How to Fish Guntersville Lake: Best Patterns & Techniques

Guntersville Lake

Published: Nov 1, 2018Updated: May 19, 2025

Table of Contents

Spring Fishing Patterns on Guntersville Lake

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	42-60	Pre-spawn largemouth are actively transitioning from winter patterns to spawning areas, staging on flats and breaks near potential spawning sites Fish are showing aggressive feeding behavior when conditions align, particularly around bait balls and grass edges Cold fronts and water temperature swings (42-60°F) are causing fish to alternate between aggressive and reactive strikes	Grass flats with nearby deeper breaks in 8-10 foot range Protected areas with eel grass off main river current Creek mouths with bait balls and channel drop-offs Grass edges near spawning flats	Bladed Jigs worked with varied retrieves around grass Umbrella Rigs with lighter heads to stay above grass Hard Jerkbaits for reaction strikes during cold fronts Lipless Crankbaits in areas with current and dirty water	Threadfin Shad Gizzard Shad	Chartreuse Colors Vibrant Craw Colors Bold Striped Patterns
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Crappie	48-58	Crappie are transitioning to pre-spawn staging areas, moving shallower with recent rains and current. Schools are relating to the main parts of cover rather than suspending on outer edges. Fish are actively feeding but staying close to cover, particularly around laydowns and other woody structure in preparation for spawning.	Laydowns and woody cover in protected areas, focusing on the main trunk portions in stained water Protected coves and creek arms with abundant natural wood cover Bridge pilings and man-made structure in transitional areas	Crappie Sniping (Casting/Single Poling) - precise presentations to visible cover Crappie Dock Shooting - effective for reaching fish under cover in protected areas Bobbers - allows for controlled depth presentation in shallow water	Shad - primary forage base confirmed in recent reports Small baitfish concentrating in spawning areas	Chartreuse Colors Bold Striped Patterns Pink Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Spotted Bass	52-65	Spotted bass are transitioning to pre-spawn areas, actively feeding to build energy reserves for spawning Fish are orienting to hard structure like rip rap and bridges, especially during morning hours when shad are most active	Rip rap areas near bridges, especially during early morning Secondary points leading into spawning pockets Grass edges in 5-15 foot depth range	Umbrella Rigs worked parallel to rip rap Hard Jerkbaits with longer pauses Bladed Jigs around grass edges	Shad schools gathering near structure Small bluegill near vegetation	Chartreuse Colors Bold Striped Patterns
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	White Bass	52-62	Pre-spawn White Bass staging near tributary mouths and making early upstream movements, actively feeding to build energy reserves Fish transitioning from winter deep water patterns to shallower staging areas, following shad schools	Tributary mouths and creek channels where current meets main lake Secondary points near spawning tributaries Channel edges and ledges in 15-25 foot depth range	Blade Baits worked vertically along channel edges Lipless Crankbaits retrieved through staging areas Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) worked near current seams	Shad schools congregating near tributary mouths Small baitfish pushed by current into predictable ambush areas	Chartreuse Colors Bold Striped Patterns Vibrant Assorted Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	48-58	Transitioning from winter deep water haunts to pre-spawn staging areas, actively feeding to build energy reserves for spawning Using current breaks and rock structure as primary holding areas, becoming more aggressive in feeding behavior as waters warm	Main lake rock piles and riprap in 8-15 foot depth adjacent to spawning flats Current breaks near river channel edges with hard bottom structure Transition areas between deep winter holding areas and shallow spawning flats	Blade Baits worked slowly along rock transitions Football Jigs dragged through rocky areas Ned Rigs worked methodically on structure edges	Crawfish emerging from winter dormancy Shad schools in pre-spawn transition Small baitfish relating to current breaks	Vibrant Craw Colors Dark Neutrals Pink Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Striped Bass	52-65	Pre-spawn striped bass are actively feeding and moving up into tributary arms and river sections, following shad movements and preparing for spawning Fish are schooling aggressively, often herding bait against points and in the backs of creeks Most active during dawn and dusk, but will feed throughout the day when current is present from dam operations	Main river channel bends and points where current creates feeding opportunities Tributary mouths and secondary points leading into spawning areas Shallow flats adjacent to deep water where shad are staging	Umbrella Rigs worked through schools of bait with steady retrieve Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) worked along channel edges Vertical Jigging Deep (20'+) in areas of suspended bait with strong current	Gizzard and Threadfin Shad schooling in large groups Blueback Herring moving shallow for spawn Yellow Bass in tributary areas	Chartreuse Colors Bold Striped Patterns Dark Neutrals
