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:
Summer Fishing on Guntersville Lake
Article by: Reed Montgomery - FishingAlabama.com
LOWER LAKE
Anglers that choose to fish Guntersville’s lower lake region this summer will find plenty of company. But there is refuge, away from the maddening crowd, if exploring small tributaries is in the game plan. You can catch plenty of the lakes very healthy largemouth bass, in a variety of ways, both on the main lake and in the creeks, with a little patience.
Honeycomb Creek, Brown’s Creek, Spring Creek and Town Creek, all wind far back in the scenic woods. All of these major tributaries offer rock bluffs, man made piers and boat houses, milfoil and hydrilla aquatic weeds, stumps, trees, brush and bottom irregularities.
These creeks are all “summertime haunts” of the lakes big bass population. A variety of fishing situations exists, for the versatile angler to explore. Cool, shady spots that can hold huge schools of bass, away from the recreational crowd, that constantly disturbs the main lake waters, can be found here.
There are many locations, where an angler can fool lots of bass (even some trophies in the 10 pound range or better), on the lakes lower end. Fishing can be in seclusion, at least for a few hours, if getting on the water at dawn, fishing late in the evening, or when night fishing. On the main lake, the choices are many, for summertime fishing.
Deep rock bluffs, river ledges and deep drop-offs, small, visible islands and many hidden, submerged humps, bars and ridges, including a series of main lake flats can be found here. All loaded with fish holding cover and all, that harbor huge schools of bass, when temperatures soar.
Bass spend their entire summer feeding along these main lake features and most, often go unmolested by the bank beating anglers, throughout the summer months.
MID LAKE
As mentioned, when fishing the lakes lower end, you will find hoards of water vessels, to keep you company throughout the summer months, on this very recreational lake. From Town Creek (on the lakes Eastern side) to the very popular North Sauty Creek, (on the West side of the lake), the lake continues to show a wide, lake-like appearance.
From here (Just above North Sauty Creek) northward to the lakes headwaters, the lake narrows to a more river-type situation.
But, like the lakes lower end, there still remains loads of cover for anglers to probe (both day and night), on this massive lake. Heading upriver, after going under Hwy. 79 bridge that spans the lakes lower end, you will encounter four major feeder creeks. These tributaries are all found on your right, as you navigate upstream. They are easily found on a map of the lake, situated on the Eastern side of the lake.
These creeks all offer loads of bass holding cover, shade, and often a little seclusion during the summer months. Spring Creek has several bridges, all loaded with fish holding, man made, rip-rap rocks. This includes weeds, boat houses, piers and a marina, all with fish holding shade. You will see plenty of barges tied up as you leave Spring Creek and head upriver into a small tributary, Short Creek. It too, has a bridge that spans the creek, good for day and night fishing.
Town Creek, found just above Short Creek, is bigger and will obviously be holding more fish. It also has loads of submerged humps and a winding creek channel in the mouth, and plenty of weeds, rocks and wood cover, including shallow to deep water access, up in the creek. All for bass to relate to throughout the hot, summer months.
Continuing north, anglers can see a huge main lake flat loaded with weeds, laying logs and trees, small islands and the mouth of South Sauty Creek. Just above here, the lake will begin to narrow as you head north toward the lakes headwaters. But still, the lake displays some pretty impressive creeks and smaller cuts and pockets to explore.
At the lakes mid section, heading upriver (after going under Hwy. 79 bridge), you will see the lake make a hard bend to the left. This is on the Western side of the lake, across from Town Creek and as you head upriver. Here, you will notice small cuts, pockets and creeks.
Siebold Branch is very noticeable, with red and green river channel buoys and power lines, crossing the mouth. It also has a few islands to explore. Like all the pockets and creeks on this western side of the midlake region, it is crossed in the far back end by Hwy. 79, that runs north, parallel to the lake.
Piers, boat houses, rip-rap lined causeways and weedy, scummy flats (with thick, millfoil and hydrilla weeds) all adorn these small, midlake pockets, including smaller creeks found here, like Preston Creek and Mink Creek.
The much bigger, North Sauty Creek, home of many bass tournaments held out of Goosepond Boat Launch, shows excellent bass fishing habitat during the summer months. There are hundreds of bass released here during tournaments held weekly, year round. Several bridges, all lined with rip-rap rocks, including loads of weedy flats and stumpy backwaters, all offer comfortable surroundings for these released bass to relate to.
