Fishing ranks right up there with college football as fall favorites in Alabama. As the waters begin to cool down on the lakes of the Alabama Bass Trail, fishing heats up. Many consider this a prime time to take to the lakes of north Alabama in search of trophy bass. Here are some recommendations for finding the fish on these productive lakes this time of year.

As bass are re-emerging from their summer deep water refuges, they rise into to the cooling waters and begin feeding in earnest as they fatten up for winter. The bait fish and shoreline vegetation bring them to shallow waters and make fall fishing a whole lot of fun. Check out these north Alabama lakes known for outstanding fall catches.

The headwaters of Pickwick Lake are known for schooling action in the fall. October and November see striped bass, hybrid bass and very aggressive white bass exploding on the surface. Just below Wilson Lake dam, you’ll sometimes see them all at once! Those who venture downstream find the main lake as well as creeks and inlets productive.

The 68,300 acres of massive Wheeler Lake, the largest of three manmade reservoirs along the Tennessee River, spans the 60 miles from Guntersville Dam to Wheeler Dam. Near the lower end of the lake, First Creek and Second Creek are small feeder creeks with cover and riprap. These are excellent spots to find smallmouth and largemouth this time of year, even through December.

The shallow waters of Lake Guntersville are known as some of the best bass fishing grounds in the country. Fall is no exception and during fall when the waters are cooling, many anglers are thinking about trophy bass as they fish this lake. Big largemouth can be found in the thick weeds and other bottom vegetation.

The flats and brush piles of Weiss Lake are excellent spots to target large mouths. As the lake’s water level falls, the bass congregate in these areas. Many anglers explore the waters near piers, boat houses and marinas and of course, some have their own secret spots to tap.

It’s time to take to the water and enjoy some fabulous fall fishing on the Alabama Bass Trail. You might even get a little leaf peeping in while enjoying the bounty of beauty of these north Alabama lakes this time of year.