NOEoutdoors Fishing Report  Lake Allatoona Second Week of October 2025

 

Water temperatures are falling fast across Allatoona, sitting in the low to mid 60s depending on the area and time of day. Nights are cooling off, and the first real cold fronts of the season are shaking things up. The lake is clear in most areas, with light stain in the upper creeks after rain. Shad schools are thick, and every predator in the lake is keying in on them.

 

This is the time of year when patience and timing pay off. The bite slows right after a cold front, but once that barometer stabilizes, the action fires right back up.

 

 

 

Bass

 

 

The bass bite is transitioning from deep summer holes to mid-depth structure. You’ll find spotted bass and largemouth working secondary points, brush piles, and rocky banks near deeper water. On warmer afternoons, they’ll push shallower to chase bait.

 

Topwater baits like walking plugs and poppers are producing early and late. During the day, throw crankbaits or lipless baits in shad and perch patterns along ledges and transitions. When things get tough, slow down with a shaky head or drop shot on 10–12 lb fluorocarbon. Natural greens and browns are solid, but on cloudy days, don’t be afraid to throw white or chartreuse.

 

 

 

Crappie

 

 

Crappie are setting up 10–20 feet deep, suspended over brush piles, submerged timber, and creek bends. They can be scattered right after a cold front but settle back in as temperatures stabilize.

 

Vertical jigging with small 1/16 or 1/32 oz jigs tipped with minnows is working best. Chartreuse, white, and glow colors are strong choices right now. Slow is the name of the game hold your jig in their face and let them come to it. Spider rigging or slow trolling across brush lines can cover more water if they’re scattered.

 

 

 

Striper & Hybrid

 

 

Stripers are following the bait and can be found around main-lake ledges, creek mouths, and humps. Many are suspended below the thermocline, but as temps drop, they’ll start pushing shallower more often.

 

Downlines and planer boards with live shad are hard to beat right now. Umbrella rigs and deep swimbaits are also producing. Watch for surface activity when they push shad to the top, throw topwater plugs or fast-moving swimbaits through the action.

 

Electronics are key this time of year. Find the bait, and the stripers won’t be far behind.

 

 

 

Cold Front Tips

 

 

1. Slow Down: After a front, the bite can get sluggish. Use smaller baits, lighter line, and longer pauses. Let the fish reset.

2. Fish Moving Water: Look for current or wind-blown points where oxygen is higher and bait gets pushed in.

3. Hit the Windows: The bite often rebounds 6–12 hours after the front passes. Focus your best effort early morning or late afternoon once the pressure stabilizes.

 

 

 

 

 

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