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	51-65	Largemouth bass are in various stages of the spawn, with some fish actively spawning while others are in pre-spawn or post-spawn phases. Fish are showing aggressive behavior towards moving baits like chatterbaits and responding well to presentations in shallow vegetation zones. Fish are highly territorial and relating strongly to areas with submerged vegetation, particularly around drops and transitions. Active Target shows them positioning on drop-offs adjacent to spawning flats.	Submerged vegetation edges near drop-offs, particularly areas with eel grass Protected spawning flats with access to deeper water Riprap banks with nearby deep water access	Bladed Jigs worked through and around vegetation edges Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) targeting fish on drop-offs Umbrella Rigs for actively feeding fish in slightly deeper water	Shad - primary forage based on multiple recent reports Bluegill - secondary forage especially around spawning areas	Chartreuse Colors Vibrant Craw Colors Bold Striped Patterns
Spring (Spawn)	Crappie	58-68	Actively moving into shallow spawning areas, especially in protected coves and creek arms with abundant wood cover Males staging and creating beds while females stage slightly deeper until ready to spawn Highly responsive to weather changes, pushing shallower with rain and current	Protected shallow coves with laydowns and stumps in 2-8 feet of water Creek arms with wood cover near deeper water access Bridge areas providing staging locations near spawning flats	Crappie Dock Shooting Bobbers Crappie Sniping (Casting/Single Poling)	Small baitfish and fry gathering in spawning areas Juvenile shad beginning to emerge Small invertebrates active in warming shallows	Chartreuse Colors Pink Colors Bold Striped Patterns
Spring (Spawn)	Spotted Bass	58-68	Spotted bass are transitioning into spawning behavior, moving from pre-spawn staging areas to nesting sites in protected pockets and coves Males are aggressively guarding nests while females move between shallow spawning areas and slightly deeper staging zones Fish are exhibiting both defensive territorial behavior around nests and opportunistic feeding on passing shad schools	Protected shallow pockets with firm bottom near rip rap or bridge approaches Grass edges in 3-8 foot depth range adjacent to deeper water Secondary points leading into spawning pockets	Texas Rigs (Pitch/Flip) around visible cover and potential spawning areas Shakey Heads worked slowly through spawning flats Spinnerbaits along grass edges during shad activity	Shad schools moving into spawning pockets Small bluegill beginning to become active in the shallows	Chartreuse Colors Vibrant Craw Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Spawn)	White Bass	55-65	Aggressive schooling behavior as White Bass make spawning runs up tributary arms and congregate in staging areas Fish moving from deeper winter haunts to shallower spawning areas, with males arriving first and females staging nearby Feeding actively during pre-spawn staging, targeting shad schools in transition areas	Tributary mouths and incoming creek channels where spawning runs begin Secondary points near major spawning tributaries Current-swept rocky areas in river channels	Blade Baits worked vertically along channel edges where fish stage Inline Spinners cast parallel to rocky banks during the spawn Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) for imitating shad in staging areas	Shad concentrated in pre-spawn staging areas Small baitfish gathering in tributary mouths	Chartreuse Colors Bold Striped Patterns Vibrant Assorted Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	55-65	Smallmouth bass are actively seeking spawning areas on hard bottom in protected coves and areas near current breaks Males are establishing and guarding nests while females stage on nearby deeper structure Feeding activity increases in pre-spawn, becomes territorial during spawn	Protected rocky areas in coves with hard bottom, especially near current breaks Transition areas where rock meets submerged vegetation Secondary points with rip-rap or rock structure	Tubes worked slowly around spawning areas Ned Rigs for finesse presentation in clear pockets Soft Jerkbaits for targeting pre-spawn fish	Crawfish emerging from winter habitat Small baitfish in warming shallows Shad schools in transition areas	Vibrant Craw Colors Dark Neutrals Pink Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Striped Bass	58-68	Striped bass are moving into major tributaries and current-swept areas for spawning, actively feeding during pre-spawn phases Fish are schooling heavily and chasing shad in the upper water column, especially during dawn and dusk periods Males stage in spawning areas while females move in and out, creating waves of feeding activity	Main river channel intersections with strong current breaks Rocky points and ledges near tributary mouths Shallow flats adjacent to deep water access	Umbrella Rigs worked through suspended schools Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) slow-rolled