Fishing Reports by Captain Reed Montgomery
About The Author: Captain
Company: Reeds Guide Service
Area Reporting: All Alabama Lakes
Bio: Captain Reed Montgomery a Birmingham, Alabama native Guides on all of Alabama\'s Lakes for all species of Bass. Alabamas Oldest Professional Freshwater Guide Service For Over 40 Years. Website www.fishingalabama.com
(205) 663-1504
Click Here For Past Fishing Reports by Captain
Hot summers - Search for cooler water (6/22/2007)
[Lake Martin,AL] Hot Summer's, mean searching for cool water. Logan Martin is currently showing water temperatures approaching 90 degrees. Finding bass in shallow water during the hot, mid 90 degree heat, is unheard of with most daytime anglers. But they do exist.
[Lake Martin,AL] Hot Summer's, mean searching for cool water. Logan Martin is currently showing water temperatures approaching 90 degrees. Finding bass in shallow water during the hot, mid 90 degree heat, is unheard of with most daytime anglers. But they do exist.
Coosa River and Lay Lake Fishing (6/22/2007)
[Lay Lake,AL] It was in the late 60's when I first wet a hook, on Alabama's Lay Lake. Unknown to me at the time, the lake had just been re-impounded in the early 60's, raising the lakes water level another 16 feet.
[Lay Lake,AL] It was in the late 60's when I first wet a hook, on Alabama's Lay Lake. Unknown to me at the time, the lake had just been re-impounded in the early 60's, raising the lakes water level another 16 feet.
Seeing the bottom of the lake (6/22/2007)
[Lake Martin,AL] Looking down, you can see 10-20 feet deep to the bottom of the lake, when fishing or navigating the lower end of Lake Martin's very clear water. Deep, clear water and very skittish bass in shallow water, all go together, and often calls for applying deep water tactics, on the lakes lower end.
[Lake Martin,AL] Looking down, you can see 10-20 feet deep to the bottom of the lake, when fishing or navigating the lower end of Lake Martin's very clear water. Deep, clear water and very skittish bass in shallow water, all go together, and often calls for applying deep water tactics, on the lakes lower end.
Hot and getting hotter (6/22/2007)
[Jordan Lake,AL] Its hot and getting hotter. No, I'm not talking about the weather this time. I'm referring to the spotted bass fishing on Jordan Lake. Each year, this lake, now near 75 years old, gets better with age.
[Jordan Lake,AL] Its hot and getting hotter. No, I'm not talking about the weather this time. I'm referring to the spotted bass fishing on Jordan Lake. Each year, this lake, now near 75 years old, gets better with age.
Lower Lake Is Good (6/22/2007)
[Guntersville Lake,AL] Anglers that choose to fish Guntersville's lower lake region this summer will find plenty of company. But there is refuge, away from the maddening crowd, if exploring small tributaries is in the game plan. You can catch plenty of the lakes very healthy largemouth bass, in a variety of ways, both on the main lake and in the creeks, with a little patience.
[Guntersville Lake,AL] Anglers that choose to fish Guntersville's lower lake region this summer will find plenty of company. But there is refuge, away from the maddening crowd, if exploring small tributaries is in the game plan. You can catch plenty of the lakes very healthy largemouth bass, in a variety of ways, both on the main lake and in the creeks, with a little patience.
Bankhead Lake - Warrior River Fishing (6/22/2007)
[Birmingham,AL] I grew up fishing Bankhead Lake, better known locally as just, "The Warrior." And what a "Warrior" it is, to survive in such an unforgiving world, just like many Warriors before.
[Birmingham,AL] I grew up fishing Bankhead Lake, better known locally as just, "The Warrior." And what a "Warrior" it is, to survive in such an unforgiving world, just like many Warriors before.
Fishing Neely Henry Lake AL (6/06/2007)
[Neely Henry Lake,AL] 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.
[Neely Henry Lake,AL] 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.
Summer on Lake Eufaula (5/26/2007)
[Lake Eufaula,AL] Early summer drought had the lake down 2 feet. This eliminated lots of shallow water for anglers to decipher with Lake Eufaula naturally being a shallow lake with expanded flats. It also eliminated a lot of fishable water as well. Anglers expecting to fish there favorite weedbeds in that 1- 3 feet of water had to look elsewhere as summer began. Some places normally shallow at full pool were even hard to get the boat in.
