Additionally, finding small coves and creeks means you can break out that topwater lure youve been dying to try out and let it rip along the grassy shorelines and beds of weeds or lilies that permeate the deeper cuts. Please call (205) 663-1504 for more information. Another angler came very close to winning that FLW Outdoors 3 day tournament on Lake Eufaula Al. Bass Species: Largemouth, striped, spotted. Reeds Guide Service (205) 663-1504. One is to swim a 5/16-ounce All-Terrain Tackle Swim Jig dressed with a NetBait Paca Chunk through the grass. Nearly 300 miles of shoreline, scattered with brush, steep banks and boat docks, are ideal hangouts for bass. ]. Bank Fishing Basics: What should go into a bank fishing tacklebox, Bank Fishing Basics: Two great bank fishing combos. NOTE * This article includes info for fishing Lay Lake, including info on other Coosa River lakes, impounded from the early 1900s to 1966. Weiss Lake, Neely Henry Lake and Logan Martin Lake. Weeds are places of which both predator and prey alike will call home, for at least nine months out of the year. May 11-14. Talk to an Expert. In the early years of B.A.S.S., Lake Eufaula was rightfully known as the "Bass Fishing Capital of the World." In the late 1960s and early 1970s, winning weights exceeded 100 pounds for four events, keeping in mind the rules were based on 15-bass daily limits. On this video we're fishing on lay lake on the famous Coosa River for those mean spotted bass! Fishing with small plastics placed on jig heads, or utilizing Texas-rigged or Carolina-rigged plastics, are also popular techniques for fishing on Lay lake. Meanwhile, in front of the Wheeler Dam, anglers will find plenty of stripers, white bass, and even a strong contingency of smallmouth lurking around Big Nance Creek and Lock Three. In terms of an excellent bass fishery, Lay lake easily rates as one of Alabamas top three best, big bass lakes. All explained, in depth for targeting Lay lakes deep water bass this summer season! This clarity means anglers should both downsize tackle and select life-like baits to avoid spooking the fish. For more on how to catch bass, please see our how to catch bass guide linked at the bottom of this article. Fishing this Lake this summer, is not for the faint hearted. Featuring a myriad of trees overhanging the bank and plenty of docks, this is a bucketmouth haven where anglers can fish nice and slow, filling up an ice chest in no time. Even at night during the fall and winter months, avid striped bass anglers often fool some of Lay lakes biggest striped bass. Instead, some shore fishing is available off County Rd 794 near the dams tail waters, where bottom rigs with cut bait or minnows will yield both stripers and large catfish. For stripers, you will want to target the waters around the Pickwick Dam, which boasts a solid population of white, hybrid, and striped bass. Right at the top of your list of tournamntesto fish this Falland Winter season with thebest payouts as well! It is rewarding to see the community of support that has grown for fishing tournaments. While the main lake can yield some decent results when angling for bass, its the offshoot creeks and coves that shine through at Wheeler Lake. While it is undoubtedly an aesthetic bonus, anglers will find the downside of this lake is that it tends to be very clear due to the influx of freshwater. With various fishing holes within striking distance of two boat launches, anglers can head into creek mouths and coves like Fourmile Creek, Indian Spring, and Poplar Springs Creek to chase spotted bass. Finally, Blue Springs Branch and Blue Eye Creek offer plenty of sandbars and docks that anglers can target using spinnerbaits. Campgrounds: YES Strike King Bassmaster High School Series presented by Academy Sports + Outdoors, Strike King Bassmaster College Series Wild Card presented by Bass Pro Shops, Wilburn and Hill seal the deal at Lay Lake, Nominations now open for 2023 class of Bassmaster High School All-Americans, Branch and Beach blast big bag to win at Harris Chain, Applications open for B.A.S.S. Weiss Lake is located near the northern Alabama town of Centre. South of these locations, anglers will start to see an uptick in striped bass. Bass Species: Largemouth, white, spotted, striped. Species include smallmouth, largemouth, spotted, striped, yellow, hybrid striped, redeye, and shoal bass. With information (and some of the top ten anglers and their 3-4 days weights, lures used and results), while featuring two previous, professional bass tournaments held on Lake Eufaula in south Alabama (Impounded 1963). This week the Final Basspro.com Bassmaster Open kicks off at Lay Lake in Alabama. He fishes this jig on 20-pound Berkley 100 Percent Fluorocarbon line. Located in the southeast section of the lake, off Paint Creek State Ramp Road, this is a one-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and gravel parking. Scott Canterbury and Buddy Gross from Ga. were battling it out for first and second place, with about 20 pounds each (for one/half day) by 12 p.m. running neck and neck at about 80 pounds each, by almost weigh in time! This Chattahoochee River impoundment on the Georgia-Alabama state line tends to be underfished despite its large population of spotted and largemouth bass. Bass anglers, almost on a daily basis, have shown these weed-dweeling largemouth bass a variety of lures fished in and around the lakes weeds, from top to bottom. Anglers will find that Lake Harding is unlike most other lakes on our list because it is devoid of submerged grass beds and lilies