Lake Oconee Fishing Report

Late March – Early April | From NOEoutdoors 

 

The bite on Lake Oconee is picking up fast as we roll out of March and into April. Water temps are climbing into the upper 50s and low 60s depending on time of day and location, and that’s triggering a lot of movement. If you’re planning to fish soon, here’s what to expect across bass, crappie, and striper.

 

Bass

Largemouth are making that push toward the banks. A lot of fish are moving into spawning pockets and setting up around docks and shallow cover. You’ll still find a few hanging on secondary points, especially in the mornings or if a front pushes through. Crankbaits with some noise and slower-moving jigs around hard cover have been productive. Wind on the banks helps—throw a spinnerbait in those conditions and cover water until you find a group.

 

Best action is coming mid-morning once the sun warms the water a bit. Don’t overthink it—fish are getting more aggressive, but they’re not fully locked yet, so mix it up until you figure out the cadence.

 

Crappie

The crappie spawn is in full swing. They’re in the shallows, and they’re biting. Look for fish in 2 to 6 feet of water, holding near brush, stumps, and the backs of coves. Trolling jigs or pitching minnows under a float has been consistent. The key is to stay on the move until you locate them—once you find a few, there’s likely a pile in that spot.

 

If the trees are blooming and the water has some stain, expect a strong bite throughout the day. These are the weeks you wait for all year if you chase slabs.

 

Striper

Stripers are on the move, staging in open water and heading toward the upper ends. They’re chasing bait and feeding heavy. Flatlining live bait is working well in the mornings. Later in the day, trolling small umbrella rigs or pulling crankbaits across deeper points and flats is drawing strikes.

 

Watch for bird activity—when you see gulls diving, you’re close. The fish are spread out, but when you find them, they’re feeding in groups and it doesn’t take long to put a few in the boat.

 

 

Fishing Tips:

• Early morning and last light are still the best windows, especially for stripers.

• If you’re bass fishing, hit secondary points early, then move to shallow docks and spawning pockets.

• Crappie are shallow—don’t waste time fishing deep right now.

• Cover water. All three species are in transition, and moving until you find fish is better than sitting in dead water.

• Stay flexible. A cold snap or heavy rain can shift things fast this time of year.

 

 

Lake Oconee is fishing well right now. Be safe, fish smart, and good luck on the water.