Lake Allatoona Fishing Report 6.25.10--Criag Miller, Dugout
Clarity: Clear
Water Temp: low 90's
Most anglers are fishing at night right now. In the evening, you can fish small topwater baits such as a Rico or Jackall SK Pop Grande. Be sure to use shad colors. Fish these baits on main lake points or around the shady places on the steep rock walls. As the evening progresses, switch to a big crankbait like a Spro Little John DD or a Norman DD 22. A good color choice is Nasty Shad. Fish this crankbait on the steeper points. The best option for catching fish right now is to fish any brush or cover 15 to 25 feet deep with a 6 inch Robo Worm. Good colors seem to be Red Crawler and Martin’s Madness. You can also cast a Jig in these same areas. Fish a smaller jig such a Bass Patrol or the locally made Spanky’s Jig.
Lake Allatoona Fishing Report 5.21.10--Criag Miller, Dugout
Water Temp: mid 70's
Concentrate your efforts in the mid section of the lake this week. Topwater seems to be the way to go in the morning. Fish points with a Jackall SK Pop Grande or small walking bait. As the topwater slows, start casting a 1/8 or 3/16 Davis Shaky Head to these same points. Zoom has a hot, new color called “Disco” Violet. You can use trickworms or finesse worms in this color. The mid day bite is still good with a Carolina Rig being the bait of choice. Fish the pole markers and points with this bait. Cast small finesse worms or lizards on your rig. The night bite is good with the nighttime spinnerbait still working best. Fish the steep rock banks on the main lake with a ½ oz. Punisher Short Arm Bait. This bait works well for “yo-yo”ing on your retrieve. If they are not biting a spinnerbait after dark, cast a crankbait in these same areas. My crankbait of choice is a Spro Little John DD. The best color seems to be “Nasty” Shad.
Lake Allatoona Fishing Report 5.15.10--Criag Miller, Dugout
Clarity: clear
Start your day by fishing some form of top water. Cast to main lake points and flats. My topwater choice right now is a Jackal SK Pop Grande in a shad color. As the day progresses, fish the same points as well as pole markers with a Carolina Rig. Cast a 2 to 3 foot leader with a ½ to ¾ weight. Use a 4” Net Bait Finesse Worm in Green Pumpkin/Watermelon color. You can also fish a Shaky Head in these same areas. The night bite is getting better every night. Fish steep rock banks with a ½ oz. Black Punisher Spinnerbait. Be sure to use a very slow yo-yo retrieve to attract bites. If you want to crankbait fish after dark, fish points as well as flats with a Norman DLN in Midnight Blue color.
Lake Allatoona Fishing Report 4.30.10--Criag Miller, Dugout
Clarity: clear
Concentrate your efforts this week from Red Top to Galts Ferry. Begin the day by fishing steep rock banks and the main lake points with a Sammy 100 in a shad color. You may also want to throw a Super Fluke in these same areas. Fishing Shaky Heads on the points is also a way to catch fish. Cast a 3/16 Davis Shaky Head with a 6” Salt and Pepper Chartreuse Robo Worm. Many anglers are fishing in the evening as well as night, right now. The evening bite is very similar to the morning bite. Fish the same topwater baits for the last hour before dark. The nighttime spinnerbait bite is beginning to pick up. Cast a ½ oz. Punisher Short Arm Spinnerbait to main lake points. Be sure to let the bait sink to the bottom and then wind it very slowly back to the boat. Make sure you use a trailer hook for the short strikes. You may also want to fish a Norman DLN in midnight blue or any other dark color in these same areas.
Lake Allatoona Fishing Report 4.23.10--Criag Miller, Dugout
Clarity: clear
Topwater is a great way to start your day. Start by fishing steep rock banks, as well as points, with a Sammy 100 in Chartreuse Shad. Work this bait with a slow side-to-side action to attract bites. If the fish bite it but miss, pick up a Zoom Super Fluke in Pearl White or one of the new colors, such as Lightening Shad. This bait should catch them if the topwater fails. If you like to fish a Carolina Rig, fish the pole markers and main lake points with a 4” green pumpkin lizard. A 2 to 3 foot leader should do the job. As the day warms, move into the creeks and coves and cast a trickworm in bubble gum or any bright color. Fish the bait around any cover. Be sure to fish it very slowly and watch your line for bites. You can also fish the fluke in these same areas. The nighttime spinnerbait bite is definitely getting better. Use a ½ oz. black single Colorado bladed spinnerbait. Fish this bait on the steep rock banks with a slow, steady retrieve. You can also fish a 300 Bandit or Norman DLN in dark colors. Fishing small ¼ oz. Spanky’s Jig’s on rock walls is a great way to catch them after dark. Use a black jig and chunk combination to attract bites.
Lake Allatoona Fishing Report 4.16.10--Criag Miller, Dugout
Clarity: clear
Fish the main section of the lake this week. Start your day by casting a Super Fluke on main lake steep rock banks and points. If the wind is blowing in the morning, fish the same areas with a 1/2 oz. Mini Me Spinnerbait in white. As the day starts to warm, work your way into the creeks and coves. Cast a Trick Worm in Bubble Gum or Limetruese to any cover or rock. The Shaky Head bite is good as well in these same places. Fish a 1/8 oz. Davis Shaky Head with a 6" Robo Worm in AYU color. Night tournaments are in full swing on the lake right now. Start the evening by throwing a small topwater bait to main lake points. A Pop R or small walking bait should work fine. As night hits, cast Punisher Spinnerbaits on rock banks. Be sure to use a slow yo-yo retrieve. The crankbait bite is also starting to happen after dark. Fish a Norman DLN in raspberry or midnight blue on points and rock banks.
Lake Allatoona Fishing Report 4.9.10--Criag Miller, Dugout
Main lake is clear
Start your day by fishing main lake points and secondary points with jerkbaits. A Spro McStick in Clown or Old Glory color should do the job. As the day progresses, move in the creeks and coves and fish trick worms around any cover. Be sure to use bright colors such as yellow or pink so you can see the bait when the fish bite it. In these same areas, fan cast 6 " lizards. Any green color should produce. On the days when the wind is blowing, pick up a Double Willow Leaf Spinnerbait in shad colors. Fish this bait on main lake flats and also on the creeks around wood cover. Night fishing has already started on the lake. Anglers are catching fish on dark color crankbaits and spinnerbaits, but the bite appears to be slow. It should pick up in the next few weeks.