common to this part of the U.S. That is, after this very important comparison, for these two Alabama lakes, for fishing the summer season in deep water!). Alabamian Mark McCaig resides in Oxford, about 35 miles northeast of Lay Lake. The key to fishing Wheeler Lake isnt targeting the popular fishing holes but looking for secluded offshoots a short boat ride from the launch. Anglers can pick up a few largemouths around docks on the northern side of the diversion pool, but anglers will catch striper and spotted bass in large numbers along the eastern shoreline of the diversions rocky banks. But today, some of these six Lakes are really rather small lakes. This pattern will have you battling hefty largemouth and spotted bass. Conveniently located 35 minutes south of Birmingham off of I-65, Lay Lake has played host to countless major bass tournaments. Thespotted basscan usually be found in the upper reservoir and up into the narrower river toward Weiss Dam, where the current is stronger. 265 Waxahatchee Rd if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'aa_fishing_com-leader-1','ezslot_8',131,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-aa_fishing_com-leader-1-0'); Cedar Creek Boat Launch Ramp Theres a public boat ramp on the north shore. This winding creek system has a few docks on the front end, but the deeper you go, the better the bass fishing gets. Boat Launch Ramp: YES That was Ryan Ingram from nearby Phoenix City, Al. We hope youll check out all 20 of these great fishing spots. Wow this fish fight!! Okomo Camp Ground & Boat Launch Ramp If the bass arent there, a safe bet is to run upriver to the flats around Cedar Bend, where crankbaits lure out even the most stubborn big bass. You might also find out why this lake also is highly rated for catfish fishing. Lay Lake was impounded in 1914. Fish with us in Alabama's Lakes and Rivers for Largemouth, Smallmouth, Spotted Bass and Huge Striped Bass, we can put you on the fish. Live shad under a cork or imitation shad swimbaits are solid choices for largemouths. The most active fishing spots in Alabama Lake Purdy Full lakeside bait/tackle shop, boat rental, rod rental. This was proven beyond a shadow of a doubt during the February, 2010 Lay lake Bassmaster Classic held out of Lay Lakes now famous, Beeswax Creek Park boat launch, located at mid lake during a cold, late winter week, featuring some very serious bass fishing. Bass Species: Spotted, striped, largemouth. Lay Lake was the third stop for the Alabama Bass Trail South Division, and once again, Mother Nature wasn't providing favorable fishing conditions. Bass Species: Spotted, largemouth, striped. Ornery Coosa River spots weighing 3 to 4 pounds are common, and its not unusual to see five-bass tournament limits of spots that tip the scales at 18 to 20 pounds. Hatchet Creek and Bird Creek are on opposite sides of the river. Both of these lower Coosa River System Lakes are only about 20 miles in length. The best fishing for largemouth bass occurs in creeks and shallow water sloughs. Lake Eufaula! He won, with his own 3 day prediction of an average of 22 pounds a day! This tiny 120-acre lake is by far and away the smallest lake on this list, but what it lacks in size, it makes up for in a high concentration of sizable largemouth bass population and a handful of spotted bass sprinkled in. The species you catch will vary depending on the location, due to water type preferences and bait. Whether you like to fish from a canoe or kayak, a power boat, or the family pontoon, there are multitudes fish waiting to indulge you here. As always, good luck, and stay safe out on the water. The miles of forested shoreline and undercut banks in this arm of the lake provide excellent cover for largemouth bass. Plus many anglers fishing weekly bass tournaments, (even at night!) Reported for Frogs/Toads $9.99. This long tributary of the Alabama River starts in Georgia and snakes its way through Alabama. Or you can always call on Reeds Guide Servicefirst! Especially, they arefound in the many types of aqautic weeds Lay lake has to offer. . Both bass species usually bed in April and both bass species can often be found mingling together, in select locations. Spotted bass, some exceeding 8 pounds, have been taken in years past from Lay lake. Read on for more on fishing, deep water only on Alabamas Lay lake this summer season! The Lay Dam tailwater area at the upper end of the lake is a popular recreational area to many anglers with ample bank fishing access. Bassmasters First Place Lake Eufaula June / Buddy Gross came from behind in tenth place with 15 bass 56 pounds on day three. We look forward to having new families discover Shelby and all we have to offer.. * Fishing Bass Tournaments? The diversion tells a slightly different tail. Including the old river channel that came up 15 feet. Great lake for night fishing too! These prey find the security of Lay lakes thick aquatic weeds, a place that is literally, a matter of enjoying life or sudden death. You can do everything." Most weeds on Lay lake (but not all weeds), will wither and die from a period of around late November on into the late winter month of February. Stripes do not inhibit aquatic weeds so lures like fake frogs are usually meals for the largemouth bass. When it comes to choosing top water lures for Lay lakes bass you have two types of lures to choose from. The upper region of the lake is the most fertile, especially around the Coley Creek and Elkahatchee Creek areas, while the Kowaliga Creek arm is the most infertile. Including another invasive weed