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New Alabama Discussion Board!  Winter on Neely Henry Lake

Summer on Neely Henry Lake


Summer, on this Coosa River Impoundment, goes just like spring...in stages. As Neely Henry's waters begin to warm and bass get in the summer mode (where they will stay for the next 3-4 months), its for sure many of both spotted bass and largemouth bass, will be in some very predictable locations. Its also for sure its going to get hotter and hotter with each passing week!

Just like last summer - as we all remember - when those hot, summer days displayed air temperatures exceeding that stifling hot, 100 degree mark. This usually results in a very short day of fishing, or in the case of most Alabama anglers, a change, from chasing bass during the hot summer days to a more comfortable thing called, night fishing.

Another problem all anglers encountered during the past summer season is drought. Little or no rain for several months, meant the lakes were slowly lowered (some tremendously) mostly due to the constant water generation for the high demand for electricity. Very odd. When compared to Alabama's past summer seasons, when just enough rain kept most lakes at full pool.

As summer begins many anglers just cannot get over the post spawn blues. Spring, shallow bass and some very hungry big bass coming off the beds, showed some great fishing as usual on all Alabama lakes. That is, just prior to the beginning of summer.

So, do hot summer days dictate shallow water anglers (that enjoyed some fantastic shallow water bass fishing this past spring) decisions? Should they quit fishing for bass in shallow water when it gets hot? No, not by no means. At least not on most Alabama impoundments. There are exceptions, like the deep, clear waters of Alabama's Smith Lake.

There are many important aspects that provide a distinct advantage for most of Neely Henry Lakes anglers, when fishing for bass during the hot summer days. One is the availability of constant current in the lake. Another is, there is usually a slightly stained look to the water. Both of these conditions always bring bass shallow to feed.

Current, positions both the Coosa River spotted bass and the largemouth bass tight to cover. Stained waters always forces bass to move shallow and feed. Current is usually associated with cooler water, of which all species of bass love during the summer months, when main lake waters can be as hot as 90 degrees. Current is more evident on Neely Henry lake in its upper portion, from Gadsden city boat launch to the lakes headwaters.

The upper lake waters, is where more narrow, river like conditions occur. This can funnel down the lakes incoming waters, coming off of upstream Weiss lake's dam waters. Meaning more water then heading downstream in a more confined area. Current is also found in most major feeder creeks, especially after heavy rains or following isolated evening thundershowers. Then there is shade.

During the summer months there are shady places found up in major feeder creeks and even on the main lake, all showing some very shady and cooler waters below. Places that can be as much as 10 degrees cooler, than waters nearby often found baking in the hot, summer sun by mid morning. Finding shade - means finding much more active bass and baitfish. Both of which take up residence within this shade during the daylight hours.

Places like rock bluffs have shade all day. Overhanging bushes and trees found on the lakes eastern shores, can be sunny in the morning. But these same places (bass avoided as the morning sun rose high), can be very shady when the sun begins to dip down in the eastern skies, often shady as early as mid day. Another excellent set of circumstances where shade is found, is in the mid-to-far back ends of major feeder creeks or the backs of deep cuts and shady pockets.

These places, often far from the main lake waters, can hold loads of shade-seeking bass this summer. They can be found in huge schools lounging around the shade provided by over hanging trees, bushes, piers, boat houses, rock walls, bridges, culverts and even along the bends of a twisting, turning creek channel.

So think of Neely Henry's bass as they go through these stages this summer season and like them, you should always pay attention to your surroundings.

Early summer, shows some very rich and green grass growing lake wide and this oxygen-rich environment holds bass even when its hot at midday. Wood cover, rock cover and man made cover like bridges, piers, boat houses and marinas have resident, summertime bass as well. Especially bass tournament release sites around marinas.

Some marinas hold bass tournaments all week during the summer months. These marina release sites can have bass that have been recently let go, from 2 - 3 daytime tournaments and 2-3 nighttime bass tournaments. Each week this takes place all summer long, meaning hundreds of bass are let go around these locations, just waiting to be caught again!

By July - mid summer, its hot! Things begin to show a definite change lake wide. Little or no rain can show the lake begin to fall fast. Places you caught bass in this past spring could be high and dry with summer drought taking place again. Night fishing shows less anglers on the water so a half day trip from around dawn until about 11 a.m. may be in store. Or you can venture out in the evening, as the sun begins to set and then fish in peace and solitude until midnight or all night, in some cases.

