November 27, 2025 Lake Lanier Fishing Report

I want to take a moment and wish everyone a Happy Thanksgiving! I took a few days off this week to visit the family down in Florida but will be back on Lanier this weekend. October was a little on the inconsistent side which is normal for that month. As we got further into November the topwater Striper fishing has really ramped up. If you never witnessed an acre or two of feeding frensy Stripers destroy bait on the surface it is an incredible sight. This is exactly what we look forward to this time of year! So, I think how to understand winter weather patterns is fitting for the focus on this month's report.

Lake Lanier surface temps have been fluctuating tight around 61 degrees right where we want it. The lake level remains low and continuing to fall. It is currently at 1064.58’ MSL, that is 6.42’ below full pool. With the winter months come the front systems that push through North Georgia. The biggest tip this time of year is to go out armed with the kitchen sink. Be able to adjust tactics and locations daily, even an hourly basis. If you can pick and choose you days, the nastier the weather the better. What I'm referring to are the pre-front conditions when we get the heavy cloud cover maybe some light or scattered rain, those ugly days right before the front passes. I'm licking my chops when I see this in the forecast. You will get a drop in atmospheric pressure and when it does, keep your eyes peeled and rods ready. You very well could be walking into an incredible bite. Now on the other end of the spectrum once the front passes can be another story. We are talking high atmospheric pressure and pretty blue-bird sky days. These are the days humans like and want the be active, not necessarily the fish. These fish could sound deep and hug the bottom, not really in the mood. Downlines deep, a slower presentation, and patience on those post front days. What do you use to read or predict atmospheric pressure? I have a barometer on the wall at home..but I don't use it at all. It's just there for decoration...haha I use apps on my smart phone. The Weather Channel app, My Radar, and Sail Flow are examples of some apps I use for both current and predictive readings. How do you determine what exactly is good or bad atmospheric pressure? There are a few units of measurements we use. Most commonly here in the U.S. we use inches or mercury (inHg), and Millibars (mb). In the winter months I like steady or falling pressure. An example of steady pressure will read 1021mb for the duration of the entire day with no fluctuation. This is good and I would expect a decent day on the water. An example of falling barometer will ready maybe 1017mb and gradually drop to 1011mb as the day progresses. This usually indicates a front system pushing through. After the front passes and the sky is blue without a cloud in sight, you may get a reading of 1031mb. These are pretty days paired with dry cool air. Expect to fish deeper or close to the bottom with a little less activity and you will probably see a good bit of deer movement on the shoreline on days like this! Now, this isn't fool proof. There have been many high pleasure days that I've been in the right place at the right time far surpassing expectations. There have also been those pre-front days we all look forward to when they just didn't want to come up. As they say, you can't catch em' on the couch. With the lack of pleasure boaters and fishing pressure, it's a better than any to get outdoors on the water or in the field!

To make the Black Friday shopping easier for you, I have all gift certificates discounted $50 off for a limited time. Great gifts for the tough to shop for friends or family members. They're emailed to you promptly and directly. You can print or forward them; it's that easy. They're live and available now on the website. These are good both for Lake Lanier, GA or Homosassa, FL fishing trips! There will be more detail on the specific dates, species, and tactics in my next report for my saltwater charters this winter and early Spring out of Homosassa Springs VERY soon in my next report. It's a great escape from our cold winter months in North Georgia! So, keep an eye out.

Whether it be on the water, in the field, or spending time with friends and family this week, safe travels and Happy Thanksgiving! 

Tight Lines, 

Capt. Andrew Hammond