Wheeler lake is an all-time favorite for tournament pros and local angles alike. With many public access points and marinas, it also has a wide-open reservoir, creek channels, rock bluffs, and the “Decatur flats” with a variety of fish species. It is an exciting place for a multitude of fishermen. Wheeler Lake is home to many fish species including largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, spotted bass, channel catfish, blue catfish, black crappie, white crappie, bluegill, redear sunfish, white bass, striped bass, hybrid striped bass and sauger.
For a good reason, fishing enthusiasts from Birmingham to Nashville converge on this 60-mile-long reservoir. The upper, middle, and lower-end reservoirs offer unique habitats, from weed beds and creek channels to steep banks and long points.
While the bass is the most popular fish at Wheeler Lake, and lengths between 12 and 15 inches are typical, don’t forget about the other varieties of swimmers thriving here. Crappie grows very fast in this environment. Below the Guntersville Dam is your best spot for catching sauger in the winter and early spring. Summer finds schools of bass and hybrids below the Dam as well. There’s a good chance of finding bream if you see willow fly hatches in the bluffs or banks.
Master anglers will have advice on the different baits and lures, so do some research before you go. As you choose your spot and bait, dream of catching the big one as a 111-pound blue catfish was caught in these waters! Records are meant to be broken.
Wheeler Lake Fish:
Wheeler Lake boat ramps:
The following boat ramps provide access to Wheeler Lake.
Bay Hill Marina Boat Ramp
6049 Bay Village Drive
Athens, AL
256-729-1322
Directions
Elk River State Park Boat Ramp on Wheeler Lake Boat Ramp
18002-18396 Elles Dr
Athens, AL
Directions
Wheeler Lake, Spring Creek Boat Ramp Boat Ramp
2849-3199 County Rd-400
Hillsboro, AL
Directions
Wheeler Lake, Barnett Boat Ramp Boat Ramp
1298 County Rd-77
Rogersville, AL
Directions
Wheeler Lake, Elk River South Boat Ramp Boat Ramp
19720-19798 AL-72
Rogersville, AL
Directions
Joe Wheeler State Park Marina
201 McLean Dr
Rogersville, AL
256-247-6971
Directions
The Pirates Chest Marina Boat Ramp
1600 Highway 20 West
Decatur, AL
256-350-4772
Directions
Brickyard Landing Marina Boat Ramp
1071-1099 Neher St
Decatur, AL
2563501449
Directions
Riverwalk Marina Boat Ramp
3755 Highway 31 N
Decatur, AL
256-340-9170
Directions
Gen. Joe Wheeler State Park & Dock Boat Ramp
Morgan County School District, AL
Directions
Wheeler Lake, Flint Creek 67 Boat Ramp Boat Ramp
Flint Creek, AL
Directions
Wilson Lake, Town Creek (Wilson) Boat Ramp
821-969 Lakewood View Rd
Muscle Shoals, AL
Directions