Summer Fishing on Lake Eufaula
Article by: Reed Montgomery - FishingAlabama.com
Early summer drought had the lake down 2 feet. This eliminated lots of shallow water for anglers to decipher with Lake Eufaula naturally being a shallow lake with expanded flats. It also eliminated a lot of fishable water as well. Anglers expecting to fish there favorite weedbeds in that 1- 3 feet of water had to look elsewhere as summer began. Some places normally shallow at full pool were even hard to get the boat in.
What many anglers fail to recognize is that many bass are heading for the security of thick, shallow cover or the comfort of deep water for the summer. They are not stacked up in the shallows like a few months back, when bedding bass were everywhere and post spawn activity had bass blasting topwater lures on every cast. Don’t get me wrong, there are some bass that do remain in shallow water year round on Lake Eufaula. There are also some very catchable bass in what shallow water cover that now currently exists with the lake level unseasonably low.
Lake Eufaula still has lots of aquatic weeds for bass to seek shelter in. Wood cover and rock cover can still be found lake wide. So as water temps heat up bass either seek the shelter and cooler water in the shallows around wood, rock and weed cover or they head for deeper water.
In deep water, schools of bass either suspend at a preferred depth or they are found laying on or near the lakes bottom deep along ledges, drop-offs and any other sudden depth change. Keep in mind, for their comfort these bass are always in cooler water. Moving water or current is best in summer.
Like the bass, the summertime bass angler has to search out these favorite, summertime haunts. Finding these likely, summertime holding spots always involves lots of searching and fishing Lake Eufaula from shallow to deep water. Of course this does not come easy. It can get downright frustrating going without a bite for hours while sitting in the hot, midday sun.
Patience is needed during the hot, summer months as much as it is when fishing during the dead of winter. Don’t expect a lot of bites after the typical, early morning, crack of dawn, summertime bite ceases. Any bites you do get after sunup, be glad you did.
Many anglers often leave Lake Eufaula (early in the day), disappointed in the results of their fishing. Especially discouraged after hearing from anglers from all over the United States about how good of a lake it is. Some anglers travel miles, spending lots of hard earned dollars on preparation, meals, motels, etc., while often visiting the Lake a few days…all in hopes of landing one of Lake Eufaula’s famed, trophy largemouth
bass.
So heres some tips for summertime fishing for largemouth bass on Lake Eufaula this summer. From June - September finding these bass in these likely looking spots will assure their return – when you return them to the water you found them in. Please Practice Catch and Release. Let these bass go (of course after taking a few pictures of them), right where you caught them. Unless you are in a bass tournament there is no reason to ride them all over the lake in that hot livewell, submitting them to unnecessary abuse and often, death.
Deep bass on Lake Eufaula can be deep when the temperature soars. They can be found holding along10-30 foot break lines on both creek and main river channel drop-offs. When these deep bass are found, locating them again, means marking the spot on a map or GPS to help you in returning to on later trips. Most deep water bass can be found in the same locations all summer.
So having many deep water spots shows moving around on some days, which in turn also cools you down with a boat ride. Having many previously marked deep water locations will help. If you are a first timer to massive, Lake Eufaula you can narrow your search in finding good drop-offs.
This simply means fishing around red and green river channel markers or white creek channel markers. These places are always right on the deepest drop. So are fish attractors, brush piles planted and marked by man, which are found lake wide. Rip-rap rocks found around bridges, causeways and the dam are also good day and night.
Lures for deep bass can be heavy 1/2 ounce to 2 ounce size spinnerbaits, either slow rolled or dropped along deep drop-offs. Deep diving crankbaits and Carolina rigged lizards or big, 10 inch Texas rigged plastic worms can be fished on 1/4 ounce to 1 ounce sinkers or jig heads. Tube baits, jig combos, crayfish imitations, creature baits or even small, finesse worms will also fool these deep water bass.
On cloudy days, late evenings or early mornings bass will even hit topwaters fished on shallow flats that border these drop-offs. Other lures? Rattling lipless lures in the half to 3/4 of an ounce size, shallow to deep diving crankbaits, floating and suspending jerkbaits and even jigging spoons or tailspinners will all work. So having many rods already rigged is advised to give these bass a variety of choices until you see which one works best!
Shallow bass on Lake Eufaula can be caught all day. Or if its just to hot, an angler can fish only the early morning hours, late evenings or at night. If forced to fish during the daylight hours (like tournaments) fishing the lakes many types of aquatic weeds is sure to be in your game plan. Even with Lake Eufaula unseasonably down a few feet for the summer these bass are always in and around some type of weeds still growing in the water.
Lilly pads are slowly taking over the entire lake. During the spring an unseasonably warm heat wave showed early Lilly pad growth (in a lake at full pool this past spring) displaying Lilly pads growing everywhere in shallow water. Drought left many of these huge Lilly pads protruding above the waters surface like some open umbrella. They soon whither, turn brown and die in the hot summer sun.
But new growing Lilly pads soon show the shallows green and very active as lake levels stabilize and bass move right in under the security of the shade provided by Lake Eufaula’s over sized Lilly pads. Some isolated Lilly pads can grow to over 3 feet in diameter, providing cooler water, shade and security and an oxygen rich environment for these bass and the prey they dine on to relate to.
These summertime meals can be many, in and around these Lilly pads, including the many other types of aquatic weeds this massive lake displays. This means having many lure choices for anglers to employ to aid them in fooling these shallow water bass into striking. The list of summertime favorites on bottom are many and the choices can include techniques like flipping, pitching or swimming lures in and around the weeds and Lilly pads. Each style or lure choice varies among each and every angler.
Some anglers have success fishing a huge field of Lilly pads by constantly fishing hollow bodied frogs and rats. Those lures featuring a skirt and two upturned hooks or some of the rather new solid bodied plastic frogs in use today featuring only one hook, that actually sound more like a buzzbait when retrieved.
Buzzbaits are a close second, along with safety pin type spinnerbaits (or an old favorite still in production today, the Snagless Sally an inline spinner), or the name sake Chatterbait (or the many copies now on the market today), all of which are very weedless and can be retrieved in and around these Lilly pads and weeds.
Weedless spoons (in finishes of either gold, silver, smoke black or frog), with an attached pork chunk trailer, plastic chunk trailer or twin tail trailer, are all but forgotten favorites. These weedless spoons, are, “very weedless” and their wobbling action attracts strikes from bass hiding in the weeds. Bass that are not accustomed to seeing these type of old favorite lures…lures that still fool largemouth bass in the weeds on Lake Eufaula today.
* NOTE *All of these type lures mentioned should be fished on heavy, monofilament line or one of the new braided lines on the market today. There are some big, strong bass in Lake Eufaula’s weeds.
Each lure requires a correct presentation, matched equipment and on some days even the correct lure color can make a difference in whether you get bites or not. Having 10 rods already rigged with fresh line on each reel (all for shallow or deep water applications), can be very time saving while on the water. This provides an angler more time for fishing and less time rigging rods, changing lures and not fishing.
Dawn or late evening hours (during the heat of summer), actually only shows about one good hour of fishing and catching. This usually takes place out of 3-4 hours of just casting and not getting a bite. So having a lure in the water can be important during these feeding times when bass are more active. Save rigging time, eating time and other fish ignoring activities for when the bass are not as likely to be biting. A midday break in the shade does wonders.
Thanks and Good Fishin’
Reed Montgomery / Reeds Guide Service (205) 787-5133
Birmingham, Alabama
E-mail: alabassgyd@aol.com
Website: www.fishingalabama.com
“Over 40 Years Fishing, Guiding and Exploring every Lake in Alabama for Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Spotted Bass and some huge Striped Bass” Originally Published (2007)
Resources:
Lake Eufaula Fall Fishing
Article by: Reed Montgomery - FishingAlabama.com
Lake Eufaula has been unseasonably low for the entire summer. Drought for over three months and a scorching three weeks of 100 plus degree days in August, showed this lake and its fish inhabitants really suffer and so did the anglers that come from all over to fish this huge, man made impoundment usually fishing for largemouth bass. The Lake has been down 3-4 feet all summer and until recently when evening thunderstorms and some all day rains occurred it actually brought the lake back up a foot.
Lake Eufaula could remain low (possibly down even lower) right on into the upcoming winter season and it traditionally stays that way until spring. Or if this fall season is like most fall seasons on Lake Eufaula more heavy rains could suddenly swell the lake back to full pool. So as of this writing during the first week of September, its really hard to say. Not much has really changed…except for a slow, gradual change in the weather as September shows the real beginning of the fall season. Which can only get better creating better fishing conditions for the remainder of fall in October and November and on into the upcoming winter season.
This lake features over 70 miles of navigable water. Even when down 3-4 feet there is still plenty of fish holding waters to explore, but with caution. From Lakepoint Resort (which is situated in the mouth of Cowikee creek) - to the lakes headwaters, you will immediately notice the lake gradually narrows and then returns to more of a River channel. Most bass tournaments are held out of this very popular Lakepoint resort park that features a resort, motel, cabins, boat launch and restaurant.
From the bridge that crosses Cowikee Creek, all the way out to the main river channel, is over a mile of twisting, turning (and well marked) creek channel. It is advised not to take any short cuts in this area. Stay within the red and green channel markers when navigating the boat here and within the red and green channel marker buoys on the main lake as well. If you just happen to stray to far from these deeper creek and river channel depths you will quickly see what I mean, with 1-2 feet of water very evident nearby most every channel marker.