[Lake Eufaula,AL] Early summer drought had the lake down 2 feet. This eliminated lots of shallow water for anglers to decipher with Lake Eufaula naturally being a shallow lake with expanded flats. It also eliminated a lot of fishable water as well. Anglers expecting to fish there favorite weedbeds in that 1- 3 feet of water had to look elsewhere as summer began. Some places normally shallow at full pool were even hard to get the boat in.
Summer Fishing On Wheeler Lake (5/21/2007)
[Wheeler Lake,AL] As summer progresses there are many ways to fool the largemouth bass and smallmouth bass that make up this huge, man made impoundment on the Tennessee River System. Many anglers resort to night fishing on Wheeler Lake during the summer period.
[Wheeler Lake,AL] As summer progresses there are many ways to fool the largemouth bass and smallmouth bass that make up this huge, man made impoundment on the Tennessee River System. Many anglers resort to night fishing on Wheeler Lake during the summer period.
Spring on Wilson Lake (3/18/2007)
[Wilson Lake,AL] Wilson lake, by some standards is a small lake. Sandwiched between upper reservoir Wheeler Lake and lower Tennessee River reservoir Pickwick Lake to the South, Wilson Lake only 15 1/2 miles in length, could be passed up (by those that do not know) for bigger waters nearby.
[Wilson Lake,AL] Wilson lake, by some standards is a small lake. Sandwiched between upper reservoir Wheeler Lake and lower Tennessee River reservoir Pickwick Lake to the South, Wilson Lake only 15 1/2 miles in length, could be passed up (by those that do not know) for bigger waters nearby.
Spring on Wheeler Lake (3/18/2007)
[Wheeler Lake,AL] Unseasonably warm weather showed Wheeler Lakes prespawn bass preparing beds in mid march. Mid 70 degrees air temperatures triggered bass to move shallow, much earlier than most spring seasons when these bass are usually just coming out of a winter state of mind.
[Wheeler Lake,AL] Unseasonably warm weather showed Wheeler Lakes prespawn bass preparing beds in mid march. Mid 70 degrees air temperatures triggered bass to move shallow, much earlier than most spring seasons when these bass are usually just coming out of a winter state of mind.
Tallopoosa River Fishing Report (3/18/2007)
[Lake Harris,AL] Still down during April, Lake Martin is lacking in shallow water cover for spawning bass. But as in most situations the bass adjust and cover becomes second choice to good spawning grounds. Lake Martin has miles of sandy bottom and small pebble shoreline.
[Lake Harris,AL] Still down during April, Lake Martin is lacking in shallow water cover for spawning bass. But as in most situations the bass adjust and cover becomes second choice to good spawning grounds. Lake Martin has miles of sandy bottom and small pebble shoreline.
Guntersville Lake in Spring (3/07/2007)
[Guntersville Lake,AL] Just that title is refreshing. Especially since late last winter anglers fishing Guntersville Lake were struggling with nighttime lows in the 20's and mid day highs not even reaching 50 degrees. Spring on Alabama's largest Impoundment Guntersville Lake, is as good as it gets for fishing for largemouth bass in shallow, weedy waters.
[Guntersville Lake,AL] Just that title is refreshing. Especially since late last winter anglers fishing Guntersville Lake were struggling with nighttime lows in the 20's and mid day highs not even reaching 50 degrees. Spring on Alabama's largest Impoundment Guntersville Lake, is as good as it gets for fishing for largemouth bass in shallow, weedy waters.
Lay Lake 2007 37th Annual Bassmasters Classic Tournament (2/16/2007)
[Lay Lake,AL] A full field consisting of 50 of the worlds best bass anglers will compete for three days of stiff competition, starting one week from today (February 16 ), on Alabama's Lay Lake in the 37th Annual Bassmasters Classic.
[Lay Lake,AL] A full field consisting of 50 of the worlds best bass anglers will compete for three days of stiff competition, starting one week from today (February 16 ), on Alabama's Lay Lake in the 37th Annual Bassmasters Classic.
Pickwick Lake Fishing Report (1/22/2007)
[Pickwick Lake,AL] There two Lakes on the lower Tennessee River System that produce trophy, smallmouth bass traditionally during an 8 week period from about mid January until mid March. Wilson Lake and Pickwick Lake. Both Lakes have boulder strewn tailrace waters coming off of upper lake dams at their headwaters.
[Pickwick Lake,AL] There two Lakes on the lower Tennessee River System that produce trophy, smallmouth bass traditionally during an 8 week period from about mid January until mid March. Wilson Lake and Pickwick Lake. Both Lakes have boulder strewn tailrace waters coming off of upper lake dams at their headwaters.
