Striped Bass

If you're chasing striped bass near Dacula, Georgia, you'll want to focus your attention on Lake Lanier. This sprawling reservoir, fed by the Chattahoochee and Chestatee Rivers, is the prime destination for freshwater stripers in the area. Spring and fall are typically the most productive times, as the stripers move shallower to feed. During the warmer months, you'll find them holding deeper, often near the dam or in the river channels. A local tip: Pay close attention to the blueback herring spawn in the spring. The stripers will be keyed in on these baitfish. Using large swimbaits or live herring can be incredibly effective. Access to Lake Lanier is readily available at numerous public boat ramps, including those at Buford Dam and Bald Ridge Creek. Be aware that Lanier can get crowded, especially on weekends, so plan accordingly. The striper fishery here is sustained through stocking, so expect to catch a mix of sizes, with the potential for some truly impressive fish.