along channel edges Trolling Shallow (0-9') with multiple lure spreads	Schooling Shad congregating near spawning areas Small Baitfish pushed by current into feeding zones	Chartreuse Colors Bold Striped Patterns Pink Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	60-72	Bass are in varied stages of post-spawn recovery, with some actively feeding on flats and points while others are transitioning to deeper ledges Fish are showing increased feeding activity in afternoons as water warms, targeting shad and bluegill in vegetation Movement patterns indicate transition between shallow spawning areas and summer deep-water locations	Grass flats in 2-6 foot depth range, particularly with isolated patches of eel grass Main river points with submerged vegetation Ledges and drop-offs in 10-15 foot range near river channel	Bladed Jigs worked through vegetation, particularly effective in stained water Drop Shot along vegetation edges in 9-16 feet Lipless Crankbaits burned over grass with stop-and-go retrieves Hard Body Swimbaits worked around bait schools	Shad schooling in and around vegetation Bluegill in shallow grass areas Crawfish active on hard bottom areas	Chartreuse Colors Dark Neutrals Vibrant Craw Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Crappie	65-72	Transitioning from spawning areas to early summer patterns, actively feeding to recover energy Moving between shallow cover and nearby deeper water depending on weather conditions and time of day Beginning to form loose schools around structural elements, especially near creek channel intersections	Secondary points near spawning bays with laydowns and stumps Bridge pilings adjacent to deeper water Brush piles in 8-15 foot depth range near creek channels	Crappie Sniping (Casting/Single Poling) Crappie Long Lining (Pulling/Trolling) Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9')	Young-of-year shad beginning to school Small bluegill and sunfish in shallow cover Small crawfish in transition areas	Chartreuse Colors Pink Colors Bold Striped Patterns
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Spotted Bass	58-72	Spotted bass are transitioning from spawning areas to early summer patterns, actively feeding to recover energy Fish are relating heavily to vertical structure like bluff walls, using these areas as feeding zones	Bluff walls and ledges on the lower end of the lake Secondary points with submerged vegetation Riprap areas near bridges and channels	Ned Rigs worked along vertical structure Shakey Heads on bluff walls and ledges Soft Jerkbaits around shad schools	Shad Crawfish in rocky areas	Dark Neutrals Chartreuse Colors Vibrant Craw Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	White Bass	58-72	Actively schooling and chasing shad in upper water column, particularly during morning and evening periods Moving along channel edges and points, using current seams to ambush bait Transitioning between spawning areas and main lake feeding zones	Main lake points adjacent to spawning tributaries Current-swept channel edges near tributary mouths Shallow flats with quick access to deeper water	Inline Spinners worked at varying depths through bait schools Blade Baits worked vertically along channel edges Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) retrieved steadily through active areas	Shad schools beginning post-spawn movements Small baitfish concentrated in current areas Young-of-year baitfish emerging in shallow areas	Chartreuse Colors Bold Striped Patterns Vibrant Assorted Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	58-72	Post-spawn smallmouth are transitioning from nesting areas to early summer patterns, actively feeding to recover energy Fish are utilizing current breaks near structure, especially during shad movement periods With turbid conditions (1.1m clarity), smallmouth are relying heavily on lateral line sensing and positioning near defined structure	Rock piles and riprap in 8-15 foot depth adjacent to spawning flats Current breaks and eddies near river channel structure Edges of submerged vegetation where it meets harder bottom	Drop Shot with subtle presentations near rock structure Swim Jigs worked along grass edges and through current breaks Tubes dragged and hopped on rock piles	Shad schools in transition areas Crawfish emerging from winter holding areas Small baitfish relating to vegetation edges	Vibrant Craw Colors Bold Striped Patterns Dark Neutrals
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Striped Bass	62-75	Post-spawn striped bass actively feeding and recovering, following shad schools in open water and along channel edges Fish transitioning between shallow and deep water daily, moving deeper as temperatures rise during day	Main river channel edges and current breaks near dam Points and ledges adjacent to deep water Open water areas where shad schools are present	Trolling Mid Depth (10-19') with artificial lures parallel to channel edges Umbrella Rigs worked through suspended bait schools Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') when fish are spotted on electronics	Shad schools in open water and along channel edges Smaller baitfish concentrated around current breaks	Chartreuse Colors Bold Striped Patterns Dark Neutrals

