Lake Lanier Charters - Premier Fishing Adventures
Private Trip
Lakes/Reservoirs/Ponds Fishing
Sixhour morning charter targeting striped bass and spotted bassAll fishing gear and lures provided by experienced captainSmall group experience with maximum two guests per trip
Looking for a top-rated fishing charter on one of Georgia's most productive waters? Lake Lanier delivers the goods, and our 6-hour morning trips put you right in the action. Starting at 6:30 a.m., you'll team up with an experienced captain who knows every drop-off, channel, and feeding zone on this massive 38,000-acre lake. We keep groups small – just 2 anglers max – so you get personalized attention and plenty of room to work. All tackle, lures, and gear come included, which means you can focus on what matters: hooking into some serious fish.
Lake Lanier's morning bite is legendary, and there's good reason we start before sunrise. The water temperature stays cooler, baitfish are active near the surface, and predators like striped bass are feeding aggressively in the shallows. Your captain will have the boat rigged and ready to go, with live wells stocked and electronics warmed up. We'll cover a lot of water during those 6 hours – from the main lake points where stripers school up, to the creek arms where spotted bass ambush prey, to deeper structures where walleye and catfish hang out. The lake's crystal-clear water means you can actually see fish following your lures, which adds a whole new level of excitement to the day. Weather permitting, we'll adjust our game plan based on what the fish are telling us, whether that's working topwater early or switching to deep presentations as the sun climbs higher.
We run quality spinning and baitcasting setups matched to whatever species we're targeting. For stripers, that usually means medium-heavy rods with 15-20 lb test, perfect for handling those hard-pulling fish around timber and rocky points. Spotted bass fishing calls for lighter tackle – 10-12 lb fluorocarbon lets you feel every tap and sets the hook clean on those finicky biters. Our tackle boxes are loaded with proven Lake Lanier producers: Alabama rigs for covering water fast, jerkbaits for suspended fish, Carolina rigs for bottom huggers, and topwater plugs for those heart-stopping surface strikes. Live bait plays a big role too – fresh shad and nightcrawlers account for plenty of our biggest fish. Your captain will teach you the local tricks, like how to work a spoon through a striper school or drag a worm along a creek channel ledge where walleye feed. No previous experience needed – we'll get you dialed in on the techniques that work best for each species.
Striped bass are the crown jewel of Lake Lanier, and these hard-fighting fish are why anglers travel from across the Southeast. These silver bullets typically run 3-8 pounds, with trophy fish pushing into the teens. Spring and fall offer the best action when stripers chase shad in shallow water, but summer fish school up over deep points and provide non-stop action. What makes them special is their explosive strikes and bulldog runs – a good striper will test your drag and keep you guessing right up to the net. They're also excellent table fare, with firm white meat that's perfect for grilling.
Spotted bass might be smaller than their largemouth cousins, but pound-for-pound they're some of the scrappiest fish in the lake. These bronze fighters love rocky banks, creek channels, and standing timber. Most spots run 1-3 pounds, but 4+ pounders swim in Lanier's depths. They hit hard and jump repeatedly, putting on an aerial show that keeps things interesting. Spring spawning season finds them in shallow pockets, while summer and winter push them to deeper structure. Spotted bass are active year-round, making them a reliable target when other species get finicky.
Walleye fishing on Lake Lanier is a hidden gem that many anglers overlook. These golden-sided predators love the lake's deeper creek channels and main lake points, typically holding in 15-35 feet of water. Most walleye here run 2-4 pounds, with some pushing 6+ pounds. They're primarily winter and early spring targets when water temperatures drop below 60 degrees. Walleye have excellent eyesight and often require finesse presentations, but their subtle bites and steady fights make them a favorite among experienced anglers. Plus, they're absolutely delicious – many consider walleye the best-eating freshwater fish.
Channel catfish provide steady action when game fish get tough, and Lake Lanier's cats are healthy, hard-fighting fish. These whiskered warriors range from 2-15 pounds, with some true giants lurking in the deepest holes. They're most active during warmer months and bite best on bottom rigs with cut bait or nightcrawlers. Catfish fights are different – long, steady pulls that test your patience and tackle. They're also incredibly cooperative, often feeding in groups so multiple hookups are common. Night fishing for cats is world-class here, but our morning trips regularly produce quality fish from deeper structures.