UPPER LAKE
If getting away from the crowd is in mind, then exploring the lakes headwaters can be an all summer affair. From North Sauty Creek to the lakes headwaters (just below Nick a Jack Dam) anglers have over 40 miles of main lake flats, creek mouths, islands and ledges and drop-offs, to fish.
A summertime bonus on any lake, can be found in these lake headwaters. You will usually have less company, unlike when fishing the mid to lower lake region, when targeting fish in the upper lake region. Although the main lake offers plenty of fish holding cover, there are still many creek backwaters to explore here.
Heading upriver, just before going under Comer bridge (Hwy.35) that crosses the lake, are actually two creeks, that join together in the scenic backwaters. Roseberry Creek and Dry Creek are mostly hidden from view of the main lake, but both offer miles of fish holding cover.
Also Town Creek (the lake has two creeks named Town Creek), Mud Creek and Crow Creek, all that are crossed in the mid creek region by Hwy. 72. Bridges on this western side of the lake, up in these major feeder creeks, offer shade and lots of bass producing rip-rap rocks for bass to relate to in the summer. They are also excellent at night for fishing around well lighted areas.
The lakes headwaters, situated below NickaJack dam, like any Tennessee River impoundment, offers a variety of fish species to target. While fishing the swift water found here, in the dam tailrace area, anglers can catch bass of all species. Here, fish find seclusion in the much cooler, oxygenated waters. There is plenty to eat, with the baitfish holding waters found in Guntersville Lakes headwaters, in the upper lake region.
Explore massive Guntersville Lake this summer. Or call Reeds Guide Service (205) 787-5133 to see how. “Over 40 Years Fishing Guntersville Lake and all other Alabama Lakes”
*Note: To see more on fishing Guntersville Lake this summer, including fishing tips and lure suggestions, for both day and night fishing on Guntersville Lake, go to: www.FISHINGALABAMA.com and click on the “fishing
tips” link.
Originally Published (2007)
Resources:
Summer Fishing on Lake Neely Henry
Article by: Reed Montgomery - FishingAlabama.com
LOWER LAKE
Many anglers have had trouble navigating the lower end of Neely Henry Lake for years. That is, until the water authorities cleared out the standing timber years ago and navigation, became a matter of just following the newly marked channel.
Today, the only hazard to look for when running the lake’s lower end for the first time, are floating logs, and other boaters or jet skies, and you will see plenty of the “livelier” of this threesome, when out this summer. Especially from the mid-to-lower lake.
Starting at the lakes lower end, around Neely Henry dam, it is basically a straight shot right up the lake. Almost. This run, due north, is bordered by small cuts and pockets and many, major feeder creeks, situated along deep, river bends. The first feeder creek is on your left as you navigate up the lake, Bridge Creek. Then a small pocket and next is Shoal Creek, all on your left, heading North, up the Lake.
On your right, traveling the first few miles up the lake from the dam, are only a few small pockets and lots of deep water, bordering rocky, bluff-type banks. The next bend to your right, will lead you due East, right into the mouth of several pockets lined with piers and boat houses, all on the Eastern side of the lower lake.
There are also several marinas in the back of these adjoined pockets, with Hwy. 77. Crossing along a rip-rap lined causeway. *Note: Many bass are released in this area, all throughout the summer months in both day and night tournaments, held out of the marinas found here.
As the old river channel swings again and leaves this area, it makes another sharp bend and borders the mouth of Beaver Creek, loaded with fish-holding cover of all kinds. Weeds, stumps, brush piles, points, lay downs, piers, boat houses and rock bluffs, show the versatile angler many choices this summer in Beaver Creek.
A mile past Beaver Creek, heading up the lake, and the huge pocket on your right (about one mile) is actually named Greens Creek. Although it only goes for a short distance from the main lake, there are lots of piers, a marina, and Hwy. 77 that crosses the back of Greens Creek, with a rip-rap lined causeway.
MID LAKE
As you travel up the lake you will begin to notice how wide it gets in the next bend, in the mouth of Canoe Creek. Many anglers without a map or navigation knowledge, get lost here. Looking to your left is Canoe Creek, the biggest feeder creek on the lake, taking a right, at this creek and main lake junction, will continue you North to the lake’s upper section.
Red and green creek channel markers will safely take you up in Canoe Creek, to a bridge. Then go slow in the creek backwaters. Or you can follow the River channel markers in this area, but navigate with caution, when leaving the main channel. This is where all the standing timber was in year’s past, before they cut it 5 feet below the water line. But still, stumps are all along the flats bordering this area.
