Fishing Report for Stone Mountain Lake - 2025-03-21

1. Current Conditions Overview

• Temperature and Ice: The water temperature is 45°F, which is cool but above freezing, with 0-1 inches of ice. This temperature suggests fish are in transitional zones, moving between deeper and shallower waters.
• Weather: Today is mostly clear with a high UV index, promoting fish activity during sunny periods. The waning gibbous moon may influence feeding times, with major solunar periods indicating peak activity.
• Fish Behavior: Largemouth bass are likely near structures in shallower areas for warmth, while catfish are in deeper holes. Cooler temperatures may slow metabolism, so fish will seek ambush points and warmer pockets.

2. Top Fishing Hotspots (Weighted Predictions)

1. North Shore near Creek Inlet

• Location: North shore near the creek inlet.
• Clarity: Stained due to wind from the west stirring sediment.
• Thermal: 45°F with possible warmer pockets from creek inflow.
• Structure: Creek mouth and submerged logs.
• Species: Largemouth bass and bluegill.
• Score: 8/10. Wind stirs sediment but brings nutrients, attracting baitfish.

2. South Shore near Sunken Reef

• Location: South shore near a sunken reef.
• Clarity: Clear, sheltered from wind.
• Thermal: 45°F, possibly warmer in shallows.
• Structure: Sunken reef and rocks.
• Species: Largemouth bass and redear sunfish.
• Score: 9/10. Clear water and structure make it ideal.

3. West Bank near Rocky Drop-Off

• Location: West bank with a rocky drop-off.
• Clarity: Slightly stained from wave action.
• Thermal: 45°F, deeper areas cooler.
• Structure: Rocky drop-off.
• Species: Channel catfish.
• Score: 7/10. Good for catfish seeking deeper areas.

4. East Shore near Lagoon

• Location: East shore lagoon.
• Clarity: Stained from wind.
• Thermal: 45°F, possible warmer areas.
• Structure: Vegetation and sunken trees.
• Species: Bluegill and catfish.
• Score: 6/10. Sheltered but less structure.

5. Central Basin near Hump

• Location: Central basin hump.
• Clarity: Clear.
• Thermal: 45°F.
• Structure: Underwater hump.
• Species: Largemouth bass.
• Score: 8/10. Clear water and structure attract bass.

3. Water Clarity Analysis

• North Shore: Stained from wind.
• South Shore: Clear, sheltered.
• West Bank: Slightly stained.
• East Shore: Stained.
• Central Basin: Clear.

4. Thermal Gradient Analysis

• Shallow Bays: 45°F, warmer.
• Deep Holes: Cooler.
• Inlets: Slightly warmer.
• Structures: 45°F, but attract fish seeking ambush points.

5. Top Species to Target

1. Largemouth Bass: Near structures and warmer areas.
2. Bluegill/Redear Sunfish: Shallower, warmer spots.
3. Channel Catfish: Deeper holes near structures.

6. Weather Impact Analysis

• Today: Clear, good for sight fishing.
• Forecast: Rain may reduce clarity, affecting visibility.

7. Time-of-Day Strategy

• Morning: Target shallower areas.
• Evening: Focus on structures as fish move deeper.

8. GA Regulations

• Largemouth Bass: 5 fish, 12" minimum.
• Bluegill/Redear: 50 combined, no size limit.
• Channel Catfish: 10 fish, no size limit.

9. Reasoning Appendix

• Weighting: Thermal (high), Clarity (high), Structure (medium-high), Weather (medium).
• Factors: Thermal and clarity most influence fish location and behavior.

This report integrates all data to provide a comprehensive guide for fishing Stone Mountain Lake today.