Fishing for the lakes so well noted largemouth bass involves either targeting shallow water bass around wood cover and whatever aquatic weeds still exists or going deep. The fall season has bass in both shallow water and deeper water to be found lake wide by the angler that is willing to do a little research, map study (and in deep water), spend some quality time with some type of depthfinder or just spend years of fishing and exploring this huge lake…like I have.
I’ve fished and guided all over Lake Eufaula for over 30 years. My dad and uncle fished in the earlier years of its impoundment when it first opened in 1963 over 45 years ago. The lake has changed in many ways over the past 30-40 years. But one thing remains common knowledge even today by the many regulars that frequent Lake Eufaula. As its waters begin to cool fall and early winter may show some of the years biggest bass in shallow water for a longer period of time, more than any other time of the entire year. Reasons being they are eating.
These bass have seen a lot of lures and although its been said a bass does not remember more than a few weeks and it does not really think just reason, they can respond. These bass are pounded with lures of all kinds all throughout the early spring prespawn season, during spring when bedding, all summer long both day and night and now, during the fall season. You can bet one of those many unfortunate bass you may catch has been caught before. This is usually quite evident by its hook torn mouth or healed up and often scarred and deformed mouth, or a missing eye or hazy looking blind eyes, or even a hook still in its mouth from the last angler that left it there or got broke off! So choose your lures wisely.
Sure both the bass of fall in shallow water and those bass in deeper water may still hit a 10 inch worm. But they may really scrutinize the lure before striking it too. Or they could just follow it and suddenly appear right at the boat, as you lift the fake offering over board. So slow down, working the worm very painstakingly slow and see if you can get bites other anglers fishing way to fast fail to entice. This goes for fishing deep within any weeds, wood cover, rocks or rip-rip rap rocks or other shallow water cover with worms, lizards, tube baits, creature baits or jig combos. Think slow, fish slow, and set the hook fast when you do get a bite and you will be rewarded.
Many anglers simply spend an entire day just dragging soft plastics or jig combos along the lakes bottom hoping to get a bite. And on some days this tactic works very well. Texas rigged plastics, Carolina rigged lures and even small finesse lures fished on light tackle outfits have worked very well in fooling Lake Eufaula’s often very skittish bass into biting. Some anglers even approach these bass in a very quite manner as they get the boat in tight to bank cover and flip, pitch and swim their lures in and around weeds, rocks and wood cover.
But there are many other ways to fool these largemouth bass, many techniques, various types of lures and loads of places to explore on Lake Eufaula this fall and early winter season. Like said, “fishing slow always has its rewards” and when bottom dragging lures or punching into thick cover, slow is always better. “Fast fishing” comes with other lures.
When I was young we trolled lures for bass on Lake Eufaula. This technique involved letting out lures (and lots of line) such as deep diving crankbaits far behind the boat, as we slowly idled the boat down the bank, along a flat featuring a drop-off, or we trolled our deep diving hellbenders, mud bugs or other deep diving crankbaits (plugs) near a river channel or deep creek channel drop-off. If you can relate and have tried trolling for bass you surely lost some lures as we did back then.
Something interesting always entered my mind as we started each day trolling. How could these bass chase down these very fast trolled lures and then catch them, often getting hooked right in the wake of that bold looking 25 horsepower outboard motor? Even during the winter! So never think you can out reel a bass, if they can chase down a lure trolled behind a boat. So fast retrieved lures such as crankbaits fished in all depths, rattling lipless lures (like Rattletraps, Cordell Spots, etc.) in all sizes and weights, even floating and suspending jerkbaits can be attacked when retrieved very fast and with very erratic actions. This can be good this fall and winter as well with just casting your lures!
Not only crankbaits, but spinnerbaits, jigging spoons and fast retrieved jig combos can often generate those reaction strikes from bass that are actually tricked into hitting your fast retrieved lures. Bass (on the other hand) that are missed by anglers fishing to slow on Lake Eufaula this fall season….
Making a trip to Lake Eufaula this fall and winter season? Always call on Reeds Guide Service…first! Or make plans and book a two day, discounted instructional fishing trip, this year or next spring (discounted as well) and prepare for a day full of fishing tips, instructions, lure choice and years of compiled fishing stories and tales! Remember a guided fishing trip with Reeds Guide Service makes a great gift for Birthday’s, Father’s Day or Christmas (certificates available), for those loved ones that love to fish!
Thanks and Good Fishin’
Reed Montgomery / Reeds Guide Service (205) 787-5133
Birmingham, Alabama
E-mail: alabassgyd@aol.com
Website: www.fishingalabama.com
“Over 40 Years Fishing, Guiding and Exploring every Lake in Alabama for Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Spotted Bass and some huge Striped Bass” Originally Published (2007)
Resources:
Fall Bass Fishing on Guntersville Lake
Article by: Reed Montgomery - FishingAlabama.com
Guntersville Lake in north Alabama is Alabama’s largest, man made Impoundment. It is a huge lake by most standards at 69,200 surface acres of water and over 82 miles of navigable water. The town of Guntersville, Al. borders the lake on its lower end, showing the lake stretching from Guntersville Lake dam (lower lake / just above Wheeler Lake), to the lakes headwaters situated below Hales Bar Dam upstream, all featured on the twisting and turning waters of the mighty, Tennessee River System.
The lake is now nearing 70 years since its impoundment. Its getting to be a very old lake and like most older lakes Guntersville lake has seen both the ups and downs all impoundments go through with each passing year. Some good some bad. Pollution, the poisonous spraying of aquatic weeds, the introduction of aquatic weed-eating grass carp fish species, increasing recreational use, barge traffic and fishing pressure are just some of the downsides. The good sides?
Ask any angler and most will exclaim, ” The grass is what makes Guntersville Lake the best bass lake in Alabama”. Lures fished from top to bottom in, around and within this grass fool some big largemouth bass in all seasons on Guntersville Lake. Although there are some smallmouth bass and spotted bass, the largemouth’s are the dominate bass species and they rule on Guntersville Lake. Especially during the fall.
Fishing in and around all the many types of weeds found on this lake, involves many lure choices. Lures that simulate or look like these prey these aquatic weed dwelling bass are accustomed to feeding on, will generate strikes all throughout this fall season. Often on into the colder days of the early winter season, for winter warming trends can trigger these bass to feed and after all, they have got to eat.
When Guntersville lake was impounded in 1939 it lacked any huge amount of aquatic weeds such as milfoil, moss, hydrilla and Lilly pads. Today, the huge amount of these types of weeds and other aquatic weeds is what makes Guntersville lake such an excellent fishery, especially for big, largemouth bass. The thick and often matted weeds such as milfoil and hydrilla offer security for the dozens of prey these largemouth bass dine on with regularity. This means anglers should be fishing with one or several of the many types of lures on today’s market. Plainly put, those lures that look like the meals these bass eat.
The entire lake is loaded with many species of small minnows, threadfin shad, gizzard shad, yellowtail shad, skip jack herring, bream, sunfish, crappie, shell crackers and even crayfish, all that make their homes in and around these aquatic weeds most of the spring, summer, fall and early winter seasons. Largemouth bass have plenty to eat on this lake and they grow big dining on these prey and other meals. Besides baitfish and crayfish these largemouth bass will consume small mice, worms, lizards, snakes, small water fowl, insects and frogs, if given the chance. They are now feeding and fattening up for the upcoming winter season, often evident in the shallows all day.
Many bass exceeding ten pounds have been reported being caught in the recent years (some weighing in the teens), and the fall season and early winter period is when many of these really trophy sized bass are fooled, especially when fishing the shallow, weedy waters of Guntersville Lake, in the right place with the right kind of lure. There are certain techniques many knowledgeable anglers employ when faced with trying to decipher the often intimidating weeds featured throughout Guntersville Lakes waters. Some first timers can really struggle with so many choices of weedy waters to fish…found lake wide.
Narrowing your search. That’s the goal of any angler whether your just fishing, competing in a major bass tournament or just trophy, bass fishing. Finding bass in a small area and concentrating all of your years of fishing experience (and fishing expertise), all into hopefully, one fantastic day of fishing. All when relying on your confidence, your lure choice and your ability to adapt to certain conditions and situations. On Guntersville Lake, as waters begin to cool there will be many changes an angler has to face this fall in order to adapt and still catch fish.
Unknown to many people, those that don’t fish (yes, there are some), there are some actually some very good reasons why these “professional bass anglers” practice for an upcoming bass tournament. Practice often means traveling throughout the lake, not in just one day, but usually in several days of fishing or just riding and looking over the entire lake, eventually narrowing your search.
Practice does often mean burning a lot of gas and oil in the boat eliminating useless water and to help you in concentrating your efforts in the future on places you find quality bites and big bass during previous trips. This can get expensive with the price of gas and oil, for both your eight cylindered tow vehicle and that big, horse powered motor on your big bass boat. Launching at various boat launches found throughout the lake can help cut down on fishing costs like gas, instead of running all over the lake. Or sharing the expenses with another angler can cut your costs in half, both during practice and during competition.
