Winter brings cooler temperatures and lower water levels, but that doesn’t mean fishing isn’t hot and pursued with high spirits on Alabama’s lakes! November, December and even January trips can produce great catches and great winter memories on the Alabama Bass Trail.

The northern waters of Alabama are known for bass of all kinds, and that reputation doesn’t wane in wintertime. With 13 lakes to choose from, there are plenty of options to keep you busy all winter long – but we’ll get you started with these three northern Alabama recommendations.

Smallmouth bass are known as fighters. Trail lakes are noted for producing tremendous catches of these hard-fighting, high-jumping bass during the winter months. Smallmouth bass are plentiful during the wintertime on Pickwick Lake, which spreads through 47,500 acres across parts of Alabama, Mississippi and Tennessee. The best action has typically been reported close to Wilson Dam. Smallies, as they’re called, prefer more current, deeper water and rocky bottoms.

Meanwhile, on Lake Guntersville, Alabama’s largest reservoir, largemouth are plentiful in winter. Many of them are big ones! When the cooler temperatures stop the growth of the cover weeds, fish are forced to find new homes. Many say the trophy bass can be found out searching for food during this time.

If you’re up for a fight, try your skill at landing a spunky striped bass on Smith Lake. These freshwater stripers are known for strength, speed and just plain fishing fun! Long into the winter months, the stripers here work their way out of the southern parts of the lake and move into many of the bays and wide-channel creek areas farther north.

Fishing with a local guide is a sure way to make the most of your winter fishing excursion. And be sure to check out these itineraries for suggestions of off-water activities along the Alabama Bass Trail.