This time last year air temps were in the teens and water temperatures were in the low-40’s in late February on Guntersville Lake. Yes, its March the first. But its been many years since we have seen extreme warming conditions like we have recently experienced during this early spring season. Eighty degrees in late February is just unheard of, even in Alabama!

So how has this sudden warming trend affected both the smaller sized male bass and the larger-sized female largemouth bass on Guntersville lake? Alabama’s largest man made reservoir has suddenly undergone some very quick changes…like you would not believe, that is unless you saw it. This week, I did.

Bass cruising in pairs and beds already showing in the shallows means there will definitely be an early spawn. Some of the bigger bass may have already spawned when the last full moon took place. A new wave of both males and females is now moving into the shallows. Officially March 20 is the beginning of spring. But with continuing weather like we are having, to me, spring is already here.

Monday we may have caught have 25 – 30 bass (who’s counting?), mostly fishing very shallow with crankbaits, rattletraps, spinnerbaits, jig combos and topwaters like zara spooks and buzz baits. Other lures too!

Over half of those bass were smaller males weighing from 1-2 pounds each. But we did have several nice 3-4 pounders, a 5 pounder, one that looked to weigh from 7-8 pounds, one that pulled off a back hook on a crankbait and kept on going, and one that looked to be about 6 pounds, (we got a good look at it!) before it leaped two feet high and threw a crankbait! Yes, what a day!

No rain all morning Monday, but 25 m.p.h. winds made for a tough day and several back-lashed reels. We left at about 1 p.m. due to dark, threatening skies and rain coming in hard.

Such is Guntersville Lake in the spring…

 

GUNTERSVILLE LAKE

 

Impounded 1939

Date fished: Monday, February 28

Lake Level: Down 1.50 feet

Air Temperature: Low 70 degrees High 80

Cloudy, rainy conditions

Water Temperature 66-70 degrees

Water Clarity Clear – Main lake / Some mid-to-lower lake creeks have a slight stain from recent rains

Water Generation All Day

 

GUIDE SERVICE

* Always call on Reeds Guide Service…first! (205) 663-1504  ” Guntersville Lake’s (and all of Alabama’s) oldest, professional “bass fishing only” guide service for over 40 years” Website www.fishingalabama.com Newly updated for spring!

* NOW BOOKING GUIDED TRIPS FOR SPRING FOR THE NOVICE ANGLER, TOURNAMENT ANGLER, TROPHY BASS ANGLER, PARENT AND CHILD FISHING TEAMS, CORPORATE GUIDED TRIPS AND FAMILY OUTINGS WITH SEVERAL BOATS AND PROFESSIONAL GUIDES AVAILABLE YEAR ROUND FOR ANY ALABAMA LAKE. DISCOUNTS AVAILABLE!

* HUNTING AND FISHING

* Hunting and fishing items and a new store! Go by Marks Outdoors Sports in Vestavia (near Birmingham), or see them online at www.marksoutdoors.com for all your fishing and hunting needs! Look me up at Marks Outdoors I’ll be there on “Turkey Day” March 10!

 

* NEW AND USED BOATS
See www.airportmarine.com for new boats, used boats, close-out boat sales, parts and expert mechanic work…Alabama’s best!

 

* TOURNAMENTS
See www.,airportmarinetrails.com for tournament updates on their first tournament of the year, Solo Trails and Annual Events. Alabama’s most popular and best paying bass tournaments!

 

* WORLD’S BEST BASS BOATS

See www.rangerboats.com

 

 

* NEED NEW BOAT BATTERIES?

Check out Exide’s Trolling and Cranking Batteries now on sale at www.airportmarine.com

 

Thanks and Good Fishin’

 

Reed Montgomery / Outdoor Writer

Owner / Reeds Guide Service
Alabaster, Alabama (205) 663-1504
E-mail: [email protected]
Website: www.fishingalabama.com
” Over 40 Years Guiding, Fishing and Exploring Every Lake in Alabama For Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Spotted Bass and Striped Bass ”

Always Call on Reeds Guide Service…first!

Alabama’s Oldest Professional, Freshwater Fishing Guide Service!