Lures for Neely Henry Lake this Summer
As for lures - you name it. Summer is when bass will hit every lure in your tackle box (es). From shallow water to deep water there is a set of lures for every situation, so bring plenty of choices. Topwater lures are good both during the day and at night. So are spinnerbaits, jerkbaits, rattletraps and crankbaits. Yes, bass will hit all of these lures and other lures, both during the day and at night. I have even caught bass during the day on jigging spoons in deep water and continued on into the night fooling them in deep water with spoons and tail spinners.

Fishing on bottom on Neely Henry Lake, both during the day and at night, calls for both Finesse Fishing with small lures and light tackle outfits and Power Fishing with heavy line, stought rods and with strong, wide spooled, high ratio reels. These can be coupled with various types of heavy monofilament line, braided line or fluorocarbon line. Try them all, each type of line, each has its own application.

Small worms, small lizards, mini-size crayfish or small jig combos and tube baits, may be needed for finicky, spotted bass often encountered during summer in clear water situations. This may call for the use of a drop shot rig, Texas rig, Carolina rig, or a small plastic lure rigged on a small jig head. Day or night, these lures (and a slow presentation), works all summer long on this lake.

Fishing with bigger lures on Neely Henry Lake can mean targeting bigger bass, meaning being ready with heavier line, sharp hooks and strong equipment. Whether you day or night fish. Try oversized 10-12 inch worms, 8 inch lizards, big gaudy jig combos, multi-legged creature baits and even oversized soft plastic shad imitations or swim baits. These types of lures can be deadly temptations for big bass on Neely Henry lake this summer, both during the day and at night...all summer long.

* Summer is a good time to experiment, for there are many lures that will fool these bass. But only if you tie them on and give them a try. These lures will not work when they are collecting dust in your tackle box.

 

Lake level (Late Feb) Down 2 feet Lake level / Spring: Full pool by Mid- April
Water Temperatures (late Feb) mid-50's / March mid-60's / April mid-70's / May 80+ degrees

SPRING ON NEELY HENRY LAKE

Neely Henry lake, near the north Alabama city of Gadsden, is one of Alabama's lakes I've fished since I could drive a truck. My father and my uncle fished it since it was impounded in 1966. You could say, I know this lake. I have logged a lot of hours on this lake. After tournament fishing, guiding and exploring all of Neely Henry's 50 miles of navigable Coosa River waters - I have learned a lot about fishing the lake in all seasons.

This includes tackling Neely Henry lake's often finicky largemouth bass and adjusting to the unpredictable nature of the Coosa River spotted bass. Still, just like when fishing any Alabama lake, targeting these finny friends on Neely Henry lake has got to be at its best during the spring season. Here's some tips for pre spawn bass, spawning bass and post spawn bass.

MARCH / PRESPAWN BASS
Like most Alabama lakes, Neely Henry lake is below normal, full pool level. Mostly due to last years drought or traditionally its usually down a few feet for the winter season. By mid April the lake is usually back to full pool level. Around the last week of February it was down 2 feet. Neely Henry lake could be down even more or suddenly rise due to heavy rains in March.

Low water concentrates these bass. This not only places them in some very predictable locations, but often low water conditions can really group up these bass. They can be fooled with a variety of lures and presentations, with several bass often taken off of one lone spot.

The reasons these bass group up during the pre spawn month of March, are many. After coming out of their wintertime, semi-dormant hibernation period (they never quit eating, just slow down), these bass are hungry, so food is the main agenda. Most male and female bass feed heavily right prior to the spawn.

This is constant, daily feeding that usually takes place - starting in early March (the more the water warms into the mid-to-upper 50's), on into early April. As water temperatures then gradually rise into the upper 60's, it triggers them to move shallow and bed. That is, with warm, stable weather conditions.

March is a month notorious for cold fronts. A severe cold front is possible at least every few days. It can ruin a well laid out game plan, especially if you were previously catching them in shallow water. So always have plenty of back-up spots for cold front situations. Cold fronts show that these bass either bury up in thick cover, or they suspend in preferred areas or they go back to deeper creeks and main lake areas, until conditions improve.