The lake straightens out and again begins to head North as you leave Canoe Creek and its make another sharp bend north. Leaving Canoe Creek and going straight across the lake due East, will take you up in a smaller feeder named, Broughton Springs Creek. This small, unnoticed creek, has plenty of piers, boat houses, weed beds, and laydown trees, plus stump flats and plenty of brush-filled side pockets, to explore this summer.
Traveling up the lake, you will see a few small islands, most of which are on your right. This is a stumpy flat along the shallow side of the main lake and good for fishing day or night. Navigation is marked along the left side of the lake with channel markers for about 5 miles. Just before you get to Hwy. 77 bridge that crosses the lake, is Buck’s Island Marina with boat repairs and parts. Also other marinas and gas can be found here in this mid lake region, before continuing to the upper lake.
UPPER LAKE
Leaving Hwy. 77 crossing at midlake, and heading upriver, you will immediately notice the lake will begin to narrow, to more of a river-type appearance. There are several weed and wood cover laden pockets to explore here, and loads of main lake flats, all covered with washed-in trees, laying logs, brush and other wood debris. Navigating the middle of the lake, is suggested.
This midlake region, like the lower lake, will also show lots of company this summer, from the hoards of summertime party goers. About 5-6 miles above Hwy. 77 bridge crossing, the lake will again make another sharp, hard bend heading due north. This is know as Minnesota Bend, the deepest part of this upper lake region, with water depths over 70 feet deep.
Just past this deep, rock bluff Minnesota Bend, heading upriver, on your right about a mile, is Honey Creek. Its easily identified with a small island situated right in the mouth. This is a flat, backwater creek.
Continuing on up the lake, will show a few islands, another river bend, and then a bridge that crosses the lake. This is just after you go past some electrical towers in the mouth of Big Wills Creek. Of which is an excellent creek in this upper lake region, for both day or night fishing this summer.
Big Wills Creek has lots of rip-rap rocks found around two bridges, near the creek mouth. But use caution, after going under the first Big Wills Creek bridge. It is deceiving, looking deep, but with only a few feet of shallow, stump-fillled flats. Idling the boat is suggested here.
Right past Big Wills Creek mouth, heading upriver, is Hwy. 759 bridge crossing. Then on your right is famous, Gadsden City Boat Launch, where many bass tournaments are held weekly, year round. Again, many released bass, can be re-caught, when working this area near the city launch.
Leaving Gadsden City launch and heading upriver (where the lake is crossed by two bridges), the Lake narrows to a more river-type appearance. Neely Henry Lake, then continues North, twisting and turning among the scenic hillsides, for another 30 plus miles of River.
You will see rock bluffs, logjams, laydown trees, small islands, another bridge crossing and many small pockets and creek mouths, to explore this summer in the headwaters of Neely Henry Lake, often far from the summer crowd.
“Be safe, and be courteous to other boaters, this Summer on Neely Henry
Lake.”
*To learn more about Neely Henry Lake, including seasonal fishing tips and lure suggestions, go to: www.fishingalabama.comfor more on fishing and navigating this lake and other Alabama Lakes this summer.
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:
Logan Martin Lake Summer Fishing
Article by: Reed Montgomery - FishingAlabama.com
Summer / Current and Shade
Hot Summer’s, mean searching for cool water. Logan Martin is currently showing water temperatures approaching 90 degrees. Finding bass in shallow water during the hot, mid 90 degree heat, is unheard of with most daytime anglers. But they do exist.
Some bass cruise the shallows during early morning light. To the angler wanting to get in on some topwater shallow water action, getting there early has its rewards. This means launching the boat, 30 minutes prior to sunup, and being on your favorite spot at the first light of day.
Topwater lures are first on my list and the first cast I would make each day. These bass are very active at dawn and can be enticed to explode on a well maneuvered topwater lure. This is also the time when the shallows are the coolest and when the bigger bass species feed heavily.
Choosing the correct spot to start your day includes looking for many variables. First on your list of priorities is look for an abundance of baitfish in places where bass can bunch up and feed. This is essential to schools of fish being in any particular spot.
During the summer, schools of bass bunch up on key locations or they follow schools of baitfish, often for weeks at a time, in their never ending search for something to eat. If there is evidence of baitfish, or you see bass busting shad schools, then your fishing the right location. The next issue is where? On Logan Martin Lake this question is pondered by many anglers each and every week.