During the fall on Guntersville Lake your “practice period” means spotting feeding birds and looking for lots of evident baitfish and fish feeding activity. This can take place in those certain little spots many anglers overlook. Wind blown banks are often overlooked and at times even avoided by anglers seeking calmer waters. This can be a bank that was calm at dawn, but by mid day it has been pounded for hours with by cold, 20-30 m.p.h. northerly winds, as fall’s ever increasing cold fronts come in with each passing week. Or a bank with southerly winds blowing directly into it can feature pockets of warm, southerly waters of a few degrees more - than cooler waters only a few hundred yards away - often inducing bass to feed.
Another couple of often overlooked situations that always take place during the fall and winter period throughout massive, Guntersville Lake is water clarity (from clear to muddy) and falling water temperature. Although this past summer season showed drought, no rain for weeks, hot, bright and scorching bluebird skies and soaring air temperatures of 105 degrees for weeks, there were still active bass in the shallows. Water clarity soon just became…clear, in late August. Fall rains can change all that.
Guntersville’s waters can get stained with another factor besides incoming rain water, one that can stain the waters situated along miles and miles of flatlands found on Guntersville Lake. Even with no rain there is always some water that displays a slightly stained look, giving bass a feeling of security and aiding them in feeding more in the shallows.
There are countless miles of creek backwaters and main lake flats that are affected by the flow of current in this lake. When water is drawn at the lower lakes dam (or current drawn through both Guntersville Lake dam and Hales Bar dam), it creates current in the lake and its incoming feeder creeks. This current stirs up the lakes bottom. This mixes the upper and lower water column and creates a stained look when the lakes muddy bottom and weedy waters are combined.
Noisy topwater lures like buzzbaits, or lures that emit flash and vibration like spinnerbaits and lures with built in internal rattles such as crankbaits, jerkbaits, lipless lures and lures fished on or near bottom like worms, lizards, tube baits and jig combos, can all attract strikes from these bass in stained water situations. These bass cannot see as well in stained waters so they use their lateral line and inner ear when cruising or feeding during these stained water conditions.
Fish Guntersville Lake this fall season and learn a few techniques and fishing factors of your own, that will aid you in fooling that “bass of lifetime” into hitting your lure. Or call on Reeds Guide Service…first! “Guntersville Lake’s most well known, oldest, professional Guide Service, guiding on Guntersville Lake for over 30 years.” Remember, a guided fishing trip with Reeds Guide Service makes a great gift for Birthday’s, Father’s Day, Christmas (certificates available) or any occasion, for those loved ones that love to fish. Several professional guides and quality bass boats available year round, for multiple parties and corporate guided trips. See my website www.fishingalabama.com for more info.
Thanks and Good Fishin’
Reed Montgomery / Reeds Guide Service (205) 787-5133
Birmingham, Alabama
E-mail: alabassgyd@aol.com
Website: www.fishingalabama.com
“Over 40 Years Fishing, Guiding and Exploring every Lake in Alabama for Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Spotted Bass and some huge Striped Bass”
Originally Published (2007)
Resources:
Lake Guntersville Fall Fishing
Article by: Reed Montgomery - FishingAlabama.com
Largemouth bass fishing during the Fall season on Alabama’s largest man made reservoir Guntersville Lake, is as comparable to fishing any other lake in the South, especially when it really begins to cool. Yes, it is as good as it gets. Not particularly for fooling some really trophy sized largemouth bass (although it is possible), or for catching a dozen five pound plus bass in one day’s fishing, which can happen as well, but for numbers of bass.
For anglers visiting this huge 69,100 acre reservoir situated in North Alabama, there is one thing sure they can rely on. Anglers fishing Guntersville Lake this Fall season will be noted for catching numbers of bass, with a bonus bass or two over 5 pounds expected on any trip. Something many anglers cannot honestly say about any other Alabama Lake they frequently bass fish. Why is this so? Numbers of bass. That’s why.
Guntersville Lake (67 years since impoundment) is loaded with thousands of bass, all found lake wide, no matter what season you choose to fish it. Its a lake loaded with aquatic weeds such as millfoil, hydrilla, Lilly pads and coontail moss. All of which provides loads of cover, oxygen and predator and prey habitat for these bass and the prey they feed on to survive within. This past Spring the lake went on an upswing for providing numbers of anglers with dozens bass in the 5 -10 pound range. Guntersville Lake also produced some huge, trophy sized largemouth bass, from the late winter period (prespawn bass) until late spring (post spawn bass), when even with empty bellies and weak from the rituals of the spring spawn, big bass continued to feed in the shallows.
By this past Summer things slowed (about July) on the Big G. as hot 90 degree days slowly crept in sending some bass back towards the comfort of deep water and some anglers back towards the comfort of air conditioning, T V and a nice couch. Shallow bass seemed almost non existent this past Summer when things really began to heat up, especially when they were buried up deep within weeds so thick many anglers failed to even connect with them. Many anglers found these shallow bass to be a lot more cooperative at dawn, late in the evening or some anglers resulted to fishing all night long with success. By August, hot upper 90 degree days (some days 100 degrees) and very little rain to cool things down, enticed some anglers to entirely eliminate fishing during the midday hours. But relief is in sight.
As Fall gets underway the month September will show some major relief. The first few weeks of September will seem tremendously cooler (even with low 80 degrees days), when compared with Summer’s upper 90 degree days. October will bring cooler days and nights and much more aggression to the bass, as they feed in the shallows more and more each day. November is the month of changes. Some bass anglers are home watching football, or out in the woods deer hunting. While others have parked the boat until next spring due to November’s constant incoming cold fronts.
So after over 30 seasons of consistent Fall action I have learned what to expect each month during this Fall season while fishing Guntersville Lake. This readies me for each trip as I always consider the previous conditions, current conditions, the upcoming weather and the changes to expect on each trip. Throughout the lake, each fishing excursion is always full of excitement on Alabama’s massive, 82 mile long, Guntersville Lake each month during the Fall season.
September
The Fall season does not officially get underway until September 22, a time when a new moon begins and fishing it seems, is new as well. These bass of early Fall can turn on as simple as flicking on a light switch. From one week to the next, anglers will see fishing improve in the shallows as these bass find much more comfortable surroundings, can trigger them to feed more often during the daylight hours.
Its like someone sticking us in a 90 degree room with no air conditioning or them placing us in a comfortable 70 degree room with all the comforts of home. The water temperatures will begin to cool immediately, from the uncomfortable, hot upper 80 degrees water temperatures found during late Summer period, to the low 80’s very evident during early to mid September. By the middle of the month, more changes, low to mid 70’s air temperatures can occur more frequently with noticeably cooler nights in the 60’s. By the end of September (its according to how many incoming cold fronts we have) it can cool into the 60’s.
Along with the change in the air temperatures, Fall rains and cloudy periods from passing fronts become more frequent by late September, inducing bass (and bass anglers) to head for the shallows. More changes. Heavy rains can muddy up Guntersville’s Lake headwaters and major, incoming feeder creeks during the Fall season. Falling or rising lake levels can occur as well. Although Guntersville Lake is not dropped very low for winter pool, anglers can expect it to be lowered this Fall at least 1-2 feet below normal full pool (595.0) levels, usually taking place around October. Besides cooling water temperatures, falling lake levels and bass heading back towards the shallows, anglers can expect loads of lures (more info next) to produce around Guntersville Lake’s weedy flats as the month of October shows fishing…like they say, “Is as good as it gets.”
October
Cooler nights become more frequent and cooler days become increasingly evident as each trip during October (the early Fall period in Alabama), calls for more and more clothing when fishing Guntersville Lake. Never go on a fishing trip in North Alabama during the Fall period without a rainsuit, rubber boots, jumpsuit, toboggan, gloves and a heavy coat. Including plenty of spare clothing for emergencies as well. You may need these items on any trip during the mid Fall to Winter period, so you might as well go ahead and make plans to pack these necessary items for each trip. Believe me, you will be glad you did.
Sure its cold and rainy, but October can be the beginning of more than two months of the years best bass fishing on Guntersville Lake, especially when you can pick your fishing days. But be prepared, it can be a lonely month as well with few anglers on the water. Or maybe you are already prepared with all the company you had these past few months.
Lures for Fishing Guntersville Lake this Fall
Lures for fishing Guntersville Lake are many, as are the opinions and suggestions of each outdoor writer, fishing guide, marina operator, fishing buddy or professional angler. All of which are for sure going to promote their favorite brand of lure, perfect size lure, lure color, lure type or lure cost, especially when it means sales. Cha-ching I think they call it.
Truth is most anglers know how to fish, generally what color lures to choose and when to fish certain lures that produce what we all are looking for…bites! There are even times (on most lakes) when it seems like a certain style or type of lure, certain color, exact lure size or even the way its fished…seems to get more bites than other lures. There are times when certain lures out produce others when it comes to getting bites.
But what it all boils down to is lure preference, confidence in your lure selection and experience fishing today’s wide variety of lures, many lures of which can be fished in dozens of various ways. Some anglers just have more of these three, self-made things (like it takes to build years of on the water experience), than others do. Until you do, you will still be open to suggestions and ask others for their suggestions. So here’s just a few of mine!
For one thing (and boy will I get contradicted for this one) I think every lure in your tackle box will produce largemouth bass, both in shallow water and deep water year round on Guntersville Lake. I have seen every lure type that is fished from top to bottom produce in all season’s on Guntersville Lake.