Summer Fishing Patterns

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Summer	Largemouth Bass	77-86	Bass are actively feeding around matted grass and vegetation, particularly during early morning and late evening, targeting bluegill on spawning beds Fish are splitting time between shallow grass areas and deeper ledges, with feeding activity strongly influenced by current and time of day Bass are showing aggressive surface feeding behavior around vegetation when pursuing bluegill, but require slower presentations on ledges when targeting shad	Matted grass and hydrilla mats in 2-4 feet of water, especially near bream beds Ledges with stumps and brush piles in deeper water, particularly during midday Creek channels with topped-out grass Shallow pads and vegetation near spawning areas	Frogs/Toads worked over matted vegetation, especially popping-style presentations Drop Shot rigs around deeper stumps and ledges Texas Rigs (Pitch/Flip) for punching through grass mats Texas Rigs (Worming) worked slowly on ledges	Bluegill, especially around spawning areas and vegetation Shad schooling around ledges and deeper structure Crappie around deeper stumps and brush piles	Dark Neutrals Vibrant Craw Colors Pink Colors
Summer	Crappie	72-77	Crappie have moved off spawning flats to suspend in creek channels at 10-25 feet, actively chasing shad and minnow schools Fish are schooling around deep structure like stumps and bridges, making frequent moves to feed on passing bait schools	Creek channels with suspended baitfish schools at 20-25 foot depths Deep stumps and brush piles in 10-25 foot range Bridge structures with suspended fish	Crappie Spider Rigging Trolling Mid Depth (10-19') Crappie Sniping (Casting/Single Poling)	Shad Minnows	Chartreuse Colors Pink Colors Bold Striped Patterns
Summer	Spotted Bass	78-85	Spotted bass are schooling on deep ledges, actively feeding on shad during early morning periods before recreational boat traffic increases Fish are holding near deep structure (stumps) throughout the day, becoming less active during peak sunlight hours	Main lake ledges with proximity to deep water Deep stump fields adjacent to primary structure Offshore structure in 13-25 foot depth range	Deep Diving Crankbaits (13'+) for active fish on ledges Drop Shot around deep structure when bite slows Hover/Mid-Strolling for suspended fish near structure	Shad schools relating to offshore structure Baitfish suspended near deep cover	Bold Striped Patterns Chartreuse Colors Vibrant Craw Colors
Summer	White Bass	72-85	Actively schooling and chasing shad schools in the water column, especially during early morning and evening hours Moving between main lake points and channel edges throughout the day, responding to current and bait movements	Main lake points with current breaks, especially near river channel intersections Deep channel edges adjacent to flats where bait schools congregate Current-swept areas near tributary mouths where bait gets concentrated	Blade Baits worked vertically along channel edges when fish are holding deeper Spinnerbaits retrieved quickly through schooling fish when they're actively feeding Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) for mimicking shad in the water column	Shad schools - primary forage base Small baitfish concentrated by current	Chartreuse Colors Bold Striped Patterns Dark Neutrals
Summer	Smallmouth Bass	68-82	Actively feeding around current breaks and rock structure, with peak activity during dawn and dusk Transitioning between deep and shallow water throughout the day based on temperature and light conditions Utilizing grass edges and rock piles as ambush points for feeding on shad and crawfish	Rock piles and riprap areas near river channel edges with current breaks Edges of submerged vegetation adjacent to deeper water Main lake points with mixed rock and grass structure	Drop Shot along grass edges and rock transitions Football Jigs worked slowly through rocky areas Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) for active fish chasing shad	Shad schools in open water and along structure edges Crawfish in rocky areas and riprap Small bluegill along grass edges	Vibrant Craw Colors Dark Neutrals Pink Colors
Summer	Striped Bass	68-75	Striped bass are forced deep due to summer stratification, seeking thermal refuges near the thermocline where temperatures remain tolerable Fish actively feed during low light periods (dawn/dusk) and at night, moving shallower to pursue shad schools in areas with current During midday, they suspend near deep structure and current breaks, conserving energy in cooler water	Deep ledges and river channel edges where current intersects structure Main lake points near deep water access Areas of current breaks near dam where oxygenated water concentrates bait	Trolling Deep (20'+) Vertical Jigging Deep (20'+) Umbrella Rigs Large Hair Jigs (Preacher)	Shad schools concentrated in current breaks Suspended baitfish near thermocline Scattered bait pods following current seams	Chartreuse Colors Bold Striped Patterns Dark Neutrals

