Lake Eufalas BIG Spring Prespawn Bass

The BIG Prespawn Bass of Lake Eufaula

Its now 40 years old. Or should we say young? You would think this 80 mile long lake, situated along the lower Chattahoochee River system, was in its prime. Especially after a fishing trip this spring to Lake Eufaula, situated on the Alabama / Georgia border, also known as, Walter F. George Reservoir.

The first few weeks of March usually show the big bass (so many angers are seeking), make their first major move towards the shallows. Although March's heavy rains can swell the lake (normally down 3-4 feet for winter pool), back to full pool, many of the lakes so noted, really BIG bass, are still just getting ready to spawn.

These age old, largemouth bass, many exceeding 10 years of age, will remain in the prespawn holding spots for weeks, before conditions stabilize. They can be found, often bunched up on key locations adjacent to the shallow, spawning flats.

Schools of big, female bass often go unmolested during March, due to so many anglers fishing to shallow, to early. Bass in the 10 pound plus range are still rare, but this is the best time of the year for fooling these monsters, that remain in or near deep water the rest of the year.

This is also when these big bass are still feeding and most act very foolish when it comes to eating. They can be fooled with a variety of lures and various presentations. Later, most of these big female bass will go on a feeding binge when they spawn, eating very little at that time.

Areas to concentrate you efforts in the next few weeks are many. Along points, drop-offs, river and creek channels, ledges, rip-rap rocks, ditches, old roadbeds and other travel routes, that are just stop-off spots, prior to actually spawning in 1-3 feet of water, can be found the motherlode.

Although most of these prespawn holding spots, border deep water, most of these bass will forage shallow. This is when they are very susceptible to an array of lures, from top to bottom. With constant warming trends these big bass will feed more and more in the shallows. Cold fronts will slow them down and show temporary dormancy, as bass retreat and hold close to the deeper edges.

If fishing stained to muddy conditions, lures that emit sound and vibrations are needed. Heavy, big bladed spinnerbaits fool a lot of Big, Eufaula bass each spring and are excellent choices for covering lots of water fast. One half to three quarters ounce Rattletraps and Cordell Rattlin' Spots are good choices. Monofilament line in the 20 pound test category is recommended.

Deep diving crankbaits, bounced off of cover or bottom irregularities, are also high on the big bass lure list. Floating and suspending jerkbaits, fished with erratic stop and go presentation, fool bass a lot of anglers fail to entice. Use line in the 14 to 17 pound test.

As water temps reach 60 degrees, topwaters can fool an age old bass into striking. Thoroughly fishing these places, always calls for bottom lures. Big worms in the 8-12 inch size, jig combos with big, bulky trailers, oversized tube baits, lizards, and crayfish imitations, all attract the big bass looking for a big, slow moving meal on bottom. Heavier 14-20 pound test line, is recommended.

Weeds are a big attraction to. Although Lake Eufaula is not returned to full pool until mid April, many types of aquatic weeds will begin to bloom this month. Looking for the greenest weed types, shielded from the northerly winds, in fairly clear water, will show places bass seek out in the early to mid March period.

I have fished Lake Eufaula for over 30 years and know its waters, (and bass) very well. If you need guided assistance on this, or any Alabama Lake, give me a call to book a trip with Reeds Guide Service (205) 787- 5133.
Links to summer fishing tips on Alabama Lakes:
Alabama's Featured Lakes
Tallapoosa River System- Lake Harris and Lake Martin
Coosa River System- Weiss Lake, Neely Henry Lake, Logan Martin Lake, Lay Lake, Mitchell Lake and Jordan Lake
Warrior River System - Bankhead Lake and Demopilis Lake
Tennessee River System- Gunthersville Lake , Wheeler Lake, Wilson Lake and Pickwick Lake