APRIL / SPAWNING BASS
Although many anglers do not fish for bedding bass, they unknowingly catch them. April is a month when you will fool a bass often full of eggs or one that is actually on the bed. But always keep in mind, not all Neely Henry bass bed at the same time.

Early April the water can still be cold, triggering bass to continue feeding until conditions get stable. So what is stable? Usually by the end of April conditions improve dramatically. This can be the weather, of which gets warmer each passing week. Or the constantly rising water temperature as it gets close to 72 degrees, the perfect spawning water temperature.

Or the week of a full moon, a time when the majority of these bass will attempt to make a bed or lay their eggs. Or it can be a combination of all of these factors that together, will trigger these bass to mate and reproduce another year's off spring. That's stable conditions.

By the end of April most bass will have bed and weather conditions should be stable. Air temperatures will be near 80 degrees. This is when all the little male bass guard the beds, running off any intruders and you will catch a lot of 1-3 pounders.

Still, nearby in these spawning flats, the big female bass will not be far. When bedding some big female bass will mate, lay their eggs and then hang around the bed a few days. As the male continues to protect the bed, eggs or the soon-to-be newborn bass fry, the female bass recuperates and slowly cruises the area, looking for an easy meal.

They may rest a day or two to and recuperate from the rigors of spawning. Some of these big bass have not eaten in days and they are weak and have a lot less energy after bedding, than during May when they are recuperated and hitting every lure that comes their way.

MAY / POST SPAWN BASS
This is got to be the best month for fooling numbers of bass and some big bass as well. For the past two months these spotted bass and largemouth bass have invaded the shallows, feeding, fattening up, and then losing it all with their bedding rituals. Then they fast, some not eating for weeks. But it does not take long to recuperate, especially with so many meals lingering around the shallows in May.

By the first week of May the lake is back to full pool, water temperatures are in the 70's and new growing aquatic weeds begin to emerge. By June, some of Neely Henry lakes aquatic weeds are thick, matted and still growing lake wide.

These weeds begin their growth as the lake warms in mid April. As the lake level slowly rises, often flooding these new-growing weeds along the lakes shoreline, the bedding bass move right in. These bass continue to occupy any wood, weeds, or rock cover, as they lay their eggs and protect the bed for weeks, right on into May.

Weeds make great resting spots and ambush areas for these bass. Bass that really do not want to move far or expend much energy. A stump right in a bed or nearby (or any cover), actually enhances a weedy spot, especially for bigger bass that dominate this cover what we call, "cover within cover" during spring and on into late May.

As May gets underway a lot of prey emerge in the shallows for these bass to dine on. They are found hanging around the wood, rock and weedy cover these bass made their homes around the last few weeks. Wood cover can be stumps, laying logs, log jams, brush piles or even piers and boat houses. Bream, shad and minnows hang around all of this type of wood cover.

Rocks are always good hiding places for crayfish and worms some of the bass's favorite meals and usually easy-to- catch meals. Weeds hold all kinds of baitfish, crayfish and a new prey soon emerges as these bass come off the beds. Frogs. After emerging, their incessant croaking soon gets on the nerves of shallow water bass. These bass know these meals are easy to track down and frogs are easy to swallow. By May there are thousands of frogs for them to choose from.

So tailoring your look-a-like lures far each fishing situation. That is what gets the strikes and fools these often, lure-conscience bass, that get pounded with a variety of offerings daily. By May, the end of the spawning season, they have seen a lot of lures. Still, by May its always topwater time on Neely Henry lake!
 

Lake Level: Down two feet
Fall Fishing Neely Henry Lake

Like upriver impoundment Weiss Lake, Neely Henry Lake, the second of six lakes located on the Coosa River System, suffered from the results of an extreme drought this past summer. Unseasonably low lake levels of two feet below normal, full pool existed during the 100 plus degree days of mid August. Although not as drastically down like Weiss Lake (down 5 feet in August) this still created a hazard for boaters. Normally lowered during the fall season for winter pool, Neely Henry Lake could be dropped even lower than two feet for the next six months until next spring.

Low water is not good for the lakes aquatic weeds, that usually thrive and grow thick and green during the summer months on these Coosa River Lakes. Also without the weeds, bass and the baitfish they dine on have to find other places to resident during the summer months. With very little weeds growing during these low water times, the beginning of the fall period can show both the bass and the baitfish, crayfish and other edibles hanging around wood cover, rock cover and irregular bottom features. They can really get bunched up in preferred locations.

