As of October 20, 2024, Lake Guntersville in Alabama is buzzing with fall fishing activity. Here’s what you need to know for a successful day on the water.
### Weather and Water Conditions
The weather is cooling down, with overnight temperatures dropping significantly, which is typical for this time of year. Expect clear skies with a high in the mid-60s and a low in the mid-40s. The water temperature is dropping, currently in the mid-60s, and the water clarity is good with about 4-6 feet of visibility.
### Sunrise and Sunset
Sunrise today is at 7:23 AM, and sunset will be at 6:04 PM, giving you a full day to take advantage of the changing light conditions.
### Fish Activity
Fall fishing on Lake Guntersville is in full swing. The bass are active, particularly during the cooler parts of the day. Yesterday saw some excellent catches, with anglers reporting an average of 20-40 fish per day. The bigger fish are starting to move into their fall patterns, making them more accessible.
### Types and Amounts of Fish Caught
Anglers are catching a mix of sizes, from 14 inches up to 6-pounders. The best five-fish limits are ranging from 16 to 20 pounds, with some exceptional days yielding over 24 pounds. The big fish are being caught using techniques like frogging and flipping, especially around creek ledges and grass mats.
### Best Lures and Bait
For this time of year, several lures are proving effective. On windy days, Duckett Spinner baits and buzz baits are working well, especially when you can see bait movement. Tight-Line swim jigs, SPRO McRip jerk baits, and Missile bait 48 stick baits are also reliable choices. Soft plastics, such as worms, are crucial during the fall as the bass become more skittish. Keeping your rod tip high while worm fishing is key to detecting the slightest bites.
### Hot Spots
Focus on the creek ledges, which still have several schools of bass out deep. The grass mats and outside grasslines in 7-8 feet of water are also producing good results. Look for areas with moving shad, as the bass are actively chasing these schools.
In summary, Lake Guntersville is offering some of the best fall fishing you can find. With the right lures and techniques, you can capitalize on the active bass population and enjoy a memorable day on the water.