species Hydrilla. Period. You can get current lake levels (important info for shallow water anglers), and find out water generation schedules for all dams, including how many units (turbines), will be running on a 24 hour schedule. Because of this feast, anglers need to take stock of what forage inhabits whichever lake they are fishing on the Coosa River. Barbour Creek and Cheneyhatchee Creek boast catches of both white and striped bass. Like Lay Lake (Impounded 1914), Lake Eufaula is a weedy, flatland impoundment. Because of this, anglers should target their bait selection to each species. You can use a piece of PVC or just long needle nose pliers. Most of these events happen on the Coosa River chain of lakes, and half of those are at Lay Lake. LaCoosa Marina on Lay Lake This moderately-sized lake, about an hour from Birmingham or Tuscaloosa, hosts a substantial population of largemouth and spotted bass. To their delight, many of these very determined and patient, summertime tournament bass anglers, usually find numbers of both bass species, largemouth bass and spotted bass. Tough on fishing tackle, tough on fishing line, rods and reels and often these little, balls of fighting fury are tough on themselves, often ripping theirmouths with your lures sharp hooks, in their attempt to escape capture. Lay Lake offers some of the best bass fishing in the country, and hosting events like this reminds us how fortunate we are to have this resource in our backyard. Or these spots can be found bedding along the shallows, around man made rip-rap rocks, or they will bed around natural, rock-lined banks. Even for an impoundment as big as this, the competition between anglers at locations can be stiff, so heading off the beaten path has its rewards. Fishing Alabama's Lakes for Big, Early Spring Season Pre spawn Bass. Now, due to the popularity of modern day electronics, some anglers are beginning to probe Lay Lake's deeper water. Then, we will get back to more, deep water bassin on Lay Lake in; PART TWO JULY Lay Lake on Alabamas Coosa River System for Deep Summertime Bass! Teams were hoping the early morning shad spawn would produce a few big bites. All Rights Reserved. This influx of water from all directions helps maintain a healthy population of baitfish. Lay Beeswax 202304/0 04/01/2023 TBD 202304/0 04/01/2023 14:00 CT Weigh . For example, largemouths prefer imitation shad, while smallmouths prefer faux crawfish. With plenty of sandbars, grass beds, and a handful of fallen trees in the mix, the lakes structure makes for dozens of fishing holes despite the small footprint. Lay Lake Impounded in 1914. that lead the four day Bassmasters tournament with 15 bass weighing 60 pounds on day three! Peach Queen Campground - 205 688-2573if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'aa_fishing_com-leader-2','ezslot_14',134,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-aa_fishing_com-leader-2-0'); Lay Lake Waxahatchee Marina On Lay Lake The western portion of the lake is fed by tributaries like the Sipsey River along with Brushy and Clear creeks. Rig up with a soft plastic lizard or worm and cover more water while slowly motoring along the forested shoreline. Given Lay Lake's excellent bass fishing, you may find it hard to believe that this storied 12,000-acre reservoir celebrates its 100th birthday next year. Each tournament has a $10,000 guaranteed first-place prize and pays 20 places. Fishing Alabama's Lakes for Big, Early Spring Season Pre spawn Bass. With many anglers visiting Lake Eufaula many weeks prior to this early summer season, major league bass tournament. A high quality largemouth and spotted bass fishery exists at Lay Reservoir. Even when fishing with small, finesse-type plastics, coupled with light line and light tackle outfits, some anglers successfully fool and land some big, bass on Lay lake. So bring along a big, long-handled net on your next preplanned, summertime fishing trip to Lay lakeyour gonna need it! Soft plastics fare another versatile approach to fishing the cuts off the main lake. And during winter, next spring and the hot summer season too! Boat Rental: YES Other Coosa River reservoirs are pulled down during the winter, which hinders the growth of water willows. The perfect bedding water temperature of 72 degrees, coupled with the seasons next full moon, is all it takes to trigger a mass wave of both male and female largemouth bass and spotted bass to head towards the lakes shallow, spawning grounds. 205-458-8000 All three species of these bass species spotted bass, striped bass and largemouth bass will hit the same lures. A deep-diving crankbait is your best bet, but check the water clarity before deciding on a color. Pairings. Bait & Tackle: NEARBY Top Products Reported on Lay Lake for Spring Largemouth Bass. Anglers will find the black bass bite at its finest in these creek areas. Even smaller bassbeware! Add to Cart. Lay Lake Bass Fishing- March 2021 - YouTube fishing lay lake on the coosa river after a cold front and lots of rain, the fishing was tough and lots of boat pressure but we did manage. On the final and fourth day, on a Saturday (with one local bass tournament with over 50 boats), including many spectators and other weekend anglers, it was a morning bonanza for many of the top 5 Bassmaster anglers, boating many 5 pound plus big bass in the first hour. Beeswax, Cedar, Paint and Spring creeks all have good grass.. The best black bass spots are creeks and cuts, including Haw Branch, Bluff Creek, and Slate Rock Creek. 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