Alabama is quickly earning the reputation of a premier bass fishing state. With its beautiful rivers and fertile lakes, Alabama offers bass fishermen many great areas to fish for bass along with many other varieties of fish.
The Tennessee River winds its way across the upper portions of Alabama, and there are numerous places to catch bass along its banks and in its waters. McFarland Park in Florence, Alabama, is host to several fishing tournaments throughout the year. Across the river, on the Sheffield side, is the remodeled Riverfront Park. On any given day of the year, numerous anglers can be seen fishing along the banks of the park. Fishing rodeos for children are held here once or twice a year.
Wilson Lake and Wheeler Lake, which are both part of the Tennessee River near Florence and the Shoals area, are known to locals as bass havens. There are several public ramps for boaters to use, and the often mild Alabama weather allows fishing virtually year round.
Lake Martin, which is located near Alexander City, is an approximately eighty year old man-made lake. The Lower Martin dam is often home to spotted bass, striped bass, and largemouth bass. The lake has different water clarity depending on the area. Some of the water is almost crystal clear, while some of it is murky. This variety of water creates several different environments for the fish. Many anglers love to fish along the feeder creeks that replenish the lake. Wind Creek is a well-known spot that normally holds the promise of bass almost any day of the week.
Winter is a popular time for fishing in the Warrior River, often called Bankhead Lake. This river is near Birmingham, and many of the locals grew up fishing these beautiful waters. Because Bankhead Lake is actually a river, the currents will vary, as will the fishing. There are plenty of areas to fish from the bank, and at different times of the year, various sections of this river can be waded.
Wedowee Lake attracts night fishermen, although you will see fishermen at all hours of the day, also. Still, most of anglers experienced in fishing this lake recommend that you try night fishing when visiting Wedowee Lake. Largemouth bass feed voraciously all through the winter at Mitchell Lake. By the spring, there will be a large population of largemouth just waiting for your bait to hit the water. Pay attention to water temperatures, so you can adjust how shallow or deep to set your hook. There are several bass tournaments held at Mitchell Lake year round.
Coosa River spotted bass are plentiful in Jordan Lake. Repeat bass anglers tend to keep their bass holes a secret, but you can search out your own hole in this beautiful lake. The headwaters below the dam are generally known as one of the best areas to find spotted bass. The rock bluffs which border sections of the lake are also excellent places to hunt for the perfect bass.
Beautiful Guntersville Lake attracts bass fishermen from all over the country. Largemouth bass of extraordinary sizes can often be caught here. The lake offers wonderful shoreline fishing, but there are plenty of ramps to use for your own boat. There are several fishing guides available to take you right where the fish are hiding.
Finally, Jones Bluff Reservoir on the Alabama River is located in Montgomery, the state capital. The river has been host to Bassmasters Classic tournaments in the past, and its headwaters provide excellent areas for anglers to fish. Beautiful Alabama is a fisherman’s paradise. There are many rivers and lakes across the entire state, and the bass are plentiful.