First of all, find some dependable spots and they can produce all summer. This can be main lake flats, points, islands, creeks, small cuts and pockets or even around piers, boat houses and marinas. Fishing in or very near deep water is the key.
The reason being, schools of baitfish are forced out of the main lake current and seek refuge in these spots, usually holding out of the main lake current, in eddy areas. These are the shallows that you target at first light.
Water generation, cloudy days or the obvious appearance of several schools of baitfish, can extend this feeding period in the shallows on into late morning feeding sprees. Often inducing huge schools of bass to erupt on hapless prey in open water or in the shallows, near deep water.
Cooler water can be found and this will always have bass in much more active mood. Feeder creeks on Logan Martin can have water temperatures as much as 10 degrees cooler than other locations. Many creeks are spring fed and make ideal spots to fish throughout the summer.
Piers and boat houses display a lot of shade. Not only is it cooler beneath these man made structures, but they also make great ambush areas for largemouth and spotted bass.
Several bridges span the creeks and main lake. Fishing beneath these concrete structures is popular for crappie. Unknown to many anglers there are schools of bass that visit these spots regularly.
These bridge bass can be holding along pilings or found cruising the rip-rap rocks found lining the banks. When water is used to generate electricity at the dam, these spots are very good. The current created is funneled down to a smaller area where these bridges span the lake. Here the baitfish are sucked through the small passage and the bass are there feeding heavily on the passer-bys.
More shade can be found lakewide by choosing either the East side of the lake from dawn until about midday. Or an angler can fish the Western banks, that produce more shade as the day lingers on.
Checking water generation schedules can put an angler on the right place at the right time. Call 1-800-lakes-11. When the recording comes on, choose the number four on your phone. This takes you to the Coosa River Chain of Lakes.
You then have the option of getting lake levels (by choosing the number one) or water generation schedules. Press number two, to get the water generation schedule for upriver Neely Henry Lake Dam. It is also important to know what the schedule is for downriver Logan Martin Lake dam. Whether the water is on at either of these dams, creates current in the lake and creeks and this forces baitfish and bass to choose new locations.
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:
Pickwick Lake Summer Fishing
Article by: Reed Montgomery - FishingAlabama.com
LOWER LAKE
If you have never fished the lower end of Pickwick Lake, you may be surprised. Most anglers that visit this Tennessee River Impoundment in North Alabama, never venture far from the lakes headwaters. Starting at the lower lake dam there is plenty of cover and bottom irregularities for anglers to target and for bass of all species to relate to.
Bear Creek, the largest feeder creek on the lakes lower end, does show excellent smallmouth habitat, with deep rock bluffs, small pebble points, humps and ridges, including many deep river ledges and drop-offs found here. Largemouth bass can be caught in this huge creek, from the creek mouth to the shallow stump flats in the creeks headwaters. Weedbeds, piers, boat houses and a winding feeder creek loaded with wood cover, produce quality largemouth bass throughout the summer months. Even a few spotted bass can be found, often mixed right in with other bass species.
Second Creek near the lakes lower dam is also a good creek for day or night fishing this summer. Rock bluffs, rocky boulder-strewn banks, piers, boat houses, a bridge surrounded with rip-rap rocks, and weedy, stump-filled flats all show a variety of cover situations. Although the lake is deep on this lower end and quite featureless, fish will relate to slight irregularities found along the main lake. Small pockets, cuts, and broken off banks, are excellent choices for fishing day or night, throughout the summer months. From Pickwick dam to Natchez Trace Parkway bridge, there are many places to explore this summer, on the lakes lower end.
MID LAKE
Before you travel up (or down) this lake, study a map. You will immediately notice Koger Island, just above Natchez Trace Bridge. It is an excellent place to fish when water is being generated. You will also notice the lack of creeks in this midlake region, although over a dozen “small Branches” do exist. Only a few major feeder creeks in this mid lake area are worth investigating this summer. Mulberry Creek, Horseshoe Bend Creek, Dry Creek and Little Bear Creek, do have water depths deeper than 10 feet, and all of these feeders hold a good concentration of bass, most are seeking the shade and cooler current found in these creeks.
