black/purple articulated streamers on a long 10 lb. fluorocarbon leader. Nothing big, but the species diversity was pretty cool.” New UO buddy and rookie flyfisher Francisco shared that he had an amazing day fishing on the Tugalo River. He caught a lot of bluegills, at least 15 with the elk hair caddis. He started with a dry/dropper, but they only hit the dry, so he dropped the dropper and did some topwater fun.

Give us a call or stop in for the latest intel on water conditions and your best flies and lures for those October predators. Unicoi Outfitters: Friendly. Local. Experts. Sautee: 706-878-3083. Clarkesville: 706-754-0203. 

Support Trout Fishing! Want to do more to support trout fishing in Georgia? Consider upgrading to a Trout Unlimited license plate this year. See more info at GeorgiaWildlife.com/licenseplates. Aside from being a great-looking tag, each purchase or renewal of a Trout Unlimited license plate directly supports Georgia’s trout conservation and management programs, which can be found at GeorgiaWildlife.com/fishing/trout. Hatcheries and wild trout efforts both benefit from the trout tag.

Did we not cover your part of the state this week? No worries, we have some great resources to help you find a favorite fishing spot and to see what is biting and where:

Georgia WRD

Fishing Forecasts

Angler Resources

Trout Fishing

Bass Slam

Trout

Unicoi Outfitters Fishing Report

Cohutta Fishing Company

Georgia Wild Trout

Reservoirs

Southern Fishing Reports

NOE Outdoors

Southern Waters Fishing Report

South Carolina Fishing Report

GON

Coastal

Coastal Angler Magazine

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