Topwaters? Yep. Just this past 2006 late Winter season in an Airport Marine’s first bass tournament of the season I had a couple of bass in the 3-4 pound range, fishing in 43 degree water, while having to constantly dip my rod in the water to keep the eyes from freezing up. Both bass came on topwaters. One on a scum frog and another (that missed a Zara Super Spook in practice on Friday), I caught Saturday in the tournament on the same Zara Spook, same spot, it missed the day before! Unbelievable! My tournament partner (that does my website: www.fishingalabama.com) can be reached by going to the cover page bottom at; Arrell Internet Services. He will attest to the fact…its true! Those are the coldest topwater bites I have ever had while fishing every lake in Alabama!
Deep diving crankbaits fished of course in deep water, work year round on Guntersville Lake. Fall is a great time (like the rest of the year) when crankbaits will produce quality catches lake wide. This is true fishing along creek and main river channel drop-offs, along rip-rap lined banks and around creek and river channel humps, bars, points, islands, submerged islands and high spots most only found with some map study or the use of a depth finder.
Colors? Stained water, fish brighter colors such as chartreuse / blue back or crayfish colors with maybe brown on the back and red or orange on the belly. Clear to lightly stained water, fish shad colors, chrome or natural colors. Or mix it up.
Lure types? Now that’s where a matter of choice comes in. I’m from the old school, so I fish a lot of old dependable lures, many of which can still be bought today. I have boxes of Norman’s DD-22 deep divers, Bagley’s DB-3’s, Tom Mann’s Loudmouth series deep divers, Deep diving Number 7 & 8 Rapala deep diving crankbaits, even some old Rebel Maxi R’s, Wee-r’s and some Mudbugs and Hellbenders! But I still shop around and there are many other deep diving crankbaits that will produce as well on Guntersville Lake this Fall, so experiment!
November
Its the last month of Fall in Alabama. To many anglers the month of November displays a feast or famine on each consecutive trip. One trip you kill em’ catching bass on all types of lures. The next trip it seems they have lock jaw and you can’t get a bite. Reason being? Many.
Like said cold fronts, heavy rains, fluctuating lake levels all take place during the late Fall period. Each one, especially when combined together, can really throw a curve ball in your fishing game plan. So, as when planing any fishing outing, timing is essential for a successful trip. I always look back a week or two to see what has taken place on Guntersville Lake and I look forward to see what’s planned for lake levels, current conditions or the upcoming weather. Like a boy scout, Be prepared.
Lure selection has not been mentioned a whole lot in this Fall Lake report for Guntersville Lake, for a good reason. They will hit any lure in the box, so writing space is limited. But like most anglers I’m full of suggestions so here are a few favorites if mine for fishing lake wide throughout this Fall season and early Winter period or like said…all year long!
Topwaters. Yes, they continue to work even in low 60’s down to 50 (or less) degree water. Frogs, rats, Zara Spooks, Sammie’s, buzzbaits, single and double bladed prop-baits, popping type topwaters like Pop-R’s, floating worms of all colors, soft jerkbaits and all other topwater types should be tried.
Spinnerbaits always fool some bass on Guntersville Lake. Small models with small blades in clear water and larger, more gaudy type spinnerbaits featuring bright colors in stained water.
Jerkbaits are excellent lures during the Fall on Guntersville Lake. Hard bodied models in floating and suspending models work lake wide. Soft bodied jerkbaits as well.
Rattling lipless lures, such as the name sake, “Rattletrap” lure, cover water fast and they get the big bass bite many anglers overlook on Guntersville Lake. Fish quarter ounce or half ounce sizes shallow and three quarter ounce sizes deep. Chrome / blue back or Chrome / black back or Red rattletraps usually get the job done…try both.
Bottom lures, like worms of all sizes, shapes and colors work during the Fall. Experiment. Don’t be afraid to fish worms in the 10-2 inch size, for big bass of Guntersville Lake feed on end of the year snakes, freshwater eels and worms that have grown to these lengths by the Fall season.
Plastic crayfish fished on a jig head, Texas rigged or weightless are great in shallow water. The jig combo that simulates crayfish take some of the years biggest bass during the fall period on Guntersville Lake. Some anglers flip and pitch crayfish or jigs around piers, boat houses and thick weeds. Others swim a jig along any available wood cover, around rocks and in and around weed cover. Adding oversized pork or plastic trailers to jigs allows them to fall slower and it presents a bigger lure profile. Tube baits of all sizes simulate crayfish, experiment with 4-8 inch sizes in various colors according to water clarity.
Plastic lizards are great lures when fished over thick, weedy mats, fished weightless. Or when fished Texas rigged and Carolina rigged fished slowly along shallow to deep water drop-offs, main creek points and around bridges, islands, around causeways and culverts lined with rip-rap rocks.
So as you see, there is a lot more to fishing Guntersville Lake this Fall season as each month progresses. Just think, Winter is ahead when the really big bass come out of hiding!
Always dress warm and be prepared for any emergency when fishing during cold weather…the life you save may be your own. Wear your life jacket and outboard motor kill switch.
Always Call on Reeds Guide Service…first! For lake conditions and lake updates or to book a trip to Guntersville Lake (or any Alabama Lake) this Fall and Winter season. Over 30 years guiding on all of Alabama’s Lakes. Several professional guides and boats available year round for multiple parties and Corporate guided trips. Instructional trips available and equipment can be provided.
Thanks and Good Fishin’
Reed Montgomery / Reeds Guide Service (205) 787-5133
Birmingham, Alabama
E-mail: alabassgyd@aol.com
Website: www.fishingalabama.com
“Over 40 Years Fishing, Guiding and Exploring every Lake in Alabama for Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Spotted Bass and some huge Striped Bass”
Originally Published (2007)
Resources:
Winter Fishing on Jordan Lake
Article by: Reed Montgomery - FishingAlabama.com
Winter officially got underway in Alabama the first week of December, 2006. However you would still think it was late Fall if you were fishing the second week of January. The New Year came in with a bang on the water as well, with water temps reaching 60 degrees!
So how does the rest of the “so called winter” look for anglers here in Alabama on Jordan Lake? Very good. For the next 6 weeks these Coosa River breed of spotted bass and some big largemouth bass are all in a winter pattern and a winter state of mind. March is a prespawn month.
WINTER CONDITIONS
These bass are conditioned to move about at any time to feed during conditions that may arise during incoming cold fronts, or during rainy cloudy periods, on sunny days and week long warming trends. Various situations that involve moving water (current on the main lake from dam discharge in some areas of the lake), shows that these bass in some spots, are often biting better than in other places.
Varied conditions found lake wide can have a tremendous effect on the habits of all Jordan Lake’s bass. Conditions of many kinds take place during winter and each condition affects all bass and the meals they feed on, especially when its comes to them eating and putting on the needed fat to make it through a harsh winter.
Jordan Lake is the last lake of six lakes situated on the Coosa River System (that runs from north to south Alabama) and anything is possible for this mid Alabama impoundment created in 1928. With water temperatures currently in the low to mid 50’s and air temps close to 60 degrees constantly warming the lakes creeks and backwaters, you can see a difference 5-6 degrees water temps can make.
In various places throughout the lake, warming spots take place on every sunny day this winter. Places such as main lake flats are bathed in an all day sunshine and shielded from high winds. In addition, they are out of the constant, main lake current. Also out of the current are small cuts and pockets such as those found on main lake rock bluffs and the dozens of weed lined, timber filled pockets.
Always keep in mind, evident current found on the lake (just look at moving trot line jugs facing down river) will not heat up like the lakes still backwaters that remain calm, still and constantly bathed in water warming sunshine. Flats found in incoming feeder creeks, bathed in sunshine all day, show that from mid day to late evenings the rising water temperatures do have an effect on these bass.
Anglers may get plenty of bites from bass that become more active when water temps rise 4-5 degrees in a days time. So always return to places such as this (places you may not get a bite in during a cold morning prior to a warm sunny day) for active feeding fish. Just the opposite can occur in these areas when it is colder a few degrees. You may get a few bites early, but often no bites during very cold, cloudy days when water
temperatures do not rise significantly.
LURES AND TECHNIQUES FOR JORDAN LAKE’S BASS
Lures and the many ways to fish them can involve many choices during both cold front situations and warming trends during winter on Jordan Lake. Most anglers associate this “January and February winter fishing” with a slow, bottom dragging process utilizing various types of lures such as grubs, small worms, lizards and crayfish imitations, jig combos, tube baits, creature baits and finesse lures fished on small jig heads, etc.
Conditions always dictate the use of many different types of lures, lure colors, lure sizes, lure actions and the various ways to fish all of them. Traditionally, most anglers fish slow and think slow during late winter. This is when the winter season slowly winds down and eventually March will bring in prespawn conditions and schools of bass move shallow.
But often in this mid Alabama Lake during the January to February period, the bass will chase down a crankbait, nail a rattletrap or suspending jerkbait, or hit spinnerbaits with a rod jarring strike, even on a cold, winter day. They will even hit a topwater lure, when very active bass are affected by various conditions and at times even a cold front can turn them on!
So “Look” at the conditions prior to your trip and see what’s taking place during your planned trip to Jordan Lake. These conditions dictate lure choice. If its been raining for a week this lake can get a lot of rain run-off. There five lakes above Jordan Lake and it all comes done the Coosa River to this last of six lakes.
Spinnerbaits can be lures you throw all day when stained water and swifter current following heavy rains can swell the lake and create conditions where bass cannot see as well. This is when flash, vibration and lure colors come into the picture. Choosing spinnerbaits with gold and silver blades creates flash and more vibration the bigger the blades. Bright colors on the spinnerbaits head, skirt and trailers create various colors.