Trophy, smallmouth bass (1/11/2007)
[Wilson Lake,AL] Trophy, smallmouth bass. In Alabama, that's a smallmouth bass exceeding five pounds. Wilson Lake has got loads of 5 pound plus smallies and now is the time of year to fish for them. From a period, starting in mid January until mid March, is acclaimed to be the best time of the entire year for having your best chance at fooling a real, trophy sized, smallmouth bass.
[Wilson Lake,AL] Trophy, smallmouth bass. In Alabama, that's a smallmouth bass exceeding five pounds. Wilson Lake has got loads of 5 pound plus smallies and now is the time of year to fish for them. From a period, starting in mid January until mid March, is acclaimed to be the best time of the entire year for having your best chance at fooling a real, trophy sized, smallmouth bass.
North Alabama's Wheeler Lake Fishing (1/11/2007)
[Wheeler Lake,AL] North Alabama's Wheeler Lake is down for winter pool. It will remain low until April. Lake levels fluctuate up and down a foot during winter, with the lake currently down 4 feet. So like any lake that is drawn down during winter, boat navigation is hazardous, especially for first timers to Wheeler Lake, the second largest man made impoundment in Alabama.
[Wheeler Lake,AL] North Alabama's Wheeler Lake is down for winter pool. It will remain low until April. Lake levels fluctuate up and down a foot during winter, with the lake currently down 4 feet. So like any lake that is drawn down during winter, boat navigation is hazardous, especially for first timers to Wheeler Lake, the second largest man made impoundment in Alabama.
Fishing Jordan Lake In Coosa River System (1/08/2007)
[Jordan Lake,AL] Winter officially got underway in Alabama the first week of December, 2006. However you would still think it was late Fall if you were fishing the second week of January. The New Year came in with a bang on the water as well, with water temps reaching 60 degrees!
[Jordan Lake,AL] Winter officially got underway in Alabama the first week of December, 2006. However you would still think it was late Fall if you were fishing the second week of January. The New Year came in with a bang on the water as well, with water temps reaching 60 degrees!
Biggest Largemouth Bass Taken During Cold (1/01/2007)
[Weiss Lake,AL] Some of the year's biggest largemouth bass (many exceeding ten pounds) are taken during the cold, winter months of January and February on this huge, sprawled out lake. Weiss Lake is the first of six man made impoundment's situated on the upper Coosa River System, running south from northeast Alabama to lower Alabama.
[Weiss Lake,AL] Some of the year's biggest largemouth bass (many exceeding ten pounds) are taken during the cold, winter months of January and February on this huge, sprawled out lake. Weiss Lake is the first of six man made impoundment's situated on the upper Coosa River System, running south from northeast Alabama to lower Alabama.
Bass Tournament Trails Guntersville Lake 2007 (1/01/2007)
[Guntersville Lake,AL] With various bass tournament trails visiting Guntersville Lake in 2007, more and more anglers are discovering just how fortunate folks are in Alabama to have such a trophy, bass fishery. Guntersville Lake, Alabama's largest man made impoundment, will be the host of several major professional bass tournament trails, starting in January 2007.
[Guntersville Lake,AL] With various bass tournament trails visiting Guntersville Lake in 2007, more and more anglers are discovering just how fortunate folks are in Alabama to have such a trophy, bass fishery. Guntersville Lake, Alabama's largest man made impoundment, will be the host of several major professional bass tournament trails, starting in January 2007.
Fishing Logan Martin Lake (12/09/2006)
[Lake Martin,AL] Anglers visiting Alabama and fishing Logan Martin Lake this winter will discover something lacking in the water. During the winter months of December, January and February they can count on one thing they do not have to decipher to figure out the lakes inhabitants, the largemouth bass. That's fishing the weeds. For there are none.
[Lake Martin,AL] Anglers visiting Alabama and fishing Logan Martin Lake this winter will discover something lacking in the water. During the winter months of December, January and February they can count on one thing they do not have to decipher to figure out the lakes inhabitants, the largemouth bass. That's fishing the weeds. For there are none.
Mitchell Lake on the lower Coosa River System (12/09/2006)
[Lake Mitchell,AL] Mitchell Lake on the lower Coosa River System. Its a lake you hear very little about during winter. Its also a lake the worlds touring pros never get a chance to sample. Maybe soon.
[Lake Mitchell,AL] Mitchell Lake on the lower Coosa River System. Its a lake you hear very little about during winter. Its also a lake the worlds touring pros never get a chance to sample. Maybe soon.