Although Neely Henry Lake is a big lake (at over 50 miles in length), low water can still congregate both predator and prey overcrowding them around shallow water cover. This situation can increase the feeding activity of both the lakes spotted bass and largemouth bass population as waters drop and begin to cool in late September.

Neely Henry Lake Headwaters
Low water can show the lakes headwaters really concentrate these fall season bass. The lakes headwaters being considered about 25 miles of narrow river type waters situated from Gadsden City launch located right next to Hwy. 431 bridge crossing, to Weiss Lake dam tailrace waters. There are very few backwaters in the upper reaches of Neely Henry Lake, places deeper than 5 feet (especially so with the lake down a few feet) for these fish to escape the often swift current found here.

The relocation of both bass and prey such as minnows, shad, bream and crayfish, can funnel them all down to these creek mouths. This includes the mouths of small incoming streams, small cuts, pockets found along the main river and especially main river banks featuring slack water and lots of wood cover.

Also there are flats and plenty of rock bluffs for these fall bass to feed along as these seasonal waters begin to cool and winter approaches. Points leading into these river type rock bluff pockets are excellent places to fish this early fall season on into early winter using topwaters, spinnerbaits, crankbaits, worms and jig combos.

During the fall and early winter months the lake can have a sudden influx of water from heavy rains, which can stain the lakes headwaters and cause the lake level to suddenly rise. This is when anglers fishing the lakes headwaters can quickly capitalize on a shallow water bite before waters clear and drop back down.

Fishing very shallow in major feeder creeks in these lakes headwaters (as waters suddenly rise from several inches of rain), can show some really big bass coming out of the muddy river and suddenly invade the newly flooded shallows, to feed right before waters begin to drop back down and suddenly cool with the next cold front. Henley Creek and Cove Creek are the last major feeder creeks showing depths of five feet in these lake headwaters, even when the lake is down two feet. Flats in these and other creek backwaters can show lures like spinnerbaits and noisy topwaters like buzzbaits good lure choices in lightly stained waters during fall for big bass.

Neely Henry Lake Mid Lake
Leaving Gadsden City launch and heading down the lake you will notice the lake begins to widen to a more lake like appearance. Although wide open main lake flats with stumps and scattered wood debris are clearly evident, the lake is lacking in backwaters and major feeder creeks until you reach the lower lake where Canoe creek is located.

The only major creek in this mid lake area is Big Wills Creek, located on your right heading down stream about 2 miles below Gadsden City launch. It has a lot of man made rip-rap rocks found around bridges that are good fishing with shad imitations and crayfish lures. Crankbaits, rattling lipless lures and spinnerbaits are good lures fished at all depths along the rocks. Also try small finesse worms on jig heads to big worms rigged Texas style, including lizards, tube baits, crayfish imitations, creature baits and jig combos, all fished very slowly from shallow to deep water along these rocks.

Main lake flats loaded with stumps, laying trees and logs are great fall locations for numbers of spotted bass and largemouth's. There are miles of these flats from Gadsden City launch located all the way to the mouth of Canoe creek down the lake.

Fan casting lures like shallow to mid running crankbaits, both floating and suspending hard bodied jerkbaits and rattling lipless lures like rattletraps, Cordell ratting spots and Rapala's Rattlin' Raps covers these flats fast and gets the anxious bass bites. After catching a few bass on these flats you should rework them with topwaters, bottom lures, spinnerbaits, floating worms and soft jerkbaits. Baitfish really gather here during the fall season and bass can often be seen schooling and busting shad on top. Always have a topwater lure rigged and ready for this fast schooling action.

Another tactic many anglers pass right by are fishing bridge pilings during the fall. Not only the three bridges located right next to the city of Gadsden that borders the lake, but Hwy. 77 bridge that crosses the lake a few miles above the mouth of Canoe Creek. Jigging spoons or fishing with small worms, jig heads with spinners or even topwaters are good lures fished right along the bridge pilings. Backing off and making long casts with lures such as deep diving crankbaits is one tactic that works really well, especially when fished along the much shallower bridge pilings near the main river banks. Keep in mind, washed in wood cover is found all along these bridge pilings. Also there is man made rip-rap rocks dumped all around each pilling at its base to prevent erosion, rocks that bass like too.