Lake Allatoona Fishing Report 3.19.10--Criag Miller, Dugout
Water Temp: high 40’s to low 50’s °
Start the day by fishing main lake points and flats with a Spro McStick Jerkbait in Spooky Shad Color. Be sure to fish the bait very slowly to attract bites. As the day gets warmer, move to the backs of creeks and coves and cast a jig to any cover. A Black/Blue Paca Jig with a Blue Chunk seems to be working well. If the fish are not on the banks in the creeks, fish the middle of the creek with a Fish Head Spin or a Bandit 300 Crankbait. Use a Stop-N-Go Retrieve. The best Crankbait colors seem to be Crawfish or Chartreuse/Blue.
Lake Allatoona Fishing Report 3.5.10--Criag Miller, Dugout
Water Temp: 40's
Start your morning by fishing the Float-N-Fly on steep rock banks around Galts Ferry. Cast a 1/16 oz. Punisher Jig in Royal Blue/Pink or a Red Rooster Perch Colored Fly. Use a 10 to 12 Ft. leader. Be sure to let the bait sit for long periods of time before moving it. As the morning progresses, fish the main lake points with a Spro McStick Jerkbait. Cast the jerkbait to the points and fish the bait very slowly. Any shad color should work well. As the sun heats up and the day gets warmer, move to the creeks and coves and fish crankbaits. Cast a Bandit 200 in Crawfish or Chartreuse colors to any points or flats in the creeks.
Lake Allatoona Fishing Report 2.19.10--Criag Miller, Dugout
Water Temp: low to mid 40's
Start your day out by casting crankbaits to the main lake points in the mid section of the lake. Use a bait such as the Bandit 300 in Copper Crawfish color. If you like to fish a jerkbait, fish these same areas as well as the steep rock banks. Colors such as Table Rock Shad or Clown will work well. Be sure to let the bait sit for long periods of time to attract bites. As the day progresses switch to the Float-N-Fly, using a 10- 12 foot leader. The best fly colors right now are Perch or Royal Blue. Fish this bait on any rock banks throughout the lake. The jig bite seems to be best during midday. Cast a Davis jig in black and blue or crawfish color to any cover in creeks. As the week progresses and the weather gets warmer, the bite should get considerably bette.
Lake Allatoona Fishing Report 2.7.10--Criag Miller, Dugout
Water Temp: 42 - 45's
Start your day by fishing in the mid section of the lake, around Galts Ferry. Cast a Float-N-Fly with a 8 to 10-foot leader to the steep banks on the main lake. Don’t be worried about the stained water; the fish are there. Use colors such as Perch or Royal Blue and be sure to fish the bait very slowly. The bite is very subtle. Often your bobber will not go under, but only quiver on the surface. Many times this is a bite so be sure to set the hook. As the day gets warmer, head to the middle of the creeks, where the water temperature should start to climb to the mid or higher 40’s. Cast small crankbaits such as Bandit 200 in Red Crawfish or Solid Chartreuse. Make lots of casts and retrieve the bait very slowly with a Stop-N-Go retrieve. Cast a small jig, such as a Paca Bug to any of the secondary points in the creeks. Black and Blue seems to be the best color for this stained water. The jig bite is slow, but your best fish will usually come on this bait. If the creeks do not produce, move to the main lake flats and fish your crankbait there. These flats are also a great place to cast a small Carolina Rig. Use a ½ oz. weight with a 2 to 3 foot leader and a small NetBait Finesse Worm or 4” Zoom Lizard. Any of your dark green colors should do well. The biggest key for fishing this week is to slow way down. This will help you get more bites.
Lake Allatoona Fishing Report 1.29.10--Criag Miller, Dugout
Water Temp: 40's
Start your day by fishing the main lake steep rock banks near the dam with a Float-N-Fly and a 10 to 11-foot leader. The best fly colors, right now, are Perch and Rainbow Shad, both produced by Red Rooster. If you find an area where there is a shad kill, break out a Punisher Float-N-Flash Jig. This fly works well because it imitates the dying shad. Fishing a dropshot is also a good way to catch a few fish. Fish the mouths of the coves and creeks where you find baitfish. Use small baits such as a Reins Burbing or Meathead in shad colors on an 18 to 24 inch leader. If we get a few days of stable warmer weather, use a small crankbait, such as a Shad Rap or Norman Deep Tiny N in crawdad or shad colors. Fish these baits on the main lake clay flats, as well as points, to attract bites. Be sure to use a very slow retrieve and no heavier line that 10 lb test. The lighter line will enable the crankbait to dive deeper and should help you get bites.
Lake Allatoona Fishing Report 1.15.10--Criag Miller, Dugout
Water Temp: mid to upper 30's
There has been little change since lake week’s conditions, except for the extended cold weather. There are lots of reports of ice on the lake, so be careful. The lake level is getting low and some boat ramps are starting to close. My recommendations will remain the same as last week. The first option is to fish a small crankbait on main lake points. Cast a #5 Shad Rap in FireTiger or a Norman Deep Tiny N. Fish these baits very slowly on light line to attract bites. The second choice this week is to fish small jigs in the same areas. A small Bass Patrol in Black or Brown should do the job. Fish the bait with a slow dragging action. The last, and my personal favorite, is to use the Float-N-Fly. Even in the stained water, you can still catch them on this bait. Fish the steep rock banks and let the bait sit for long periods of time. The bright colors, like Punisher’s Clown or Royal Blue seem to be the best choice. The new Perch Color Red Rooster is also producing well.
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Lake Allatoona Fishing Report 1.8.10--Criag Miller, Dugout
Water Temp: low 40's
The lake level is getting low and some boat ramps are starting to close. You have three options for catching fish this week. The first option is to fish a small crankbait on main lake points. Cast a #5 Shad Rap in FireTiger or a Norman Deep Tiny N. Fish these baits very slowly on light line to attract bites. The second choice this week is to fish small jigs in the same areas. A small Bass Patrol in Black or Brown should do the job. Fish the bait with a slow dragging action. The last, and my personal favorite, is to use the Float-N-Fly. Even in the stained water, you can still catch them on this bait. Fish the steep rock banks and let the bait sit for long periods of time. The bright colors, like Punisher’s Clown or Royal Blue seem to be the best choice. The new Perch Color Red Rooster is also producing well.
