NEELY HENRY NOV. 2004

NEELY HENRY LAKE
Reed Montgomery
Reeds Guide Service (205) 787-5133
Website: www.FISHINGALABAMA.com
Impounded 1966
Lake Level: Down for Winter Pool (Till April)

Winter on Neely Henry Lake

Like the upper Coosa River Impoundment Weiss Lake, Neely Henry Lake is dropped each Winter. In the years of the past, Neely Henry Lake has been lowered to as much as 5-6 feet below normal full pool levels during winter. But in recent years, the lake drop has not been as drastic, with 1-3 feet down, now normal, winter pool levels.

This is the second of six Coosa River Impoundment's, with Weiss Lake to the North and Logan Martin Lake to the South. Neely Henry Lake is situated near the town of Gadsden in north Alabama, with its river banks running only a few hundred yards from Gadsden City Hall.

Gadsden City Launch is the site of many bass tournaments. From this famed boat launch (situated in the Lake's upper portions) to the Lake's headwaters, is more like a River. Not at all a wide open, spread out Lake, like the mid-to-down River portions of Neely Henry Lake, now 38 years since impoundment.

It is considered, by the many anglers that frequent this popular lake, to be an excellent lake for bass fishing during the cold months of Winter and early Spring. A good baitfish population, evident by the thousands of shad schools you see lakewide, shows both the Coosa River spotted bass and some hefty largemouth bass of Neely Henry Lake (over 50 miles long), have plenty to eat, as they fatten up for the winter months and prespawn period ahead.

Like any planned Winter fishing trip, timing is everything, to see any consistent action during the normally cold, miserable months of Winter. For some anglers, choosing those rare days following a week long warming trend, a planned fishing trip to Neely Henry Lake, will show considerably active bass. For others, that just have to take their chances, bad weather may mean slow fishing upon their arrival.

Still, a little knowledge always helps steer you in the right direction, despite your well laid plans being ruined by uncontrollable events. First is heavy rains during winter. You can make a sure bet, that the1-3 days following heavy rains of several inches statewide, can just about rule out the lakes headwaters. So head South downriver, if launching at Gadsden City launch shows swift, muddy water evident.

This especially holds true when targeting the mid-to-back portions of major incoming creeks, like Canoe Creek and other major influx of water. Cold, muddy water are just a few of the worst conditions an angler can face in the winter. There are other aspects to consider when fishing Neely Henry Lake this winter.

Like Lake levels and water generation schedules. You will find both by calling Alabama Power Company at: 1-800-LAKES-11. The normal, full pool Lake level for Neely Henry Lake is 508.0. When you call, just subtract the recorded message numbers given, for how many feet the lake is down daily.

For any fishing success, on any winter outing to this lake, like the rest of the year, finding concentrations of evident baitfish activity, means finding actively feeding fish. In Winter, this also means searching out for the warmest water possible and the clearest water available. These aspects, become of high priority when fishing here this winter.

Also boat navigation should be considered, especially for first timers. Use extreme caution when running this lake during winter, especially if Neely Henry Lake is down more than 2 feet.

Fishing for bass on Neely Henry Lake gives and angler either a choice of targeting the mighty Coosa River Spotted Bass, or finding some of those big largemouth's, some in the 10 pound range, taken each winter. Often both of these bass species can be found feeding and holding, side-by-side in areas with all the right conditions.

When it comes to spotted bass, its a definite thing that current and the availability of baitfish and crayfish, will show many "spots" can be taken when fishing certain predictable places. Main lake spots, such as around islands, creek mouths, ledges, drop-offs, river channel edges, along rocky banks, man made rip-rap rocks found around bridges and causeways, and especially rock bluffs are all great choices for targeting these Wintertime spotted bass species.

Some spotted bass in the 5-7 pound range, have been taken by the angler fortunate enough to land them, in the recent cold months of Winter. In stained water use lures (for both of these bass species) that emit flash, sound and vibration. Brighter colors of yellow, lime, chartreuse, and red, can be better seen in stained water.

During clear water fishing trips try shad colored lures and use crankbaits and spinnerbaits in white or shad colors. Following warming trends with water temps up a few degrees, look for shallow bass with spinnerbaits and topwaters. These are good search lures for targeting those big bass looking for a big, easy meal.

Walking type topwater lures like the Zara Spook and Sammie's are good choices, usually fished on 20 pound test line. Also include buzzbaits, with added trailer hooks for short strikers, when warming trends bring some of the year's biggest bass in the shallows for a few days...before another cold front arrives.

New to Neely Henry Lake? Call on Reeds Guide Service (205) 787-5133 for help. Website: www.FISHINGALABAMA.com "Over 40 Years Guiding on Neely Henry Lake and all other Alabama Lakes" with several professional guides and boats available year round. Be safe this Winter and always wear your life jacket, outboard motor kill switch, and always bring along plenty of spare clothes and a lighter and fire starting materials (or matches) for unforeseen accidents and emergencies.

This report provided by:
Reed Montgomery / Reeds Guide Service
Producer / Host "Fishing Alabama" With Reed Montgomery Radio Show
"Celebrating 5 Years on the Radio Jan 2004"
Sunday Morning's 9-10 A.M. Central Time
Radio Station WJOX 690 AM Birmingham, Alabama
Call Reeds Guide Service...First! (205) 787-5133
"Over 40 Years Fishing Alabama for Bass and Stripers"
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