Alabama is known for its outstanding fisheries and the lakes of the Alabama Bass Trail are some of the best. Wheeler Lake has long been popular for fishing as well as other water sports. These days, though, it’s fishing that is getting a whole lot of attention. There’s a resurgence in fishing here, with increased vegetation in recent years and increases in numbers and sizes of catches. All indications are that good times are getting even better those who fish Wheeler.

Wheeler Lake is located in north central Alabama, halfway between Birmingham and Nashville and stretches 60 miles from Guntersville Dam to Wheeler Dam near Rogersville. It is one of string of TVA-managed lakes and Alabama’s second largest reservoir. It is a popular spot for both professional and amateur events, consistently producing quality large mouth, the primary target here, as well as smallmouth bass. You’ll also find catfish, bream and crappie in Wheelers’ waters.

The lake changes from a running-river setting at its upper end to stump flats, weed beds, and creek channels, popular locations in the middle section. Near the lower end, you’ll find steep banks and long points.

Many access the lake from Joe Wheeler State Park and the park has excellent facilities for both access as well as lodging and other amenities. Ingalls Harbor in Decatur, along with Ditto Landing in Huntsville, also offer excellent facilities.

Heed these tips from the Alabama Department of Conservation on fishing this lake: Common baits for bass include crankbaits, Carolina rigs, plastic worms, spinner baits and shaky-head rigged finesse worms. If you are fishing the Decatur flats, you better try throwing a frog/rat type lure in the milfoil. Dark jigs cast on points and along bluff walls at night are good for smallmouth bass in the lower reservoir. Bream are found in shallow-gravelly areas during the spawn. Look for bream along the bluffs and banks during the occasional willow fly hatches during the summer.