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Lake Allatoona Fishing Report 12.25.09--Criag Miller, Dugout
Water Temp: high 40's
The lake is still very muddy on the north end and gradually cleans up as you get towards the dam. Start your day by fishing crankbaits on the mainlake points and mouths of the creeks. I think the best crankbait is a Storm Wiggle Wart in Bone/Orange or Tennessee Shad colors. If you like to fish a jig, cast a 1/4 oz. Spanky Jig in Black and Blue to the main lake points as well. Fishing the Float-N-Fly is still a great way to catch numbers as well as size. Use a 8 or 10 foot leader on the steep main lake banks. Don't be afraid of the stained water, the fly will still produce. Use colors like a Punisher Royal Blue/Chartreuse or Fall Shad Red Rooster Flies. Be sure to use Fish Dope and let the bait sit for long periods of time to attract bites.
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Lake Allatoona Fishing Report 12.18.09--Criag Miller, Dugout
Water Temp: high 40's to low 50's
The upper end of the lake is very stained from all the rain. Concentrate on fishing in between Galts Ferry and Allatoona Landing. This is where the best water quality and most baitfish appear to be. Start your day by casting a small Jackall or Lucky Craft Jerkbait on points. The best colors seem to be Chartreuse Shad or Ghost Minnow. Fish this bait with a medium retrieve and be sure to stop the bait every once and a while to attract baits. You can also catch fish on a crankbait by fishing the same points or any clay banks. In the last week or so, I have been throwing an old crankbait that I have not used in awhile. It is a Storm Wiggle Wart. My two favorite colors are Bone/Orange or Natural Green Crawfish. This bait works well because it stays close to the bottom and tracks well. The Float ‘N Fly bite is definitely on. An 8 to 10 foot leader seems to be working well on any steep rock banks. Use the darker fly colors such as a Punisher Fly in Royal Blue/Chartreuse or the new Red Rooster Fly in Fall Shad (which has a fair amount of orange in it). These colors are working well because of the somewhat stained water
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Lake Allatoona Fishing Report 12.11.09--Criag Miller, Dugout
Water Temp: high 40's to low 50's
With the water temperature really starting to fall and winter trying to set in, start your day by casting jerkbaits to main lake points. A small jerkbait such as a Pointer 78 or Jackall Squirrel seems to be the bait of choice. Colors such as Gunmetal Shad or Chartreuse Shad will work well. Fish the jerkbait very slowly and let the bait sit for long periods of time to attract bites. As the day progresses, pick up a small Spanky’s Jig in Green Pumpkin or Black & Blue and cast it to these same points. The jig bite is also good on the steep rock banks. If you want to fish the Float ‘N Fly, concentrate your efforts in the midsection of the lake where the water is clearer. Fish a 1/16 oz. Red Rooster or Punisher Fly in shad colors. The best leader length seems to be around 10 to 12 feet.
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Lake Allatoona Fishing Report 12.3.09--Criag Miller, Dugout
Water Temp: low to mid 50°'s
The morning crankbait bite is on right now. Fish the steep rock banks with a Norman Deep Baby N in Lavender Shad or a Strike King Series 3 in Sexy Shad. Parallel these banks to keep your bait in the strike zone longer. On calm days, fishing a small jig is a great way to catch numbers as well as size. Cast the jig to points or rocky banks in the upper end of the lake. The Paca Bug tipped with a NetBait Paca Chunk in Green or Root beer colors is the best choice for these fish. If the wind blows, fish main lake flats with a ½ oz. Davis Vibe Spinnerbait in Peacock. The Finesse bite is pretty strong with the drop shot being the bait of choice. Use your electronics to locate bait and drop a 4” Robo Worm in SXE Shad Colors. The best leader depth seems to be 18 to 24 inches in length. As I have said for the past couple of weeks, my number one “go-to” bait when all else fails is the Float ‘N Fly. Fish bluff banks with a 10-12 ft. leader and a Red Rooster Fall Shad color Fly. However, any shad color fly should do well.
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Lake Allatoona Fishing Report 11.27.09--Criag Miller, Dugout
Water Temp: 54°
The best way to catch them this week is to fish crankbaits on the shallow flats. Cast a 200 Bandit in Mean Green color or a Strike King Series 3 in Sexy Shad on these flats. Be sure to use a fast stop-n-go retrieve to attract bites. You can also fish a small lipless crankbait on these same areas. Fishing a small jig, such as a Davis Paca Bug on main lake points and clay banks, is also a good way to catch fish. If they do not bite the jig, pick up a Shaky Head with a 6” Pumpkin Punisher colored Robo Worm. The Shaky Head bite is also good on the steep rock, main lake banks. Another good way to catch them is to parallel the steep rock banks with a jerkbait. A Lucky Craft Pointer 78 in Gun Metal Shad is my jerkbait of choice right now. If the fish won’t bite the jerkbait, back off these banks and throw a Float ‘N Fly. Use a 9 to 10 Ft. Leader with a Smoke Shad colored fly. This technique will always work when nothing else will.
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Lake Allatoona Fishing Report 11.19.09--Criag Miller, Dugout
Water Temp: 62°
The lake is falling everyday and should be getting back to Fall level. The best way to catch fish seems to be making yourself slow down. Start your morning by fishing the mouths of the creeks and coves with a crankbait. Cast a Shad Rap or 200 Bandit. Shad colors seem to be working best. On the points in the creeks, cast a football jig or Carolina Rig. Use brown or natural green colors. If you fish the steep rock banks with a Shaky Head, you will also catch fish. As the day progresses, you can fish any clay banks. Cast a small Paca Jig in Watermelon Orange tipped with a Zoom Swimming Chunk. If the bite remains slow and tough, break out your Float ‘N Fly. Fish the steep points and banks with a 12-foot leader. The best fly colors have been Small Craw made by Red Rooster. Remember: Fish slowly.
