GOLDFISH IN MY CREEK?

By Jeff Durniak Unicoi Outfitters

For decades, I have received springtime calls from anglers and property owners who suddenly saw “goldfish” schools in their streams and wondered where they came from. Have you seen them, too? As we approach the season for spotting “goldfish on pebble mounds” during our streamside hikes, let’s solve this puzzle with a fascinating lesson in creek ecology.

First, the supposed goldfish. In our part of the world, those bright yellow and orange critters are actually resident minnow species dressed in their seasonal spawning attire. Common species in north Georgia are yellowfin shiners and Tennessee shiners. They honeymoon each spring at some newly constructed hotels.

Next, those pebble mounds. Those pebble hotels are actually chub nests. Bluehead and river chub species grab small rocks in their mouths and pile them up by the hundreds. You will be surprised at the size of a stream rock that a motivated chub can haul! Those pebble mounds create some excellent spawning substrate, not only for the builders but for several other species that take advantage of the vacancies. You see, fine particles like silt and sand smother fish eggs and block the emergence of newly hatched fry from stream gravels. That clean, shiny rock mound, with plenty of open spaces between polished stones, is egg incubation heaven! The mound is an effective method of overcoming fine sediments that cover stream bottoms. Check out a few websites for some fascinating videos of chubs building their nests and all the minnow species schooling around their springtime “hotels.” Simply google the term, “chub nest video” to catch slick underwater footage of this nongame fish community in action. Also google “river chubs build nests and invite guests” to read Clemson Professor Brandon Peoples’ interesting article on this nest-sharing phenomenon. He’s got some great photos, too.

On your next stream trek, take time out to enjoy a front row seat to “aquatic ecology in action.” Stroll along the creek bank this spring and see if you can spot the cobble mounds built by native chubs. If the time is right, you just might spot a few hundred colorful, spawning shiners, too. All critters have their niches - even our spring chub construction crews and their romantic “goldfish” tenants! Whether you’re toting a fishing rod or a camera, get outside and enjoy some of these Nat-Geo moments that Mother Nature has shared with us. Good luck and have fun watching some goldfish in your creek this spring!

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Forecast By: Shane Goebel | Big Ol’ Fish Guiding Service

Springtime Striper Fishing in Blairsville, GA

It’s that time of year! Monster trophy stripers on Lake Nottely are firing up and it don’t get better than this! Yup, it’s May…. Our favorite time of year for the big-uns. I’m talking about those reel screaming, explosive hits that will make you wanna smack your granny, it’s so awesome. No offense to granny, but this is most definitely the best time of year for trophy fish. With May’s warmer weather and longer days get these stripers in the mood for some heavy post/pre spawn feeding. We’ll also start catching numbers as well. And, let me tell you about catching these beasts on some ultra-lite tackle too. Shew-wee talk about fun! There’s nothing more exhilarating than catching a striper on a crappie rod with lite line lol… So, if you’re looking for something to do or an avid fisherman looking for that record fish, give us holler and get your fish on with the area’s #1 guide service. We specialize in striper and hybrid fishing. Check out our Facebook and Instagram page Big Ol’ Fish Guiding Service and give us a like.

Currently Lake Nottely is around 8 feet below full pool. Clarity is mostly clear and slightly stained in the rivers. Water temps have been in the low 60’s.

The striper bite has been wicked insane lately! We are starting to catch some good numbers. It’s not uncommon for us to catch 15 to 30 stripers a morning. The majority of our stripers have been in the 15-to30-pound range. In the early part of the month, you’ll still find a lot of these fish in their spring spawning areas in the backs of creeks and in the river. As the month progresses, they’ll start working their way back to deeper water in the mouths of creeks and around shallow humps all over the lake. The early morning and late afternoon bite has been the best for catching these beasts. Pulling planer boards and free lines with live herring will be your best technique. As the sun comes up, it never hurts to throw out a couple of down lines. Try to pay attention to areas that are holding a lot of baitfish—the stripers will be close by. Also, watch for an awesome top-water bite to fire up. I always like to keep a Red Fin or a spook at the ready to work the banks as we troll around. Just keep an eye out for busting fish.

May is a fantastic month for catching a lot of trophy stripers on this North Georgia lake. Give Big Ol’ Fish Guiding Service a call and let the area’s #1-rated guide service put you on some of Lake Nottely’s best trophy stripers during the fishing trip of a lifetime. We are Murphy, NC’s and Blairsville Georgia’s premier full-time guide service, specializing in striped and hybrid bass. We also serve Lakes Hiwassee and Chatuge (in North Carolina), and Lake Apalachia for smallmouth and trout. So, come fish with the pros for the opportunity to be featured in Angler Magazine, and let us help you get your fish on!

Lake Burton

Provided By: Tyler Clore

Bass: The bite has been really good and with water temps starting to rise, it will continue to improve. We have been catching most of our fish in the grass around the 10ft mark by using a blue back colored Mcstick jerkbait and a Keitech 3.8 swim bait with a super fish swim bait head. With the temperatures warming, expect the fish to pull up in the shallows as they go on bed. When fish are on the bed, I prefer a Texas rigged green pumpkin seed Senko.

Trout: the trout bite has been slow. We have seen some schooling on the surface first thing in the morning. When you see them surface, cast your swim bait or jerk bait into the school. If the trout are smaller, use a Rapala countdown.

The lake level has been rising and will be at full pool by May 1st.

Clarity: clear Temp: 58 Depth: 4’ below full pool