Alabama - Lake Guntersville

      

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Back in the 80's, Lake Guntersville got all BASS attention. It is an impoundment of the Tennessee River built back in 1939. The 69,100 acre reservoir has exotic vegetation milfoil that appeared back in the mid-70's.

Hydrilla, and other fast growing vegetation started showing up in 1982 and that helped revitalize the lake's entire chain of aquatic life. Now with the aquatic life sprouting, it also helped the reputation for growing some mighty big bass.

Lake Guntersville set some all time bass catching records. Normally when you go; expect to catch a limit of Bass Hogs. In 1996, reports of 8, 9 and 10 pound bass were reported. There were some reports that 11 and 12 pounders had been caught.

Although it is home to a dependable year round fishery, Prime times to visit this reservoir are late March through May as well as September through November. The Spring months usually produce the largest bass of the year, because of the big pre-spawn females loaded with eggs. They will make their way to the grass or the shallow Flats.

If you want to catch them on the bed and Mother Nature does not mess with us too much, March thru May are the prime months to get that Bass Hog on a tube, Floating worm, lipless crankbaits(Rat-L-Trap), spinner baits, and of course Jigs.

If you are after the top water bite, I recommend September thru November for the best heart stopping top water bite. Use a Buzzbait, Kicker Fish Bait Company Xplodin Toad, or Plastic Rat on the edge of the milfoil.

The best patterns are from pre-spawn through post spawn. The bass will relate to flats and shallow water in the coves. Fish the lipless crankbait, buzzbaits, and spinnerbaits along the edges of milfoil beds growing along the river and creek channels. Don't forget about flipping a worm in the open pockets in the grass and this will go on all summer. Once the water starts to drop back down to 45 degrees; I would think about using jig, grub, or a tube again.

Lake Guntersville is located between Jackson and Marshall counties in the northeastern part of Alabama. They have said this lake is on the return. If you want to get in on some big bass hogs, contact Alabama Mountain Lakes Tourist Association at P.O. Box 1075, Mooresville Alabama 35649 or the Alabama State Park, 1155 Lodge Dr., Guntersville Alabama 35976.

I highly recommend getting a guide the first day or even for half a day. This is a large lake to have to decide where you are going to fish in a short amount of time if you are there just for the weekend.

Keep the Hooks Wet!

Steve McGoldrick