Lake Level: 484 (You can always find the current lake level HERE.) Surface Temp: 58Clarity: Slightly stained to clearWell here we are in that fall/winter pattern for stripers and Lake Martin isn’t disappointing any of us striper anglers. This time of year has to be for me one of the most exciting seasons there is. Even though it’s never a guarantee of catching, you can almost bet that in December you are going to boat a lot of fish- and I mean a lot! Sure, they may not be the 25-50 lb. stripers that we are so well known for catching here in the spring, but hey, these 4-15 pounders fight hard and long in the cold water. People ask me “Well how many is a good day in December,” and my reply is all I can tell you is I’m never surprised if we boat 35-70 fish on a 6 hour trip. It’s just that good in December. Whether you like live bait fishing or artificial bait fishing with light weight spinning rods Lake Martin will produce.
Now for a few tips for December- I recommend keeping an eye out for diving gulls because they definitely are following the bait and as the old saying goes- where there is bait there is fish. Another tip for stripers are they are cold water fish, so do not concentrate on finding warmer waters on the lake. Stick to the colder water areas and it will increase your catch. Do you like to sleep in? Well you are in luck because this month you can go out about as late as you want to and still have a really good chance of catching stripers. I personally like 7am until noon, but believe me, if I’m carrying my family for a fun day for them, then it starts about 10am until dark and we catch fish.
Regardless of what dock or boat ramp you leave from in December you will not be far from schools of stripers. Don’t forget to call me for your gift certificates for those special people in your life. You don’t even have to pay until the day they use them, so that’s a big plus in keeping your Christmas in budget- at least for the time being.
Happy Holidays to everyone and Merry Christmas!
Thank you to Captain David Hare with Alex City Guide Service for our monthly fishing report.
The Best Stocking Stuffer for the Angler in Your Life
One of our favorite finds in our local shops this Christmas season are these beautiful hand painted lures by local artist and fisherman, Mark Lewis. These make the perfect stocking stuffer, and there are a variety to choose from.
Where to find it:
12 Main Street Alexander City, AL 35010
256-777-3847
Check out the entire 2022 Lake Martin Christmas Gift Guide HERE.
December Fishing Tournaments on Lake Martin
December 3- Wind Creek Bass Trail- OGS
December 10- East Alabama High School
December 13- Reel Money Team Trail
December 17- Russell Marine-OGS
Check out our complete list of upcoming fishing tournaments HERE.