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Lake Allatoona Fishing Report 11.13.09--Criag Miller, Dugout
Water Temp: 62°
With this week’s rain, the lake has risen to full pool again. The fishing is best on the main lake right now. In the morning, cast a ½ oz. Nichols Spinnerbait in a white or white and chartreuse color. Fish the main lake points with this bait. You can also cast a jerkbait in these same areas. As the day progresses, move to the main lake flats and fish a lipless crankbait. My lipless crankbait choice is a Strike King Red Eye Shad in Chrome blue or Black. Fish this bait fast on these flats for reaction bites. A good way to catch a big fish right now is to fish the creeks and coves with a jig. Cast or pitch a Davis Wood Jig to any cover. Natural colors seem to be working best. If the bite is tough, go to the steep rock banks and fish a Float ‘N Fly. The best leader length seems to be around 10 ft. The brighter color flies are producing best. There are several good flies on the market, the Punisher and Red Rooster being my two favorites.
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Lake Allatoona Fishing Report 11.05.09--Criag Miller, Dugout
Water Temp: low to mid 60°'s
Start your day by fishing main lake flats and points in the midsection of the lake with a Davis Spinnerbait in Peacock color. Casting a jerkbait in these same areas will also produce fish. As the morning progresses, work your way to the steep rock banks. Cast a Shaky Head or small jig in green or brown colors to these banks. Fish slowly to attract bites. If you like to fish a crankbait, paralleling these same banks with a Bandit 300 in Chartreuse Black Back or Sparkle Ghost will also catch fish. Be sure to use a Stop ‘N Go Retrieve with the crankbait. If you find shad on these banks you can also break out the Float ‘N Fly. For the past few weeks we have been catching numbers on a 1/16 oz. white colored Red Rooster Fly. Fish this bait on a 10 to 12 foot leader. When the baitfish appear to be right on the bottom, this is a great time to fish a dropshot. Use a Robo Worm Alive Shad in Morning Dawn color. Be sure to use a 3/8 to ½ oz. weight so that you can get the bait to the fish on the bottom quickly.
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Lake Allatoona Fishing Report 10.30.09--Criag Miller, Dugout
Water Temp: low to mid 60°'s
Clarity: stained
The lake level is 2 ft. below full pool. Early in the morning, fish the creeks and coves with a small buzzbait or Super Fluke. Fishing a small jig such as a Spanky’s Jig in brown or green pumpkin on points is a great way to catch fish throughout the day. Fishing jerkbaits on steep rock banks is a great way to catch quality spotted bass. My jerkbait choice is a Spro McStick or Jackall Squirrel. Spooky Shad or Stripe AYU are good color choices. Parallel the banks to attract bites. Fishing a Shaky Head on light line on the same steep rock banks is also a good way to catch fish. Cast a 3/16 oz. Davis Shaky Head tipped with a Pumpkin Punisher 6” Roboworm. As the water falls more, the lipless crankbait bite should become very strong on the main lake flats and points.
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Lake Allatoona Fishing Report 10.22.09--Criag Miller, Dugout
Water Temp: high 60°'s
Clarity: stained
Lake level: full pool
The morning bite is fairly strong using a spinnerbait. My spinnerbait choice is a ½ oz. Davis Vibe in Peacock color. Fish the middle of the creeks and the main lake flats with this bait. Use a Stop-N-Go Retrieve to attract bites. As the morning progresses, switch to a small Bandit 200 Crankbait in Parrott or Chartreuse Black Back in these same areas. The jig bite is good on the main lake points using a Paca Bug jig in Watermelon Orange or Watermelon Gold colors tipped with a NetBait Paca Chunk in Summer Craw. Make long casts to the points and use a slow dragging presentation to attract bites. As the day progresses, fish parallel to step rock banks with a Spro McStick Jerkbait in any shad colors. If you want to fish a worm or Shaky Head, you can back off and fish this bait in the same places you are throwing the jerkbait. My choice is to throw a Shaky Head tipped with a 6” Robo Worm in Marten’s Magic or Pumpkin Punisher colors. As the lake begins to draw down, the lipless crankbait bite should get stronger..
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Lake Allatoona Fishing Report 10.15.09--Criag Miller, Dugout
Water Temp: low 70°'s
Clarity: stained
Earlier in the week, the water level was about 3 feet over full pool. Now, with the midweek’s rain, the water level has risen to somewhere around 6 feet over full pool. Start your day by fishing a ½ oz. Nichol’s Spinnerbait in white with white blades or white with nickel blades. Fish it in the mouths of the coves or creeks and points. As the day progresses fish a ¼ oz Spanky’s Jig on these same areas. Use any green or brown colors tipped with a Net Bait Paca Chunk in Summer Craw to attract bites. Fishing the secondary points on the main lake is also is a good way to catch fish. Cast a 3/16 oz. Shaky Head with a 6” Kerrilious RoboWorm and fish it slowly. This bite seems to be better when the shad pull up in the afternoons. Fishing crankbaits or small jerkbaits in these same areas will produce bigger fish. However, you will probably have fewer bites. The upper and lower ends of the lake are producing good fish. However, the bite is much slower. Fishing around any wood cover with a ½ oz. Davis Spinnerbait in chartreuse or a Davis Paca Jig in black and blue with produce your best quality fish. These bites are few and far between.
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Lake Allatoona Fishing Report 10.08.09--Criag Miller, Dugout
Water Temp: low 70°'s
Clarity: clear from midlake down
The lake level is falling gradually everyday. In the morning, concentrate your efforts to fish in the backs of the coves and creeks with a small ¼ oz. Spinnerbait or Buzzbait. Fish these two baits around any cover or secondary points to attract bites. You can also cast a Zoom SuperFluke in Chartreuse Pearl or Pearl White in these same areas. As the morning progresses, swim a Davis Paca Jig in Peacock or Shad color around the same cover in the creeks. You can also fish main lake points with a Carolina Rig 5” Zoom Lizard or Finesse Worm in any green colors. Another option is to fish a Bandit 200 Series Crankbait in Sparkle Ghost on these same points. Some anglers are reporting that they are catching fish on jerkbaits on steep rock main lake banks. Cast a Spro McStick and use a very fast, erratic retrieve to make these fish bite. If all else fails, you can always fall back on a 1/8 oz. Shaky Head tipped with a Robo Worm. You can fish a Shaky Head in most of these same locations and usually pick up a fish or two.
