Fishing Traveler

Although impoundment of this massive Tennessee River reservoir was completed in 1939, bass fishermen really did not discover Lake Guntersville until November 2, 1976. Early that morning a Texas angler named Rick Clunn stunned the fishing world by boating 24 pounds, 14 ounces of fish in just four casts from a small grassbed in the mouth of Brown’s Creek on the lower end of the lake. It was the second day of the bass fishing world championship, and sportswriters from around the country were on hand to report the phenomenal catch. Clunn went on to win with a then-record three-day total of 59 pounds, 15 ounces, but the second and third place finishers each also boated more than 50 pounds of bass. In so doing, these anglers told the fishing world about one of the finest bass fishing lakes in the nation at that time.

Professional fisherman, George Cochran had his best day ever at Lake Guntersville.

I caught 11 bass that weighed over 5-pounds each during the final day of the tournament, and I can’t begin to count the number of bass I caught and released that weighed between 3- and 5-pounds each. I’ve been fishing for fun for 45 years, and I’ve fished in tournaments for 25 years, but without question, that was the most-phenomenal day of bass fishing I’ve ever had in my life.

Lake Guntersville Fish Species

Lots of fish to target on a fishing trip to Lake Guntersville.

• Largemouth Bass
• Bluegill and Sunfish
• Crappie
• Sauger
• Catfish (Bullhead, Channel, Flat Head, Blue)

I have heard the most about Lake Guntersville for its bass fishing but it is also known as a crappie fishing trip destination. Catfish should not be ignored.  Blue catfish have been caught over 80 pounds.  The Tennesse Valley Authority gives good ratings for the lake on their fishing index system.

Interestingly, bow-shooting for carp and gar is popular in the spring.  You also never know what you might catch in such a big lake, Piranha?

It is also important to know the baitfish in a lake for lure selection for a fishing trip.  Accoridng to Scottsboro.com…

Baitfish are skipjack herring, gizzard shad, threadfin shad, yellowtail shad and several species of minnows. The lake also has a large supply of crawfish.

Lake Guntersville Patterns

For a great overview article about fishing Guntersville, check out Jim Porter’s article on the lake. 

Being able to decipher a pattern on a new lake is key to a successful fishing trip.  Lake Guntersville is a primarily shallow water lake that holds tons of big bass, crappie and other panfish.  The lake has lots of cover such as stumps, underwater ridges, and several types of aquatic vegetation.  Fishing Guntersville Lake requires an ability to decipher these different types of grass.  The lake mainly has three types of grass, milfoil, hydrilla and coontail.  Fishing Lake Guntersville breaks down each of these grass types and provides pictures to help you identify each type.

Successful bass fishing is so tied to the grass that FLW Outdoors writes about the lake when listing it as a 2006 top 5 fishing trip destination for largemouth bass….

Limits exceeding 20 pounds are common, and five fish weighing more than 30 pounds are seen in the spring. The lake is absolutely loaded with 3- to 5-pound bass, and bucketmouths exceeding 8 pounds are not uncommon. As long as the grass is green, Guntersville should be exceptional.

Kevin VanDam describes the lake as a “power lake” meaning he likes to use power fishing techniques such as big lures and fast fishing to target big fish.  Rat fishing is a popular technique on the lake that has been well written about on the net.  A must read article before a Guntersville fishing trip is Unlocking the Secrets of Lake Guntersville by Captian Chris Jackson at Mark’s Outdoors.  One of my favorite blogs, The Tennessee Valley Angler, writes about fishing the postspawn on Guntersville.  Winter fishing is covered by Reed Montgomery.  George Cochran employed a method called soaking a lure to achieve his best day fishing ever.  Fishing Lake Guntersville has a clickable map of the lake that highlights some of the top spots.

As I said, don’t forget about the crappie fishing.  Hawgdaddy from Tennessee Valley Angler writes about it.

Lake Guntersville Fishing Trip Reports

Reports are available at the Alabama page at Bass Fishing Home Page.

Lake Guntersville Fishing Trip Guide Services

Bassin’ Adventures

Curt Staley’s Pitch and Cast Guide Service

Fish Lake Guntersville Guide Service

Reed’s Guide Service

Spinnerbait Kid Guide Service

Tee’s Guide Service, L.L.C.

Tim Chandler’s Pro Guide Service

Tournament Activity

There is a lot of tournament activity on this lake. There is a tournament almost every weekend, from small local clubs to large national tournaments.

