Wilson Lake
TENNESSEE RIVER SYSTEM

By Reed Montgomery
Reeds Guide Service (205) 787-5133
Website: www.FISHINGALABAMA.com

Wilson Lake Impounded 1925
North Alabama
Lake level: down (winter pool) 1-3 foot - Varies w/rain

Spring Fishing Lake Wilson

This small lake situated below Wheeler dam has set many freshwater fishing records. One being the world record smallmouth bass weighing 10 pounds 8 ounces. Caught in 1950, this record held up for many years. Although small in comparison to upper Wheeler Lake and Lower Pickwick Lake, this 15,930 acre "pond" has many smallmouth and largemouth trophysized bass, caught each Spring, from dam to dam.

Wilson Lake in March
Lacking in numbers of small feeder creeks, Wilson Lake makes up for its diminutive size with many places to fish in March. This lake has many rock bluffs made up of small pockets, brokenoff banks, unseen underwater features and exposed points for staging bass to gather on. Below upper Wheeler dam at the lakes headwaters is an all day fishing hole for smallmouth, largemouth, spotted bass, striped bass, hybridstriped bass and schooling white bass.

Generally, fishing with live bait, is the rule for bass of all species. Most anglers gather bait below the dam and drift in the current below the discharge area. Lures do take a lot of these currentoriented, hardfighting bass, and choosing the correct model, for each fishing situation, can often show how, to out fish the live bait.

Schooling bass are common during the Spring below Wheeler dam. Topwater lures, that are heavy and can be cast some distance, will take fish that other anglers can't reach. Big Zara Super Spooks, the new Super Popr, Baby Torpedoes, Crazy Shads, the Spittin' Image, Devils Horse's and other topwaters old and new, are all good choices when targeting these schooling bass. Drifting in the current with bottombumping lures such as worms, lizards, crayfish imitations and jig combos, can be deadly on these BIG Bass. Drifting while jigging lead tailspinners, jigging spoons, grubs, shad imitations and small finesse lures, is always productive. Bring plenty of lures and weights, for the swift current calls for many hangups on the rough bottom below these dams.

Wilson Lake in April
As water levels stabilize and water temperatures hold in the lowtomid 70's, both smallmouth bass and largemouth bass will commence bedding. The smallmouth generally bed deeper, earlier and in colder water temperatures than the largemouth bass, so many smallmouths may be bedding by early April. Largemouth's prefer water temperatures 70 degrees and above, so many bass will still be bedding as April gets underway. Some bass will bed on into May, due to water cooling much slower on this deep lake.

Weeds will begin to appear, as April comes to an end. Like other Tennessee River Lakes, Wilson Lake has many varieties of weeds including hydrilla and milfoil. Buzzbaits and spinnerbaits cover a lot of water fast and get the anxious biting bass, that are either bedprotecting or just plain hungry. The same lures as stated for other lakes with millfoil and hydrilla weeds, will work in April on Wilson Lake. Practice Catch and Release this Spring.

Wilson Lake in May
Smallmouth bass become very aggressive when coming off the beds in May and display some aerial acrobatics for the springtime angler, fortunate enough to land these hardfighting bass. Schooling will take place below Wheeler dam with these and other species during this postspawn period. Schooling bass will also appear in flats along feeder creeks such as Town Creek, Shoal Creek, McCerman Creek and Blue Water Creek. Largemouth's are also hitting topwaters and spinnerbaits along weed edges, in stump flats and on wood cover up in these small feeder creeks in May.

Some bass will immediately move back to places they traveled to during prespawn conditions. Points, ledges, dropoffs, creek bends, rock bluffs and riprap, will also have bass. Bass that many anglers fail to notice in late Spring.

Always call on Reeds Guide Service...first! Alabama's oldest, most well known statewide, freshwater fishing guide service. " Fishing and guiding on every lake in Alabama for over 40 years." Licensed and insured. Several professional guides and boats available year round for multiple parties and corporate guided trips to any lake in Alabama, year round.

Planning a trip to Wilson Lake this spring? Always call on Reeds Guide Service...first!
" Over 40 Years Fishing and Guiding on Wilson Lake and other Alabama Lakes for bass and stripers". Remember, a guided fishing trip with Reeds Guide Service makes a great surprise gift for Birthday's, Father's Day and Christmas (certificates available), for those loved ones that love to fish. Several boats and qualified guides available, year round.

Remember, a guided fishing trip with Reeds Guide Service makes a great gift for Christmas, Birthday's, Father's Day or any occasion, for those loved ones that love to fish. E-mail me or call (205) 787-5133 today for rates, discounts and lake info. See my website: www.fishingalabama.com for more winter fishing tips, fishing articles and Reeds Guide Service info.

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Good Fishin'

This report provided by:
Reed Montgomery / Reeds Guide Service
E-mail: ALABASSGYD@aol.com
Website: www.FISHINGALABAMA.com