Fishing the Back Side of Channel in the fall
by Capt. Mike Gerry

As I look back over my data that I have kept of the last almost 22 years of fishing now the back side of the lake off the channel has always offered the best all around fishing in the fall. My feeling is that the bass as they migrate to the creeks and coves first stop in the flat areas of the lake, where they feed and stage on their way into the creeks. This pattern is extremely deadly when you can find isolated pieces of wood, or small grass patches where the bass will move back and forth as the day moves on during the fall.

The key is that these isolated stumps or grass patches attract the bait fish, and because they are in such open areas they are easy feed for the bass. If anything has proven itself over and over again is that bass like easy prey in the fall; they are generally going to attack the easiest food as they transitions their bodies into the winter pattern. A stick-up or remote stump or clump of weed is just ideal for the easiest of their feeding this time of year. Also, don’t confuse a piece of wood as meaning a big three foot round type of structure sitting out in the flat, as I have seen the tiniest stick hung on the bottom, maybe only a ¼ inch around holding some big fish.

The next important concept here is that this fall run to the creeks and coves can last all the way into December on Guntersville as we generally don’t see the really cold weather until around Christmas time. So the remote back side structure that you find can actually produce for some 8 to 10 weeks; this should allow you to catch several fish off of it for some extended period of time in the fall. Point being; use that same piece of cover for several days in a row or weeks at a time until the bass prove they have left.

About the author: Captain Mike Gerry
Living in the North Alabama Area since the 70's and fishing Lake Guntersville for over 35 years. I have many published fishing articles world wide in magazines, newspapers and on-line magazines. I offer the most comprehensive information for Lake Guntersville, fishing tips, reports, and featured articles. I challenge you to utilize my Professional Guide Service and compare the knowledge, friendliness and good time on the water to anyone. Captain Mike Gerry can be reached at his website for Fish Lake Guntersville Guide Service at www.fishlakeguntersvilleguideservice.com or by phone at (256) 759-2270. Email bassguide@comcast.net