Fall Fishing Guide for Guntersville Lake

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Fall	Largemouth Bass	75-85	Bass are actively feeding on shad in and around grass lines and laydowns, following a typical fall feeding pattern Fish are relating to both shallow cover and deeper channel-swing areas, showing transitional fall movement	Matted grass and grass lines, particularly in creek areas Laydowns with less grass around them in the creeks Bluff walls near channel swings	Texas Rigs (Worming) with 7.5" worms around grass and laydowns Square Bill Crankbaits around riprap Buzzbaits and Frogs on grass lines Finesse Jigs on bluff walls	Shad - primary forage based on multiple reports Bluegill - secondary forage option near cover	Vibrant Craw Colors Dark Neutrals Bold Striped Patterns
Fall	Crappie	58-72	Transitioning from summer deep water patterns to shallower feeding zones, actively pursuing shad schools in creek arms and coves Suspending near structure in 10-20 foot range, becoming more aggressive as water temperatures cool	Creek channel bends with adjacent wood cover in 15-20 foot range Bridge pilings and adjacent deeper water Suspended schools near standing timber in creek arms	Crappie Long Lining (Pulling/Trolling) along creek channels and near suspended schools Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') around bridge pilings and timber Crappie Spider Rigging near channel breaks and suspended fish	Shad schools moving into creeks and coves Small sunfish around shallow structure	Chartreuse Colors Bold Striped Patterns Pink Colors
Fall	Spotted Bass	65-75	Actively schooling and chasing shad in late afternoon, following baitfish movements to shallow feeding zones Utilizing submerged vegetation as ambush points, particularly during peak feeding periods	Submerged vegetation edges in 0-9 foot depth range Points and pockets with grass near deeper water access Shallow flats where shad are schooling	Medium Diving Crankbaits (7'-12') worked parallel to grass edges Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) for schooling fish Spinnerbaits around vegetation in lowlight conditions	Shad Small Baitfish	Chartreuse Colors Bold Striped Patterns Vibrant Assorted Colors
Fall	White Bass	65-75	White Bass are actively schooling and following shad schools around tributary points and creek mouths in fall Fish are likely to be most active during low-light periods, ambushing bait from structure-heavy areas	Main lake points near tributary mouths where current concentrates bait Channel edges adjacent to points where schools can corral bait Creek mouth areas with current flow	Blade Baits worked vertically along channel edges Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) cast to surfacing schools Lipless Crankbaits retrieved through bait schools	Shad schools concentrated near structure Small crappie and baitfish in points areas	Chartreuse Colors Bold Striped Patterns Vibrant Craw Colors
Fall	Smallmouth Bass	58-68	Following migrating shad schools in open water areas while transitioning between summer and winter patterns Actively feeding in current breaks and around hard structure, using lateral line sensing in turbid conditions	Open water areas near river channel edges where shad are congregating Rocky points and riprap areas with current breaks Edges of submerged vegetation adjacent to deeper water	Medium Diving Crankbaits (7'-12') worked through bait schools Spinnerbaits parallel to structure in current breaks Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) for matching shad profile	Shad schools in open water Crawfish along rocky structure	Chartreuse Colors Vibrant Craw Colors Bold Striped Patterns
Fall	Striped Bass	58-72	Actively chasing shad schools in open water and along channel edges as baitfish migrate to creek arms and coves More aggressive feeding patterns with cooling water temperatures, often creating surface feeding frenzies Moving between different depth zones throughout the day, following bait and temperature preferences	Main river channel edges where current meets structure Points and creek mouth intersections where bait schools concentrate Back of major creek arms where shad schools migrate	Trolling Mid Depth (10-19') with umbrella rigs along channel edges Vertical Jigging Deep (20'+) when fish are holding in deeper water Hard Topwater (Walking) during dawn/dusk surface feeding activity	Shad schools migrating to creeks Scattered baitfish pods along channel edges	Chartreuse Colors Bold Striped Patterns Dark Neutrals

