1. Introduction to Guntersville
Say the word “Guntersville” and bass fishermen all over the US perk up their ears. The lake has an almost mystical reputation for big stringers of bass, especially in late winter. This reputation has been built over the years by great catches in tournaments, and most of the national trails visit the lake each year.
2. Overview of Guntersville Lake
From its dam near Guntersville in northeast Alabama, the lake extends 76 miles up the Tennessee River into Tennessee. It is Alabama’s largest reservoir, covering 67,900 acres and featuring 890 shoreline miles. Moreover, it remains stable since the TVA requires a set depth in its channels. Water seldom varies more than two feet in depth, which is beneficial given that vast areas of the lake are very shallow flats.
3. Size Limit for Bass Fishing
Constructed between 1936 and 1939, Guntersville has experienced many changes in its bass population. The lake is fertile and full of hydrilla and milfoil; however, one of the main reasons for the current large bass is the implemented size limit. On October 1, 1993, a 15-inch size limit was placed on bass. Currently, this limit applies to both smallmouth and largemouth bass, allowing faster-growing bass to reach quality sizes. Consequently, according to the Alabama DCNR, the numbers of bass larger than 15 inches continue to rise, showcasing well-conditioned fish.
Despite this, Guntersville does not guarantee an abundance of keeper bass. The BAIT survey indicates that Guntersville ranks relatively low in terms of angler success percentage, the average number of bass caught per angler per day, and pounds of bass caught per angler per day. If you are unfamiliar with the lake, every acre might seem promising, but inexperienced anglers may find themselves with more casting practice than catches.
4. Local Expert – Randy Tharp
Randy Tharp has in-depth knowledge of the lake. Having fished all his life, he began tournament fishing about seven years ago and quickly developed a passion for it. He started fishing Guntersville in 2002 and now owns a property on the lake, where he learned its secrets and achieved significant success.
In 2007, Randy secured first place in the point standings in both the Bama and Choo Choo Divisions of the BFL. He finished third in the Bama BFL on Guntersville last February, followed by a first-place finish in that division in September and second place in the Choo Choo Division the same month.
Randy’s recent tournament results have been impressive, including a second-place finish in the Bassmasters Series Crimson Division in March 2006 and winning the seventh Annual Kickin’ Bass Coaches tournament that June. He has also gained solid sponsorship with Ranger Boats and Chattanooga Fish-N-Fun, setting his sights on bigger trails like the BASS Opens this year.
5. Optimal Time of Year for Bass Fishing
Randy anticipates fishing on Guntersville this time of year, confident in the fish population. He believes that from now until March is the prime period to catch monster bass, potentially weighing up to 10 pounds. He has even witnessed bass in the low teens during this season.
Many methods can yield good catches from late January to March, but Randy often opts for shallow water. He asserts that as temperatures drop, larger bass tend to move shallower, typically within a depth of 10 feet. Surprisingly, he finds many sizable bass in less than three feet of water during the coldest days, especially when water temperatures dip into the 30s.
6. Best Baits for Guntersville Bass
Currently, Randy recommends using a Rapala DT 6 or DT 10, a Cordell Spot or Rattletrap, and a jig ranging from one-quarter to three-eighth ounces with a pig. He suggests using a Texas rigged Paca Craw with a heavy weight for flipping in thick grass and a Pointer jerkbait for variety. Colors matter too; he prefers shad hues in the crankbaits and red shades in the lipless baits. Worms and craws usually feature green pumpkin, while he also casts a black and blue jig and pig.
Although the grass isn’t growing significantly right now, minimal stubble on the bottom still attracts bass. He looks for flats adjacent to drops where grass remains. These areas are often found back in the creeks and out in open water. However, winter winds can sometimes render open water fishing difficult, making sheltered areas ideal.
7. Patterns in Bass Behavior
Bass generally don’t migrate long distances on Guntersville. They reside in consistent areas year-round and may follow baitfish; however, the abundant bluegill population serves as a primary food source for bass in the lake.
During this timeframe, Randy notes that bass are predictable and can be found in familiar spots each year. They typically stay near creek channels or ledges, favoring good shallow water flats with grass stubble. Although they may congregate in one location and then shift slightly, they do not typically move from one side of the lake to the back of a creek swiftly. This consistency benefits anglers during tournaments, but it also means they might encounter the same fish.
Regardless of the bait used, it’s critical to fish slowly in the cold water. If a crankbait gets caught in grass, gently pop it free and let it float. A similar technique applies to the Spot or Trap—pop it slightly and allow it to flutter back down. Bass tend to avoid chasing fast-moving baits, but they still strike with surprising power, providing exhilarating experiences even in colder waters.
Randy and I fished on Guntersville in December, observing that bass were somewhat scattered among the remaining hydrilla. Despite this, Randy managed to catch around 20 bass, including two weighing over five pounds. Though he had the opportunity to weigh in five fish totaling between 19 and 20 pounds, Randy felt disappointed that the larger specimens did not cooperate!
8. Prime Fishing Spots with GPS Coordinates
N 34 21 36.4 – W 86 19 46.1 – The long causeway crossing Brown’s Creek and shallow humps downstream is ideal for big bass. Randy suggests that this is his top location for landing a ten-pound bass, recalling a 10-pound 11-ounce catch made here on a jerkbait. Look for riprap providing wind protection compared to the open lake.
Cast around the riprap, focusing on the downstream side with jerkbaits and various crankbaits. Also, cast jigs and pigs on the rocks. Bass may alternate between deeper and shallower water throughout the day, depending on their feeding patterns.
N 34 24 4.90 – W 86 12 45.8 – Proceed to the mouth of Town Creek, fishing along the bank with a lipless crankbait over existing hydrilla. With deep water near the ramp point, bass frequently migrate along this structure.
Explore the backwaters of Minky Creek while looking out for milfoil beds to fish. As you go further into Minky Creek, remember that larger bass often inhabit waters no deeper than three feet during this season.
N 34 25 10.7 – W 86 15 14.1 – Sail across the lake towards Siebold Creek, stopping by an island off the bank. Fish around the islands, humps, and points while targeting areas preparing for bass bedding. Leverage techniques involving slow-moving black jigs with blue or black chunks in the grass stubble.
N 34 27 27.6 – W 86 11 53.0 – Downstream of Little Mountain Park, there are great humps and duck blinds. This area frequently harbors large bass, especially those nearing shallow spots or the edges of grass lines.
N 34 30 27.0 – W 86 10 19.3 – Pine Island serves as a crucial grass island in the river. With a diverse range of depths, it can be challenging to fish but can yield exceptional catches. Explore the breaklines and grassy areas until locating school concentrations.
N 34 31 31.1 – W 86 08 14.9 – Navigate to channel marker 372.2, where the South Sauty Creek runs into the river channel. Both edges and grass lines along the channel can be rewarding fishing areas this time of year.
N 34 36 58.2 – W 86 06 29.4 – In North Sauty Creek, fish around lily pad stems, stumps, and milfoil using lipless crankbaits and lighter jigs. With three causeways in the creek, this area offers favorable conditions compared to the open river.
N 34 38 58.5 – W 86 0 1.2 – Finally, up by the power lines, both the outside and inside channel ledges exhibit productive fishing. Focus your efforts near the ledge while watching for any variations in structure.
Utilizing these locations and understanding the types of cover and structures to search for can lead to discovering similar spots, ultimately improving your fishing success throughout Guntersville Lake.