Winter Fishing on Neely Henry Lake (12/06/2006)
[Neely Henry Lake,AL] When winter arrives Neely Henry Lake goes through some major changes. December shows water temperatures cooling into the low 50's. The lake is also down for winter pool. By January the lake has stabilized and unlike years past, it is only down from 1-2 feet.
[Neely Henry Lake,AL] When winter arrives Neely Henry Lake goes through some major changes. December shows water temperatures cooling into the low 50's. The lake is also down for winter pool. By January the lake has stabilized and unlike years past, it is only down from 1-2 feet.
Lay Lake Fishing The 2007 Bassmasters Classic (12/04/2006)
[Lay Lake,AL] Winter on Lay Lake and the 2007 Bassmasters Classic. Somehow that just does not sound right. Maybe because in the years past the mere mention of the world famous, " Bassmasters Classic " always brought to mind tough, summertime fishing conditions for competition among the world's best bass anglers. Well, for those of you have not heard, the new dates for the Bassmasters Classic have now been changed to earlier in the year. Much earlier in 2007
[Lay Lake,AL] Winter on Lay Lake and the 2007 Bassmasters Classic. Somehow that just does not sound right. Maybe because in the years past the mere mention of the world famous, " Bassmasters Classic " always brought to mind tough, summertime fishing conditions for competition among the world's best bass anglers. Well, for those of you have not heard, the new dates for the Bassmasters Classic have now been changed to earlier in the year. Much earlier in 2007
Winter Big Bass Fishing on Lake Harris (11/21/2006)
[Lake Harris,AL] Anglers from all over Alabama travel the world in search of big, largemouth bass. Really all they have to do is stay right here in Alabama and fish Lake Harris this winter season. Truly big largemouth bass, (many ranging from 10-16 pounds have been taken in years past), they do exist on this lake...a lake many Alabama anglers have never even fished.
[Lake Harris,AL] Anglers from all over Alabama travel the world in search of big, largemouth bass. Really all they have to do is stay right here in Alabama and fish Lake Harris this winter season. Truly big largemouth bass, (many ranging from 10-16 pounds have been taken in years past), they do exist on this lake...a lake many Alabama anglers have never even fished.
Winter Fishing on Lake Martin (11/21/2006)
[Lake Martin,AL] Finding a Lake to fish this winter that is similar to fishing Lake Martin would be difficult. It is lake unlike any lake in Alabama. At times it can throw a curve ball at the best angler around and succeed in striking him out. But there are times, like during winter, when a persistent angler can have high hopes of loading the boat or successfully succeed in fooling one of the years biggest spotted bass or largemouth bass.
[Lake Martin,AL] Finding a Lake to fish this winter that is similar to fishing Lake Martin would be difficult. It is lake unlike any lake in Alabama. At times it can throw a curve ball at the best angler around and succeed in striking him out. But there are times, like during winter, when a persistent angler can have high hopes of loading the boat or successfully succeed in fooling one of the years biggest spotted bass or largemouth bass.
Winter Fishing on Jones Bluff Lake (11/21/2006)
[Jones Bluff Lake,AL] Jones Bluff Lake situated near the mid Alabama capital of Montgomery, is not fished that much during the winter months. Other Alabama Lakes draw more interest from bass anglers looking for that trophy bass, or anglers just looking for some consistent action to help warm them up when its cold this winter.
[Jones Bluff Lake,AL] Jones Bluff Lake situated near the mid Alabama capital of Montgomery, is not fished that much during the winter months. Other Alabama Lakes draw more interest from bass anglers looking for that trophy bass, or anglers just looking for some consistent action to help warm them up when its cold this winter.
Winter Fishing on Bankhead Lake (11/21/2006)
[Bankhead Lake,AL] I can remember many cold, winter days while fishing for bass on Bankhead Lake as a young man. The reason being is because of so many bass we caught! At times we had as many as 50 bass in a day's time while fishing from shallow to deep water around wood cover, rocks and aquatic weeds on this cover filled Warrior River Lake, Impounded in 1916.
[Bankhead Lake,AL] I can remember many cold, winter days while fishing for bass on Bankhead Lake as a young man. The reason being is because of so many bass we caught! At times we had as many as 50 bass in a day's time while fishing from shallow to deep water around wood cover, rocks and aquatic weeds on this cover filled Warrior River Lake, Impounded in 1916.