Lake Allatoona Fishing Report 10.02.09--Criag Miller, Dugout
Water Temp: mid to high 70°'s
Clarity: clear from midlake down
The lake is still very high. The boat ramp at Galts Ferry is your best bet. Many anglers have reported that they are catching fish in the flooded wood and timber, particularly in the creeks. In the morning cast a buzzbait around the cover. My choice is a ¼ or 3/8 oz. Boogerman Racket Buzz in chartreuse color. As the morning progresses, cast a ½ oz. Nichol’s Double Willow Spinnerbait in a shad color in these same areas. If you want to fish a jig, concentrate on the points, especially where rock bottom is available. Fish a Shaky Jig tipped with a Paca Chunk in any green or brown colors. There are still reports of fish schooling in the creeks. Cast a small Fluke or Rooster Tail to these fish. Fishing the main lake rock banks with crankbaits or jerkbaits will also catch fish. During the midday concentrate on areas where there is shade.
Lake Allatoona Fishing Report 9.25.09--Criag Miller, Dugout
Water Temp: mid to high 70°'s
Clarity: clear from midlake down
The lake is still very high and dangerous. The only boat ramp that I know is open is Galts Ferry. The water level remains somewhere around 12 to 13 feet high. All of the local tournaments for the weekend have been canceled If I were to fish this week, I would fish the mid-section of the lake in the mouths of the coves. Typically, when Allatoona’s waters run high it can be some of the best spinnerbait fishing around. Cast a ½ oz. Davis Vibe in Chartreuse to any of the abundant, flooded cover. If you choose to fish, use extreme caution when running the lake. There are many trees, timber, and debris floating everywhere. Many of my customers and I are choosing to fish other North Georgia Lakes such as Blue Ridge and Nottley this weekend. These lakes have not been affected nearly as much by this week’s rain.
Lake Allatoona Fishing Report 9.10.09--Criag Miller, Dugout
Water Temp: mid 77°
Clarity: clear on mainlake
Start your day by fishing main lake flats and points with small buzz baits like a ¼ oz. Booger Man in white or chartreuse colors. If you like to fish a fluke you can also throw this bait in the same areas. The Shaky Head bite seems to be strong right now. Cast a 1/8 oz. Shaky Head tipped with a Kerrlicious RoboWorm to points and steep rock banks. Be sure to make your casts as close to the bank as possible because the fish appear to be very shallow. Some anglers are reporting that the crankbait bite is doing well. Cast a 200 Bandit or Davis Fischo crankbait in shad colors to points and flats. The upper end of the lake has been producing quality fish with jigs. Cast or pitch your jig to any shallow cover. My jig choice is a 3/8 oz. Paca Jig in natural craw color tipped with an Alabama Craw Paca Chunk. As I’ve said for the past couple of weeks, be on the lookout for any schooling fish. I always keep a small top water bait or spoon handy when these fish appear. Often times, they are very easy to catch.
Lake Allatoona Fishing Report 8.27.09--Criag Miller, Dugout
Water Temp: mid 84°
Clarity: clear
Despite all of the rain this week, most of the lake is fairly clear. The exception is the extreme upper lake in the two rivers, which is stained to muddy. If you are going to fish in the morning, the top water bite seems to be getting stronger every week. Fish small buzz baits or top water baits on main lake points and steep rock banks. There is still an abundance of fish schooling in the Galts and Kellogg Creek areas. Cast small spoons or top waters to these fish. As the day progresses, fish small jigs such as a Davis Shaky Jig tipped with a Net Bait Chunk on or around main lake points. In the evening, there are reports of several anglers catching fish on small crankbaits fished parallel to the bluff banks. My suggestion is to cast a Bandit 200 or 300 Series crankbait in a shad color. After dark, the nighttime spinnerbait bite is starting to really kick in. Cast a Wobble Head Spinnerbait or Davis Hybrid Wire on any mainlake points. Use a trailer hook on your spinnerbait because the fish seem to be short striking on some nights.
Lake Allatoona Fishing Report 8.20.09--Criag Miller, Dugout
Water Temp: mid 80°s
Clarity: clear
In the morning there are a couple of ways you can catch fish right now. The first way is to fish any points or secondary points on the main lake with top water. Fishing a Zoom Super Fluke or small walking bait like a Super Spook Jr. in shad colors will produce fish. The second way to catch fish is to target schooling fish. There is a fairly large abundance of fish schooling in the mid section of the lake. Any small bait such as spoons, in-line spinners, or top water baits will catch these fish. You may catch hybrids or white bass, but be assured, the green fish are mixed in with them. On the days that are overcast, the schooling fish will stay up well into the midday. Most anglers are still night fishing. The best way to fish at night right now is to fish medium sized crankbaits on rock banks and points on the main lake. Casting Norman DLN’s and Strike King Series 5 crankbaits will produce these fish. If you like to throw a nighttime spinnerbait you can also catch these same fish. The larger fish, which are definitely not the most aggressive, can still be caught fishing worms and jigs in any brush and cover that you can find in the 10 – 20 foot range. Cast a Net Bait T-Mac Worm on a ¼ oz. Texas Rig or a 3/8 oz. Davis Paca Jig in dark colors to catch these fish.
Lake Allatoona Fishing Report 8.13.09--Criag Miller, Dugout
Water Temp: 88-89°
Clarity: clear
The lake level is starting to fall a little bit every week. This seems to be pushing the fish closer to any cover. During the day, fish any main lake points with small football style jigs or Shaky Heads. My jig choice is a 3/8 oz. Bass Patrol Jig in brown tipped with a 3” NetBait Twin Tail Grub. Drag this bait very slowly on the bottom to attract bites. If the jig doesn’t produce go to the Shaky Head. A 3/16 or ¼ oz. jig head with a 6” Robo Worm in the New Kerrlicious color should do the job. Be sure to fish this bait on 8 to 10 lb. fluorocarbon line. This will help you feel the subtle bites. In the evening, fishing crankbaits on steep rock banks will produce fish. Cast a Norman DLN in Lavender Shad or Chartreuse Blue Back. Parallel the banks and use a Stop and Go Retrieve. Later in the evenings, there are reports of anglers catching decent fish on nighttime spinnerbaits. Fish the spinnerbait on the main lake points. For this technique use a Punisher ¾ oz. short arm spinnerbait. This is my spinnerbait of choice because it enables me to slow down and keep the bait next to the bottom.
