R.L. Harris Reservoir Bass Fishing

The Fishery at a Glance

R.L. Harris Reservoir, commonly known as Lake Wedowee, is a deep, clear impoundment in east-central Alabama known for its thriving spotted bass population. The lake stretches approximately 24 miles with over 270 miles of shoreline, featuring steep rock bluffs, numerous coves, and extensive standing timber. Its clear to slightly stained waters typically hold a thermocline during warmer months, concentrating fish. Primary forage includes threadfin and gizzard shad, along with a notable population of blueback herring, which heavily influence spotted bass behavior and offshore movements. Largemouth bass are also present but tend to be less dominant than the robust spotted bass fishery, often found in shallower, more vegetated pockets or around specific types of cover.

The Calendar Year

Seasonal patterns on Lake Wedowee are dictated largely by water temperature and the availability of forage. In spring, as water temperatures climb into the 50s and 60s, bass begin moving to shallower staging areas. Spotted bass will often be found on main lake points, secondary points, and around docks in 5 to 15 feet of water. Jerkbaits like a Megabass Vision 110 or a lighter 3/8 oz football jig with a Zoom Super Chunk Jr. trailer are effective. During the spawn, fish utilize flatter pockets and hard-bottom areas, often near standing timber or beneath docks, where shaky heads rigged with a Zoom Trick Worm become prominent.

Summer brings warmer surface temperatures, pushing both baitfish and bass deeper. The thermocline, typically forming between 18 and 25 feet, becomes a key depth zone. Offshore humps, channel swings, deep timber lines, and the deepest sections of docks in 20-40 feet of water are prime targets. Techniques such as drop shotting a Keitech Easy Shiner on 8 lb fluorocarbon, dragging a 1/2 oz Picasso Football Jig, or slow-rolling a deep-diving crankbait like a Strike King 6XD are productive. Early mornings can also see schooling spotted bass chasing blueback herring on the surface, offering topwater opportunities with a Heddon Super Spook.

As fall arrives and water temperatures begin to cool, bass disperse from their deep summer haunts and follow baitfish into creek arms and onto main lake points. The blueback herring population becomes highly active, leading to more aggressive feeding. Topwater baits, swimbaits like a Keitech Swing Impact Fat 4.3" on a 1/4 oz swimbait head, and spinnerbaits such as a War Eagle 3/8 oz in shad patterns can excel as bass chase schools of bait.

Winter fishing requires a patient approach, with bass often relating to deep bluffs, standing timber on creek channels, and vertical structure in 30 to 60 feet. Jigging spoons are highly effective when fish are grouped tightly, while slow-rolling an Alabama rig or suspending a Megabass Vision 110 Jr. with extended pauses can entice bites from sluggish fish in 45-degree water.

Gear and Technique Specifics

The clear water and predominant spotted bass population on R.L. Harris Reservoir often necessitate a finesse-oriented approach. Spinning gear is essential for drop shotting, shaky heads, and lighter swimbaits. A 6'9" medium-light fast action spinning rod paired with a 2500 series reel spooled with 10 lb braided line to an 8 lb fluorocarbon leader is a versatile setup. For heavier jigs and Carolina rigs, a 7' medium-heavy casting rod with 15 lb fluorocarbon is preferred. Deep cranking often demands a moderate action rod around 7'4" to handle the retrieve and absorb the shock of larger baits like the Strike King 10XD.

Understanding the behavior of blueback herring is crucial. Unlike shad, herring are open-water roamers and tend to suspend. Spotted bass feeding on herring will often be found suspended or positioned slightly above deep structure, making baits that mimic this behavior, such as a Keitech Swing Impact Fat on an unweighted or light swimbait hook, particularly effective when retrieved slowly through open water. Forward-facing sonar has become a valuable tool here, allowing anglers to target these suspended fish directly.

What Most Anglers Miss Here

Many visiting anglers tend to focus heavily on the prominent standing timber, and while productive, this fishery offers more. Most anglers commonly overlook the subtle nuances of offshore humps and old roadbeds, particularly when bass are grouped tightly on these features in 25 to 35 feet of water, especially during summer and winter. These spots, often small and requiring precise boat positioning with GPS and spot-lock technology, can hold significant numbers of quality spotted bass. The key is often found not on the top of the humps, but along their edges or on isolated pieces of cover adjacent to them.

Another common oversight is the importance of "dead sticking" a bait during colder water periods or after a significant cold front. While active retrieves work, some of the most consistent bites come from baits like a Zoom Finesse Worm on a shaky head, fished with incredibly long pauses on deeper points or bluffs. This technique is often more productive than more aggressive presentations, yet many anglers fish too fast, even in winter.

Anglers should also verify current regulations for R.L. Harris Reservoir, as slot limits or specific length restrictions can be implemented to protect the growing bass populations. These details are important for ensuring responsible angling and compliance. The success on this clear, deep lake often comes down to patience, precise boat control, and a willingness to explore the less obvious deep structures rather than just the visible timber.

Year-Round Patterns

Go-To Presentations

Common Questions