Lake Allatoona Fishing Report

Late March – Early April | From NOEoutdoors

 

Fishing is picking up across the board on Lake Allatoona as water temps rise into the upper 50s and low 60s. The lake’s about 4.5 feet below full pool right now, and the fish are on the move. Whether you’re chasing bass, crappie, or stripers, there’s something happening out there—here’s how it’s shaping up.

 

Bass

Bass are feeding well and starting to make that shallow move. You’ll find fish staging on secondary points early, then sliding up into pockets and around docks mid-day as things warm up. Jerkbaits and soft plastics in natural colors have been solid, especially in clearer water. If you’ve got some wind on a bank, don’t be afraid to throw a spinnerbait or crankbait to cover water. Topwater is just starting to wake up too—especially on those warmer afternoons.

 

Shaky heads with finesse worms are working well on pea gravel and protected banks. The bite’s not wide open yet, but it’s consistent, and it’s only going to get better through the next couple weeks.

 

Crappie

The crappie bite is heating up as fish move into shallower water to spawn. Target brush, docks, and blowdowns in 3 to 8 feet of water—especially in the backs of creeks. Trolling jigs or floating minnows under a cork has been productive, especially on warmer days.

 

Fish are still a little scattered in places, so keep moving until you find a group. Once you get on them, you can usually pick off a quick limit. The key is to fish slow and steady—don’t be in a rush, especially during cool mornings.

 

Striper (Linesides)

Stripers are in pre-spawn mode and feeding aggressively. Some are making their way up the rivers—Etowah and Little River are seeing solid action for those running upriver. On the main lake, fish are scattered from the Little River bridge to the Delta, and also around the S-turns and Kellogg Creek. There’s also a decent bite further south, from Iron Hill down to 3rd Army.

 

Planer boards and free-lines with live shad are working well. If you’re not seeing much on your traditional sonar, that doesn’t mean they aren’t there—these fish ride high in the water column. Use side-scan if you’ve got it, or cover ground with a wide spread. Stick to small or medium-sized bait, and don’t be afraid to make long pulls along contour lines or over open water.

 

 

Fishing Tips:

• Early morning and late afternoon remain the best feeding windows.

• Bass are still moving daily—don’t get stuck fishing the same water. Start deeper, move shallow as the sun comes up.

• Crappie are stacking up in shallow cover—brush, docks, and backs of creeks are prime right now.

• Stripers are on the move—look for birds, and spread your baits out to cover more water.

• Keep an eye on the weather. Spring fronts can shift patterns fast, especially after rain or big temperature swings.

• Water temps are the best tool in your box this time of year—watch them close, and let that guide your depth and technique.

 

 

Lake Allatoona is turning on and offering some great chances at quality fish in all three categories. It’s a good time to be on the water—go get after it.