Lake Allatoona Fishing Report 8.6.09--Criag Miller, Dugout
Water Temp: Mid 80's
Clarity: clear
Focus your efforts on fishing in the mid-section of the lake this week. Fish small top water baits such as a Jackall SK Pop Grande or small walking baits on main lake points in the mornings. As the morning progresses, the bite tends to get tough. If you fish midday, fish any docks or steep rock banks with shade. Cast a ¼ oz. Shaky Head tipped with a 6” Robo Worm in the new Kerrlicious color. In the evenings, fish any brush or cover you can find. Use a 3/8 oz. Davis Paca Jig in any green color. The Jig seems to be producing well because of the full moon. After dark, fish the steep rock banks with a Davis Hybrid Wire Black Spinnerbait. Be sure to use a trailer hook. Fish this bait with a very slow yo-yo retrieve. There are some reports of fish being caught in the same areas using crankbaits.
Lake Allatoona Fishing Report 7.30.09--Criag Miller, Dugout
Water Temp: Mid 80's
Clarity: clear
The water is not warm enough to put the fish in the brush or cover, but there are a few key ways to catch fish right now. The first way is to fish in the morning with small top water baits such as 1/8 oz. Boogerman Buzzbaits or small popper style baits in shad colors. This bite seems to last for the first hour or two and can also be duplicated in the evenings. The second way to catch fish right now is by throwing crankbaits. My first crankbait choice is to cast a Norman DLN or Bandit 300 series crankbaits. Chartreuse and shad colors seem to be the way to go. Fish these baits on main lake points and steep rock banks. The third way to catch fish is to cast spinnerbaits on points after dark. Cast a Davis Hybrid Wire Spinnerbait in dark colors tipped with some form of a jig chunk to give the bait bulk and action. Cast this bait on the points and fish it very slowly on the bottom with a yo-yo style retrieve. Some nights, the worm and jig bite can be strong, but it is often on the days when we’ve had the warmest weather. If you choose to fish slowly with a worm or a jig, use dark colors and fish after dark.
Lake Allatoona Fishing Report 7.16.09--Criag Miller, Dugout
Water Temp: High 80°'s to low 90°'s
Clarity: clear
Many customers in the last week have said that the top water bite is fairly strong in the mornings. Casting Rico Poppers and Heddon Super Spook Jr.’s to mainlake points on the midsection of the lake can produce some good fish. As this bite fizzles, go to any steep rock banks in the same area and cast a Davis Shaky Head in 3/16 or ¼ oz. tipped with a NetBait Green Pumpkin Candy Finesse Worm. Fish this bait very slowly and thoroughly to attract bites. You can also fish any docks or points with small jigs or small crankbaits to attract bites. The smaller crankbait seems to be producing fairly well because the shad on the lake tend to be very small. I like to throw a Bandit 200 in any shad pattern. Night fishing is fairly slow, however, there are reports of fish being caught on mainlake points with Norman DD 22 Crankbaits or on the shallower points cast a Bandit 700 in Sparkle Ghost. Using a Stop and Go retrieve tends to attract the most bites. By far, the best way to catch fish on the lake right now, is to cast small worms such as a Davis Shaky Worm, Texas Rigged or small jigs to any brush or cover. Fish these baits very slowly and patiently to attract bites.
Lake Allatoona Fishing Report 7.3.09--Criag Miller, Dugout
Water Temp: High 80°'s
Clarity: clear
The “Dog Days” of summer are definitely here. In the morning or in the evening, you have very little time to catch fish on top water. I choose to fish at night right now. You have three choices to catch fish on the lake. The first choice is to fish main lake points with a deep running crankbait such as a Norman D22 or a Mann’s crankbait. The color choices I like to use include Midnight Blue, Raspberry, or any other dark colors. Be sure to make several casts to the points, and also change up your retrieve to make fish bite. The second choice is to cast a ¾ oz. spinnerbait on the same points. My spinnerbait choice for this time of year is a Punisher in Brown Crawfish or Watermelon Crawfish colors. Be sure to let this bait sink to the bottom and fish it very slowly back to the boat. The third option is probably your best bet. Fish a ¼ oz. Texas Rig or Shaky Head tipped with a Net Bait T-Mac Worm in Junebug or any other dark colors. Fish this bait around any boat docks, cover, or points to entice bites. Be sure to fish very slowly and patiently.
Lake Allatoona Fishing Report 6.18.09--Criag Miller, Dugout
Water Temp: High 80°'s
Clarity: clear
Right now, the best way to catch fish in the morning is to fish some sort of small top water bait. My choice is to cast a small Rebel Pop'r to any points or steep rock banks on the main lake. Be sure to keep your eyes out for any schooling fish. As the morning progresses, fish main lake points with a 3/16 oz. Davis Shaky Head tipped with a Hologram Shad color 6” Robo Worm. You can also fish a football jig on these points. Most anglers on Allatoona are casting a Bass Patrol jig because of its small profile. The best size seems to be a 3/8 or ½ oz. brown purple or brown black color. Use a Zoom Creepy Crawler Trailer. In the evenings and after dark, the best way to catch fish is to fish any cover or brush you can find with a Texas Rig Worm or Shaky Head. Any dark colors such as Black or June bug will work. Fish these baits very slowly to attract bites. If you want to catch fish on a crankbait right now, fish main lake points and humps with a Norman DD 22 in Midnight Blue. We are also catching a few fish on the new Rapala DT 20 crankbait in Shad colors. For me, the night time spinnerbait bite has been slow this week.
