Lake Blue Ridge Fishing Report – January 3, 2025
- Water Temperature: 51 degrees
- Level: Down 17.5 feet
- Clarity: 12 feet
Walleye
Just because it’s freezing cold doesn’t mean you can’t catch fish. Vertical fishing is the name if the game for walleye right now. Spoons, jigs, minnows, and soft plastics fished right in the fish’s face is the best way to draw a strike. It’s a reaction strike, but it’s a lot slower then in the fall.
Short movements vs. aggressive presentation is the way to go.
To locate fish, look for bait in an area and look for fish on the bottom just below the bait. Water depths of 40 to 60 feet have been the target zone. Position the boat to make the most vertical presentation you can with the wind, and work around the area 20 to 30 feet in each direction. Dont spend too much time if your not getting bites.
Sunny conditions really effect the walleye. Look for cloudy, overcast, or windy days to be best for numbers. Vary your colors for the weather conditions, and you’ll be in business. We have been seeing lots of 20- to 21-inch fish with some bigger 22- to 23-inch fish mixed in.
Perch
The big perch bite is still going on. Big females are gearing up for spawning, and they love minnows. Minnows on a jig, on a spinner harness, or just a hook and split shot. The 16 to 40 foot range where the bait is thick is where the bigger perch seem to be. Downsize everything from line to hooks, and you’ll up your catch rates.
This fishing report is provided by:
Captain Eric Crowley
Lake and Stream Guide Service
706-669-4973
lakeandstreamguideservice@gmail.com