Winter & Ice Fishing Patterns

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Winter	Largemouth Bass	46-54	Largemouth bass are holding on grass edges adjacent to deeper water, actively feeding during stable weather conditions Fish are showing opportunistic feeding behavior when shad schools are present, particularly in protected cuts and coves	Grass edges adjacent to deeper water, particularly on the upper end of the lake Protected cuts and coves where bait is present, especially where birds are diving Areas where submerged vegetation meets channel swings or deeper water access	Bladed Jigs worked just above grass with trailer Lipless Crankbaits worked along grass edges Umbrella Rigs in areas where fish are actively feeding on shad	Shad schools in protected areas and along grass edges Crawfish becoming active near grass edges and bottom structure	Chartreuse Colors Vibrant Craw Colors Bold Striped Patterns
Winter	Crappie	48-52	Crappie are forming loose winter schools near deep structure, suspending near but not directly on cover, with most active feeding during warmer parts of the day Fish are showing preference for suspended positions around matted grass and laydowns, typically holding 5-20 feet deep depending on the available cover and time of day	Laydowns with matted grass, especially those near creek mouths Bridge pilings and adjacent deep water Deep brush piles in creek channels	Crappie Sniping (Casting/Single Poling) with precision casts to suspended schools Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') near structure Bobbers for suspended fish when actively feeding higher in the water column	Shad schools in creek mouths and near structure Small baitfish relating to matted grass and laydowns	Chartreuse Colors Bold Striped Patterns Pink Colors
Winter	Spotted Bass	50-68	Spotted bass are actively feeding on shad schools around hard structure, particularly bridges and rip rap, with increased activity during warmer winter days Fish are suspending near steep structure and transitioning between deep and shallow water based on daily temperature fluctuations	Bridge pilings and adjacent rip rap with deeper water access Main lake points with proximity to deep water Submerged grass edges near deep water transitions	Hard Jerkbaits worked with long pauses near structure Umbrella Rigs slow-rolled through suspended fish Carolina Rigs dragged along grass edges and depth transitions	Shad schools suspended near structure Smaller baitfish relating to grass edges	Chartreuse Colors Bold Striped Patterns Purple Colors
Winter	White Bass	45-55	Schooling heavily in deep river channels, following and feeding on concentrated shad schools Most active during stable weather periods, typically feeding during low-light conditions	River channel edges and deeper bends where current concentrates bait Deep structure intersections where channels meet points Current-swept areas near channel swings where shad schools hold	Blade Baits worked vertically along channel edges Vertical Jigging Deep (20'+) with heavy spoons or jigging presentations Lipless Crankbaits worked through suspended schools	Shad schools concentrated in winter locations Small baitfish following similar winter patterns	Chartreuse Colors Bold Striped Patterns Vibrant Craw Colors
Winter	Smallmouth Bass	42-48	Schooling on deep rock structure and rip rap areas, feeding opportunistically on crawfish Moving between wintering holes along rip rap banks and deep rocky structure, with more active periods during warmer winter days	Main river rip rap banks in 8-12 foot depth Deep rock piles near current breaks River channel transition areas with hard bottom structure	Structure Jigs worked slowly along rip rap and rock transitions Drop Shot with small profile baits for pressured fish Blade Baits for active fish near current breaks	Crawfish hiding in rock crevices Small baitfish relating to current breaks	Vibrant Craw Colors Dark Neutrals Bold Striped Patterns
Winter	Striped Bass	42-55	Striped bass are actively schooling and feeding on large concentrations of shad in open water and along channel edges Fish are more active during warmer portions of the day, often suspending near deep structure and moving up to feed on bait schools	Deep river channel bends and ledges near dam where current concentrates bait Main lake points adjacent to deep water where shad schools congregate Deep water areas near major creek mouths where bait gets pushed by current	Vertical Jigging Deep (20'+) with heavy spoons or blade baits near bait schools Umbrella Rigs worked slowly through suspended bait schools Trolling Deep (20'+) along channel edges and near the dam	Large schools of winter-stressed shad Suspended baitfish concentrations near current breaks	Chartreuse Colors Bold Striped Patterns Dark Neutrals

