Wilson
Lake
TENNESSEE
RIVER SYSTEM
By Reed Montgomery
Reeds Guide Service (205) 787-5133
Website: www.FISHINGALABAMA.com
Lake level: Full Pool
Water temperature: Low-to-mid 40's
WILSON LAKE'S BIG SMALL MOUTH BASS
The months of January through March are some of the most
ideal times to connect with a true, trophy-sized small mouth
bass. Especially while fishing on Alabama's Tennessee River
Impoundment, Wilson Lake.
I know this to hold true, for in all of my thirty plus years
of guiding on all of these Tennessee River man made impoundments,
I've seen more really big, trophy-sized small mouth bass
come into the boat (some that didn't), during this period,
than during any other time of the year.
Sure, we catch our share of 4-5 pounders in any season (occasionally
rewarded with a six pounder), but the really big small mouth
bass -- those exceeding that seemingly almost magical mark
of six pounds -- always seem to succumb to our tempting offerings
during the dead of winter and early spring. Why is that?
For starters, these brown bass are strong, hearty bass. Even
during very cold water, wintertime conditions they will fight
to the finish. Some of these really big small mouth bass
(clients of my guide service have had the pleasure of doing
battle with), have displayed some very impressive, and very
memorable, acrobatic antics.
Overcoming these tackle-testing bass (which means; getting
them in the boat) and eventually being on the winning end
of your line, is very rewarding. Often this lengthy battle
takes place during some of the most adverse of conditions
winter can deal us, but the rewards... ahhh, these are only
for those that know. Those trophy bass anglers, that have
successfully found their quarry, will rarely feel the cold!
Big small mouth bass, like said, are hardy creatures. On
Wilson lake they live below dams in cold, swift current.
Actually these smallmouth bass of Alabama are very similier
to the small mouth bass that live in constant current found
in rivers and streams in Canada, only these brown bass are
found further south.
If small mouth bass can thrive in North America's (snow run-off),
found in some very cold water streams and rivers -- living
in water temperatures in the thirties, including those small
mouth bass that continue to feed in northern man made lakes,
those that freeze over during the winter -- then Alabama's
small mouth bass should have no problem existing in low-to-mid
40 degree water temperatures.
And they don't! Its the anglers that are cold and lethargic,
not the bass!
Not only do these big small mouth bass often gather in huge
numbers below these Tennessee River lakes dams during the
mid-to-late winter period, they also gather along main lake
rock bluffs, the mouths of major feeder creeks and up in
small cuts and pockets, places close to the security of the
main lake's deeper water.
These small mouth bass of winter can also be found in the
lake's hidden underwater spots. Places like mid lake humps,
gravel bars, rock piles, submerged islands, river channel
drop-offs and deep ledges as well.
Small mouth bass will gather all along Wilson lake's main
lake points, around islands, and they can be found on first
and secondary points, like those found leading into in creek
mouths. Often, like during winter warming trends, these bass
can be located midways-to-the-far back ends of major feeder
creeks. These shallow feeding small mouth bass can then get
very active!
* THE WEATHER
The New Year began with a severe, week-long cold front that
blanketed Alabama. There were many consecutive days in early
January that featured lows in the teens and highs not even
reaching 40 degrees. Even snow! This type of weather is very
uncommon in Alabama and it seldom lasts very long. With predicted
highs in the mid-to-upper 50's next week, a slight warming
trend is a very welcome sight!
* BOOKING A TRIP WITH REEDS GUIDE SERVICE
For the next two-three months, bass anglers looking for a
real wall hanger should be able to connect with one of these
true, trophy sized small mouth bass. Of course while fishing
with Reeds Guide Service! Alabama's oldest, professional,
freshwater bass guide service!
* Note - I will take a week off from fishing in late January
to host my 9th Annual (Saturday, January 23 at 1 p.m.) Kids
Fishing Show at the annual 2010 Birmingham Boat Show. I also
have a Friday night seminar (January 22 around 7 p.m.) subject
is; Largemouth bass, small mouth bass and spotted bass fishing
techniques for spring.
I'll be hosting my guide service booth all that week at the
Birmingham Boat Show too! So make plans to be there! Bookings
will again take place for around Monday January 25 on into
the spring and summer months. So reserve your intended date
today.
Anglers will still have over three months to have a good
shot at connecting with one of these big, bronze beauties,
taking place all the way on into the month of March. Then
targeting some big, pre spawn small mouth bass. So you can
pick your days accordingly! For the next three months!
* 2010 BIRMINGHAM BOAT SHOW
Birmingham Boat Show - January 21-24 2010 This is when the www.birminghamboatshow.com
will be held at the Birmingham Jefferson Civic Center for four days. So you can
e-mail me alabassgyd@aol.com or call me today (205) 663-1504 to book a trip now,
or come by my booth upstairs at the Birmingham Boat Show and book a trip for
later...of course while we talk a little fishing!
Until then, stay warm, clean up, oil and re-line all your reels, re-rig your
rods, sharpen or replace all your lures hooks, clean out that tackle box and
clean up the boat. Spring is just around the corner! You won't have time for
all that then!
* Check out my website www.fishingalabama.com for winter fishing tips, lake reports,
guide service info and fishing websites links.
* Be safe and always wear your life jacket and outboard motor kill switch. It
might just save your life!
Go
to: www.airportmarine.com and
see their bass tournament trail info found there. Alabama's
best paying tournament trails and annual events!
* Looking for a great bass tournament trail?
Go to: www.airportmarinetournamenttrail.com
* Looking for fishing rods, reels, fishing tackle and hunting
items? Go to: www.marksoutdoors.com
Good Fishin'
This report provided by:
Reed Montgomery / Reeds Guide Service
E-mail: ALABASSGYD@aol.com
Website: www.FISHINGALABAMA.com