Fall and early winter on Lake Eufaula (11/12/2006)
[Lake Eufaula,AL] Lake Eufaula...back then Lake Eufaula. No not the one in Oklahoma. Lake Eufaula (officially known as Walter F. George Reservoir) is located in the southern region of the United States. It is situated along the Alabama / Georgia State lines on the Chattahoochee River. Impounded in 1963, the lake is now 43 years old.
[Lake Eufaula,AL] Lake Eufaula...back then Lake Eufaula. No not the one in Oklahoma. Lake Eufaula (officially known as Walter F. George Reservoir) is located in the southern region of the United States. It is situated along the Alabama / Georgia State lines on the Chattahoochee River. Impounded in 1963, the lake is now 43 years old.
Demopolis Lake Fishing Report (9/28/2006)
[Birmingham,AL] I've had lots of phone calls and e-mails this year pertaining to info needed for Demopolis Lake. Many anglers have qualified for an October Bassmasters Tournament scheduled to be held here out of the City of Demopolis this Fall season. Many of these professional bass anglers have never fished Demopolis Lake (now over 52 years since impoundment) and some will have no trouble figuring them out when their tournament takes place.
[Birmingham,AL] I've had lots of phone calls and e-mails this year pertaining to info needed for Demopolis Lake. Many anglers have qualified for an October Bassmasters Tournament scheduled to be held here out of the City of Demopolis this Fall season. Many of these professional bass anglers have never fished Demopolis Lake (now over 52 years since impoundment) and some will have no trouble figuring them out when their tournament takes place.
Pickwick Lake Fall Fishing (9/25/2006)
[Birmingham,AL] Pickwick Lake is a Tennessee River Impoundment that is visited by bass anglers year round. Many of these anglers come from all over the entire globe with high expectations, just looking for a chance to sample Pickwick Lake's waters - acclaimed to be the best smallmouth bass fishing around. Fall is when that smallmouth action begins.
[Birmingham,AL] Pickwick Lake is a Tennessee River Impoundment that is visited by bass anglers year round. Many of these anglers come from all over the entire globe with high expectations, just looking for a chance to sample Pickwick Lake's waters - acclaimed to be the best smallmouth bass fishing around. Fall is when that smallmouth action begins.
Fall On Weiss Lake (9/25/2006)
[Weiss Lake,AL] After a scorching hot summer of constant mid to upper 90 degree days both the bass and the bass angler are ready for some changes on Alabama's Weiss Lake.
[Weiss Lake,AL] After a scorching hot summer of constant mid to upper 90 degree days both the bass and the bass angler are ready for some changes on Alabama's Weiss Lake.
Fall on Mitchell Lake (9/04/2006)
[Birmingham,AL] If I had to choose an impoundment on the Coosa River Chain of Lakes (Mitchell Lake is the fifth lake of six lakes on the Coosa River System), that is void of many anglers as Fall progresses, Mitchell Lake would have to be my choice.
[Birmingham,AL] If I had to choose an impoundment on the Coosa River Chain of Lakes (Mitchell Lake is the fifth lake of six lakes on the Coosa River System), that is void of many anglers as Fall progresses, Mitchell Lake would have to be my choice.
FLW Outdoors Tour 2006 Championship (7/26/2006)
[Birmingham,AL] Their Back! The top 48 ranked anglers on the FLW Tour trail have come to another season's end. Logan Martin Lake near Pell City, Alabama has again (Last time in 2004) been chosen as the site of this 2006 end of the season FLW Outdoors World Championship, in which the eventual winner will win $500,000.
[Birmingham,AL] Their Back! The top 48 ranked anglers on the FLW Tour trail have come to another season's end. Logan Martin Lake near Pell City, Alabama has again (Last time in 2004) been chosen as the site of this 2006 end of the season FLW Outdoors World Championship, in which the eventual winner will win $500,000.
Spring on Guntersville Lake (4/19/2006)
[Guntersville Lake,AL] Although Guntersville Lake is praised as one of the best bass lakes in the country it often baffles anglers during the spring. Many anglers come to Guntersville Lake in north Alabama, from all over the United States. They have heard all the big bass tales, they get all geared up and head to the lake in extreme anticipation, often only to be severely disappointed when the trip is over. Reason being?
[Guntersville Lake,AL] Although Guntersville Lake is praised as one of the best bass lakes in the country it often baffles anglers during the spring. Many anglers come to Guntersville Lake in north Alabama, from all over the United States. They have heard all the big bass tales, they get all geared up and head to the lake in extreme anticipation, often only to be severely disappointed when the trip is over. Reason being?