Coosa River

Team Orion has been “Playing The Blues.” Blue Catfish that is. Water temperatures have fallen to the mid 50s on the river channel and the Blue Cats have been eating big baits fished on big gear. We have been targeting these upper class fish by fishing the biggest baits we can manage. To catch numbers you have to fish smaller morsels of cut bait or smaller live ones, however, if a Trophy is what you are after, you will need to put in some time soaking baits that would normally resemble a tactic for an ocean Striper or a Tarpon. Target deep holes during the morning and gradually move towards the shallower water, such as inside river bends, as the sun warms the surface water. Our bait of choice has been Gizzard Shad over 12 inches long or a piece of cut Drum of half a pound or better. The FlatHead Catfish will eat as well but are not as active as the Blues. Have a pole ready for any schooling fish chasing bait and the day could offer a “Coosa Slam.” The big fish we are boating are released unharmed after getting a mug shot, as they are the breeders and the future of trophy catfishing. The river is loaded with smaller fish that can be participants in a fish fry. For those of you looking for an adventure during the colder days of winter, hooking into a monster catfish is a great way to spend time taking in the scenery of the Coosa River Basin while waiting for that familiar sound of a screaming drag and a tussle with the fish of a lifetime. Weekends are equally as good as the week days during this time of year and Orion Fishing Charters has some openings between now and Christmas. As always kids are welcome on our boats at no charge with a paying adult.

Lake Allatoona

Water temperature – low to mid 50s on the north end, mid to high 50s mid lake to the south end

Fishing Lake Allatoona this month has been up and down. We had some dangerous fog some mornings that stalled our boats for most of the morning. Evenings have been producing good catches of Hybrids and Stripers just before dusk most days and mornings can be hit or miss with a completely different pattern than the evening bite. Take each day as a new day with an open mind until you figure out the mood of the fish. Don’t get discouraged if the day does not produce, stay focused and the next outing could be a personal best fish. Team Orion is enjoying fishing Lake Allatoona at this time of year because the jet skiers are few and far between and the fish we catch are fat, healthy and well earned! The bait is stacking up in all the major creek mouths in the 40 foot range and on the river channel. Successful techniques vary this time of year but live bait is an essential for most days. Enjoy the low boat traffic and set your sights on concurring the elusive white fish. When searching for a likely area, troll crank baits and u-rigs and pay attention to pockets off the main lake for schooling fish. Team Orion will be spending days guiding our clients for trophy Stripers during the winter months while enjoying catches of Hybrid Bass, White Bass, and Spotted Bass. During the next few months, weather trends will affect the bite more than other times. After a warming trend or before a changing weather event get on the water and witness a magical transformation of the “Dead Sea.” This time of year becomes dangerous with low water temps and icy boat decks. Always wear a personal flotation device!