After chasing after Alabama's "Brown bass", better known as the smallmouth bass, for over 40 years my records show a period ranging from about late December all the way into late February is the best time for big smallmouth bass .
This is when clients of Reeds Guide Service fool the bigger smallmouth bass (those exceeding five pounds)into biting. Then we always have to land them! Some we don't.
You can bet when one of these true smallmouth bass, one weighing 6-7 pounds, is hooked into you have the freshwater; "BASS OF A OF LIFETIME". But like mentioned, you have got to land it then.
They can be holding around dams, found along rock bluffs or holding in huge wintertime schools on some river channel ledge or sudden deep water drop-off along creek and main lake flats.
Submerged humps and underwater sand bars, boulder-strewn banks, or rip-rap rock lined banks,and even some creeks may hold big smallmouth bass during the winter months.
Especially during week-long winter warming trends when smallmouth bass may head for shallow feeder creeks to feed on baitfish and crayfish. Like when planning any fishing trip, the weather should always be considered.
But it cannot be controlled! So dress warm, bundle up and take the days as they come, if so. You may catch the bass of a lifetime!
For even during winter's very adverse conditions we see some of the year's biggest smallmouth bass caught here in Alabama, during the winter season.
The best time to be on the Tennessee River System for a chance at a true, trophy-sized smallmouth bass!
Or you can always call on Reeds Guide Service...first!
Thanks and Good Fishin'
Reed Montgomery Owner of Reeds Guide Service
Birmingham, Alabama Website www.fishingalabama.com
"Guiding on all of Alabama's Lakes For Over 40 Years"