Next AvailableMay 18
Book with Josh Thornton
Captain Josh Crappie Fishing
Identity Verified Gainesville GA
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Josh Thornton, Captain at Captain Josh Crappie Fishing
Identity Verified
If you are looking for an extraordinary trip that offers comfort and fun, then Captain Josh Crappie Fishing is the perfect match for you. Captain Josh Thornton is a lifelong angler who knows all the secrets you need to reel in tons of Crappie! His passion for fishing is out of this world and guarantees that you will have the best time of your life!
The beautiful Lake Lanier offers spectacular, year-round Crappie fishing. Crappie is one of the most sought-after freshwater fish in North America known for its great nutritional value. They are also one of the most mouthwatering panfish to eat where you can choose to fry it in one piece or fillet it. Captain Josh will be there to assist you to make sure you have the catch of your life!
The adventure starts on a 17’ BassTracker boat outfitted with top-notch electronics which guarantees a safe and comfortable ride for anyone on board. This vessel has all you need to have a productive day on the lake and can accommodate up to 2 guests fishing at the same time. Safety equipment will be taken care of by the captain as well.
Captain Josh will provide all the fishing equipment you'll need for your trip. Just purchase a valid fishing license, bring sun protection, food, drinks, and get ready to have a mind-blowing fishing adventure!
Enjoy one of the best panfish fishing trips in George today!
Upcoming Availability
Expertise & Attributes
fishing
Freshwater Fishing
Good with Families
Good with Kids
Good with New Anglers
Live Bait
Master Guide
Nature / Wildlife ViewsFishing Techniques
What's Included
Good to Knows
Your Guide has some important details about your trip with them.
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Cancellation Policy
When you book your fishing trip, you will need to first put down a deposit to hold the reservation.
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What's Included
Good to Knows
Your Guide has some important details about your trip with them.
Show More
Cancellation Policy
When you book your fishing trip, you will need to first put down a deposit to hold the reservation.
Show More
Trips Available with Captain Josh Crappie Fishing
Fishing
Starting At $350
Lake Lanier Charter Fishing | 4 Hour Charter Trip
Fishing Area: Lake Lanier
Fishing: Lake
Fishing Boat:
War Eagle • 21' War Eagle • Max 4 guests (base trip price includes 4 guests)Description: Spend your day on the water surrounded by nature’s beauty while reeling in slab Crappie. Our captain provides all the fishing gear, so you can focus on the fun. Just grab your Georgia fishing license online, pack your favorite snacks and drinks, and get ready for an incredible experience. Whether you're fishing solo or with family and friends, this trip offers expert guidance and top-quality equipment to help you land an impressive catch. Don’t forget to capture the moment as you bring in trophy-sized Crappie. Secure your spot today for an unforgettable fishing trip! *Deposits are non-refundable.
Fishing
Starting At $400
Fishing Charter Lake Lanier | 4 Hour Charter Trip
Fishing Area: Lake Lanier
Fishing: Lake
Fishing Boat:
War Eagle • 21' War Eagle • Max 4 guests (base trip price includes 4 guests)Description: Start your day at Sardi Park Ramp and step aboard War Eagle by 7 am for an action-packed Crappie fishing trip with Captain Josh. Whether you're a seasoned angler or a first-timer, this is the perfect opportunity to reel in some trophy-sized crappie while enjoying the peaceful waters. Bring your family and friends for a fun-filled outing, where you'll learn expert techniques and fish the best spots. With top-tier equipment and Captain Josh’s experience, you're set for a productive day on the lake. Don’t wait—secure your spot now for an unforgettable fishing adventure! *Deposits are non-refundable.
Vehicles
BassTracker Pro (Center console)
Boat Type:
Boat Guest Capacity:
2
Boat Length:
17 ft
Manufacturer Name:
BassTracker Pro (Center console)
Model Year:
2012
Engine Manufacturer Name:
Mercury engine
# of Engines:
1
Horsepower Per Engine:
60
Maximum Cruising Speed:
40
Features: Bait Tank Ice-Box Trolling Motor Fish Finder GPS
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War Eagle
Boat Type:
Boat Guest Capacity:
4
Boat Length:
21 ft
Manufacturer Name:
War Eagle
Model Year:
2022
Engine Manufacturer Name:
Mercury
# of Engines:
1
Horsepower Per Engine:
150
Maximum Cruising Speed:
50
Features: Bait Tank Trolling Motor Fish Finder GPS
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Boats
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BassTracker Pro (Center console)
Boat Type:
Boat Guest Capacity:
2
Boat Length:
17 ft
Vehicle Details
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War Eagle
Boat Type:
Boat Guest Capacity:
4
Boat Length:
21 ft
Vehicle Details
FAQs about Captain Josh Crappie Fishing
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Reports and Expert Articles
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Epic Morning on Lake Lanier! 🎣 Best 7-Fish Total Over 13 lbs!
I fished with john Edwards This morning we had the best 7 fish total I have ever had on Lake Lanier over 13 pounds 3 fish 1 pound 15 ounces and our smallest was 1 pound 13 ounces
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Solid Catch Today! 🎣 Crappie Biting on ATX Lures!
A few nice fish from today! On the Atx lure company d2d 4# bass not pictured Big schools of roaming crappie 5-8 foot deep #atxlures
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Congrats on a Huge 2 lb. 10 oz. Lake Lanier Crappie! 🎣🐟
Congratulations Jason Hawkins on a 2 lbs. 10 oz. Lake Lanier black crappie!
