LAKE HARRIS FEB. 03

LAKE HARRIS
By Reed Montgomery
Reeds Guide Service (205) 787-5133
Impounded 1983
Lake Level: Down 9 feet
Water Temperature: Upper 40's-Low 50's

Jan-Feb / Winter on Lake Harris

Many anglers that have never been to Alabama, have never heard of Lake Harris. Even some of Alabama's residents have not even heard of this lake, or the fantastic fishing for big bass in January and February that occurs here.

Situated on the Upper Tallapoosa River System, near the small town of Wedowee, close to the Alabama / Georgia State line, Lake Harris was impounded in 1983. This backed up the waters of the original water systems, the Tallapoosa River and the Little Tallapoosa River. Impoundment also inundated dozens of farm ponds, small lakes and streams.

This is Alabama's youngest Impoundment. But its residents are now getting old. If you have read my lake reports before, you've heard me mention the Big largemouth bass this lake harbors. Dozens of bass weighing from 10-16 pounds have been taken here in years past. Records show most big bass over 10 pounds, being taken in January, February and March.

You've also read about the many lures I've mentioned that have fooled these age old bass into striking. Nothing special. Lures like deep-diving crankbaits, fool many of these monsters. Spinnerbaits have taken their toll too, especially with all the brush, stumps and standing timber, calling for the use of weedless lures.

Big worms and small worms, always fool any bass any where. Jig combos are defiantly a big bass lure on Lake Harris. With many bass of winter and early spring fooled in years past into hitting these crayfish look-a-likes. Tube baits and plastic crayfish imitations too.

Topwaters too. When conditions bring bass shallow or suspended just beneath the water's surface, lures like buzzbaits, Zara Super Spooks, prop-baits and chugging or popping-type lures, will work. The list goes on, for many big bass have been fooled on various lures from top to bottom.

As important as lure selection is the way you fish it. Slow retrieves, leaving the lure in one spot for a long time, or just pausing when you retrieve a lure after bumping cover, triggers more bass into striking in winter. This is always better, than conventional, more steady and faster retrieves.

Picking the right spot is important for success to. You can fish an entire stretch of bank and not get a bite. Then suddenly happen up on a huge school of bass, or get lucky and entice one of Lake Harris's monster bass into striking.

Records show most really big bass were taken near very deep water. Main lake points and secondary points, especially within 1-2 miles of the two river junctions (the Big and Little Tallapoosa Rivers), have been very dependable since impoundment. Good spots all winter, for locating bass schools and even big cruising loner bass, on these points.

Rock bluffs and banks with rocks or boulders are good too. Submerged islands, now show themselves with evident stickups and the lake down 9 feet. Some are surrounded by water 50 feet deep. Creek mouths and even some creeks, still holding fairly deep water, are excellent choices to target all winter.

Islands can be found lake wide and they block strong current at times and show huge schools of bass relating to current breaks and eddy areas. Main river ledges and drop-offs should always be tried for big bass bites.

Come see why so many anglers keep the secret to themselves. Lake Harris is a Trophy, Big Bass Lake in winter. What more can I say?

Well, be prepared. Strong Trilene Big Game line in the 20-25 pound test category is recommended. Stought rods, dependable wide spooled reels (ABU Garcia 6500 series) and most importantly (if you succeed in getting one of these monsters to bite, hook it, then get it to the boat), is a good net and net man. Don't lose the fish of a lifetime at boatside.

Dress warm, fish slow, and set the hook hard, when fishing Lake Harris this winter and early spring. You never what you may hook into. Possibly even a new state record bass (16 1/2 pounds).

Or just E-mail me, ALABASSGYD@aol.com or call Reeds Guide Service (205) 787-5133. "Fishing Lake Harris since impoundment, and other Alabama Lakes, for over 30 years"

This report provided by:
Reed Montgomery / Reeds Guide Service
Producer / Host "Fishing Alabama" With Reed Montgomery
Sunday Mornings 9-10 A.M.Central Time
Radio Station WJOX 690 AM Birmingham, Alabama
Reeds Guide Service (205) 787-5133
"Over 30 Years Fishing Alabama for Bass and Stripers"
E-mail: ALABASSGYD@aol.com
Website: www.FISHINGALABAMA