There is an abundance of visible and submerged islands, rock bluffs, underwater ridges and bars, and plenty of creek mouths and rock piles (actually old Indian Mounds) in this mid lake region. Some map study and the use of your electronics, will aid an angler in discovering these hidden hotspots. Smallmouth bass are known to inhibit these mid lake waters, feeding on washed in meals, brought to them by the strong current of the Tennessee River System. Striped bass and hybrid striped bass are also found in these rocky drop-offs. The largemouth bass prefer the more slack water areas and can be found in the creek mouths, far up in the creeks or along wood and rock cover found on the main lake, generally out of the swift current.
UPPER LAKE
Most anglers that have fished Pickwick Lake, have found the lakes headwaters to hold a variety of fish species. Some anglers never fish any further than 3-4 miles from the lakes headwaters, below upper Wilson Lake dam, featuring swift, tailrace waters. This is smallmouth country and many huge smallmouth bass in the trophy category, are caught from these swift, tailrace waters each season. As when fishing below any dam, it is mandatory all boat occupants wear a life jacket when fishing or navigating within 800 yards of the dam. With hot, 90 degree plus days now at hand, many anglers fish at night in these lake headwaters, to avoid the daytime crowds and to beat the heat.
There are also many other places to explore, when the fish are not biting at the dam. A canal, right beside the dam, lined with miles of rip-rap rocks, shows smallmouth bass, largemouth bass, spotted bass and striped bass, gathering here throughout the summer months. This canal leads upriver to a Lock, where barges and huge boats are allowed to lock through the dam. Fish feed along the rip-rap rocks, found on both sides of this canal, when water is being released through the lock.
Just above the Mc Farland Park public boat launch (near the town of Florence) is a bridge, and further upstream about 1-2 miles, within site of the dam, is another bridge. These bridge pilings hold fish of all species year round, feeding and holding out of the swift current found here. Three to four miles below the public launch is a series of mid lake islands. Seven Mile Island, the biggest of all, is sitting right in the middle of the lake. Swift, main lake current splits here and joins several other rocky islands in this deep river bend. There are also many backwaters to explore, including Coffee Slough, hidden from view on the lakes Northern shores. Little Cypress Creek, right below McFarland Park public boat launch, winds far back in the hill sides, and holds a good concentration of bass and stripers, especially in the creek mouth during water generation or when evident current is visible.
Explore the 50 plus miles of water on Pickwick Lake this summer and discover some new fishing holes of your own. Or call Reeds Guide Service (205) 787-5133 and see how to fish this huge lake day or night. “Over 40 Years Fishing Pickwick Lake and other Alabama Lakes for Bass and Stripers”
NOTE* See My Website: www.FISHINGALABAMA.com Just click on the “fishing tips” link for updated
summertime fishing tips and lure suggestions, for both day and night fishing, on Pickwick Lake (and other
Alabama Lakes) this summer.
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:
Wheeler Lake Summer Fishing
Article by: Reed Montgomery - FishingAlabama.com
As summer progresses there are many ways to fool the largemouth bass and smallmouth bass that make up this huge, man made impoundment on the Tennessee River System. Many anglers resort to night fishing on Wheeler Lake during the summer period.
To beat the heat (that can reach 100 degrees by midday), anglers may launch the boat late in the evening and fish all night, until it begins to warm at mid morning the next day. Others just fish until the midnight hours and head for home early to get a few hours sleep. Either way, night fishing can be very relaxing and often very rewarding, in terms of trophy bass.
Some anglers are forced to fish during the daylight hours and they must adjust to the heat just like the bass they are after. Like marathon night fishing, some anglers will stay out all day and brave the midday heat in search of their ever elusive bass quarry, despite the grueling conditions. Old timers or seasoned anglers usually time their trips accordingly and fish only during the early morning hours or during late evening hours.
Despite your choice (of fishing during the daylight hours or under the stars at night), the summer months of June, July and August have got to include plans for both types of fishing. So heres some tips for anglers that do a little of both day and night fishing on Alabama’s second largest impoundment, Wheeler Lake.
Largemouth bass and smallmouth bass do feed during the daylight hours throughout Wheeler Lake. They also feed at night. From the lakes headwaters (situated just below Guntersville Lake dam), to over 50 miles south at midlake where the Interstate 65 crosses the lake are good places to fish all summer. The lakes lower end fed by the incoming Elk River and major incoming feeder creeks, displays all types of shallow to deep water habitats these bass occupy all summer long.
