Water is 74 degrees in Sugar Creek Finally, after all the rain, wind and cold weather it has finally turned normal here at Lake Oconee and the fishing over the last few days has been outstanding! The last remains of the mud line are just around the barrels at the dam, but the rest of the lake is looking great. The shad run is going on up the Apalachee arm of the lake, however though out the rest of the lake it is over. The fish love live shad about 6 inches long. I saw 2 hybes fighting over the same bait yesterday, fortunately the largest of the two won, and is now on its way to Illinois to become a decoration on a nice angler’s wall. The last three days I have not been able to keep a full arsenal of rods in the water at once. I normally fish with 6 flat lines, and on Thursday afternoon it took me an hour and a half before I could get all 6 lines in the water. The fish were absolutely attacking the shad every time we made a pass. You will find the fish up from the dam, in places like flagpole, Double Creek and on the various points in shallow water. One good idea right now is to run your bait really shallow up close to the edges. There are still a few shad running up on the sea walls and a planer board is just the ticket for this time of the year. I am suggesting to my clients to book only a half day trip now, because the fishing is so good and we are boating a day’s catch in only 4 hours. Give me a call if I can help you out! Thanks Doug Nelms