Neely Henry Lake Lower Lake
Neely Henry Lake takes on a more lake like appearance as you leave the Hwy. 77 bridge crossing and head down the lake. The mouth of the lakes biggest feeder creek Canoe creek, once displayed miles of standing timber found everywhere on the lower lake. Now those trees have been cut off far below the water line, but stumps still remain, good places for some very unmolested bass this fall season.

High spots, main lake points, some small islands and old underwater lakes and roadbeds also exist here. Plenty of piers and boat houses featuring resident planted brushplies can be easily found in this lower lake region. These piers have resident planted brush all around them and plenty of bass relating to them as well in the fall and early winter seasons. Some map study and depth finder use will reveal the hidden spots.

Other places bass inhibit during fall (that are more visible) include brushpiles. They are very visible with low water now exposing limbs and small sticks protruding out of the water. With low water this fall, watch out for shallow places, some are marked areas with PVC pipes and they are very evident.

Covering water fast and finding the more active bass always involves the use of lures that simulate shad or bream. In shallow water of less than five feet featuring clear water clarity, try smaller profile lures like shallow to mid running crankbaits, small rattletraps and small two hooked jerkbaits. Also you may try smaller topwaters and smaller spinnerbaits. These lures may be needed for finicky bass on these lower lakes fishing in and around wood and rock cover. But often smaller lures do fool the bigger more picky bass as well.

If these main lake flats, the mouths of creeks and even creek backwaters are stained from heavy rain or current is very evident, you may need to help the bass locate your lures more easily. Lures like spinnerbaits emit more flash and create more water displacement with the vibrations from the lures blades and the action and appeal from adding trailers. Spinnerbaits are excellent lures in stained to off colored water conditions during the fall. Brighter colors may be needed.

Half ounce to three quarter of an ounce rattletraps and Cordell rattling spots put out a lot of noise, flash and vibration. These lures also look like end of the season shad these bass feed on, baitfish that have grown bigger by the fall season.

Zara spooks, Zara Super Spooks, baby torpedoes, crazy shads, and Luck Craft's Sammie topwater lures are all good for attracting those big bass bites and they look like these baitfish. Topwaters can produce some of Neely Henry's biggest fall season bass. Heavy line is suggested for fall action on top. Noisy clacker type buzzbaits are known for big bass on Neely Henry Lake. Always include a trailer hook for short striking bass and fish buzzbaits on 17-20 pound test line.

Planning a trip to Neely Henry Lake? Always call on Reeds Guide Service...first! (205) 787-5133. The lake's oldest professional guide service, fishing this lake and other Alabama Lakes for over 40 years.
 

NEELY HENRY LAKE
By Reed Montgomery
Reeds Guide Service (205) 787-5133
Impounded 1966
Lake Level: Full Pool
Water Temperature: Upper 80's

SUMMER ON NEELY HENRY LAKE

LOWER LAKE
Many anglers have had trouble navigating the lower end of Neely Henry Lake for years. That is, until the water authorities cleared out the standing timber years ago and navigation, became a matter of just following the newly marked channel.

Today, the only hazard to look for when running the lake's lower end for the first time, are floating logs, and other boaters or jet skies, and you will see plenty of the "livelier" of this threesome, when out this summer. Especially from the mid-to-lower lake.

Starting at the lakes lower end, around Neely Henry dam, it is basically a straight shot right up the lake. Almost. This run, due north, is bordered by small cuts and pockets and many, major feeder creeks, situated along deep, river bends. The first feeder creek is on your left as you navigate up the lake, Bridge Creek. Then a small pocket and next is Shoal Creek, all on your left, heading North, up the Lake.

On your right, traveling the first few miles up the lake from the dam, are only a few small pockets and lots of deep water, bordering rocky, bluff-type banks. The next bend to your right, will lead you due East, right into the mouth of several pockets lined with piers and boat houses, all on the Eastern side of the lower lake.

There are also several marinas in the back of these adjoined pockets, with Hwy. 77. Crossing along a rip-rap lined causeway. *Note: Many bass are released in this area, all throughout the summer months in both day and night tournaments, held out of the marinas found here.