Crankbaits, rattling lipless lures, and both floating and suspending jerkbaits are all good lures on Jordan Lake during stained water conditions. These lures with rattles and lots of wiggling lure action help draw bass in for strikes in stained water conditions. Colors like chartreuse, white, yellow, lime, red and orange can be seen better and should be included on each lure. Conditions again, may show an angler fishing clear water and fishing with more subtle colored lures and natural lure colors
CURRENT, LAKE LEVELS AND WATER CLARITY
Current, Lake levels and water clarity play a huge role as well in your daily fishing on Jordan Lake. Anglers can check on Jordan Lake’s daily lake levels (normal full pool level is 252.0) and dam discharge schedules for 3 days by calling Alabama Power Company’s toll free Lake information center at 1-800-lakes-11.
Always check water generation schedules for both upper Mitchell Lake dam and lower Jordan Lake’s (2) dams. Write these water generation scheduled times down and tailor your fishing to each situation created by this current moving through the lake and its tributary creeks.
The current released by these dams affects both spotted bass and largemouth bass during the winter months just like the rest of the year. When they are feeding and water is evidently being generated there are certain places you need to be fishing and evident, current related signs to look for.
For example: If both dams are running all day bass will be tight to cover on the main lake. If the upper lake (Mitchell Lake) dam is running and the lower Jordan Lake dams are not running, then the lake fills up and bass move into flooded waters. If lower dams are running and Mitchell Lake dam is not, then the lakes water levels can fall, moving bass away from the banks and shallow flats.
Dam discharge areas are dangerous so always wear life jackets and outboard motor kill switches when fishing here or any where you fish! Hypothermia kills, so be prepared and be aware throughout your day and always play it safe! Dams are rocky and lures like grubs, small worms, jigs and jigging spoons fool bass every day. But bring plenty of lures, you will lose some in a days time in the swift current found below the dam discharge area.
Bring warm clothes and spare clothing. Have dry fire starting material (wood or paper) on board and a lighter. Always let loved ones at home know where your at and when to expect you home. Cell phones can be life savers. In winter, the life you save could just be your own!
Thanks and Good Fishin’
Reed Montgomery / Reeds Guide Service (205) 787-5133
Birmingham, Alabama
E-mail: alabassgyd@aol.com
Website: www.fishingalabama.com
“Over 40 Years Fishing, Guiding and Exploring every Lake in Alabama for Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Spotted Bass and some huge Striped Bass”
Originally Published (2007)
Resources:
Summer Fishing on Jordan Lake
Article by: Reed Montgomery - FishingAlabama.com
It’s hot and getting hotter. No, I’m not talking about the weather this time. I’m referring to the spotted bass fishing on Jordan Lake. Each year, this lake, now near 75 years old, gets better with age.
The Lakes headwaters get all the notoriety for the spotted action found here throughout the summer months. Below Mitchell Lake dam, the spots, as most anglers call them, are right at home in this perfect, spotted bass habitat.
First of all they have current. Spotted bass love current. They also have boulder strewn banks, rocky bluffs and rocky points and even some washed out holes and ledges on the lakes bottom. All “spots” love these attractions.
Baitfish, washed through the dam discharge, keeps em’ coming back for more and many huge spotted bass just spend their lives within a few miles of the dam. Spotted bass, weighing up to 8 pounds (or more) have been taken here, by the angler fortunate enough to land them. Spots, in the 4-5 pound range, are common in these Jordan Lake headwaters and some anglers catch a 5 bass, 20 pound limit, on any summer outing here.
Fooling these bass, that have seen so many lure choices, would seem to be difficult. But you never know, unless you throw. Choosing many types of lures, in a days time, will eventually show them a lure, they have not seen very much or a retrieve that triggers that reflex strike.
The old standby, the worm, has fooled many of the bigger spotted bass species found here. Although these spotted bass have features such as a small mouth, they can be gluttons when it comes to soft plastics. Many anglers choose small 4-6 inch worms. But 7- 8 inch models, seem to target the bigger bass.
This oversized lure choice also goes for crayfish or lizard imitations. The bigger the offering, the bigger thebass. Around these rocks many crayfish are consumed by the bass. Lures such as jigs, with pork or plastic trailers, get the attention of bass feeding on these bottom dwelling crustaceans.
With all the evident baitfish found here in Jordan Lakes headwaters, lures that resemble shad or bream are good choices. Spinnerbaits fool a lot of these bass. Crankbaits, rattletraps and jerkbaits, are all excellent for covering a lot of water fast and getting that reflex strike from lure conscience bass.
Topwaters, such as zara spooks, baby torpedoes, spittin’ image, pop-r’s, double prop baits and buzzbaits, always generate a few anxious bass bites. Prepare for these bass. They are very strong and will test any tackle or anglers patience. Many anglers leave Jordan Lake, with just the tale of the one that got away.
You don’t have to use light line and tackle, unless you want to. Line in the 14-20 pound test category can be safely used, without breaking off any trophy sized bass. Give it a try this summer and discover the incredible spotted bass action on Jordan Lake.
Thanks and Good Fishin’
Reed Montgomery / Reeds Guide Service (205) 787-5133
Birmingham, Alabama
E-mail: alabassgyd@aol.com
Website: www.fishingalabama.com
“Over 40 Years Fishing, Guiding and Exploring every Lake in Alabama for Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Spotted Bass and some huge Striped Bass”
Originally Published (2007)
Resources:
Winter Fishing on Lake Neely Henry
Article by: Reed Montgomery - FishingAlabama.com
Neely Henry / Lower Lake
When winter arrives Neely Henry Lake goes through some major changes. December shows water
temperatures cooling into the low 50’s. The lake is also down for winter pool. By January the lake has
stabilized and unlike years past, it is only down from 1-2 feet. If lower than 1 foot, this all but eliminates any aquatic weed growth.
By mid winter most bass are relating to piers, boathouses and other wood cover, rock cover and slight bottom irregularities. Cold fronts can cool down the water into the low to mid 40’s. Warm spells that can last for a week or more, can really bring up the water temps often close to 60 degrees or more.
There is another thing to consider in winter, especially January and February. Heavy winter rains. These 2-3 days of rain can swell the lakes headwaters and muddy them up real bad for a few days. This goes for major incoming feeder creeks on Neely Henry Lake.
So plan your trip accordingly and be prepared with several back up plans, that include fishing the lakes lower end, especially when practicing for a major bass tournament. Don’t rely on just one or two spots, or rely on just a few ways of catching these bass on Neely Henry Lake. Be versatile.
Make plans to fish the mid to lower lake if rain precedes your fishing trip. This lower lake region stays clearer, has bigger feeder creeks (than upper Neely Henry Lake creeks), creeks that clear up fast after rain, and the lower lake is more dependable, than targeting the lakes headwaters during winter.
Besides the rain, you are going to be looking at a river situation (20 miles) if you fish the lakes headwaters above Gadsden City launch. Going south of Gadsden City boat launch displays a more wide open, spread out lake situation. If you fish below the Gadsden City launch you have about 30 miles of water to explore.
Neely Henry Lakes headwaters
Fishing the lakes headwaters calls for tactics that shows lots of main river targets. The narrow, river type waters, fish just like any river would. This means fishing the mouths of small creeks and pockets. Some creeks still have good water depth as you enter the mouths but most creeks in these lake headwaters play out to shallow flats, now mostly dry due to lake drawdown. Besides these creek mouths there are some places many anglers overlook when fishing the upper reaches of Neely Henry Lake.
Broken off banks fall into the water all the time due to bank erosion and constant current in these lake headwaters. These can be spots with standing timber, timber that keeps on standing, as the entire bank just slides off into whatever bank was underwater there before.
What takes place (unknown to many anglers) is a very small, timber filled island, is now very close to the bank, mostly hidden beneath the waters surface. The original bank could have dropped down right into a main river channel, or on top of a ledge, or it could have slid down deep now covering up a previously, plain looking bank.
Not only is there standing timber now in the water, from 5-15 feet deep, but plenty of washed in debris, such as brush piles, trees, logs and original stumps. All of which block the main river current and cover that can hold schools of unmolested bass in the winter. Anglers can fish the upper portion of these washed in banks, along the sides, or fish the lower ends, where most winter bass hold out of the current.
There are other places real similar, but featuring rocks instead of wood cover. Rock bluffs adorn the lakes headwaters. Outside river bend banks that are exposed to the elements, can break off and tumble down into the water. Anglers should look for slight irregularities on these miles of rocky bluff banks. For often there is no evidence of any broken off banks, unless you look real close.
Like the timbered banks that are broken off, there is hidden cover down below on these rock bluffs. Places now covered up from fallen in, washed in boulders, rocks and slab rocks. Perfect places for an entire school of both spotted bass and largemouth bass to hole up in, out of the current. As they await an easy to catch meal as it passes by.
Rock bluffs in Neely Henry Lakes headwaters, also show many other slight irregularities worth investigating. Small cuts and pockets situated within these rock bluffs provide eddy areas and places for the baitfish to escape the swift current. Great ambush spots for bass to prey on these meals too.
There are irregular bluff banks, bluff points, logjams and places where rock bluffs meet other types of banks. Not only is there plenty of visible wood and rock cover for anglers to target along these bluff banks, but places many anglers overlook, due to bank fishing.
