Lake Sydney Lanier
(Lake Lanier) Buford Georgia

Lake Sydney Lanier is a Corp of Engineer lake located in the Georgia Blue ridge Mountains. With over 7.5 million visitors a year, Lake Lanier is a popular destination for camping and fishing enthusiasts.

It has more than 692 shoreline miles and is known for it's aqua blue water, spectacular scenery and variety of recreational activities.

Lake History

Lake Lanier was constructed in the 1950's by building the Buford dam on the Chattahoochee River for multiple purposes, including, flood protection, power production, water supply, navigation and fish and wildlife management.

Fishing Lake Lanier

Located in northeast Georgia it is the largest reservoir in the area and is famous for it's trophy striped bass as well as largemouth and spotted bass. The reservoir has approximately 39,000 surface acres with many coves, points (which bass love hanging out on) and tree covered islands.

It is not uncommon to land a striped bass over 40 pounds or a largemouth bass over ten. The reservoir record for largemouth bass is over 17 pounds. For many years Lake Lanier also held the state record for spotted bass, which is now owned by Lake Burton.

When to Visit

If you are going to be heading to Lake Lanier for a shot at those trophy Striped Bass the best time of year to go is either May and June or November and December. However, the biggest ones are actually caught up the Chattahoochee River in March and April.

The largest number of spotted bass are caught on light spinning tackle during April and May on spinner baits. But if you are using live bait you can catch them all summer long.

For the die hard largemouth bass fan you've got to plan your trip in March and April or November and December. Just like the spots, their favorite meal is the spinner bait.

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