Swimbait Fishing on R.L. Harris Reservoir
R.L. Harris Reservoir · Alabama · Southeast
Lake Wedowee is a challenging yet rewarding fishery, characterized by its clear waters, steep rocky banks, and abundant deep-water structure. Spotted bass are the dominant species, thriving alongside a healthy population of largemouth, all heavily influenced by threadfin, gizzard shad, and blueback herring forage.
Covers everything from 3" paddle tails to 10"+ hard-body glide baits. Paddle tails on a swimbait head cover water efficiently; large glide baits and jointed hard swimbaits target trophy fish specifically. Swimbait fishing rewards patience — fewer bites, but the bites that come are often the biggest bass of your life.
Swimbait Setup for R.L. Harris Reservoir
| Rod | 7'3"–8' medium-heavy to heavy casting rod, moderate action (for big baits) |
| Reel | 5.4:1–6.4:1 baitcaster (slower for big baits, need power) |
| Line | 15–20 lb fluorocarbon; 65 lb braid for glide baits |
| Weight | Paddle tail on 1/4–1 oz head; glide baits 2–6 oz depending on size |
Seasonal Tactics on R.L. Harris Reservoir
Lake: Bass transition from deep winter haunts to main lake points and shallow pockets, staging for the spawn. Jerkbaits, jigs, and shaky heads are highly effective.
Swimbait: Post-spawn giants recovering — slow roll a big paddle tail along the first drop off beds.
Lake: Fish move to offshore humps, deep channel swings, and submerged timber, often concentrating in or around the thermocline. Drop shots, deep crankbaits, and football jigs produce.
Swimbait: Early morning on main lake points. Slow-roll a 6"+ swimbait along ledge faces at dawn.
Lake: Cooling waters trigger bass to follow baitfish into creek arms and main lake flats, leading to increased schooling activity. Topwaters, swimbaits, and spinnerbaits are productive.
Swimbait: Best season — bass targeting large shad. Match the size of forage exactly. Shad colors.
Lake: Bass are deep and lethargic, relating to bluff walls, channel bends, and standing timber in 30-60 feet of water. Slow presentations with jigging spoons, Alabama rigs, and deep jerkbaits are key.
Swimbait: Slow down the retrieve dramatically. Big fish are lethargic but will eat a slow-moving large profile.
Best Conditions
Clear water, trophy fisheries, post-spawn and fall, shad migrations, open water and around structure, dawn and dusk
Slow down more than you think. Most anglers retrieve swimbaits too fast. A barely-moving bait triggers more bites from big, selective fish.
More Techniques for R.L. Harris Reservoir
Ready to fish R.L. Harris Reservoir?
Ask Hank about current conditions, water temp, and exactly what to throw today.
Ask Hank →