Summer on Neely Henry Lake

Daytime Bass Fishing Tips

Its all according to whether you fish the upper or lower lake, as to how you approach Neely Henry Lake for summer, daytime bass fishing. Targeting largemouth bass and the famed Coosa River Spotted bass calls for the use of many types of lures and fishing traditional summer bass hangouts. Often, both of these bass species, can be mingling together in very predictable places throughout the summer months.

I prefer the lakes headwaters for daytime fishing, to avoid the crowds and for targeting undisturbed bass relating to generated current. This is, considered from Gadsden City launch to the upper Neely Henry Lake region (located just below Weiss Lake dam tailrace waters). More like fishing a river, than a wide open lake. As most anglers know, rivers mean current.

Current is created by the water flow coming off of upper Coosa River Weiss Lake dam or Neely Henry dam (found downriver). This current, is what brings the bass their summertime meals. They get used to it and summertime bass really turn on and feed, when current is created. Alabama Power Company generates electricity all summer long. So current is very evident in this more narrow, upper region of the lake.

For a water generation schedule for Neely Henry Lake call Alabama Power Company's 1-800 -lakes-11. This is the phone number for water generation schedules and Lake levels for all six Coosa River Lakes.

Try your best to fish places like creek mouths, the entrances to small cuts, pockets and main lake flats, when water is scheduled to be moving. These are dependable summertime haunts of these bass and the baitfish they feed on and both predator and prey are always there relating to current edges, during the hot days of summer.

Plan to fish places like deep river bends, points, drop-offs, ledges, the sides and the upper and lower ends of islands. Keep in mind when water is moving, target bass holding on current breaking cover like rock bluffs, logjams, piers and boat houses, rip-rap rocks or boulders, bridge pilings and around marinas and boat launches.

Lures are many. Crankbaits really shine in this current. From shallow divers to deep diving crankbaits. Rattling, lipless lures and both floating and suspending hard bodied jerkbaits, should also be fan cast in these places. Spinnerbaits as well. On bottom, all types of lures rigged various ways, can be very good, especially when bass are not suspended or holding near the water's surface.

Experiment on bottom, with things such as leader lengths on Carolina rigged plastics. Even rigging several rods with Carolina rigs with 1, 2 and 3 foot leaders is suggested and using various 4-6 inch worms, lizards, tube baits, grubs, shad imitations, French fries, or other very small plastic offerings. Mix it up, to give finicky bass a choice. Texas rigged plastics should have the sinker pegged and added fish attractants and rattles, to increase attention and get more strikes.

Jig combos get the big bass bite, so the bigger and more gaudy jig combos you use, means getting the bigger largemouth and spotted bass bite. This "big bass bite theory" also goes for the use of multi-legged creature type baits, oversized tube baits, worms in lengths of 8-10 inches and 8 inch lizards as well.

Early, late in the day, and on cloudy days, bass will hit topwaters and spinnerbaits in these aforementioned spots, for daytime bass fishing on Neely Henry Lake in the lakes upper lake region.

Nighttime Bass Fishing

Fishing during the nocturnal hours on Neely Henry Lake calls for many variables, when compared to daytime fishing. First (although just like fishing during the day) you need to always wear your life jacket and outboard motor kill switch, to avoid any mishaps.

Lights are a must and they must be burning all night, whether your running in the boat or just sitting along the banks fishing, they must be on fore and aft. This is the law. Black lights, flashlights (one per angler) and spot lights should be included in your nighttime check list. Bug spray as well.

Fishing clear water and targeting traditional summer nighttime places (where bass gather at night) is important for fish your fish catching success. Well lighted places attract bass and baitfish at night. Piers, boathouses, marinas and around bridges, causeways and rip-rap rocks lining the lakes banks or even around culverts, all attract bugs, baitfish and bass of both species. The mid to lower lake region has all of these aspects and is a great choice for fishing at night.

Lures, can mean choosing models that are fished on top like buzzbaits, prop baits and popping or walking type topwaters. Or in the mid water column using mid running lures like crankbaits, jerkbaits, spinnerbaits and rattletraps, for bass suspended around these well lighted places at night. On bottom, means many lure choices. A simple theory is, small worms / small bass, large worms / big bass.

Fishing with line in the heavier category, is suggested for night fishing as well. Compared to the use of lighter line and light tackle equipment for finicky bass in clear water during the daylight hours. Line test in the 14-20 pound test category is suggested at night on Neely Henry Lake.

Bring plenty of drinks, coffee, food or snacks and check all items on your boat, far before your night fishing excursion. There are no repair shops open after dark. Check trolling motor cables, switches and have spare parts, props and tools to change them with. Charge all batteries and even bring along an extra battery to run lights, check bilge pumps or livewell aerators for all night use, like in bass tournaments. Check your boat trailer wheell bearings, spare tire and have all repair items, such as a jack, tire tool and spare parts handy. Always tell a loved one where you are going and when to expect you back and leave a cell phone number.

Be safe and have fun this summer on Alabama's Neely Henry Lake! Need help? Always call on Reeds Guide Service...first! Alabama's oldest, freshwater bass and striper fishing guide service. Over 30 years guiding on all of Alabama's lakes.

Thanks, and good fishing...Reed

This report provided by:
Reed Montgomery / Reeds Guide Service
Producer / Host "Fishing Alabama" With Reed Montgomery Radio Show
"6 Years on the Radio  / Jan 2005"
Birmingham, Alabama
Call Reeds Guide Service...First! (205) 787-5133
"Over 40 Years Fishing Alabama for Bass and Stripers"
E-mail: ALABASSGYD@aol.com
Website: www.FISHINGALABAMA.com

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