Skip to main content

Wheeler Reservoir, Alabama Blue Catfish

Wheeler Reservoir, Alabama Blue Catfish

Wheeler Reservior, an impoundment on the Tennessee River in northern Alabama, along with lakes Wilson and Pickwick, offers world-class opportunities for blue cats, with 20- to 40-pounders common and chances at fish into the 100-pound range. Some believe the next world record will come from these Tennessee River waters.

While the late-fall-into-winter bite can be prime for big fish, summer into fall also presents opportunities for outstanding fishing. In summer, slow-trolling or controlled drifting is an effective technique to contact blues in water shallow to deep, on and around structure like humps and channel ledges and for working larger areas on main-lake flats.

Using cutbait like skipjack herring or shad, baits are slow-trolled vertically on three-way rigs or modified Santee-Cooper-style rigs using a bow-mount trolling motor, with speed sometimes controlled more precisely with a driftsock. Slow-trolling is a precise technique that allows tracing of contours and for thoroughly working productive spots.

While in the area, enjoy the music history and culture in Muscle Shoals, Alabama, or visit the U.S. Space and Rocket Center and other attractions in Huntsville. Plenty of lodging and dining options are available. Contacts: Guide Jason Bridges, wheelercatsguideservice.com, 256/738-9461, Guide Phil King, h2ow.com/catfish, 662/286-8644.

[navionics zoom="8" long="-87.1" lat="34.7"]

GET THE NEWSLETTER Join the List and Never Miss a Thing.

Recommended Articles

Recent Videos

In-Fisherman's Doug Stange targets largemouth bass through the ice. In this throw-back video, the guys talk about proven...
Fishing

Gary Roach – “Mr. Walleye”

In-Fisherman's Doug Stange targets largemouth bass through the ice. In this throw-back video, the guys talk about proven...
Fishing

Tom Neustrom: The Minnesota Guide Life - Part 2

In-Fisherman's Doug Stange targets largemouth bass through the ice. In this throw-back video, the guys talk about proven...
Learn

Tom Neustrom: The Minnesota Guide Life - Part 1

In-Fisherman's Doug Stange targets largemouth bass through the ice. In this throw-back video, the guys talk about proven...
Learn

Summer Walleye Fishing Tips with Captain Ross Robertson

In-Fisherman's Doug Stange targets largemouth bass through the ice. In this throw-back video, the guys talk about proven...
Fishing

Steve Jonesi – Muskie Legends Never Die

In-Fisherman's Doug Stange targets largemouth bass through the ice. In this throw-back video, the guys talk about proven...
Fishing

The Minnesota Bait Crisis - with Jason and Tyler Bahr

In-Fisherman's Doug Stange targets largemouth bass through the ice. In this throw-back video, the guys talk about proven...
Fishing

The Greatest Fishing Story Ever Told, Part 7 with Mark Fisher – The Rapala Impact

In-Fisherman's Doug Stange targets largemouth bass through the ice. In this throw-back video, the guys talk about proven...
Learn

After Hours with Mark Courts and Tommy Allen

In-Fisherman's Doug Stange targets largemouth bass through the ice. In this throw-back video, the guys talk about proven...
Learn

An Ode to Larry Tople

In-Fisherman's Doug Stange targets largemouth bass through the ice. In this throw-back video, the guys talk about proven...
Gear

Humminbird's NEW Mega Live 2 HOT TAKE

In-Fisherman's Doug Stange targets largemouth bass through the ice. In this throw-back video, the guys talk about proven...
Gear

Humminbird's Brand New Xplore is Crystal Clear

In-Fisherman's Doug Stange targets largemouth bass through the ice. In this throw-back video, the guys talk about proven...
Destinations

In-Fisherman Classics: Ice Fishing for Bass

In-Fisherman Magazine Covers Print and Tablet Versions

GET THE MAGAZINE Subscribe & Save

Digital Now Included!

SUBSCRIBE NOW

Give a Gift   |   Subscriber Services

PREVIEW THIS MONTH'S ISSUE

Buy Digital Single Issues

Magazine App Logo

Don't miss an issue.
Buy single digital issue for your phone or tablet.

Get the In-Fisherman App apple store google play store

Other Magazines

See All Other Magazines

Special Interest Magazines

See All Special Interest Magazines

GET THE NEWSLETTER Join the List and Never Miss a Thing.

Get the top In-Fisherman stories delivered right to your inbox.

Phone Icon

Get Digital Access.

All In-Fisherman subscribers now have digital access to their magazine content. This means you have the option to read your magazine on most popular phones and tablets.

To get started, click the link below to visit mymagnow.com and learn how to access your digital magazine.

Get Digital Access

Not a Subscriber?
Subscribe Now

Enjoying What You're Reading?

Get a Full Year
of Guns & Ammo
& Digital Access.

Offer only for new subscribers.

Subscribe Now

Never Miss a Thing.

Get the Newsletter

Get the top In-Fisherman stories delivered right to your inbox.

By signing up, I acknowledge that my email address is valid, and have read and accept the Terms of Use