As the old river channel swings again and leaves this area, it makes another sharp bend and borders the mouth of Beaver Creek, loaded with fish-holding cover of all kinds. Weeds, stumps, brush piles, points, lay downs, piers, boat houses and rock bluffs, show the versatile angler many choices this summer in Beaver Creek.

A mile past Beaver Creek, heading up the lake, and the huge pocket on your right (about one mile) is actually named Greens Creek. Although it only goes for a short distance from the main lake, there are lots of piers, a marina, and Hwy. 77 that crosses the back of Greens Creek, with a rip-rap lined causeway.

MID LAKE
As you travel up the lake you will begin to notice how wide it gets in the next bend, in the mouth of Canoe Creek. Many anglers without a map or navigation knowledge, get lost here. Looking to your left is Canoe Creek, the biggest feeder creek on the lake, taking a right, at this creek and main lake junction, will continue you North to the lake's upper section.

Red and green creek channel markers will safely take you up in Canoe Creek, to a bridge. Then go slow in the creek backwaters. Or you can follow the River channel markers in this area, but navigate with caution, when leaving the main channel. This is where all the standing timber was in year's past, before they cut it 5 feet below the water line. But still, stumps are all along the flats bordering this area.

The lake straightens out and again begins to head North as you leave Canoe Creek and its make another sharp bend north. Leaving Canoe Creek and going straight across the lake due East, will take you up in a smaller feeder named, Broughton Springs Creek. This small, unnoticed creek, has plenty of piers, boat houses, weed beds, and laydown trees, plus stump flats and plenty of brush-filled side pockets, to explore this summer.

Traveling up the lake, you will see a few small islands, most of which are on your right. This is a stumpy flat along the shallow side of the main lake and good for fishing day or night. Navigation is marked along the left side of the lake with channel markers for about 5 miles. Just before you get to Hwy. 77 bridge that crosses the lake, is Buck's Island Marina with boat repairs and parts. Also other marinas and gas can be found here in this mid lake region, before continuing to the upper lake.

UPPER LAKE
Leaving Hwy. 77 crossing at midlake, and heading upriver, you will immediately notice the lake will begin to narrow, to more of a river-type appearance. There are several weed and wood cover laden pockets to explore here, and loads of main lake flats, all covered with washed-in trees, laying logs, brush and other wood debris. Navigating the middle of the lake, is suggested.

This midlake region, like the lower lake, will also show lots of company this summer, from the hoards of summertime party goers. About 5-6 miles above Hwy. 77 bridge crossing, the lake will again make another sharp, hard bend heading due north. This is know as Minnesota Bend, the deepest part of this upper lake region, with water depths over 70 feet deep.

Just past this deep, rock bluff Minnesota Bend, heading upriver, on your right about a mile, is Honey Creek. Its easily identified with a small island situated right in the mouth. This is a flat, backwater creek.

Continuing on up the lake, will show a few islands, another river bend, and then a bridge that crosses the lake. This is just after you go past some electrical towers in the mouth of Big Wills Creek. Of which is an excellent creek in this upper lake region, for both day or night fishing this summer.

Big Wills Creek has lots of rip-rap rocks found around two bridges, near the creek mouth. But use caution, after going under the first Big Wills Creek bridge. It is deceiving, looking deep, but with only a few feet of shallow, stump-fillled flats. Idling the boat is suggested here.

Right past Big Wills Creek mouth, heading upriver, is Hwy. 759 bridge crossing. Then on your right is famous, Gadsden City Boat Launch, where many bass tournaments are held weekly, year round. Again, many released bass, can be re-caught, when working this area near the city launch.

Leaving Gadsden City launch and heading upriver (where the lake is crossed by two bridges), the Lake narrows to a more river-type appearance. Neely Henry Lake, then continues North, twisting and turning among the scenic hillsides, for another 30 plus miles of River.

You will see rock bluffs, logjams, laydown trees, small islands, another bridge crossing and many small pockets and creek mouths, to explore this summer in the headwaters of Neely Henry Lake, often far from the summer crowd.

"Be safe, and be courteous to other boaters, this Summer on Neely Henry Lake."

*To learn more about Neely Henry Lake, including seasonal fishing tips and lure suggestions, go to: www.fishingalabama.com and click on "Fishing Tips" on the cover page. Also see "links" and "lake reports" there, for more on fishing and navigating this lake and other Alabama Lakes this summer.

