Pickwick Lake is a lot like Wilson Lake. It to harbors world record size smallmouth bass. But only similar in world record status when it comes to the smallmouth bass, Pickwick Lake is very different from upstream Wilson Lake, especially during winter with low lake levels. The lake can be drawn down for winter pool, from 3-5 feet low during winter. It is returned to full pool in April.

Although this matters little to the smallmouth bass that inhibit water that is considered deep. The largemouth bass will have to make a major move out of the many places it is known to inhibit such as backwaters, main lake flats and feeder creeks.

The headwaters of Pickwick Lake, like upriver Wilson Lake, is situated below a major dam. Boat navigation is tricky and often very dangerous especially when first timers attempt to fish below Wilson Lake dam in the swift headwaters of Pickwick Lake.

The water below Wilson Lake dam is usually 5-10 feet deep at normal, full pool level. With Winter's low water pool this can now mean rocks and huge boulders are closer to the waters surface. Right below that expensive boat and outboard motor. Many costly mistakes are made by those that simply do not know, each winter season in Pickwick Lake's headwaters. So use extreme caution when near the dam and always wear your life jacket and outboard motor kill switch

Another hazard, not found in the headwaters of Wilson Lake are two bridges that cross the lake. Very swift current can slam a boat into these bridge piling's, before an unaware angler realizes he has drifted right up to them, which is often to late to crank the outboard motor and get out of the swift current safely.

Like upriver Wilson Lake barge traffic is a daily occurrence on Pickwick Lake. But over a mile long, isolated barge canal, can harbor schools of bass relating to the current and rip-rap rocks featured along the banks, as barges are locked through each day.

Fishing Pickwick Lakes headwaters can reveal some very shallow water within one mile of Wilson Lake dam. A small island sandwiched between the main lake and a boulder strewn lock discharge area, can also show schools of smallmouth bass, largemouth bass, striped bass and even an occasional spotted bass, all seeking an easy washed in meal, as they feed and fatten up for the winter months ahead.

Like Wilson Lake, anglers have many lure choices when it comes to deciding on how to catch these often elusive Pickwick Lake smallmouth bass. Many anglers have success fishing small grubs, shad imitations and other plastic creature imitations when making a drift below Wilson Lake dam. Crankbaits and spinnerbaits fool a lot of these bass as well, including both floating and suspending hard bodied jerkbaits, rattletraps, swim baits and other lures fished on or near bottom.

If the water is stained from heavy winter rains always try lures that emit lots of flash, noise and vibration in bright colors. If clear water is encountered, smaller finesse type lures may be needed, fished on light line and with light tackle outfits. Swift current, verses slower current, can also mean heavier or lighter line, big or small lures and experimenting throughout the day to discover what these very picky bass prefer on each outing.

So explore Piclkwick Lake this winter, but with caution, and discover why some anglers visit this Tennessee River impoundment each winter season in search of that ever elusive trophy smallmouth bass. Or call on Reeds Guide Service (205) 787-5133. "Over 40 years and 3 generations of fishing these Tennessee River Lakes for bass and stripers" Several professional qualified guides and boats available, year round. Website: www.FISHINGALABAMA.com

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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