January 9, 2026

By NOEoutdoors

 

Lake Lanier is deep winter right now and fishing reflects that. Water temperatures are mostly in the upper 40s to low 50s depending on location, time of day, and recent weather. Lanier fish are predictable in January if you understand depth, structure, and how bait is moving. This is not a numbers month for most people, but it can be a quality month if you slow down and fish the right water.

 

Here’s what’s happening with bass, crappie, and stripers on Lanier right now.

 

​

Bass Report (Spotted and Largemouth)

 

Spotted bass are the dominant player on Lanier this time of year and they are the most reliable bite. Most spots are set up deep and relating to structure near the main river channel and larger creek arms. Look for them on long points, humps, channel swings, and steep rocky banks close to deep water.

 

A lot of fish are holding in the 25 to 45 foot range, depending on conditions. On warmer afternoons, some spots will rise up off structure to feed, especially where bait is present. Largemouth are around but much harder to target consistently. They tend to stay tighter to cover and are less aggressive in cold water.

 

Slow presentations are key. Jerkbaits worked patiently over deep structure are producing, especially on clear days. Jigging spoons, shaky heads, and other bottom contact baits also work when fished slowly and deliberately. Wind blowing across points helps position fish and can turn a tough day into a productive one.

 

​

Crappie Report

 

Crappie fishing on Lanier in January can be solid if you stay deep. Most fish are holding in the backs of major creeks and along the river channel, often suspended over deeper water.

 

Depths typically range from 20 to 35 feet, but crappie can move up or down depending on weather and water clarity. Electronics are critical this time of year to locate schools and dial in exact depth.

 

Slow trolling with jigs or fishing vertically once fish are located has been productive. Crappie are grouped tightly right now, so once you find them, it’s worth staying put and working the area thoroughly. Bright or high contrast colors tend to show up better in winter water, especially after rain.

 

​

Striper Report

 

Striper fishing is one of the highlights on Lake Lanier in January. Stripers are focused on bait and spending a lot of time over deep water, often suspended in the water column rather than tight to the bottom.

 

Fish are commonly found in the lower lake and major creek arms, especially where large schools of bait are present. Downlines and planer boards are both effective depending on how fish are positioned.

 

Stripers tend to feed in windows, especially during stable weather. Cold fronts can slow the bite and push fish deeper, while a few warmer days can trigger aggressive feeding. Paying attention to your electronics and staying around bait is the key to staying on fish.

 

​

Three Key Fishing Tips for January

 

1. Let Your Electronics Do the Work

Lanier is a deep lake and winter fish live deep. Spend more time looking than casting. Once you find bait and structure, the fish are usually close.

 

2. Fish Vertically When Possible

Winter fish don’t want to chase far. Vertical presentations keep your bait in front of them longer and lead to more bites.

 

3. Be Patient and Precise

This is not the time to rush. Slow retrieves, controlled movements, and fishing methodically will outproduce covering water fast.

 

​

Final Take:

January fishing on Lake Lanier rewards anglers who fish deep, trust their electronics, and slow everything down. The fish are there and feeding, but only in short windows. Focus on structure, stay around bait, and fish deliberately.