Private 5 Hour Fishing Trip at Lake Lanier
Private Trip
Lakes/Reservoirs/Ponds Fishing
Fivehour guided fishing trip targeting Striped and Spotted BassAll fishing gear and equipment provided for up to three guestsExplore main lake areas, river channels, and scenic creek locations
If you're looking for a top-rated fishing experience in North Georgia, this private 5-hour trip on Lake Lanier is exactly what you need. I'll take you and up to two friends out on one of Georgia's most productive bass waters, where crystal-clear coves and deep river channels hold some serious fish. Lake Lanier isn't just beautiful—it's a fish factory that produces year-round action for both seasoned anglers and folks just getting their feet wet. You'll have the boat to yourselves, which means we can move at your pace and hit the spots that are firing on the day you're out there.
We'll launch early and start working the main lake structures where stripers patrol in schools, then move into the river channels and creek arms where spotted bass love to ambush baitfish. Lake Lanier covers over 38,000 acres, but I know exactly where the fish are holding based on the season, weather, and water conditions. The lake sits at about 1,070 feet above sea level, and those clear mountain waters stay relatively cool even in summer, which keeps the fish active longer into the day. I provide all your rods, reels, tackle, and bait—you just need to bring your Georgia fishing license, some snacks if you want them, and maybe a cooler for your catch. The scenery alone is worth the trip, with rolling hills and million-dollar homes lining the shoreline, but we're here to bend some rods.
I run quality spinning and baitcasting setups matched to whatever bite we're targeting that day. For stripers, we'll often troll umbrella rigs or throw live bait around points and humps where the depth drops off quick. The spotted bass fishing calls for finesse work—drop shots, shaky heads, and small crankbaits worked around rocky banks and submerged timber. I keep a full arsenal of lures and live bait on board, from big swimbaits for trophy largemouth to small jigs for finicky spots. If you're new to fishing, I'll teach you the basics of casting, setting the hook, and playing fish properly. Experienced anglers can bring their own gear if they prefer, but most folks are happy to use mine since I keep everything tuned up and ready to fish. We'll adjust our approach based on what the fish want—some days they're aggressive and hit topwater baits, other days you need to slow down and work the bottom.
Striped Bass are the main draw here, and Lake Lanier's striper population is legendary throughout the Southeast. These silver rockets can grow over 20 pounds and fight like freight trains when hooked. Spring and fall are prime time when they school up and chase shad in open water, but summer finds them deeper around creek channels where the water stays cooler. The bite can be fast and furious when you find a school—it's not uncommon to catch a dozen fish in an hour when they're feeding.
Spotted Bass might be smaller than their largemouth cousins, but pound-for-pound they're some of the hardest fighting fish in the lake. These scrappy fighters average 1-3 pounds but can reach 5+ pounds, and they'll jump and run like miniature tarpon. They love rocky banks, points, and areas with current flow. Spots are active year-round but really turn on in spring when they move shallow to spawn, making them perfect targets for sight fishing.
Largemouth Bass in Lanier tend to be chunky and healthy, with fish over 6 pounds caught regularly. They stick to cover—boat docks, fallen trees, and weed lines—and can be caught on everything from big topwater plugs to tiny finesse worms. Summer evenings produce explosive topwater action that'll get your heart pumping, while winter requires slower presentations in deeper water.
White Bass show up in huge schools during their spring spawning runs, creating some of the fastest action you'll find anywhere. These 1-2 pound fighters aren't huge, but when you find a school you can catch fish on every cast. They're perfect for kids or anyone who just wants to catch a bunch of fish and have fun.
Flathead Catfish are the lake's giants, with fish over 30 pounds caught each year. These nocturnal predators love deep holes and creek mouths, and they put up a bulldogging fight that'll test your tackle. We'll target them with live bait around structure, and hooking a big flathead is like hooking into a submarine—pure power.
This private charter fills up fast, especially during peak fishing months, so don't wait if you want to get out on Lake Lanier's world-class fishery. Whether you're planning a guys' trip, want to introduce someone to fishing, or just need to get away and wet a line, this 5-hour adventure delivers the goods. I've been guiding these waters for years and know how to put you on fish while keeping things fun and relaxed. Remember that deposits are non-refundable, so make sure your dates work before booking. Lake Lanier fishing is good year-round, but spring and fall offer the most consistent action across all species. Book your trip now and get ready to see why anglers travel from across the region to fish these waters.