Lake Allatoona Fishing Report 6.11.09--Criag Miller, Dugout
Water Temp: High 70°'s
Clarity: clear
We are close to being in a full time summer pattern. The Bass are starting to relate to the brush or any cover. In the morning, fishing top water is the best way to catch fish. Fish points or steep rock banks for spotted bass with a small, walking style bait. A few baits that work well this time of year are the Bonnie 95, the Ima Skimmer, and the Super Spook Jr. As the morning progresses, fish main lake points with a Shaky Head tipped with a Net Bait Finesse Worm in any shade of green. If you like to fish a jig, cast a ¼ oz. Spanky Jig to any points and cover similar to where you cast the Shaky Worm. The mid day bite is very slow; however, you can catch fish around any docks using a Slider Head tipped with a Shaky Worm in Smoke and Blue or Smoke and Green colors. Fish this bait under or around the docks in any shade. In the evening, you can catch fish on small crankbaits parallel to any rock walls. Cast a Bandit 200 in any Shad colors against these banks. After dark, the fish seem to be really getting around the brush. Fish Texas Rig worms or jigs in any wood cover you can find. My choice for the jig is the ¼ or 3/8 oz. Davis Paca Jig in Black or Blue or Crawfish colors tipped with a Zoom Chunk or Net Bait Paca Chunk.
Lake Allatoona Fishing Report 6.4.09--Criag Miller, Dugout
Water Temp: mid 70°'s
Clarity: clear
The bite this week still remains tough. Start your morning fishing steep rock banks with some form of top water bait. My choice right now is a Jackall Bonnie 95 in a shad color. Work this bait with a fast retrieve to entice strikes. If the fish are not taking the bait, switch to a Zoom Super Fluke. As the morning progresses, work your way to the main lake points. Fan cast the points with a Norman DLN and on the deeper points cast a DD 22. The Lavender Shad and Tropical Shad seem to be the most productive colors. You may also want to try a small football jig on these same points. If you are going to night fish, you need to slow your presentation way down. Fishing Texas Rigs and Shaky Heads in any brush or cover seems to be the best way to get bites. My worm choice for this technique is a Davis Shaky Worm in the new Scuppernong Candy. If you want to throw a spinnerbait after dark, fish the points with a ¾ oz. Wobble Head Spinnerbait in Black/Red or Black/Blue colors. Be sure to let the bait go to the bottom and fish it very slowly with a yo-yo retrieve back to the boat. This is your best way to pick up a big fish right now.
Lake Allatoona Fishing Report 5.28.09--Criag Miller, Dugout
Water Temp: mid 70°'s
Clarity: clear
The bite this week is tough. The average is less than 8 or 9 lbs. to win the evening pot tournaments. Many anglers are struggling to even catch 5 fish limits. Start the night fishing main lake points with an Ima Skimmer Walking Bait in Chartreuse Shad or some other bait fish color. This bait works well because of its small diameter. The fish tend to eat it very easily. As the evening progresses, fish any steep rock banks with a Norman DLN Crankbait in Lavender Shad or Midnight Blue. Be sure to use a Stop and Go Retrieve and fish this bait very slowly, parallel to these banks. Fishing a Spinnerbait after dark is also producing fish. Cast a ¾ oz. Punisher Short Arm Spinnerbait tipped with a Zoom Chunk on main lake points. If you can find any brush, throw a small Texas Rigged worm. Use a Net Bait Finesse Worm in June Bug. Fish this bait slowly through the brush to attract bites. As I’ve said for the last couple of weeks, the morning top water bite is your best chance to catch numbers on the lake right now.
Lake Allatoona Fishing Report 5.21.09--Criag Miller, Dugout
Water Temp: low 70°'s
Clarity: clear
Top water is the way to start your day. Cast an Ima Skimmer in Chartreuse Shad color to any points or steep rock banks. You can also fish a Super Fluke on these banks. The top water bite has been lasting until about 10 A.M. and all day on overcast days. As the day progresses, work your way to any boat docks and cast a 1/8 oz. Davis Shaky Head tipped with a 4” Smoke Blue Shaky Worm. I like this bait because it is a good color to match Shad. Fish this bait under and around the docks. Another good way to catch fish during the day is to fish main lake points with a Bass Patrol ½ oz. Football Jig. Any of your brown and green colors are working. As for night fishing, every night seems to be different. You have to figure out what the fish want. Fishing steep banks with a Spinnerbait has been producing some quality fish. On other nights a crankbait is catching more fish. My crankbait choice is a Norman DLN in Raspberry color. Fishing this bait with a Stop and Go Retrieve seems to be the way to get bites. You can also fish a Texas Rig Net Bait Finesse Worm in Bama Bug color on main lake points. The Finesse Worm will produce fish when nothing else will.
Lake Allatoona Fishing Report 5.14.09--Criag Miller, Dugout
Water Temp: low 70°'s
Clarity: clear
Start your day with a small, top-water bait around the mid-section of the lake. Fish the main lake flats and points with an Ima Skimmer in Chartreuse Shad or a popper style bait. Be on the look out for any Shad as well as any schooling activity. The schooling Bass can be caught on a Fish Stalker Spinner or a small popper. In the afternoon, fish any boat docks or cover with a 1/8 oz. Slider Head Jig tipped with a Net Bait Table Rock Finesse Worm. You can also fish points with a 1/8 or 3/16 oz. Shaky Head. Use a 6” Hologram Shad Robo Worm on the bait. Be sure to dip the tail in chartreuse. In the evening, you can concentrate on throwing top water to the same areas that you fished in the morning. After dark, fish any rock banks with a ½ oz. Punisher Short Arm Spinnerbait. You can also fish a jig on these same rock banks. My jig choice right now is a small Bass Patrol football jig. Use a Paca Chunk for your trailer. In the next few weeks the nighttime crankbait bite should start to heat up.
Lake Allatoona Fishing Report 5.7.09--Criag Miller, Dugout
Water Temp: mid 60°'s
Clarity: clear on the main lake
IYou have a couple of options as you start your fishing this week. If the wind is blowing in the morning, fish main lake points with a ½ oz. Davis Spinnerbait in the Spot Chaser color. If it is calm, cast a Bonnie 95 top water bait or a Super Spook Jr. in Shad colors to these same points. As the morning progresses, try casting a 1/8 oz. Shaky Head tipped with a Net Bait Finesse Worm. The hot color this week seems to be Table Rock. You can still catch fish in the backs of the creeks by casting a Zoom Trick Worm in White or Bubble Gum color. Cast this bait to any cover or docks. If you want to catch some fish on a crank bait, fish after dark on steep rock banks with a Norman DLN in Raspberry color. Use a stop and go retrieve to these banks. You can also cast a black colored, single Colorado Bladed Spinner bait on these same areas. My spinnerbait of choice is a Punisher Short Arm. I really like this bait because it puts off a lot of vibration. On the nights when the spinner bait or crank bait will not produce, slow down and fish a ¼ oz. Davis Paca Jig in the Grass Craw color. Tip this bait with a black Paca Chunk.