First and secondary ledges on rock bluffs can hold schools of bass relating to deeper water or places not hammered as much as the visible bluff banks. These are ledges that can be right against the bluff banks, or the secondary ledges can be real close to the river channel, or they actually could be the main river channel drop-off.
Finding these places only means eyeing your depthfinder, studying a map, or just fishing. You can slowly probe these ledges with bottom lures, such as a very weedless Texas rigged worm. A lure that will help you feel every bit of cover down there. Wherever you intend to fish later in a bass tournament, you should always feel the bottom with lures in practice to actually know whats underwater.
Lure types for these lake headwaters vary tremendously. Warming trends show spotted bass and largemouth bass real active, often chasing down crankbaits, spinnerbaits, rattling lipless lures, a swimming jig, or attack floating and suspending jerkbaits, and even at times rise to a well placed topwater lure.
All of these lure types are lures that emit some kind of sound, flash or vibration for bass in these normally stained headwaters to home in on. Lure colors should be experimented with. Clear water calls for natural colors, white, silver and shad colors. Stained water calls for chartreuse, yellow, red, orange and other bright colors for bass to see better. Then there’s those cold fronts.
When heavy winter rains muddy up the lakes headwaters and incoming feeder creeks its hard enough to get these wintertime bass to bite. Add a cold front to that and you are fishing an anglers toughest conditions he can face…any time during the winter.
Cold, muddy water should always be avoided during the winter months. Head down the lake when these conditions take place. Do it fast. There are only so many hours in a fishing day. Don’t, “do it or die” in cold, muddy water situations, hoping for that one bite. Not when you can fish clearer water and get a lot more bites in a days time on the lakes lower end.
Be safe and always wear your life jacket and outboard motor kill switch. The life you save could be your own this winter! Dress warm and carry spare clothes. Bring along spare sandwiches, candy bars, bags of potato chips, cakes and cookies (energy food — for emergencies). Always have plenty of crackers, warm food like soup, warm drinks like coffee and hot chocolate and always have fire starting materials like dry wood or paper.
You could fall in the water on any given day and need to heat up real fast. Hypothermia kills! Be prepared for the unexpected! Its hard to start a fire on a rainy day, without good dry paper, cardboard or wooden sticks and chips for fire starting material. Bring plenty of spare clothes for each boat occupant as well.
Never leave anything to chance, be safe this winter and always let loved ones at home know where you intend to launch and on what lake. Let them know when to expect you home and always give them a cell phone number to reach you and you have theirs as well. Have ways for them to give info to others, your type of boat and color, tag numbers and vehicle type and color, all for identification purposes in emergencies.
Need help fishing Neely Henry Lake this winter? Always call on Reeds Guide Service…first! Alabama’s oldest, professional freshwater guide service, guiding on all of Alabama’s Lakes year round. Several qualified guides and boats available year round for multiple parties and corporate guided trips.
Thanks and Good Fishin’
Reed Montgomery / Reeds Guide Service (205) 787-5133
Birmingham, Alabama
E-mail: alabassgyd@aol.com
Website: www.fishingalabama.com
“Over 40 Years Fishing, Guiding and Exploring every Lake in Alabama for Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Spotted Bass and some huge Striped Bass”
Originally Published (2007)
Resources:
Fall Fishing on Lake Neely Henry
Article by: Reed Montgomery - FishingAlabama.com
Like upriver impoundment Weiss Lake, Neely Henry Lake, the second of six lakes located on the Coosa River System, suffered from the results of an extreme drought this past summer. Unseasonably low lake levels of two feet below normal, full pool existed during the 100 plus degree days of mid August. Although not as drastically down like Weiss Lake (down 5 feet in August) this still created a hazard for boaters. Normally lowered during the fall season for winter pool, Neely Henry Lake could be dropped even lower than two feet for the next six months until next spring.
Low water is not good for the lakes aquatic weeds, that usually thrive and grow thick and green during the summer months on these Coosa River Lakes. Also without the weeds, bass and the baitfish they dine on have to find other places to resident during the summer months. With very little weeds growing during these low water times, the beginning of the fall period can show both the bass and the baitfish, crayfish and other edibles hanging around wood cover, rock cover and irregular bottom features. They can really get bunched up in preferred locations.
Although Neely Henry Lake is a big lake (at over 50 miles in length), low water can still congregate both predator and prey overcrowding them around shallow water cover. This situation can increase the feeding activity of both the lakes spotted bass and largemouth bass population as waters drop and begin to cool in late September.
Neely Henry Lake Headwaters
Low water can show the lakes headwaters really concentrate these fall season bass. The lakes headwaters being considered about 25 miles of narrow river type waters situated from Gadsden City launch located right next to Hwy. 431 bridge crossing, to Weiss Lake dam tailrace waters. There are very few backwaters in the upper reaches of Neely Henry Lake, places deeper than 5 feet (especially so with the lake down a few feet) for these fish to escape the often swift current found here.
The relocation of both bass and prey such as minnows, shad, bream and crayfish, can funnel them all down to these creek mouths. This includes the mouths of small incoming streams, small cuts, pockets found along the main river and especially main river banks featuring slack water and lots of wood cover.
Also there are flats and plenty of rock bluffs for these fall bass to feed along as these seasonal waters begin to cool and winter approaches. Points leading into these river type rock bluff pockets are excellent places to fish this early fall season on into early winter using topwaters, spinnerbaits, crankbaits, worms and jig combos.
During the fall and early winter months the lake can have a sudden influx of water from heavy rains, which can stain the lakes headwaters and cause the lake level to suddenly rise. This is when anglers fishing the lakes headwaters can quickly capitalize on a shallow water bite before waters clear and drop back down.
Fishing very shallow in major feeder creeks in these lakes headwaters (as waters suddenly rise from several inches of rain), can show some really big bass coming out of the muddy river and suddenly invade the newly flooded shallows, to feed right before waters begin to drop back down and suddenly cool with the next cold front. Henley Creek and Cove Creek are the last major feeder creeks showing depths of five feet in these lake headwaters, even when the lake is down two feet. Flats in these and other creek backwaters can show lures like spinnerbaits and noisy topwaters like buzzbaits good lure choices in lightly stained waters during fall for big bass.
Neely Henry Lake Mid Lake
Leaving Gadsden City launch and heading down the lake you will notice the lake begins to widen to a more lake like appearance. Although wide open main lake flats with stumps and scattered wood debris are clearly evident, the lake is lacking in backwaters and major feeder creeks until you reach the lower lake where Canoe creek is located.
The only major creek in this mid lake area is Big Wills Creek, located on your right heading down stream about 2 miles below Gadsden City launch. It has a lot of man made rip-rap rocks found around bridges that are good fishing with shad imitations and crayfish lures. Crankbaits, rattling lipless lures and spinnerbaits are good lures fished at all depths along the rocks. Also try small finesse worms on jig heads to big worms rigged Texas style, including lizards, tube baits, crayfish imitations, creature baits and jig combos, all fished very slowly from shallow to deep water along these rocks.
Main lake flats loaded with stumps, laying trees and logs are great fall locations for numbers of spotted bass and largemouth’s. There are miles of these flats from Gadsden City launch located all the way to the mouth of Canoe creek down the lake.
Fan casting lures like shallow to mid running crankbaits, both floating and suspending hard bodied jerkbaits and rattling lipless lures like rattletraps, Cordell ratting spots and Rapala’s Rattlin’ Raps covers these flats fast and gets the anxious bass bites. After catching a few bass on these flats you should rework them with topwaters, bottom lures, spinnerbaits, floating worms and soft jerkbaits. Baitfish really gather here during the fall season and bass can often be seen schooling and busting shad on top. Always have a topwater lure rigged and ready for this fast schooling action.
Another tactic many anglers pass right by are fishing bridge pilings during the fall. Not only the three bridges located right next to the city of Gadsden that borders the lake, but Hwy. 77 bridge that crosses the lake a few miles above the mouth of Canoe Creek. Jigging spoons or fishing with small worms, jig heads with spinners or even topwaters are good lures fished right along the bridge pilings. Backing off and making long casts with lures such as deep diving crankbaits is one tactic that works really well, especially when fished along the much shallower bridge pilings near the main river banks. Keep in mind, washed in wood cover is found all along these bridge pilings. Also there is man made rip-rap rocks dumped all around each pilling at its base to prevent erosion, rocks that bass like too.
Neely Henry Lake Lower Lake
Neely Henry Lake takes on a more lake like appearance as you leave the Hwy. 77 bridge crossing and head down the lake. The mouth of the lakes biggest feeder creek Canoe creek, once displayed miles of standing timber found everywhere on the lower lake. Now those trees have been cut off far below the water line, but stumps still remain, good places for some very unmolested bass this fall season.
High spots, main lake points, some small islands and old underwater lakes and roadbeds also exist here. Plenty of piers and boat houses featuring resident planted brushplies can be easily found in this lower lake region. These piers have resident planted brush all around them and plenty of bass relating to them as well in the fall and early winter seasons. Some map study and depth finder use will reveal the hidden spots.
Other places bass inhibit during fall (that are more visible) include brushpiles. They are very visible with low water now exposing limbs and small sticks protruding out of the water. With low water this fall, watch out for shallow places, some are marked areas with PVC pipes and they are very evident.
