Guide To Fishing At Lake Guntersville

AKA: Guntersville Reservoir

Alabama's largest lake, Lake Guntersville is a 68,000-acre reservoir located on the Tennessee River in the northeast corner of Alabama. The lake spans 75 miles from Nickajack Dam to Guntersville Dam with over 950 miles of shoreline.

Available Fish Species
Amenities
Today's Weather & Forecast
Rental Boats
Marinas
Boat Launch Ramps
Campgrounds & RV Parks
Map
Lake Video
Contact Info

Lake Guntersville, located in northeastern Alabama, is widely recognized as one of the premier bass fishing lakes in the United States. With its expansive waters and abundant fish populations, Lake Guntersville offers anglers an exceptional fishing experience.

The lake is renowned for its outstanding largemouth bass fishing. The fertile waters of Lake Guntersville provide optimal habitat for bass, including submerged vegetation, weed beds, and ample forage. Anglers from all over the country flock to this lake in pursuit of trophy-sized bass. Spring and fall are considered the prime seasons for bass fishing on Lake Guntersville, as the fish are more active and aggressive. Anglers employ various techniques, such as flipping jigs, crankbaits, and topwater lures, to entice the bass to strike.

In addition to largemouth bass, Lake Guntersville is home to other popular fish species. Crappie, including both black crappie and white crappie, can be found throughout the lake. Anglers target crappie around submerged structures, bridge pilings, and brush piles. The spring and fall seasons are particularly productive for crappie fishing, when the fish gather in shallower waters for spawning. Anglers commonly use live minnows, jigs, and small plastic baits to attract crappie bites.

Lake Guntersville also offers opportunities for catfish anglers. The lake is home to various catfish species, including channel catfish and blue catfish. Anglers target catfish using a variety of baits, such as cut bait, chicken liver, or stinkbaits. The lake's deep channels, drop-offs, and areas with structure are productive spots for catfish fishing. Night fishing is particularly popular for catfish, as they tend to be more active during this time.

Boating is a favorite activity on Lake Guntersville, with its expansive waters and numerous boat ramps. Anglers can explore the lake's diverse areas, access prime fishing spots, and enjoy the scenic beauty from the water. The lake also provides camping facilities, including both tent and RV camping sites, allowing anglers to extend their fishing trips and immerse themselves in the natural surroundings.

Before fishing at Lake Guntersville, anglers should familiarize themselves with Alabama fishing regulations and obtain the necessary licenses. This ensures compliance with size and bag limits, as well as any specific regulations for the targeted fish species.

Overall, Lake Guntersville offers anglers a world-class fishing experience, particularly for largemouth bass. With its abundant fish populations, scenic beauty, and opportunities for boating and camping, Lake Guntersville is a true gem for anglers seeking unforgettable fishing adventures in the heart of Alabama.

Guntersville is notorious as a quality bass reservoir, yet has much more to offer. Crappie, catfish, stripers, sauger, bluegill and other sunfish are also plentiful here. Marinas and public boat ramps are scattered up and down the lake for launching pontoons, pleasure boats and fishing boats of all kinds. At Lake Guntersville State Park there is shoreline access for those who wish to fish from the bank or launch a canoe or kayak. There are plenty of campgrounds at or nearby the lake, along with restaurants, stores, boat rentals, fishing supplies and other amenities to enhance your trip. Come for a few days of fishing, or bring the family for an extended vacation.

What to fish for...

Fishing for largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, spotted bass, channel catfish, flathead catfish, blue catfish, black crappie, white crappie, walleye, bluegill, longear sunfish, redear sunfish, striped bass and sauger at Lake Guntersville in Alabama.

Primary fish species residing in Lake Guntersville

Click images for fishing tips and details about each species.

Lake Guntersville Amenities

Marina: YES
Boat Rental: YES
Boat Launch Ramp: YES
Campgrounds: YES
RV Hookups: YES
Lodging: YES
Convenience Store: YES
Bait & Tackle: YES
Restaurant: YES

Today's Weather & Forecast

Fishing Boat Rentals

Erwin Boat Rentals
Rentals: Pontoon boats
423 834-7778

Guntersville Boat Rentals
Rentals: Pontoon boats
256 960-1807

Islands Boat Rental on Lake Guntersville
Rentals: Kayaks and pontoon boats
256 506-0300

Lakeshore Watercraft Rental
Rentals: Kayaks and pontoon boats
256 609-2847

Town Creek Fishing Center
Rentals: Bass boats, canoes, kayaks and pontoon boats
256 571-5440

Public Boat Launch Ramps & Landings

Cober Bridge Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the northeast section of the lake, at the south end of the Veterans Drive Bridge, this is a one-lane, concrete ramp with paved parking.

Goose Pond Boat Launch Ramp
Located mid lake, west side, off Ed Hembree Drive, this is a three-lane, concrete ramp with docks and paved parking.

Guntersville Boat Launch Ramp
Located mid lake, on the south side of the lake, off at the east end of the State Route 69 Bridge, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.

Guntersville Municipal Park Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the southeast corner of the lake, off Wyeth Drive, this is a four-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.

Jackson County Park Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the northwest section of the lake, off County Park Road, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with docks and paved parking.

Jaycees Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the southwest section of the lake, at the west end of the State Route 69 Bridge, this is a three-lane, concrete ramp with docks and paved parking.

Lake Guntersville State Park Boat Launch Ramp
Located mid lake, east side, off Anthony Carr Scenic Drive, this is a four-lane, concrete ramp with docks and paved parking.

Langston City Park Boat Launch Ramp
Located mid lake, east side, at the north end of the 67 Road Bridge, this is a three-lane, concrete ramp with docks and paved parking.

Marshall County Park Public Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the southwest section of the lake, at the north end of the US Highway 431 Bridge, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.

Mink Creek Boat Launch Ramp
Located mid lake, west side, off State Route 79, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.

Poll Cat Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the southeast corner of the lake, at the east end of the State Route 227 Bridge, this is a one-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and limited, paved parking.

Short Break Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the southeast section of the lake, at the east end of the State Route 227 Bridge, this is a one-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and limited, paved parking.

Siebold Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the southwest section of the lake, off Siebold Creek Road, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.

Thomas Avenue Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the southeast section of the lake, west side, off Thomas Avenue, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.

Trail of Tears Boat Launch Ramp
Located mid lake, east side, off Anthony Carr Scenic Drive, this is a four-lane, concrete ramp with docks and paved parking.

Waterfront Boat Launch Ramp
Located mid lake, west side, off State Route 79, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with docks and paved parking.