Guided Fly Fishing and Conventional Tackle

running. Go out and troll different weight jigs and jig combinations and write down how deep they run.

The bottom line here is that we all should help each other be better guides. I am beyond grateful for all the help I have received and hope I can help others in kind!

Forecast for April: Crappie –As of this writing the first week in March, crappie fishing is on fire. By the first week in April, the crappie, most likely will have spawned and trolling over submerged timber will be productive. Look for timber between the bridges at Lick Creek and at the mouth of Sugar Creek. Troll double 1/32 ounce “Litewire Hooks” jig heads which you can get at Sugar Creek Marina. I like a chartreuse, black or pink jig head used with a Tex’s Jigs curly tail jig in June Bug or Fire and Ice color.

Hybrids / Stripers – April is a tremendous month to be fishing for hybrids and stripers on Lake Oconee. Fish early morning and long line bass minnows or threadfin shad behind the boat. Use planer boards so you can work the bank on one side of the boat while running deeper lines on the opposite side. Trolling Min Macks will produce well too. Always have a popping cork with a Betts Pop N’ Stripe Popper Fly ready to cast when you see rising fish.

Fly Fishing – As we head into April, I expect to see the return of rising Hybrids and Stripers. Historically, all the guide boats would be at the dam but last year the topwater bite was near Riverbend. Use an 8-weight rod but make sure you are using an intermediate line or even sink tip. For flies, Cowen’s Somethin Else is hard to beat but if the fish are below the surface on humps, I use the sink tip line and tie on a white and chartreuse clouser, tied on a #2 hook.

Final Words It is prime time now for hybrid and striper fishing. Please call 404-317-9556 or e-mail me at wmoore1700@outlook.com and lock in your dates well ahead of time to ensure you get the dates you want. Tight Lines, and God Bless.