Hybrid Striped Bass

Hybrid striped bass, or “hybrids,” offer exciting fishing near Suwanee, GA, primarily in Lake Lanier. These hard-fighting fish are stocked in Lanier and provide a great alternative to their purebred striped bass cousins. They tend to school up tightly, so finding one often means finding many. Spring and fall are peak seasons, as the hybrids follow baitfish schools throughout the lake. Local tip: Look for schooling activity on the surface, especially early in the morning or late in the afternoon. Trolling with crankbaits or casting bucktails and swimbaits into breaking fish can be incredibly effective. Another tactic is to use your electronics to locate schools of baitfish and drop spoons or jigs down to the hybrids holding below. Several public boat ramps around Lake Lanier provide easy access, but be aware of the lake's size and plan your trip accordingly. Be sure to check the Georgia DNR stocking reports to see the latest on hybrid stocking efforts.