HOW THEY’RE BITIN’: Southwest Georgia fishing – February 4, 2017 weekend

THE FISHING LINE: ( * ) – poor; ( * * ) – fair; ( * * * ) – good; ( * * * * ) – excellent.

LAKE SEMINOLE ( * ) – Bass fishing is good. Most fish are in spawning or pre-spawn mode. There are many bass in the shallows at present. Backwater areas contain the clearest water and are the spots that should be targeted. Slow-swimming a paddle-tail worm is a good ploy when searching for spawning bass. Pre-spawn fish may be located and caught on medium to deep-running crankbaits. The crappies are shallowing up and moving toward shoreline structure. A number of good catches on minnows are reported. Bream are becoming active. Catfish are showing signs of life as well. (half fish)

LAKE WALTER F. GEORGE ( * * ) – Bass fishing is good. Fish are scattered and clearer water will produce the best sizes and numbers. The southern end of the lake is the recommended location at present. Points dropping off into deeper water are producing some nice fish. Crankbaits fished slowly and patiently are the recommended baits here. Also try medium to deep-running crankbaits fished with a start/stop retrieve. Crappies are good and improving. Trolling jigs near creek mouths is working for some anglers at present. Drop-fishing live minnows may catch crappies as well. Catfish are said to be slow, but dependable. Bream remain slow for now. (half fish)

FLINT RIVER ( * * ) — Stripers and hybrids are active in and around dam tailwaters. Shoal bass are moderately active, but numbers are low. Flathead and channel catfishing is picking up, especially near the dams. Night fishing for cats is a good option. Largemouths are fair, primarily in the Lake Chehaw area. Bream are slow to fair, but are getting into active pre-spawn mode. The Flint is producing quality crappies in moderate numbers at present. (half fish)

LAKE BLACKSHEAR ( * ) — Crappies are now moving into the creeks and are in prime pre-spawn condition. Largemouth bass are biting on the ledges, on points, and near creek mouths. A consistent warm-up should soon put them into shallow water around docks and trees. Catfish and hybrids can be good at night, particularly near docks. A few bream are reported, but they, too are waiting for consistently warm water to become truly active. Lake stripers are beginning to show signs of activity. (half fish)