 

Impounded 1966
Lake level: down (winter pool) 2-3 feet

It has been 42 years since Alabama Power Company impounded Neely Henry Lake, situated near the city of Gadsden in north Alabama. This 11,200 acre lake is the second of six man made impoundments on the Coosa River System. It stretches 77 nautical miles, from the lakes headwaters that start below Weiss lake dam, all the way to the lower Neely Henry lake dam. From dam to dam there are a lot of places for anglers to fish this winter season. Largemouth bass are found lake wide, included as a bonus is the Coosa River spotted bass. A ball of fighting fury not found on all Alabama lakes...a bass that any angler would enjoy doing battle with.

With 339 miles of shoreline (at full pool), Neely Henry Lake displays a lot of terrain for these bass to spread out in during the cold, winter months. But not all bass on this lake go deep during the winter months, like bass traditionally do on other Alabama reservoirs. Warming trends often occur in the winter season throughout north Alabama and this can suddenly show these bass feeding for weeks at a time, often in the shallows of this lake all day. Or just the opposite can take place. Severe cold fronts, followed by bright bluebird skies, can slow the feeding process and make catching these bass hard at times.

Regardless of the often times very severe wintertime conditions, these bass have got to eat on a daily basis. There are always some catchable bass to be found lake wide by the angler with a lot of patience, a little knowledge of the lake and plenty of time to explore Neely Henry Lake. With low water (winter pool down 2-3 feet), exploring the lake calls for extreme caution. Navigating out of the main river channel or in unknown shallow waters can be very dangerous to lives and costly in the means of both boat and motor repairs. Always use your depthfinder when navigating, study your map and always talk to the locals or boat dock owners before heading out on any lake you are not familiar with.

This especially holds true when navigating and fishing above the two bridges near Gadsden city launch, all the way to the lakes headwaters over 20 miles north. When heading up the lake from here, after passing a mid lake island (about 10 miles above Gadsden city launch), then going under another bridge (about 10 more miles up the lake), extreme caution is advised. There is a lot of mid river water less than 10 feet deep in these lake headwaters. All loaded with stumps, logs, boulders and a sudden shallow bottom. All of which can leave you stranded far up the lake with breakdowns and boat damage...with no help in sight.

Fishing Neely Henry lakes headwaters calls for either targeting the mouths of creeks, fishing rock buffs or fishing in and around the many forms of wood cover such as stumps, laying logs, fallen trees and logjams, all of which are very evident throughout the winter months, with the lake drawn down a few feet exposing this wood and rock cover. The lake has been down a few feet since spring and no weeds now grow in this upper lake region.

Drought, coupled with hot, 100 plus degree air temperatures this past summer season and the lack of rain on into the fall season, created clear water conditions. These adverse conditions have an effect on the way these bass feed all throughout the winter months. Normally, there is plenty of current from fall rains in these lake headwaters, the water is usually stained from these heavy rains and the lake is closer to full pool, until winter arrives. The use of big, gaudy type lures or lures that emit noise, flash and vibrations have fooled a lot of big bass in these lake headwaters.

With clear water conditions, little or no current daily, the lake down 2-3 feet and lots of exposed wood and rock cover, anglers may have to downsize their offerings to even get bit this winter season while fishing this river type terrain in Neely Henry lake's upper lake region.

Neely Henry's mid lake region is more safer to navigate, it displays many main lake flats and the mid to lower lake has plenty of major feeder creeks. Plus during the winter months you can generally see a lot more action from feeding fish and schools of baitfish are more evident. Clear water clarity is common in this lower lake, so most anglers (and the bass they target) are used to these conditions, conditions that will last for 3-4 months of cold, winter weather ahead.

The same lures you usually use during winter will fool these bass this winter. If not getting any bites, simply downsizing your lures will work. Lures like spinnerbaits, crankbaits, lipless lures and finesse lures like small jig heads adorned with small 4 inch worms may be needed. Want to learn more about fishing Neely Henry Lake? Or fishing any Alabama lake? Always call on Reeds Guide Service...first! "Over 40 years guiding and exploring every lake in Alabama." Several guides and boats available year round for multiple parties and corporate guided trips. Tournament anglers welcome!

This Report Provided by:
By Reed Montgomery
Reeds Guide Service
Call: Reed Montgomery - (205) 787-5133
alabassgyd@aol.com