FALL BASS FISHING JONES BLUFF LAKE
ON THE ALABAMA RIVER
Like all Alabama Lakes, this man made impoundment (now 36 years old) situated
in mid Alabama on the Alabama River near the state capitol of Montgomery, Al.
As September gets underway (the actual beginning of fall in Alabama), it seems
like the low 90 degree temperatures are quite tolerable.
The cool down period of fall shows the upcoming months a welcome
sight for all anglers, some of which have not even fished recently, due to the uncomfortable
midday heat. And there are those that braved the heat that knew of the results
-- some very slow fishing. Many of these anglers may also be in for a surprise
when they do fish their favorite creek on this lake this fall when one
of two things could occur.
Jones Bluff Lake could display most its major feeder creeks
and flats to be almost "high
and dry" with some very evident grass now growing at low pool, on what used to
be the lakes original banks when at full pool. Or the lake could suddenly
rise back to full pool with falls increasingly heavy all day rains and the constant
evening thundershowers that are capable of dumping several inches of water in
the lake in one day, bringing the lake back up.
This huge impoundment gets the results of a lot of rainfall -- run off that is
fed to Jones Bluff Lake from two major upstream Alabama River Systems. Jones
Bluff Lakes headwaters are fed by the tailrace waters of upstream impoundments
(8 in all) that are situated on the Tallapoosa River System (2 lakes) and
the Coosa River System (6 lakes), resulting in a lot of water. It can rise suddenly and
get muddy real fast when you least expect it. Main lake headwaters
get muddy for days at times during the fall and winter period
and some feeder creeks are muddy as well after a heavy rain.
So a good game plan during pre tournament practice or when
rain is expected, is to have several mid to lower Lake spots
that don't muddy up as much.
Lures and Fall Fishing Techniques for Jones Bluff's Largemouth
Bass
There's really no secret when it comes to fishing for these fall bass
on this twisting and winding river system. Its like fishing any river that
displays plenty of current, lots of fish holding cover and usually
has a slight stained look to the water. The water clarity on
Jones Bluff Lake can change from day to day calling for the
use of certain lures, lure colors and various lure actions
and sounds.
Weeds on this lake could be thick, green and full of predators
and prey, right on up into early winter. Its all according to lake levels and how much the
weeds get exposed to the life giving sun. Even aquatic weeds that
were slightly dormant with this past summer's drought, could
now display new growth as lake levels stabilized and the lake
stays at one level all throughout August and September.
Bass and the many meals they feed on, will hang around these weeds
even when these many types of weeds begin to turn brown and eventually
die. Or if the weeds just become dormant (like some varieties
do for the colder winter months), they still exhibit some green
growth and put out plenty of oxygen to filter out the surrounding
waters. This is rather clear with 2-6 inches of water around
aquatic weeds clearly visible, when surrounding waters are
stained or muddy.
Lures that mimic the many meals of fall are now to the
extreme. There are so many types of weedless lures on today's
market, hundreds of various types of topwater lures and dozens
of lures fished on or near bottom in and around Jones Bluff's
many weed types, that a list several pages long would be needed
to really go into detail. So like most anglers you probably
have a few of these lure types.
Weedless Lures - These type of lures are named this because it means you can
generally fish them in and around most weeds, without fear of hanging up or losing
precious and expensive lures. Here's a few Jones Bluff Favorites for this fall;
Buzzbaits. These lures make a lot of noise, they generally
attract the bigger bass and they can be very weedless, that
is if you keep them moving. Buzzbaits hang up when drug across
the weeds or stumps and when slowly allowed to roll over within
the weeds they hang up. Click the reel in gear as soon as the
lure hits the water and begin your retrieve fast keeping your
rod tip up and
the buzzbait moving and it will not hang up.
Even attaching a trailer hook (which I highly recommend for short striking bass),
is not going to make the buzzbait hang up. Sharpen all hooks. Always rig the
trailer hook with the hook point facing upwards. Fish buzzbaits with a slow,
steady retrieve with your rod tip facing up, fished on strong 17-20 pound test
monofilament line or braided line in the 30-40 pound class and use medium heavy
action rods of 6-7 feet in length.
There are some big bass to be caught fishing these very irritating
lures in and around the lakes weeds, wood cover and rip-rap
rocks or along rocky banks,
around bridges and the dam area on Jones Bluff Lake this fall. Even on into early
winter bass will hit a buzzbait with water temps in the low 50's. Colors of white
or chartreuse and white, with gold or silver blades are usually best. Dark periods
like dawn or late evenings or on cloudy, overcast
or rainy days may call for the use of a black buzzbait.
Frog and Small Rat Imitations.
These tasty little morsels that run the banks and weed lines
of this lake have been consumed by these bass all spring and
summer long. These bass are used to seeing frogs hopping and
swimming all about in the weedy shallows and seeing the small
mice and rats run along the banks of the lake and its
backwaters. So using lures that look like these creatures will
result in these imitations immediately being attacked, as these
bass continue to consume these easy to swallow meals on into
the fall season.
Fishing with long rods like 7 foot flipping rods and 20 pound
test monofilament line or heavy braid is recommend to aid an
angler in horsing these big bass out of thick cover. Colors
of white, lime, chartreuse, yellow, brown, green and black
can be tried on both lure types until fish catching results
show the best color preferance. Like when choosing colors for
buzzbaits, darker days may call for the use of darker colored
frog and rat lures. So experiment.
Spinnerbaits. These flashing and vibrating lures emit just
enough attraction in stained water to maybe just be the best
lure for overall fishing on Jones Bluff Lake this fall season.
You can use bright colors and heavier model spinnerbaits featuring oversized Colorado or Willow leaf blades to attract bass in stained
to muddy water conditions. Or you can downsize your spinnerbaits and go to an
all white spinnerbait with small silver blades when faced
with clear water conditions. Line test of 15 to 20 test is
suggested.
These are just a few lures that always attract a few bass in and around the weedy
waters and various types of wood cover found all along Jones Bluff Lake during
the fall and early winter. Develop a few lures and techniques of your own and
learn how good of a lake this can really be prior to winter. Usually, when other
anglers are fishing other lakes. Or out deer hunting...leaving you with the lake
all to yourself this fall season.
Always call on Reeds Guide Service...first! When making plans
to fish this lake or any lake in Alabama, year round.
Remember, a guided trip with Reeds Guide Service always makes
a great gift for such occasions as Birthdays, Fathers Day or
Christmas (certificates available), for those loved ones that
love to fish.
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* Looking for fishing rods, reels, fishing tackle and hunting items?
Go to: www.marksoutdoors.com
Have a safe and courteous spring fishing season! Always wear
your life jacket and outboard motor kill switch when boating.
Our Alabama lakes are crowded in the spring. Always be courteous
to other anglers!
Good Fishin'
This report provided by
Reed Montgomery / Reeds Guide Service
Producer / Host "Fishing Alabama" With Reed Montgomery
Radio Show
(205) 787-5133
E-mail: ALABASSGYD@aol.com
Website: www.FISHINGALABAMA.com