Boating

Lake Guntersville GPS Waypoints and Coordinates

Wildlife and Other Activities at Lake Guntersville

Eagles are not an unusal site at Lake Guntersville as it is a winter nesting home of our Nation’s symbol.  Some bald eagles stay all year.  Other bird watching opportunities also exist.  Guntersville State Park is part of the North Alabama Birding Trail.  Birds that you may see include Red-breasted Mergansers, Lesser Scaup, Gadwalls, as well as Common Loons, Hooded Grebes, Red-necked Grebes, Doublecrested Cormorant, and Osprey.

Whitetail deer also inhabit the woods that surround Lake Guntersville.  Most of the reviews that I’ve read about Lake Gutersville State Park comment on the large amount of deer sightings.

Lake Guntersville offers excellent swimming, recreational boating and skiing.  Guntersville State Park has an 18-hole championship golf course, beach complex, hiking trails, nature program and a day-use area.  Caving is also a popular activity.

Lake Guntersville Lodging

Bed and Breakfasts

Lake Guntersville Bed & Breakfast - Wake up to the sunrise over the Lake and the Serenade of the Song Birds in this historic home built in 1910. Lovely high ceilinged rooms, private baths, private entrances and many antique furnishings are found in this Peaceful & Quiet Turn of Century Home. We are located on a hill 2 blocks above lake with downtown just around corner. We are close to a Walking Trail along Lake.

The Squirrel Nest - The Squirrel Nest is a Country Inn with a full restaurant serving Breakfast and Supper.  Lunch will be served when requested by country inn guests.

Camping

The Lake Guntersville State Park

In the Tennessee Valley, overlooking the majestic 69,000-acre Guntersville Reservoir, this park ranges over 6,000 acres of natural woodlands. The park has an 18-hole championship golf course, a beach complex, fishing center, hiking trails, nature programs and a day-use area. Modern campground and lakeview cottages on the lake, coupled with a resort lodge on the pinnacle of Taylor Mountain, and chalets on the ridge-tops provide a selection of overnight accommodations beyond comparison.

Reviews of this campground are a bit mixed.  You can check some out at RV Park Reviews.

Housekeeping Lodging

Tennessee Valley Floating Condos - If you are looking for a unique yet comfortable way to relax and get-away from it all, you are invited to check out Tennessee Valley Floating Condominiums.  A NEW concept in on-the-water lodging that offers all the amenities of home plus an environment that comforts you with a natural retreat from the hustle and bustle of everyday living. 

Woody’s Lodge and Resort - Woody’s Lodge is conveniently located in North Alabama just 6 miles from Scottsboro on beautiful Lake Guntersville.  The lodge has easy access to North Sauty Creek, Goosepond Colony, and a hunting preserve, making it ideal for your fishing, golfing or other outdoor adventure.

Vacation House Rentals

J&B Properties - Lake Guntersville vacation rentals

Mountain Lake’s Real Estate - Lake Guntersville vacation rentals

Two Cabins Lodge - Two Cabins Lodge is located on beautiful Lake Guntersville, in Guntersville, Alabama. Two Cabins Lodge is two pre-civil war log cabins that have been joined together and completely renovated.

Lodges and Resorts

Covenant Cove Resort and Marina - Covenant Cove on Guntersville Lake has business meeting facilities, lodging, dining, martini and cigar lounge, and even a stunningly romantic, stone arbor that is just an unforgettable atmosphere and backdrop that sets the foundation for weddings that are envied.

Boat Rentals

I am not aware of anyone on the lake that rents bass boats.  Town Creek Fishing Center has canoe and flat bottom boat rentals.  Call them at 256-582-8358 for more information.  And Lake Guntersville Houseboat Rentals rents houseboats.  Pontoon boat rentals are available at Covenant Cove Resort and Marina.

Climate

Wildernet describes the climate.

The climate of Alabama’s lowlands can be described as subtropical with nearly 60 inches of rain each year. The highest amount of rain reaches the region as afternoon thunderstorms in July, August and September. Summers are extremely hot and humid with temperatures frequently reaching above 100 degrees F. Summer nights cool slightly and provide a good time to travel through the region.

Winter temperatures are mild, rarely dipping below 40 degrees with the humidity level at its lowest in November and December. Spring and fall are very pleasant times to visit the region. Spring brings mild temperatures and blooming trees and flowers. During the fall temperatures range from 65 to 85 degrees F with low humidity levels. Northern Alabama is generally cooler than the south due to its higher elevations.

If you have anything to add for a fishing trip to Lake Guntersville, please feel free to comment.  Also if you have taken a fishing trip to Lake Guntersville and would like to write a report, let me know.