Lake Allatoona Fishing Report

 

 

February 12 – Warm Front With 70 Degree Days

Report by NOEoutdoors

 

We are not talking about a mild warm-up anymore. Some days are pushing low to mid 70s. That is a serious temperature swing for February.

 

Water temps are still winter based, mostly upper 40s to low 50s depending on location, but that kind of air temp jump changes positioning fast. Fish are moving shallower during the day, especially in protected pockets and stained water that warms quicker.

 

This is a classic false spring window. They will feed. They will move. But they can slide back just as fast if a cold night hits.

 

 

 

 

Bass Report

 

 

Bass are transitioning hard toward prespawn staging areas.

 

Where to focus

 

• Secondary points inside creeks

• Rock transitions leading into spawning pockets

• Channel swings that hit shallow banks

• North facing pockets that get the most sun

 

 

In the afternoon, some fish are getting shockingly shallow. Not spawning shallow, but cruising and feeding.

 

What’s working right now

 

• Jerkbaits with slightly shorter pauses than true winter

• Spinnerbaits and Chatterbaits around wind blown banks

• Alabama rigs over 10 to 20 feet near bait

• Squarebills in stained water during the warmest part of the day

 

 

If it hits 70 plus and you have wind, that shallow reaction bite can fire. Midday to late afternoon is the window.

 

Spotted bass are still comfortable deeper on rock and points, but they will rise in the water column when bait lifts.

 

 

 

 

Crappie Report

 

 

The warm stretch is pulling crappie closer to prespawn movement.

 

Where they are

 

• 6 to 12 feet on brush in creek arms

• Docks in protected coves

• Flats near the backs of pockets during the afternoon

 

 

On 70 degree days, some fish will push surprisingly shallow by late afternoon, especially in stained water.

 

Best approach

 

• Shoot docks with small jigs

• Vertical fish brush with minnows

• Longline troll until you dial in the depth

 

 

When the sun is high, that shallow dock bite can be legit.

 

 

 

 

Striper and Hybrid Report

 

 

Linesides are chasing bait aggressively during this warm trend.

 

Where to look

 

• Creek mouths with bait stacked

• Open water near channel bends

• Wind blown points with surface activity

 

 

Birds are a giveaway. If gulls are working, get there fast.

 

What’s producing

 

• Free-lines and planer boards with live bait

• Downlines over suspended fish in 15 to 35 feet

• Casting swimbaits into surfacing fish

 

 

When that surface temp bumps even a couple degrees in the afternoon, those fish will push bait up.

 

 

 

 

Three Tips That Will Work In This 70 Degree Warm Front

 

 

1. Fish shallow later in the day. Do not leave the bank too early. The bite can turn on fast between 1 PM and 5 PM.

2. Target stained water over ultra clear water. It warms faster and holds active fish longer during warm spells.

3. Watch your electronics constantly. If bait rises in the water column during the afternoon, predators will not be far behind.

 

 

This is a feeding window pattern, not a full spring pattern. Take advantage of it while it lasts. Once the next cold snap hits, fish will reposition.