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Fishing Report In Lake Lanier
Call Captain Josh Thornton to book your Lake Lanier Crappie fishing trip. 770-530-6493 The water temperatures are in the mid 80s Crappie are slow to bite and tight lipped but with some patience you can still get them. You can find crappie suspended 14-18 foot deep over a 30’-40’ bottom use live crappie minnows and be patient. The color combination I am using green and dark green (atx d2d) with a slow retrieval. The gear I recommend for crappie fishing is a Acc crappie stix 1-piece rod and reel with a 4-6-pound test K9 line, along with Garmin Live Scope and Power Pole
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Lake Lanier Minnow Fishing
The morning started slow, with only occasional fish being caught. As the day went on, more and more minnow fish appeared around the boat.
Fishing for A Good Cause
Find out all about how you can fish for a good cause with Capt. Josh Thornton's nonprofit, Fishing for Everyday Heroes in Gainesville, GA.
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Let’s Go Dock Shooting for Crappie on Lake Lanier
Go dock shooting for crappie in Lake Lanier, one of the best places to fish in Gainesville, GA with Capt. Josh Thornton.
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Going on Adventures on Lake Lanier and Beyond with Capt. Josh Thornton
Have a wonderful crappie fishing adventure when you book a fishing trip with Capt. Josh Thornton of Lake Lanier Fishing in Gainesville, GA.
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Lake Lanier Fishing Report
The water temperatures are in the mid 80s We are finding crappie suspended 15-30’ feet over a 30-40 bottom. The crappie are suspending for long periods of time and the bite is soft. Look for deep water brush or timber near a main channel up to 40’ usually they will be suspended around 25’ . Look for points near a main channel where the depth falls off quickly if there is any structure for the crappie to hold to you are likely to find them there. Crappie can still be found in shallow water if you can find a area with shade and the water temperature is lower. If you are using jigs I would recommend translucent colors with sparkles. Right now it seems they just want a minnow I am setting minnows 15’- 20 feet deep most of the time over a 20-40’ bottom. 95% of this weeks catch came on minnows. Crappie love the shade so cast into the shadows or shaded areas of dock. When dock shooting the biggest fish are usually the first to bite. I use ATX lure companies jigs on a lip thrashin lure jig heads. I use 5 pound test high visibility yellow k9 braid for my line unless I am using a bobber then it’s the k9 6 pound high vis line k9fishing.com and a Acc crappie stix. I use Garmin Live Scope and the Navionics Boating app.
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Lake Lanier Crappie Tournament
We have an exciting opportunity for anglers to come fish in a Crappie Tournament on Lake Lanier for a great cause! The first place prize for this tournament is $1,000! All of the proceeds from the tournament support Fishing With Every Day Heroes, a local non-profit that provides free guided fishing trips to veterans, first responders and active duty military! Register today to support an awesome cause and for your chance at some big Prize money while fishing Lake Lanier for Crappie!
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Crappie in Lake Lanier Fishing 2022
As the water temperatures rise going into summer season, Crappies eventually grow in number. Look for Crappie in shallow blow downs, and remember to retrieve slow and give the jig time to sink to the level of the fish. When dock shooting the biggest fish are usually the first to bite.
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Crappie Fishing in Lake Lanier 2022
The early morning bite has given us a good catch, with an 86 water temperature until 10 am. Crappies love the shade, that's why it is recommended to cast into the shadows or shaded areas of the dock. Retrieve slow and give the jig time to sink to the level of the fish for better results.
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Lake Lanier Fishing this June 2022
Had a great time reeling some large fish within the 20’ depth range. Crappies are suspended at 6 to 10 feet, but the biting fish species are located deeper. During the trip, we were able to get around 4 great Crappies heading back to the dock with us.
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Lake Lanier Fishing 2022
The rainy day did not stop them from fishing a great catch. They managed to catch some Crappies and a massive 16.4 Flathead Catfish from Lake Lanier this July 2022. During the season, they are finding crappie suspended 15-25’ feet over a 30-40’ bottom.
Ratings & Reviews Summary
May 18, 2025
Captain Josh took my son and I out. He is very knowledgeable on the lake showing us how he locates crappie, which areas are good to fish and caught several. He is very polite and understanding. Great guy to fish with. Can't wait to go again. Thanks Captain for a great day.
May 18, 2025
Visited last April for a fishing trip, highly recommend this!
May 18, 2025
Captain Josh was an excellent guide outstanding human being, his boat is second to no one's very comfortable, my girls enjoyed the trip greatly, they caught fish in cold tough conditions, what else do you want, very well pleased. Thanks Captian Josh
May 18, 2025
It was bloody cold! Captain Josh is a great guide with a sense of humor. He put us on the fish all trip, but they would not bite. Many times the fish would leave their group come up sniff our lure and just leave it. We caught 3 ...pic below.
May 18, 2025
This trip was fantastic. It was a hard day of fishing after a random cold front and storm came through the night before. However, Capt. Josh can still found the crappies. Capt. Josh was great in answering all questions from tactics, crappie ecology, Lanier history, and about anything else that popped up. My daughter and myself had a blast.
May 18, 2025
Very relaxing and informative trip. I learned some great tactics and Lanier History, plus made a great meal of the crappie catch.