Key Seasonal Structures in Guntersville Lake

Season	Species	Primary Structure	Secondary Structure
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Grass flats with nearby deeper breaks in 8-10 foot range	Protected areas with eel grass off main river current
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Crappie	Laydowns and woody cover in protected areas, focusing on the main trunk portions in stained water	Protected coves and creek arms with abundant natural wood cover
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Spotted Bass	Rip rap areas near bridges, especially during early morning	Secondary points leading into spawning pockets
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	White Bass	Tributary mouths and creek channels where current meets main lake	Secondary points near spawning tributaries
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Main lake rock piles and riprap in 8-15 foot depth adjacent to spawning flats	Current breaks near river channel edges with hard bottom structure
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Striped Bass	Main river channel bends and points where current creates feeding opportunities	Tributary mouths and secondary points leading into spawning areas
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Submerged vegetation edges near drop-offs, particularly areas with eel grass	Protected spawning flats with access to deeper water
Spring (Spawn)	Crappie	Protected shallow coves with laydowns and stumps in 2-8 feet of water	Creek arms with wood cover near deeper water access
Spring (Spawn)	Spotted Bass	Protected shallow pockets with firm bottom near rip rap or bridge approaches	Grass edges in 3-8 foot depth range adjacent to deeper water
Spring (Spawn)	White Bass	Tributary mouths and incoming creek channels where spawning runs begin	Secondary points near major spawning tributaries
Spring (Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Protected rocky areas in coves with hard bottom, especially near current breaks	Transition areas where rock meets submerged vegetation
Spring (Spawn)	Striped Bass	Main river channel intersections with strong current breaks	Rocky points and ledges near tributary mouths
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Grass flats in 2-6 foot depth range, particularly with isolated patches of eel grass	Main river points with submerged vegetation
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Crappie	Secondary points near spawning bays with laydowns and stumps	Bridge pilings adjacent to deeper water
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Spotted Bass	Bluff walls and ledges on the lower end of the lake	Secondary points with submerged vegetation
Spring (Post-Spawn)	White Bass	Main lake points adjacent to spawning tributaries	Current-swept channel edges near tributary mouths
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Rock piles and riprap in 8-15 foot depth adjacent to spawning flats	Current breaks and eddies near river channel structure
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Striped Bass	Main river channel edges and current breaks near dam	Points and ledges adjacent to deep water
Summer	Largemouth Bass	Matted grass and hydrilla mats in 2-4 feet of water, especially near bream beds	Ledges with stumps and brush piles in deeper water, particularly during midday
Summer	Crappie	Creek channels with suspended baitfish schools at 20-25 foot depths	Deep stumps and brush piles in 10-25 foot range
Summer	Spotted Bass	Main lake ledges with proximity to deep water	Deep stump fields adjacent to primary structure
Summer	White Bass	Main lake points with current breaks, especially near river channel intersections	Deep channel edges adjacent to flats where bait schools congregate
Summer	Smallmouth Bass	Rock piles and riprap areas near river channel edges with current breaks	Edges of submerged vegetation adjacent to deeper water
Summer	Striped Bass	Deep ledges and river channel edges where current intersects structure	Main lake points near deep water access
Fall	Largemouth Bass	Matted grass and grass lines, particularly in creek areas	Laydowns with less grass around them in the creeks
Fall	Crappie	Creek channel bends with adjacent wood cover in 15-20 foot range	Bridge pilings and adjacent deeper water
Fall	Spotted Bass	Submerged vegetation edges in 0-9 foot depth range	Points and pockets with grass near deeper water access
Fall	White Bass	Main lake points near tributary mouths where current concentrates bait	Channel edges adjacent to points where schools can corral bait
Fall	Smallmouth Bass	Open water areas near river channel edges where shad are congregating	Rocky points and riprap areas with current breaks
Fall	Striped Bass	Main river channel edges where current meets structure	Points and creek mouth intersections where bait schools concentrate
Winter	Largemouth Bass	Grass edges adjacent to deeper water, particularly on the upper end of the lake	Protected cuts and coves where bait is present, especially where birds are diving
Winter	Crappie	Laydowns with matted grass, especially those near creek mouths	Bridge pilings and adjacent deep water
Winter	Spotted Bass	Bridge pilings and adjacent rip rap with deeper water access	Main lake points with proximity to deep water
Winter	White Bass	River channel edges and deeper bends where current concentrates bait	Deep structure intersections where channels meet points
Winter	Smallmouth Bass	Main river rip rap banks in 8-12 foot depth	Deep rock piles near current breaks
Winter	Striped Bass	Deep river channel bends and ledges near dam where current concentrates bait	Main lake points adjacent to deep water where shad schools congregate

Primary Forage by Season

Season	Species	Primary Forage	Secondary Forage
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Threadfin Shad	Gizzard Shad
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Crappie	Shad - primary forage base confirmed in recent reports	Small baitfish concentrating in spawning areas
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Spotted Bass	Shad schools gathering near structure	Small bluegill near vegetation
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	White Bass	Shad schools congregating near tributary mouths	Small baitfish pushed by current into predictable ambush areas
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Crawfish emerging from winter dormancy	Shad schools in pre-spawn transition
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Striped Bass	Gizzard and Threadfin Shad schooling in large groups	Blueback Herring moving shallow for spawn
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Shad - primary forage based on multiple recent reports	Bluegill - secondary forage especially around spawning areas
Spring (Spawn)	Crappie	Small baitfish and fry gathering in spawning areas	Juvenile shad beginning to emerge
Spring (Spawn)	Spotted Bass	Shad schools moving into spawning pockets	Small bluegill beginning to become active in the shallows
Spring (Spawn)	White Bass	Shad concentrated in pre-spawn staging areas	Small baitfish gathering in tributary mouths
Spring (Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Crawfish emerging from winter habitat	Small baitfish in warming shallows
Spring (Spawn)	Striped Bass	Schooling Shad congregating near spawning areas	Small Baitfish pushed by current into feeding zones
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Shad schooling in and around vegetation	Bluegill in shallow grass areas
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Crappie	Young-of-year shad beginning to school	Small bluegill and sunfish in shallow cover
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Spotted Bass	Shad	Crawfish in rocky areas
Spring (Post-Spawn)	White Bass	Shad schools beginning post-spawn movements	Small baitfish concentrated in current areas
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Shad schools in transition areas	Crawfish emerging from winter holding areas
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Striped Bass	Shad schools in open water and along channel edges	Smaller baitfish concentrated around current breaks
Summer	Largemouth Bass	Bluegill, especially around spawning areas and vegetation	Shad schooling around ledges and deeper structure
Summer	Crappie	Shad	Minnows
Summer	Spotted Bass	Shad schools relating to offshore structure	Baitfish suspended near deep cover
Summer	White Bass	Shad schools - primary forage base	Small baitfish concentrated by current
Summer	Smallmouth Bass	Shad schools in open water and along structure edges	Crawfish in rocky areas and riprap
Summer	Striped Bass	Shad schools concentrated in current breaks	Suspended baitfish near thermocline
Fall	Largemouth Bass	Shad - primary forage based on multiple reports	Bluegill - secondary forage option near cover
Fall	Crappie	Shad schools moving into creeks and coves	Small sunfish around shallow structure
Fall	Spotted Bass	Shad	Small Baitfish
Fall	White Bass	Shad schools concentrated near structure	Small crappie and baitfish in points areas
Fall	Smallmouth Bass	Shad schools in open water	Crawfish along rocky structure
Fall	Striped Bass	Shad schools migrating to creeks	Scattered baitfish pods along channel edges
Winter	Largemouth Bass	Shad schools in protected areas and along grass edges	Crawfish becoming active near grass edges and bottom structure
Winter	Crappie	Shad schools in creek mouths and near structure	Small baitfish relating to matted grass and laydowns
Winter	Spotted Bass	Shad schools suspended near structure	Smaller baitfish relating to grass edges
Winter	White Bass	Shad schools concentrated in winter locations	Small baitfish following similar winter patterns
Winter	Smallmouth Bass	Crawfish hiding in rock crevices	Small baitfish relating to current breaks
Winter	Striped Bass	Large schools of winter-stressed shad	Suspended baitfish concentrations near current breaks