Lake Lanier's reputation as a premier fishing destination isn't an accident – consistent action, beautiful scenery, and easy access from Atlanta make it a customer favorite year after year. Our 6-hour charters give you enough time to target multiple species and really dial in on what's working. The early start means you'll beat the weekend boat traffic and enjoy the lake at its most peaceful. Whether you're a seasoned angler looking to learn new techniques or a beginner wanting to experience world-class fishing, this charter delivers the complete Lake Lanier experience. Spots fill up fast, especially during prime seasons, so don't wait to secure your date. Book your Lake Lanier charter today and get ready for some of the best fishing Georgia has to offer.
This 2022 23' Sportsman center console is built for serious Lake Lanier fishing action. Powered by a reliable 250HP Yamaha that'll get you to the hot spots fast, hitting 40 knots when you need to cover water quickly. The boat's fish finder will help locate those suspended stripers and schooling spotted bass, while the wireless trolling motor keeps things quiet when you're working structure for catfish or tracking down walleye in the shallows. An onboard icebox keeps your catch fresh and drinks cold during those long summer days on the water. GPS navigation ensures you never miss your favorite fishing holes, and there's even a head for convenience during extended trips. The center console design gives you 360-degree fishing access, perfect for casting to cruising gar or working the drop-offs where the big stripers hang out. Whether you're targeting deep-water cats or chasing surface action, this boat handles Lake Lanier's diverse fishing conditions with ease.
Ictalurus PunctatusChannel cats are Lanier's most reliable year-round fish, with plenty in the 3-8 pound range and some pushing 15+ pounds. They hang around deeper structure - submerged trees, creek channels, and rocky areas in 20-40 feet of water. Summer nights are prime time when they move shallow to feed, but we catch them consistently in all seasons. Guests love them because they fight hard with that characteristic head-shaking battle, and the fillets are sweet and mild - perfect for frying. They're also great for kids since they bite well and aren't too finicky. Pro tip: use stinkbait or cut shad on the bottom near structure, and don't set the hook too quick - let them really take it before you swing.
Micropterus PunctulatusThese scrappy fighters average 2-4 pounds but can reach up to 7 pounds in Lanier's deeper waters. You'll find them around rocky structure and drop-offs, usually 15-25 feet down. Unlike largemouth bass, spotted bass school up and love to hang near hard bottom areas. They're active year-round but really fire up in spring and fall when water temps hit that sweet spot. What makes them fun to target is their aggressive strike and deep diving fight - they'll pull hard toward structure instead of jumping like largemouths. The meat is excellent eating too. My go-to tip: when you catch one, work that same area thoroughly because where there's one spotted bass, there's usually a whole school nearby.
Morone SaxatilisStripers are the main attraction here on Lanier, with fish ranging from schoolies to trophy-sized 20+ pounders. These silver rockets with their distinctive black stripes roam open water chasing shad schools, but you'll also find them near points and creek channels in 25-50 feet. Spring through fall offers the best action, especially early morning when they're feeding on the surface. What makes them special is that powerful run when hooked - they'll peel drag and give you a real workout. Plus, they're fantastic on the table with firm, sweet meat. The secret is watching for birds diving on baitfish - that's where the stripers are feeding underneath. Get your lure in there fast and hang on tight.
Sander VitreusWalleye are some of the best eating fish in the lake, averaging 2-5 pounds with those distinctive glassy eyes. They prefer deeper water during the day, typically 20-40 feet around rocky points and drop-offs, then move shallow to feed at dusk and dawn. Spring and fall are prime time when they're most active, but we catch them year-round. What guests love is the steady, head-shaking fight and that incredible table fare - mild, flaky white meat that's hard to beat. They can be tricky to locate since they move with the baitfish, but once you find them, you're usually in for steady action. Here's the key: slow down your presentation and fish right on the bottom with live bait or jigs - walleye rarely chase fast-moving lures.
Cumming, GA