Wheeler Lake

As a Wheeler lake bass guide with over 30 years of experience, I can quickly get you on the water and show you the best fishing spots on this renowned bass destination. Wheeler Lake in Decatur, AL has a rich history as a bass fishing location, and while the milfoil no longer covers the Decatur Flats, the fish population remains abundant. As one of the leading Wheeler Lake guides, I can help you catch a variety of bass species, including largemouth, smallmouth, and spotted bass, on any type of fishing trip you prefer, whether it’s shallow, deep, finesse, or power fishing. Wheeler Lake is a fantastic location for Northalabamabass, with a range of structures to explore and fish. 

In the spring and summer, Wheeler Lake is at its best, offering plenty of opportunities to catch bass using various techniques. For example, during the spring season, we can use crankbaits such as the Berkley Squarebull or Frittside near rocky banks to catch Wheeler bass. Spinnerbaits are also useful before the fish move into the bushes to spawn. Once the female bass moves into the bushes to spawn, we can catch many big ones by flipping bushes with Maxscent soft plastics.

In the summer, Football Jigs with Chigger Craw trailers are my favorite bait, followed by a Rowdy Buzz Buzzbait. I always have a Cane Walker or J-Walker topwater on the ready as well for topwater action.

In the fall, spinnerbaits and topwaters are my favorites to catch Wheeler bass. I also employ small crankbaits like a Frittside to find largemouth, smallmouth and spotted bass on Wheeler.

Here are some of my go to baits for Smith Lake’s spotted bass.

Winter: 1/2 oz Strike King Jig with KVD Chunk, 1/2 oz Hopkins Spoon, Strike King 5XD Crankbait in Green Gizzard Shad.

Spring: 1/4 oz Shaky head with 6.5inch KVD Finesse Worm in Green Pumpkin , 1/4 oz Strike King Tour Grade Spinnerbait, Strike King 5XD Crankbait.

Summer: KVD Sexy Dawg Topwater, shaky head, 3/4 oz Strike King Tour Grade Football Jig in Blk,Brwn, Amber, Green Gizzard Strike King 6XD crankbait, 1/2 oz or 3/4 oz Strike King Night Spinnerbait.

Fall: Shaky Head, 1/2 or 3/4 oz Strike King Burner Spinnerbait, Sexy Dawg, Spoon.

I like shad colors for crankbaits and spinnerbaits with a little chartreuse mixed in somewhere and watermelon red or green pumpkin for plastics. At night i use black for plastics and spinnerbaits.

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