Winter Fishing on Lake Mitchell

Like the man made impoundment Lay Lake found just upstream, Mitchell Lake is kept at or near full pool year round. Although Mitchell Lake is only 14 nautical miles long from dam to dam, it is still a very spread out lake, featuring 5,850 surface acres of water and over 147 miles of shoreline. It is also an old lake, impounded in 1923 and now over 80 years since Mitchell dam was completed. Besides being fed from the flow of the Coosa River, Mitchell Lake also gets its water supply from major feeder creeks. Weogufka Creek, Hatchet Creek, Pennamotley Creek and Walnut Creek are just a few creeks that hold bass throughout the winter months.

Mitchell lakes headwaters start just below the tailrace waters coming off of upstream Lay Lake dam. Boaters can safely navigate all the way up to the dam, but idling just past the bridge that crosses the lake, as you head upstream, is suggested. There are some big boulders within 50 yards of the dam. If your looking at the dam, most rocks are in the middle or to your right. The discharge area (facing the dam) is on your left and it has swift water at times. Use extreme caution when boating in these swift waters. Life jackets must be worm by each boat occupant when fishing within 800 yards of the dam. In addition check your fire extinguisher, have a throw cushion handy and have boat registration and fishing licenses for each angler. Its the law.

As for fishing, anglers can find a variety of fish to target in Mitchell Lakes headwaters this winter season. Striped bass and Hybrid striped bass were stocked in the lake by the thousands and many are here to be caught with live bait or lures. Spotted bass, largemouth bass and white bass gather here each winter and feed on baitfish and crayfish. Crappie, bream and catfish are here as well. Everything from topwater lures to bottom dragged lures like spinners, crankbaits, rattletraps, small jigs and spoons work in Mitchell Lakes headwaters. There are many rock bluff banks, towering islands and small weed lined pockets in these lake headwaters for anglers to target as well.

With the lake kept at full pool year round aquatic weeds grow year round. Some weeds get thick and matted and show some of the biggest largemouth's of the winter taken on Mitchell Lake, bass that must often be coaxed from cover. Flipping and pitching worms, lizards, jig combos and tube baits are popular tactics on this lake. Swimming a jig combo, a tactic made popular over the last few years by tournament anglers, is a big bass method for winter on Mitchell Lake. Many anglers just cover water fast and fish the weed edges with topwaters, spinnerbaits, crankbaits and jerkbaits.

If exploring is your thing during winter, then visit Mitchell Lake this winter season and see how big this small lake fishes when its cold. Or call on Reeds Guide Service (205) 787-5133...first! I've fished this lake for over 30 years and have caught an 8 1/2 pound largemouth bass and a huge spotted bass that weighed a little over 7 pounds! There are possibilities any other angler could do just as well.

Thanks, dress warm and be safe this winter.
This report provided by:
Reed Montgomery / Reeds Guide Service
Producer / Host "Fishing Alabama" With Reed Montgomery Radio Show
"6 Years on the Radio  / Jan 2005"
Birmingham, Alabama
Call Reeds Guide Service...First! (205) 787-5133
"Over 40 Years Fishing Alabama for Bass and Stripers"
E-mail: ALABASSGYD@aol.com
Website: www.FISHINGALABAMA.com

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