Lake Allatoona Fishing Report 5.1.09--Criag Miller, Dugout
Water Temp: low to mid 60°'s
Clarity: clear on the main lake
In the morning, fish the main lake points with a Blue Gill colored Jackall SK Pop Grande. As the morning begins to warm, fish your way into the backs of the creeks, casting a Pearl White Super Fluke or a Zoom Trick worm in Bubble Gum color. Cast these baits around any cover or boat docks. If you like to fish the Shaky Head, cast this bait around docks, as well as the secondary points of coves and creeks. My bait choice for the Shaky Head technique is to throw a 6” Baby Bass colored Robo Worm or a Key Lime Pie Net Bait Finesse Worm. I fish both of these baits on a 1/8 oz. weight. In the evening, fish the steep rock banks on the main lake with a Norman Deep LN Crankbait in Lavender Shad. Parallel these banks to get your best results. After dark, fish points with a ¾ oz. Black and Red Punisher Short Arm Spinnerbait. As I said last week, be sure to use a yo-yo retrieve.
Lake Allatoona Fishing Report 4.23.09--Criag Miller, Dugout
Water Temp: low 60°'s
Clarity: clear on the main lake
The fishing patterns are very similar to last week, except that the fish are becoming more aggressive. Fish the creeks and the coves with a Zoom Trick Worm in Bubble Gum color. Fan cast this bait to any cover. You can also fish these areas with a Wake Bait. My choice is the new Buckeye Wake Bait in Bone color. Fishing a Carolina Rig on the points and secondary points is a great way to catch numbers. Use a 5” Lizard in Pumpkin Chartreuse. If you want to catch fish on a fluke, fish any steep rock banks on the main lake. Parallel these banks with a Pearl White Zoom Super Fluke. On the days when they won’t bite the fluke, you can usually catch them on a Jerkbait. My jerkbait choice is a Spro McStick in a Shad color. I really like this Jerkbait because it is very erratic and tracks through the water well. If you choose to night fish now, the spinnerbait seems to be the best way to catch them. Parallel rock banks or fish points with a ¾ oz. Punisher Short Arm Spinnerbait. Use a yo-yo retrieve to attract bites. Also, a Shaky Head Worm fished on points, after dark, is a good way to get bites. Use a dark color worm to catch these fish.
Lake Allatoona Fishing Report 4.16.09--Criag Miller, Dugout
Water Temp: high 50°'s
Clarity: clear on the main lake, stain up the river
This week I recommend fishing a Spro McStick Jerk bait in Norman Shad color on the main lake flats, as well as the backs of the coves and creeks. This bite is best early in the morning or late in the afternoon. Casting trick worms and flukes in the coves around any cover is a great way to catch some fish in the mid part of the day. On cloudy days, cast a green pumpkin color trick worm or something dark. If the sun is bright, fish a bright color such as Bubblegum. Fishing a small jig or Texas Rig around the cover is also producing fish. My choice for this technique is to fan cast a Texas Rig lizard in the backs of the creeks. Night fishing has started the last couple of weeks. The bite after dark is very “hit or miss’ with the spinner bait being the bait of choice. Cast a ½ or ¾ ounce Wobble Head or Punisher Spinner bait parallel to the bluff banks. You can also cast a dark colored jig on these banks.
Lake Allatoona Fishing Report 4.9.09--Criag Miller, Dugout
Water Temp: 57-61°
Clarity: clear on the main lake, light stain up the river
There are several choices to catch fish right now. Fish main lake points with a small jerk bait such as a Jackall DD Squirrel. This is a great way to catch the Allatoona Spotted Bass. When this bite cools down, fish the points with a Carolina Rig. Use a 4” Zoom Lizard in Chartreuse Pumpkin or the new Mag Finesse Worm. Also fish the coves and the creeks. Fan cast a Strike King Bitsy Bug Jig in Black and Blue or Watermelon Crawfish, depending on the color of the water. Tip the jig with a NetBait Paca Chunk. Cast the jig to the secondary points in the coves. As the water warms this week, the trick worm bite should really start to kick in. Fish the backs of the coves with a Green Pumpkin or Bubblegum Zoom Trick Worm. Fish this bait on light line with a 3/0 hook to any wood cover or likely fish holding areas. Be sure to have a Fluke handy, because the fish have been schooling off and on in the middle of the coves. As the week progresses, I would definitely start throwing top water baits such as an Ima Skimmer or a Spro Popper. Use Shad colors. When this bite happens, it should be your better quality fish.
Lake Allatoona Fishing Report--Criag Miller, Dugout
With the past weekend’s rain, I would recommend concentrating on areas around Galt’s Ferry. The best way to catch numbers is to fish the points at the mouths of the creeks or secondary points in the creeks. The best lure choice to catch these fish is with a Carolina rig. I like a 2 to 3 foot leader and a 6” lizard in green pumpkin on a Net Bait TMac in key lime pie colors. If you like to cast a jig, fish a ½ oz Bass Patrol Football Jig in brown or black on these points. I like to use a Paca Chunk for my trailer. The backs of the creeks are producing some quality fish with spinnerbaits and shallow running crank baits. For the spinnerbait, a ½ oz Davis Vibe in Peacock or Splatter Back seems to be working well. Any shallow crank baits are working and I have not found any dominant brand. The jerk bait bite on the main lake is doing well. Parallel steep rock banks with a Spro McStick in Table Rock. Fish this bait with a stop and go retrieve. As I’ve said in the last few reports, take advantage of Allatoona as crappie fishing this month. Bright colored grubs in bubble gum chartreuse and black blue chartreuse will catch these fish in the creeks and up the rivers this month.