Covering water fast and finding the more active bass always involves the use of lures that simulate shad or bream. In shallow water of less than five feet featuring clear water clarity, try smaller profile lures like shallow to mid running crankbaits, small rattletraps and small two hooked jerkbaits. Also you may try smaller topwaters and smaller spinnerbaits. These lures may be needed for finicky bass on these lower lakes fishing in and around wood and rock cover. But often smaller lures do fool the bigger more picky bass as well.
If these main lake flats, the mouths of creeks and even creek backwaters are stained from heavy rain or current is very evident, you may need to help the bass locate your lures more easily. Lures like spinnerbaits emit more flash and create more water displacement with the vibrations from the lures blades and the action and appeal from adding trailers. Spinnerbaits are excellent lures in stained to off colored water conditions during the fall. Brighter colors may be needed.
Half ounce to three quarter of an ounce rattletraps and Cordell rattling spots put out a lot of noise, flash and vibration. These lures also look like end of the season shad these bass feed on, baitfish that have grown bigger by the fall season.
Zara spooks, Zara Super Spooks, baby torpedoes, crazy shads, and Luck Craft’s Sammie topwater lures are all good for attracting those big bass bites and they look like these baitfish. Topwaters can produce some of Neely Henry’s biggest fall season bass. Heavy line is suggested for fall action on top. Noisy clacker type buzzbaits are known for big bass on Neely Henry Lake. Always include a trailer hook for short striking bass and fish buzzbaits on 17-20 pound test line.
Planning a trip to Neely Henry Lake? Always call on Reeds Guide Service…first! (205) 787-5133. The lake’s oldest professional guide service, fishing this lake and other Alabama Lakes for over 40 years. See my website: www.fishingalabama. com for more info.
Thanks and Good Fishin’
Reed Montgomery / Reeds Guide Service (205) 787-5133
Birmingham, Alabama
E-mail: alabassgyd@aol.com
Website: www.fishingalabama.com
“Over 40 Years Fishing, Guiding and Exploring every Lake in Alabama for Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Spotted Bass and some huge Striped Bass”
Originally Published (2007)
Resources:
Lake Harris (Lake Wedowee) Fall Bass Fishing
Article by: Reed Montgomery - FishingAlabama.com
Lake Harris is also called Wedowee Lake due to the nearby town of Wedowee, Al. It is situated in northeast Alabama where the Big Tallapoosa River and The Little Tallapoosa River join at mid lake about 5 miles from this small town. This is Alabama’s youngest Impoundment with R L Harris dam completed about 25 years ago. By comparison to other Alabama man made impoundments, this is not a big lake. It is only 27 nautical miles from Lake Harris dam to the lakes headwaters. But it is still a rather spread out lake with 10,660 acres of surface water.
This lake does not receive a lot of fishing pressure maybe due to the fact it is so far from a major suburb city. Although it is situated close to a small Alabama town (Wedowee), it is over 30 miles to nearby Anniston, Al. along Interstate 20 going from Birmingham to Atlanta. Nearby, Logan Martin Lake on the Coosa River System and Lake Martin situated down stream of Lake Harris on the Lower Tallapoosa River, both get a whole lot more attention from Alabama’s anglers and constant recreational use.
Lake Harris was stocked with more than 135,000 largemouth bass when impounded in 1983. Prior to impoundment there was already a good population of native largemouth bass that already existed in the waters of the big and little Tallapoosa rivers. Some big bass that were previously in small ponds, lakes and creeks. All of which was inundated when the lakes backwaters were flooded.
As the lake rose when impounded it covered up the previous homes of these bass. These rivers and small bodies of water also held other fish species including the Tallapoosa breed of spotted bass, lots of crappie, bream, minnows, crayfish and catfish. All of which when combined is the perfect recipe for creating an excellent bass fishery…much better than any angler could ever have imagined. Huge, trophy sized largemouth bass!
LAKE HARRIS IN THE PAST / HUGE, LARGEMOUTH BASS
Just five years after impoundment Lake Harris started exhibiting phenomenal catches of big, largemouth bass. Hundreds of five pound plus bass were recorded being caught by about every angler that bass fished Lake Harris in the mid-to-late 1980’s. Soon, big trophy sized largemouth bass (those exceeding that almost magical mark of 10 pounds), started showing up. Not just a few 10 pounders here and there each month, but weekly, several bass over 10 pounds were reported being caught or weighed in at nearby tackle stores. It got even better.
Bass in the “teens” became common and soon the word got out, “Lake Harris has monster bass”! Although it took almost 10 years to build this lake, it did not take half of that time before the anglers of Alabama and surrounding states started showing up. Word soon got out, not only in Alabama but throughout the south, especially when three largemouth bass of near state record (over 15 pounds) proportions were caught. Including an unfortunate bass that had obviously lived out its entire life, a huge bass exceeding 17 pounds, found deceased and floating in the lake.
It was not long before the Alabama state record bass of 16 pounds and 7 ounces became threatened. In the early 1990’s even bigger bass - those exceeding 16 pounds - were taken out Lake Harris, then 10 years since impoundment. But these, “bass of a lifetime” were only boated by the fortunate angler that was lucky / skilled enough to land such an adversary. These were huge, largemouth bass. Bass that not many anglers had ever even had the honor of doing battle with. There were many huge bass reported being lost right at boat side by panicky or just plain unprepared anglers. But like said, “all good things soon come to an end.”
LAKE HARRIS TODAY
Since the lake was impounded its been about 25 years of anglers seeing the ups and downs of a new impoundment. The locals tried to keep it a secret, but once those huge bass started appearing it was out of their hands. Today the numbers of largemouth bass exceeding 10 pounds has decreased. Often, you will hear of an angler catching one. Maybe a 13-14 pounder. But what has happened to all those bass in the “15 pound plus” weight category?
They are still there, but maybe fishing pressure and the lake going through good and bad cycles has contributed to the plain fact. Maybe even pollution. Still, Lake Harris is one of the best lakes in Alabama for fall, winter and spring trophy bass fishing and as they say, ” a young or newly impounded lake always has a sudden reoccurrence of excellent bass fishing about every 5-6 years. ” We are due.
So today, you could assume bass anglers are due again for a chance of landing a possible state record size largemouth bass. There is actually a 6 month period, from fall into the winter season and continuing on into the spring of next year, for actually hooking into the bass of a life time. Records show most really huge largemouth bass (those in the teens), are taken from January through March.
These are late winter bass to prespawn bass. Big female bass usually feeding heavily and constantly fattening up for the rituals of spawning, in the spring when they will eat very little for almost 30 days. These are catchable bass and these bass are susceptible to a whole range of lures fished in all depths on Lake Harris.
LURES FOR LAKE HARRIS BASS THIS FALL
Choosing the correct lure, fishing it in the right manner, in the right depth of water, in the right place, is the recipe for success this fall season on Lake Harris. Many variables will determine your lure choice and your fishing success. Rigging several rods with various types of lures that cover the top, middle and bottom water column will help determine where the most catchable bass are holding on each outing.
TOPWATER LURES - Its a sure bet if an angler starts out the day throwing a topwater lure (on any day) during this fall season on Lake Harris, he / she may be connect with the days biggest bass. With the lake currently down 10 feet and no weeds on the lake, you can possibly eliminate lures normally fished for their weedless qualities. Still, I have seen lures like frog and rat imitations (normally used in weedy situations), work just as well around Lake Harris wood cover and rock cover, especially during low water periods on this lake when these bass are more concentrated in a much smaller lake.
Wood cover is very evident, with standing timber, brush, stickups and stumps, all left here during impoundment, still standing today. With the lake normally down from 10-15 feet during the fall period for winter pool, it looks like you are fishing a forest. When casting your lures among all of this lure grabbing wood cover use precise casts. Topwaters like zara spooks, Sammies, pop-r’s, the spittin’ image, the poppin’ image and baby torpedoes (with dangling, wood grabbing treble hooks) should be fished with precise casts during this fall and winter period to avoid frustration or losing lures.
When the lake is down it also exposes lots of previously submerged cover. Topwaters, like just mentioned, fished out in open water get strikes from suspended bass holding out in deep water. These can be schools of spotted bass as well that have grown to trophy size bass over the past 25 years. Keep a big heavy topwater lure (like a zara super spook with 3 hooks), rigged and ready for these schools of bass can erupt at any time during the fall and early winter season.
If looking for a more weedless topwater lure try noisy clacker type buzzbaits, that feature one upturned hook. They cast long distances, are very weedless and wind resistant and buzzbaits can be made to weave through all the wood cover. Another plus is, buzzbaits attract the bigger bass bites! Always include a trailer hook and fish buzzbaits on at least 20 pound test monofilament line or 30-40 test braided line.
LURES FOR FISHING IN THE MIDDLE WATER COLUMN
These lure choices are as many as when choosing a topwater lure. But these lure choices work anytime. Like Spinnerbaits. Choosing your spinnerbaits depends on water clarity. During falls heavy rains the lakes headwaters and the incoming feeder creeks can get stained. At times the lakes mid to upper section and its feeder creeks can get downright muddy. As most anglers know when faced with this situation this is the time to fish with heavier 1/2 to 3/4 of an ounce spinnerbaits.
Those models that show brighter colors both on the spinnerbaits skirt and trailers as well are best. Spinnerbaits sporting big, oversized blades are a must, so bring along plenty of blade choices. Spinnerbaits can be retrieved right through standing timber without hanging. They are very weedless and will not hang up unless your casts are not precise and you snag a limb or tree trunk. Spinnerbaits can also be slow rolled or dropped among all this lakes standing timber, for some bass are still holding deep from the hot days of summer and early fall.