Wheeler Lakes Headwaters - The upper end of Wheeler Lake is more of a river type situation and the incoming feeder creeks and the lakes headwaters (below Guntersville Lake dam) supply fresh, cool incoming water, which creates current and oxygen. Constant barge traffic in these lake headwaters also keeps the water moving and the dam opening and closing all day creates lots of current. Creek mouths, and the mouths of small cuts and pockets, are excellent places to fish this summer with crankbaits, spinnerbaits and lures fished on bottom.
Wheeler Lakes mid-Lake - Two bridges cross the lake at its mid section and just below here is the millfoil and hydrilla infested, Decatur Flats. Incoming feeder creeks and loads of piers, boat houses and a few marinas that show shade seeking bass plenty of places to occupy this summer.
Wheeler Lakes Lower End - The incoming Elk River winds for miles throughout the scenic hillsides. It includes many bridges, loads of rock bluffs and a twisting, winding river channel, that creates log jams on every flat and bend.
Piers, boat houses and a few incoming creeks show the Elk River an all day excursion when exploring this major source of incoming water. There is always plenty of evident prey and loads of nutrients in the Elk River. Use caution when navigating during both day and night. There are always a few logs floating down the Elk River in the summer.
There is also Spring Creek across from the Elk River and First Creek and Second Creek near the dam on the Lakes lower end. Bridges lined with man made rip-rap rocks and major creek and river channel flats, bluffs and drop-offs hold schools of bass all summer long in this lower lake region.
There is also plenty for these bass to dine on all summer long throughout Wheeler Lake and many of these prey are found in these lake headwaters, mid lake and the lakes lower end. With many choices for the bass to consider.
Incoming meals like threadfin shad and gizzard shad baitfish, all sizes of minnows, a variety of bream, sunfish, small rock bass and other small baitfish are consumed daily. Lures that mimic baitfish like crankbaits, rattletraps and both floating and suspending jerkbaits are good choices this summer.
This lengthy list of summertime favorites these bass consume includes both small and large crayfish, all types of insects like bees, wasps or dragon flies and even frogs, small mice, small snakes, worms, eels and lizards. All of which are found in and around these places lake wide this summer.
There are spots that Wheeler Lake bass inhibit all summer. Places like around wood cover such as stumps, brush piles, laying trees and man made wood cover. This includes rocks and boulders and in and around all types of aquatic weeds. These are all dependable places to return to as conditions stabilize each week and more and more schools of both predator and prey move in.
Everything these bass need for survival (when the temperature soars and they are seeking these comforts each day or night) while feeding on what ever comes their way, gets down to what lures you can use to fool them into striking your offerings this summer.
Some anglers fish shallow, some fish deep. Versatile anglers do both during the summer months. Shallow bass are feeding bass and during the daylight hours or late evenings on Wheeler Lake this tactic always calls for including a few topwaters in your list of tempting offerings.
This can mean the use of weedless lures fishing right up in the many types of aquatic weeds Wheeler Lake has to offer. Around millfoil, hydrilla and Lilly pads try buzzbaits, frogs and rats, weedless spoons, spinnerbaits and both floating worms and soft jerkbaits. These lures are among many anglers favorites.
These many types of weedless lures are necessary (for less frustration), when targeting thick weeds and fishing with weedless lures helps avoid hanging or losing costly lures. The use of weedless lures always increases your chance for more catching and fooling these bass into striking your lures as well.
At early morning light topwaters fished along flats, rip-rap rocks and around other wood, weed and rock cover, can include a lengthy list of the not so weedless type topwaters, usually featuring one or more treble hooks. Walking type topwaters like zara spooks, Sammie’s and other cigar shaped topwaters, are deadly on both largemouth bass and smallmouth bass at dawn, late evenings or during cloudy, rainy periods. Also day or night try pop-r’s, prop baits and an old favorite, the jitterbug.
Fishing at night on Wheeler Lake can include using the same lures you use during the day. But most nighttime anglers stick with topwaters, spinnerbaits and lures fished on bottom like plastics rigged on a jig head, Texas rigged or Carolina rigged plastic lures, tube baits, creature baits and jig combos.
Whether you fish during the day or night, Wheeler Lake has both types of fishing to offer this summer. Be safe and always include your life jacket and outboard motor kill switch when boating this summer. Fishing Licenses, boat registration papers, up to date boat stickers and items such as a throw cushion, a fully charged fire extinguisher and life jackets for each boat occupant will be checked by the water patrol.
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”