Hit the water in style aboard this beautifully restored 23-foot Bayliner cuddy cabin that's built for serious fishing on Lake Lanier. With a powerful 225HP Mercury engine pushing you to your favorite fishing spots at up to 38 knots, you'll spend more time with lines in the water and less time getting there. The boat's fish finder helps locate schools of striped bass and spotted bass hiding in the lake's deeper channels, while the wireless trolling motor lets you silently approach productive areas without spooking the fish. Keep your catch fresh in the onboard icebox and store snacks and drinks in the refrigerator during your 5-hour adventure. The GPS navigation ensures we can easily return to hot spots where fish are biting. With comfortable seating for up to 4 anglers and a private toilet onboard, you can focus on what matters most - landing that trophy bass. The cuddy cabin design provides some shelter if weather moves in, making this the perfect platform for exploring Lake Lanier's main lake, winding river channels, and hidden creek arms where big fish like to feed.
Pylodictis OlivarisThese bottom-dwelling giants with their distinctive flat heads and yellow-brown coloring are serious fish for serious anglers. Flatheads regularly reach 3-4 feet and can top 50 pounds in Lanier's deeper areas. Unlike other catfish, they're picky eaters that want live bait - no dead stuff for these predators. Find them in deep holes, around submerged timber, and near dam areas where current breaks. Summer nights are prime time when they move shallow to hunt. What hooks anglers is the raw power - landing a big flathead is like wrestling a small submarine. The meat quality is also superior to other catfish species. They're ambush predators that prefer live bluegill, shad, or even small bass. Here's the key: fish heavy tackle with at least 50-pound line and be patient - flatheads don't rush their meals.
Micropterus SalmoidesThese green giants with their trademark dark horizontal stripes are what most folks think of when they hear "bass fishing." Running 12-24 inches and 1-4 pounds on average, they're famous for that massive mouth that extends past their eyes when open. You'll find them around shallow cover like fallen trees, weed beds, and docks where they ambush prey. Spring through fall are prime times, especially early morning and evening when they're actively feeding. What makes largemouths special is that explosive strike and the way they jump when hooked - pure adrenaline. They also make excellent table fare when handled properly. Pro tip: when fishing heavy cover, don't hesitate to throw your bait right into the thick stuff - that's where the big ones hide.
Micropterus PunctulatusOften called "spots," these scrappy fighters are smaller cousins to largemouths but pack twice the attitude. They typically run 12-18 inches and love rocky structure, points, and deeper water than largemouths. The connected dorsal fin and rows of spots below the lateral line are dead giveaways. Unlike largemouths that jump, spots dive deep and fight like bulldogs all the way to the boat. They school up more than other bass, so when you find one, there's usually more nearby. Spring and fall are peak seasons when they're most aggressive. What guests love about spots is their willingness to bite and that relentless fight - they never give up. Here's a tip: when you hook one, keep your rod tip up and let the fish tire itself out rather than trying to horse it in.
Morone SaxatilisThese are the heavyweights of Lake Lanier - silver torpedoes with bold black stripes that can reach 20-40 pounds. Stripers are structure-oriented fish that patrol deep points, river channels, and humps while following schools of shad. They're year-round targets, but spring and fall offer the best action when water temperatures hit that 55-68 degree sweet spot. What draws anglers to stripers is the incredible fight they put up - these fish will test your drag and your arms. Plus, they're outstanding table fare with firm, white meat. They prefer live bait like herring or large shad, but will hit big swimbaits and umbrella rigs. Local tip: focus on areas where the main lake meets river channels, especially around 20-30 feet deep. Use your electronics to find baitfish, and the stripers won't be far behind.
Morone ChrysopsThese silvery speedsters with dark horizontal stripes are schooling fish that provide non-stop action when you find them. Most run 10-12 inches and weigh 1-2 pounds, but they make up for size with sheer numbers and fight. Look for them in open water, around points, and near creek channels where they chase baitfish to the surface. Spring and fall are best, especially during their spawning runs when they stack up in creeks. What makes white bass special is the fast-paced fishing - when you find a school, it's rod-bending action with multiple fish. They're also excellent eating with sweet, flaky meat. My go-to tip: watch for birds diving on the water - that usually means white bass are pushing shad to the surface, and you can catch them on just about anything you throw.
Cumming