Crankbaits would be a good second choice lure, if I had to cover the middle water column where a lot of big bass just suspend during the fall and early winter period. These lures fool a lot of bass into striking, usually out of instinct and some big bass as well. Rig three rods, one with a shallow diver, one with a mid diver and another rod rigged with a deep diving crankbait. This will help you determine what depth most strikes can occur from. Colors, lure actions and the way you retrieve these crankbaits may determine whether or not you even get a bite. Experiment and try all types.
The same goes for lipless lures that sink and can be fished at all depths. I’ve seen these type of lures like Rattletraps, Vibes, Cordell spots and Rapala’s Rattlin’ Raps work very well on Lake Harris schooling bass and bass suspended in this standing timber. There are times when they prefer small to large sizes so bring plenty of 1/4 to 3/4 ounce lipless type lures.
Suspending and floating jerkbaits fall in this middle water column. Although most jerkbait models only dive less than 5 feet deep they are excellent lures for triggering bass that ignore other lures. Fished with a fast, erratic stop and go retrieve, fishing jerkbaits can show these bass follow these lures and often hit right at the boat…so be ready! Always use 14-17 pound test line on your crankbaits and jerkbaits.
LURES FISHED ON OR NEAR BOTTOM
Boy, how long of a list would this be? When choosing lures that you generally drag along the lakes bottom this fall season there are many lure choices, lure colors and various lure shapes, sizes and actions these bass may prefer. Water clarity, water depth, the time of year you are fishing and the type of cover being fished should determine your lure choice.
Also what are you wanting to catch? Lots of small bass or fish all day hoping for just one big old monster bass? The choice is up to you and yes, bigger is always better when faced with this decision. I would rather cast a big lure all day, that fills a bass’s belly fast and gets its eating interest, rather than fish a smaller offering, usually resulting in getting lots of bites, but generally from smaller bass. So here’s a few choices.
Worms - These slithering creatures have fooled a lot of bass over the last 25 years on Lake Harris. Small worms work very well especially in clear water situations or when following a cold front, when bass are more picky and usually full. Even small 4 inch finesse worms fished on light tackle outfits have fooled some big bass into striking on Lake Harris. Problem is many of these huge, tackle testing bass are not landed. The timber, rocks and bottom can damage your line nicking it and causing a big strong bass to break it. So heavier outfits are recommended.
Big worms fool the bigger bass. Worms in lengths of 10-12 inches, fished on a 4/0 to 6/0 hook with a 1/4 ounce to 1/2 ounce Texas rigged sinker have fooled a lot of trophy sized bass on this lake. They still work today. Always sharpen all hooks and bring plenty of worms, hooks and sinkers. Lizards, tube baits, creature baits and jig combos come in small and large sizes and they fool these bass on bottom this fall season on Lake Harris.
Looking for a real, trophy sized bass this fall and winter season? Always call on Reeds Guide Service…first! ” Fishing, guiding and exploring all of Alabama’s lakes for over 40 years,” including Lake Harris, since it was impounded. Remember, a guided fishing trip with Reeds Guide Service makes a great gift for Birthdays, Fathers day and Christmas (certificates available), for those loved ones that love to fish. Several qualified guides and boats available year round for multiple parties and corporate guided trips. See my website: www.fishingalabama.com
Thanks and Good Fishin’
Reed Montgomery / Reeds Guide Service (205) 787-5133
Birmingham, Alabama
E-mail: alabassgyd@aol.com
Website: www.fishingalabama.com
“Over 40 Years Fishing, Guiding and Exploring every Lake in Alabama for Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Spotted Bass and some huge Striped Bass”
Originally Published (2007)
Resources:
Summer Fishing on Lay Lake
Article by: Reed Montgomery - FishingAlabama.com
It was in the late 60’s when I first wet a hook, on Alabama’s Lay Lake. Unknown to me at the time, the lake had just been re-impounded in the early 60’s, raising the lakes water level another 16 feet. Stick ups, standing timer and hundreds of precut stumprows, were left for fish-holding cover, as the lake rose and the bass invaded the newly flooded shallows.
Ironically, fishing for bass on Lay Lake, is just as good today as it was back then, over 30 years ago. I’ve acquired a wealth of knowledge fishing this lake, guiding clients from all over the world, for over thirty years. I’ve won dozens of major bass tournaments and pocketed many a check, from Lay Lake’s weed-infested waters.
During any trip fishing on Lay Lake, I’ve always enjoyed the chase for the ever-elusive antic’s, of Lay Lake’s Largemouth Bass. I’ve also had my share of, heart-shaking experience, doing battle with the mighty, Coosa River Spotted Bass. Which most avid anglers will agree, is second to none.
Late summer is a very trying time for all anglers. Even those with years of experience. Whether its just fishing, or competing in a bass tournament, Lay Lakes late summer doldrums, can throw you a curve ball. Even the most experienced anglers of Lay Lake, struggle during these times.
There are too many variables, that change from day to day, that reposition the bass (particularly individual largemouth bass), living in and among the weeds. This goes for the spotted bass to, often labeled, “here today gone tomorrow bass.”
Knowing where to fish, when to be there, what to throw, how to present each individual offering, in an enticing manner, is what it takes to get quality bites on Lay Lake. This especially holds true when the temperatures reach their peak, during the late August early September period.
Where to fish? Boy, what are some “guides” thinking? Telling every reader (on this Lake, or any Lake report), one or two particular spots, and what they caught em’ on, does no one any good. Especially when hundreds of determined anglers, later converge on one very small spot, or a certain, confined area of the Lake, hoping for the exact same results, as the writer had.
But suggesting what to look for (many areas with similar characteristics), can narrow it down and spread out the choices, for the hundreds of readers, that depend on these reports for fishing information. Not because, experienced guides like myself want to keep “Honey Holes” all to their selves. If you are an experienced guide, and have fished long enough, this should never be a problem.
The Largemouth’s on Lay Lake can be hard to pinpoint on any given trip. In past summer season’s, anglers that probe deep within the many miles of Lay’s weedy banks, have had phenomenal success. They return next summer, but often bomb out.
Things change. Last year, the almost unbearable scorching summer sun climbed, midday temperatures were close to the 100 degree mark. Many anglers simply went night fishing or hung up their rods to watch sports on Television, in the cool air condition.
But for some determined anglers, that braved the heat, many surprisingly found the shallow water bass of Lay cooperated. Most anglers that knew, kept the shallow water bite all to themselves. Even during those low, 90 degree water temperatures, bass were caught in less than two feet of very shady water, on a variety of lures from top to bottom.
During the late summer period, bass have become conditioned to the heat, most adapt very well on Lay Lake. This is when shade, current, cooler water and thick, green, matted weeds all play a huge role, in where to fish. Shade, means looking for spots that bass can hide in security, without the bright, summer sun giving away their location.
This can be wood, weed or rock cover. Piers, boat houses, marinas, bridges, over hanging trees or bushes, and of course thick weeds, all offer shade. Shady banks can be found all along the main river, or far up in the many dozens of tributaries, Lay Lake has to offer.
These shady spots provide security and are often many degrees cooler than surrounding waters. Hot summer days, mean timing your fishing location, as the sun gets higher. For your comfort and a much better chance at catching more active bass. This pattern, can show bass biting on the Lakes eastern side, early to late mornings, and from midday to late evenings, on the Lakes western side.
Shade, combined with current, and weedy areas that provide lots of oxygenated water, is an excellent choice for finding big bass, and big schools of bass, both largemouth’s and spotted bass. During water generation, main lake weedy points, provide all of these comfortable requirements.
The same goes for the mouths of creeks, small cuts and pockets and the upper and lower ends of islands. These same places can have stumps, standing timber, lay down trees and brush piles. Wood cover, that provides excellent ambush spots, just out of the current.
Rocks, boulders and bluff-type banks, are all excellent places to find schools of bass, all summer long. By late summer, these places have become regular stop-off spots for cruising bass, or huge schools of bass seeking refuge from the swift current, during water generation.
Lay Lake has these rocky features from one end of the lake, to the lakes headwaters. Water generation plays a huge roll during summer. Bass are very active, even during hot, midday fishing trips, as long as there is water generation.
Along rock bluffs there are many features that attract both the baitfish and bass during these times of moving water. Points extruding out from rock bluffs, always deserve a few casts. Baitfish seek the shelter of eddy areas, out of the current on these points.
Fan casting these bluff points, with lures such as crankbaits, suspending jerkbaits, rattletraps and spinnerbaits, simulate the baitfish they feed on here. Fast, erratic, stop-and-go retrieves, with these lures, trigger more strikes than a slow, steady retrieve.
Even when there is no evident current, bass holding on these bluff points cruise the scattered boulders, rocks and irregular bottom features, looking for easy-to-catch meals. This is when lures, such as deep divers, Texas and Carolina-rigged worms, lizards and crayfish imitations, Jig combos and tube baits, retrieved on or near the bottom, are good choices.
Thanks and Good Fishin’
Reed Montgomery / Reeds Guide Service (205) 787-5133
Birmingham, Alabama
E-mail: alabassgyd@aol.com
Website: www.fishingalabama.com
“Over 40 Years Fishing, Guiding and Exploring every Lake in Alabama for Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Spotted Bass and some huge Striped Bass”
Originally Published (2006)
Resources:
