The BIG Prespawn Bass of Lake Eufaula
Its now 40 years old. Or should we say young? You would
think this 80 mile long lake, situated along the lower
Chattahoochee River system, was in its prime. Especially
after a fishing trip this spring to Lake Eufaula,
situated on the Alabama / Georgia border, also known as,
Walter F. George Reservoir.
The first few weeks of March usually show the big bass
(so many angers are seeking), make their first major move
towards the shallows. Although March's heavy rains can
swell the lake (normally down 3-4 feet for winter pool),
back to full pool, many of the lakes so noted, really BIG
bass, are still just getting ready to spawn.
These age old, largemouth bass, many exceeding 10 years
of age, will remain in the prespawn holding spots for
weeks, before conditions stabilize. They can be found,
often bunched up on key locations adjacent to the
shallow, spawning flats.
Schools of big, female bass often go unmolested during
March, due to so many anglers fishing to shallow, to
early. Bass in the 10 pound plus range are still rare,
but this is the best time of the year for fooling these
monsters, that remain in or near deep water the rest of
the year.
This is also when these big bass are still feeding and
most act very foolish when it comes to eating. They can
be fooled with a variety of lures and various
presentations. Later, most of these big female bass will
go on a feeding binge when they spawn, eating very little
at that time.
Areas to concentrate you efforts in the next few weeks
are many. Along points, drop-offs, river and creek
channels, ledges, rip-rap rocks, ditches, old roadbeds
and other travel routes, that are just stop-off spots,
prior to actually spawning in 1-3 feet of water, can be
found the motherlode.
Although most of these prespawn holding spots, border
deep water, most of these bass will forage shallow. This
is when they are very susceptible to an array of lures,
from top to bottom. With constant warming trends these
big bass will feed more and more in the shallows. Cold
fronts will slow them down and show temporary dormancy,
as bass retreat and hold close to the deeper edges.
If fishing stained to muddy conditions, lures that emit
sound and vibrations are needed. Heavy, big bladed
spinnerbaits fool a lot of Big, Eufaula bass each spring
and are excellent choices for covering lots of water
fast. One half to three quarters ounce Rattletraps and
Cordell Rattlin' Spots are good choices. Monofilament
line in the 20 pound test category is recommended.
Deep diving crankbaits, bounced off of cover or bottom
irregularities, are also high on the big bass lure list.
Floating and suspending jerkbaits, fished with erratic
stop and go presentation, fool bass a lot of anglers fail
to entice. Use line in the 14 to 17 pound test.
As water temps reach 60 degrees, topwaters can fool an
age old bass into striking. Thoroughly fishing these
places, always calls for bottom lures. Big worms in the
8-12 inch size, jig combos with big, bulky trailers,
oversized tube baits, lizards, and crayfish imitations,
all attract the big bass looking for a big, slow moving
meal on bottom. Heavier 14-20 pound test line, is
recommended.
Weeds are a big attraction to. Although Lake Eufaula is
not returned to full pool until mid April, many types of
aquatic weeds will begin to bloom this month. Looking for
the greenest weed types, shielded from the northerly
winds, in fairly clear water, will show places bass seek
out in the early to mid March period.
I have fished Lake Eufaula for over 30 years and know its
waters, (and bass) very well. If you need guided
assistance on this, or any Alabama Lake, give me a call
to book a trip with Reeds Guide Service (205) 787- 5133. Links
to summer fishing tips on Alabama Lakes:
Alabama's Featured Lakes
Tallapoosa River System- Lake Harris and Lake Martin
Coosa River System- Weiss Lake, Neely Henry Lake, Logan
Martin Lake, Lay Lake, Mitchell
Lake and Jordan Lake
Warrior River System - Bankhead Lake and Demopilis Lake
Tennessee River System- Gunthersville Lake , Wheeler Lake, Wilson
Lake and Pickwick Lake
THOSE POST
SPAWN BASS OF
LAKE EUFAULA (Walter F. George Reservoir)
After fishing this massive, Chattahoochee River
Impoundment, situated on the Alabama / Georgia border,
for over 40 years, it kinda grows on you. Memories of
hundreds of spring time fishing trips of years past,
always dance in your head. Especially as you ready
yourself (and of course all along the road), as you again
make the long, but much anticipated drive, from
Birmingham to Lake Eufaula.
Especially those memories created during the exciting,
traditionally, topwater month of May (and often, even
more so, as it gets hot on into early summer). Trips,
fishing for and catching bass up to (or over) 10 pounds.
Trips, never to be forgotten, just like one recently.
As I loaded up my fishing equipment and headed out the
door I glanced at one of those dozen largemouth bass on
my den wall. This one, weighing 9 pounds and 11 ounces,
was caught the same week as this week, in mid May, many
years ago. It was among a half dozen bass, weighing from
7-10 pounds, bass I've caught and had mounted over the
years. Since then, I've caught and released two bass over
10 pounds on this lake and I do not mount bass any more.
But the memory of that "topwater explosion"
that day, is what keeps me coming back to Lake Eufaula
for more.
Arriving at the lake, you always cross over many feeder
creeks as you enter and leave the town of Eufaula. Not to
my surprise, all the creeks were high and very muddy from
the previous week's heavy rains. I met some clients in
town, hoping to show them the brighter side of fishing
for bass in a flooded lake, during late Spring.
So, after we met I continued south of town, to a place
far from town, a place my father and I had fished since
1963, when the lake had opened. I knew this spot would
more than likely (I hoped) not be as muddy, since it was
situated on the lakes lower end. Although famed creeks
along the way looked bad and had me wondering. Cowikee
Creek, Barbour Creek, Thomas Mill Creek and others, all
showed very disappointing muddy water.
But to my delight, near the dam, creeks like Hardridge
Creek on the Alabama side and even Pataula Creek on the
Georgia side of the lakes lower end, were already
clearing and the main lake showed only stained water.
Great conditions, for post spawn bass feeding in high,
lightly stained water, now flooding the new growing grass
along the banks of the lake's normally full pool
shoreline. My spirits were immediately lifted as I (and
I'm sure, the clients that had been following me) arrived
at the launch, 25 miles from town.
We quickly loaded the boat, rigged some topwater lures,
weedless lures, and others, to fish in and around the
flooded shallows. As we headed out the creek, I observed
the flooded weedy shallows, in anticipation of some Big
Bass action...and this day (like many others in the past)
during flooded conditions, was not discouraging in any
way.
Only a little over one month ago, Lake Eufaula had been
brought up, from being down for winter pool about 3-4
feet, but was still below normal full pool levels, down
about one foot. Not all that unusual on this lake in mid
April, a lake often dropped in anticipation of heavy
spring rains, rains that have flooded the lake in the
past. It gave the weeds along the high and dry banks,
time to grow even thicker, weeds that would soon be
flooded and full of predator and prey, right now in mid
May.
To our advantage, the new growing weeds, (mostly now
under water 1-2 feet) along the lakes 70 plus miles of
very fishy water, held tremendous numbers of bass that
day. Big Bass, that had moved shallow, feeding heavily
under cloudy, rainy skies, cooperating on every cast to
the flooded shallows, as we fished around flooded buck
brush, weeds, and other wood cover.
With the lakes fast rising waters, in the last few days,
we hit it perfectly that day, as we caught bass after
bass and ended the day with over 40 landed bass, among 3
anglers, including a beauty weighing 8 1/2 pounds that
struck a spinnerbait in 2 feet of water at 3 p.m. that
evening. The biggest bass, that young man from North
Carolina, visiting Lake Eufaula for the second time, had
ever caught.
Like me, (many years ago), unknown to him at the time, he
now had the first bass of a long career, fishing Lake
Eufaula, going on the wall of his den. There are some
fish, you just don't preach about catch and release.
"NOT JUST ANY GUIDE SERVICE"
REEDS GUIDE SERVICE
"OVER 30 YEARS FISHING ALABAMA FOR BASS &
STRIPERS"
BIRMINGHAM, ALABAMA PHONE (205)787-5133
E-MAIL: ALABASSGYD@AOL.COM
WEBSITE: WWW.FISHINGALABAMA.COM
Summer 2003 Article on Lake
Eufala
Lake Level: Full Pool
Water Temperature: Upper 80's
SUMMER ON LAKE EUFAULA
LOWER LAKE
There are not many lakes in Alabama with a dam the size
of Lake Eufaula (Walter F. George Reservoir) dam.
Stretching for over one mile, this rip-rap loaded dam was
built in 1963, backing up the waters of the mighty
Chattahoochee River, creating Lake Eufaula, now over 70
miles long. This is a great place to fish for the big
largemouth bass population this lake is so noted for,
especially during the day time this summer. It is also
good for night fishing as well.
Feeder creeks on this lower end of the lake are located
both on the western side of the lake, situated in
Alabama, and on the eastern side of the lake, that is on
the Georgia side. Near the dam on the Alabama side is
Hardridge Creek. Not a really big creek and somewhat
featureless, this creek has given up some big bass in the
past. Lined with grass beds and stubble's of dead
decaying stumps, laying trees, brush piles and broken-off
red clay banks (from years of erosion), many of the bass
are actually relating to ledges, creek channel drop-offs,
bottom contours and irregularities, in this now, very
silted in creek. It, like all creeks on this side of the
lake, is crossed by a bridge about half way of the creek.
Thomas Mill Creek and White Oak Creek, are on the Alabama
side and are both also crossed by bridges at their midway
point. They show plenty of cover for anglers to target
this summer. Weeds, stumps, laying trees, brush, piers,
boat houses, and a winding creek channel that plays out
to a small feeder creek. The old Chattahoochee River
channel, also comes very close to this western side of
the lake, creating excellent fishing opportunities for
bass moving from shallow to deep water, both day and
night throughout the hot, summer months.
Leaving the dam and traveling up the Georgia side of the
lake, shows only small creeks on the lower lakes
Southeastern shores. Sandy Creek and Sandy Branch,
although small compared to other feeder creeks on Lake
Eufaula, show plenty of cover for summertime bass to
congregate in. Weeds, wood cover, including rows of
cypress trees planted by man, old roadbeds and a few
piers, all harbor schools of bass, moving in and out
daily, feeding near the dam and along this irregular
shoreline. Old house foundations, roadbeds, even
cemeteries, and fish attractors (sunken brushpiles) can
also be found about few hundred yards, out from the
mouths of these creeks.
About 15-20 miles from the lower lake dam is the mouth of
Pataula Creek, a major feeder creek and the biggest
tributary on the Georgia side of the lake. As you enter
this lake, the standing timber is very evident, bordered
by a winding and well marked creek channel. Navigating
your boat between the red and green buoys is suggested
for safety. Weeds, piers, and a bridge are found midways
of the creek. More weeds and wood cover are behind the
bridge, including stands of cypress trees. All great
places to fish, both during the day and at night this
summer. You will also see a few mid lake islands in this
lower lake area, that block the current and provide
ambush areas for schools of bass all summer long.
MID LAKE
A recreational lake in the summer. This will be very
evident, when fishing this part of Lake Eufaula during
the day this summer. To avoid the crowds at mid lake,
either fish far up or down the lake, or get on the water
at dawn, or fish late evenings. Many Lake Eufaula
regulars, simply just go night fishing to beat the heat
and avoid the daytime crowd.
Cheneyhatchee Creek, Barbour Creek, Chewalla Creek and
massive Cowikee Creek (that branches off in three
directions) are all on the Alabama side of the lake.
These feeder creeks are also homes to hundreds of bass.
Most relate to weeds, bridges, rip-rap rocks, wood cover,
piers, islands, points and a winding creek channel (that
has deep drop-offs), all found in these feeder creeks,
all throughout the summer months. Many local bass
tournaments are held each week in all of these creeks.
Major bass tournaments are held out of Lakepoint Resort
in Cowikee Creek, releasing hundreds of bass each week.
Between Barbour Creek and Chewalla Creek are two bridges
that cross the lake. This is where the old river channel
swings over to the Georgia side of the lake, as you head
upstream towards Cowikee Creek. Red and green river
channel marker buoys, are excellent places to fish, for
bass relating to shallow to deep drop-offs, both during
the day and at night this summer. As you enter Cowikee
creek, (coming upriver from the lake), you will notice
many red and green channel markers, at the junction of
the creek and main lake. Stay within these channel
markers when running, for there are many stumps just to
the side of each marker. Get out of the well marked
channel and boat damage could occur.
UPPER LAKE
A more river-type appearance will become very evident
when leaving Lakepoint resort, in the mouth of Cowikee
creek and heading upriver. This is where the lake
narrows, but still shows over 25 miles of very navigable
lake water to go, before reaching the lake headwaters.
There are expansive weed beds, wood cover, rip-rap rocks,
and a winding river channel to explore. Also, more, much
smaller feeder creeks.
Wylanee Creek, (near Lakepoint resort) hidden from view,
holds released bass year round. Bustahatchee Creek,
although small, has an immediate shallow to deep water
drop, right into the old river channel, in its mouth.
Rood Creek, Little Barbour Creek, Grass Creek, Turner
Creek and far up the Lake, Hatchachubee Creek, are all
worth exploring this summer.
*NOTE For more on Lake Eufaula situated on the Alabama /
Georgia line, see my website: www.FISHINGALABAMA.com
Fishing tips and lure suggestions, for both day and night
fishing, can be seen by clicking the "fishing
tips" link on the cover page.
*Or just call Reeds Guide Service (205) 787-5133. I have
fished this lake for over 30 years and have more than 25
bass from 7-10 pounds to my credit and I know its waters
well. My father fished Lake Eufaula when it opened in
1963 and handed down a lot of fishing holes for me to
explore over the past 30 years. I'll be glad to share
them with you...Reed
Winter 2003
mpounded 1963
Lake Level: Down 3-4 feet for winter
Water Temperature: Currently 60 degrees and falling
Winter on Lake Eufaula
I have fished this lake on the Alabama / Georgia State
line for over 30 years. My Father and Uncle fished it
from the day it opened in 1963. Lake Eufaula is over 75
miles long and as wide as two miles in some lower lake
regions. Situated near the town of Eufaula on the
Chattahoochee River System, it still produces some great
catches of largemouth bass each winter season, some
exceeding 10 pounds.
Although spring time is characteristic for seeing big
bass taken on this lake, many anglers have discovered
fishing during the winter months has its rewards as well.
Big bass, full of eggs and loaded with winter fat, can be
fooled just as well in December, January and February.
Dropped for winter pool, Lake Eufaula can be as low as 6
feet down this winter. But usually its down about 4-5
feet until the first week of April, when returned to full
pool. Extreme caution must be exercised when running this
very shallow lake during low pool. Run the river channel
buoys and pay close attention to your depthfinder. There
is a lot of water with underwater stumps, rocks, and
laying logs, to do damage to any boat.
Fishing this huge lake during drawdown, shows most bass
relating to wood cover, rocks or irregular bottom
features. Underwater homes for winter largemouth bass
include places such as drop-offs, ledges and submerged
humps, ridges and old stumprows and roadbeds.
Throughout the lake, most weeds are high and dry during
winter. Rip-rap rocks, found along causeways, around
bridges and the lower lake dam, always have cooperating
bass, that feed around the warmer water surrounding these
heat-holding, man made rocks.
During warming trends bass can be found all over Eufaula,
feeding shallow among these rocks. Some bass will hit
topwaters, spinnerbaits and shallow running jerkbaits and
crankbaits, right along the bank in very shallow water,
especially on rainy or very cloudy days.
During bright, sunny days following severe cold fronts,
the bite will slow somewhat, but the bass are still there
among the rocks. They just have to be enticed to bite.
This means either fishing deeper or slower, often both.
Utilizing long casts with deep diving crankbaits, fished
on 12-15 pound test line, get these lures down deep,
where the bass live during these severe conditions.
Jigging with spoons and fishing with tailspinners is also
a popular winter tactic. Often, simply just vertical
jigging right under the boat on deep drops is all it
takes to get bit.
Lures fished near or on bottom have taken a lot of slow,
sluggish largemouth bass during winter on Lake Eufaula,
too many lures to list. But there are proven favorites.
Slow rolling or dropping heavy spinnerbaits has become a
great winter tactic on this lake.
Worms have fooled more Eufaula bass than all other lures
combined. Most anglers fish with 6-8 inch versions
catching bass of all sizes. But those that target the
really big bass, know it takes a mouthful to fill a big
belly fast, often using worms in the 10-12 inch sizes.
Jig combos take a lot of bass, fooled by these crayfish
imitating lures. Tube baits have become very popular and
most bass have not even seen one on this lake. Just like
in the spring, lizard imitations work well all winter
too. Soft plastic crayfish imitations are good to.
If its fished on bottom, these bass will hit it. But
fishing very slow, often in water deep as 25-30 feet, may
be the ticket to getting bites, bites from huge bass over
10 pounds. Bass other anglers are missing while fishing
far to fast.
Often on Lake Eufaula, winter rains can muddy up the
creeks, and lake headwaters. Fishing the mid-to-lower
lake region will show more success and clearer water
conditions, during these times, than attempting to fish
cold, muddy water, the worse conditions an angler can
face on this lake.
Need help on Lake Eufaula? Or any lake in Alabama? Give
me a call, Reeds Guide Service (205) 787-5133. "Over
40 Years Fishing Alabama's Lakes for Bass and
Stripers." Many years spent catching those big
largemouth bass of Lake Eufaula, with three bass over 10
pounds and 50 or more bass between 7 and 10 pounds to my
credit. Many taken during winter and early spring.
"NOT JUST ANY GUIDE SERVICE"
REEDS GUIDE SERVICE
"OVER 30 YEARS FISHING ALABAMA FOR BASS &
STRIPERS"
BIRMINGHAM, ALABAMA PHONE (205)787-5133
E-MAIL: ALABASSGYD@AOL.COM
WEBSITE: WWW.FISHINGALABAMA.COM
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