Bait Colors by Season for Guntersville Lake

Season	Species	Bait Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Chartreuse Colors Vibrant Craw Colors Bold Striped Patterns
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Crappie	Chartreuse Colors Bold Striped Patterns Pink Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Spotted Bass	Chartreuse Colors Bold Striped Patterns
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	White Bass	Chartreuse Colors Bold Striped Patterns Vibrant Assorted Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Vibrant Craw Colors Dark Neutrals Pink Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Striped Bass	Chartreuse Colors Bold Striped Patterns Dark Neutrals
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Chartreuse Colors Vibrant Craw Colors Bold Striped Patterns
Spring (Spawn)	Crappie	Chartreuse Colors Pink Colors Bold Striped Patterns
Spring (Spawn)	Spotted Bass	Chartreuse Colors Vibrant Craw Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Spawn)	White Bass	Chartreuse Colors Bold Striped Patterns Vibrant Assorted Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Vibrant Craw Colors Dark Neutrals Pink Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Striped Bass	Chartreuse Colors Bold Striped Patterns Pink Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Chartreuse Colors Dark Neutrals Vibrant Craw Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Crappie	Chartreuse Colors Pink Colors Bold Striped Patterns
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Spotted Bass	Dark Neutrals Chartreuse Colors Vibrant Craw Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	White Bass	Chartreuse Colors Bold Striped Patterns Vibrant Assorted Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Vibrant Craw Colors Bold Striped Patterns Dark Neutrals
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Striped Bass	Chartreuse Colors Bold Striped Patterns Dark Neutrals
Summer	Largemouth Bass	Dark Neutrals Vibrant Craw Colors Pink Colors
Summer	Crappie	Chartreuse Colors Pink Colors Bold Striped Patterns
Summer	Spotted Bass	Bold Striped Patterns Chartreuse Colors Vibrant Craw Colors
Summer	White Bass	Chartreuse Colors Bold Striped Patterns Dark Neutrals
Summer	Smallmouth Bass	Vibrant Craw Colors Dark Neutrals Pink Colors
Summer	Striped Bass	Chartreuse Colors Bold Striped Patterns Dark Neutrals
Fall	Largemouth Bass	Vibrant Craw Colors Dark Neutrals Bold Striped Patterns
Fall	Crappie	Chartreuse Colors Bold Striped Patterns Pink Colors
Fall	Spotted Bass	Chartreuse Colors Bold Striped Patterns Vibrant Assorted Colors
Fall	White Bass	Chartreuse Colors Bold Striped Patterns Vibrant Craw Colors
Fall	Smallmouth Bass	Chartreuse Colors Vibrant Craw Colors Bold Striped Patterns
Fall	Striped Bass	Chartreuse Colors Bold Striped Patterns Dark Neutrals
Winter	Largemouth Bass	Chartreuse Colors Vibrant Craw Colors Bold Striped Patterns
Winter	Crappie	Chartreuse Colors Bold Striped Patterns Pink Colors
Winter	Spotted Bass	Chartreuse Colors Bold Striped Patterns Purple Colors
Winter	White Bass	Chartreuse Colors Bold Striped Patterns Vibrant Craw Colors
Winter	Smallmouth Bass	Vibrant Craw Colors Dark Neutrals Bold Striped Patterns
Winter	Striped Bass	Chartreuse Colors Bold Striped Patterns Dark Neutrals