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Lay Lake Fishing Report Updated November 1, 2008

LAY LAKE
By Reed Montgomery / Reeds Guide Service
Website www.fishingalabama.com
Impounded 1914
Lake Level: Full pool
Water Temperature: Upper 50's
Water Clarity: lightly stained from recent rain

Early Winter on Lay Lake

Fishing Lay lake (near another years end), can either be a fishing feast or a fishing famine. There will be days when you absolutely can't go wrong and Lay lake's spotted bass and largemouth bass can cooperate lake wide. Then there are those days when you get skunked and often end up wishing you had just stayed home.

Like any time you go fishing -- the weather can be a very big factor.

It can be called "late Fall" (if its warm enough), or dubbed "early winter" especially with the first few cold fronts of the winter season dropping air temperatures near the freezing mark. Either way, the first signs of winter approaching such as falling water temperatures, baitfish movement, warming trends and rainy fronts, always triggers these bass to feed even more, often much more than they did during the entire Fall season.

Many of both breeds of bass, the spotted bass and the largemouth bass, mingle together on Lay lake. They can be found in the same places at the same time, in every season. During summer some bass go deep or they hang around deeper drops found along river channels and deeper creek channels. Some largemouth bass just bury up in the many types of aquatic weeds Lay lake has to offer, while the Coosa River spotted bass usually roam the weed edges.

Then Fall slowly approaches and waters begin to cool. With water temperatures still near 70 degrees by late October, it is a while before the second wave of bass enter the shallows. As early winter approaches, bunched up bass can be found most anywhere. They can be mingling together feeding heavily around shallow weedy flats, or discovered all along a weed covered bank. Then there is always some bass to be found on any main lake point, around islands, or in the mid-to-far ends of major feeder creeks.

* Featured creek points, small cuts and pockets in creeks, and creek flats loaded with weeds and wood cover, are always good places to begin your search for bass during the early winter period. These are the kind of places where an angler can suddenly encounter that huge school of early winter bass and really load the boat...without having to run all over the lake!

On Alabama's Lay lake, its very hard for anglers that frequent this 50 mile long reservoir to grasp the shallow water bass. But its a known fact, they do exist year round. With loads of shallow water aquatic weeds, plenty of wood and rock cover, and dozens of major tributaries featuring deep creek channels all loaded with minnows, frogs, baitfish and crayfish in every season, these bass have no reason to be in deep water all the time.

But like said, its all according to the weather. So plan your trip accordingly to expect loads of shallow water success. If you arrive at the lake and the air temperatures were in the upper 20's to low 30's the night before, bundle up and expect a slow morning.

On the other hand. Following an early winter, week long warming trend, an angler can expect much better fishing at dawn and often all day with the right conditions. Such as before or during an approaching rainy front. Some of my best days fishing for Lay lake's shallow water bass have came during the late Fall period and often on into the winter season, fishing during these same conditions. Often in a pouring down rain all by myself.

This is not to say deep water bass will not bite. Or that a cold, sunny high pressure condition, on a bright bluebird day, means Lay lakes bass will not bite. They have got to eat! Still any angler that has encountered these early winter conditions knows their work is really cut out for them and everything must be in perfect working order, in order for them to win.

Getting these early winter bass to bite during these often very adverse conditions, can be a real challenge. But if you enter any wintertime bass tournament you will always see a pair of anglers that successfully out fished the rest of the bewildered crowd. These eventual winners can seemingly make it look rather easy. Truth be known, most of this eventual first place team only had a few bites over the 5 bass limit that day.

Its just that some anglers get "bigger bass bites" than other anglers and then they are successful enough to get their "first place prize" (a winning sack of bass), in the boat -- when the odds show that other anglers don't. In order to win you must pay attention to detail, whether your fishing in a bass tournament or just fishing. After all, you do want to land these hard earned bass.

For everything to go just right an angler has a little preparation before any fishing trip. You can usually place a good bet - - that any winning team -- always does their homework the day before their bass tournament. Replacing or sharpening all hooks, not just some. Replacing your line on every reel, not just replacing line on the ones that look like they need re spooling. This includes paying attention on every cast you make that day, not on "about" all casts you make. A wandering mind can leave a bass wandering off with your lure.

* A good knot is also very essential for your success. So is constantly checking your line for nicks or abrasions and retying your lures often. Like after retrieving hung lures or following a freshly caught big bass, that has stretched your line to its limits.

A net? Its a real shame to finally get a big ol' weary bass to bite, then successfully win the fight and get it all the way to the boat, and then sadly watch it swim free. Before you even have a chance to touch it. Its basically called, "angler error." Things like not having a net, or not having a net ready, when the right time comes...are in-excusable!

* Be ready, check all your equipment, including your boat and re-check your attitude. That is, if you want to successfully fool the big bass of Lay lake this early winter season.

Or you can always call on Reeds Guide Service (205) 787-5133 for fishing any lake in Alabama, year round. Lay lake's oldest professional guide service. Fooling bass on topwater lures in water temps of upper 40's to low 50's during the dead of winter! Let Reed show you how to fish the lure he is famous for, "The Heddon Zara Spook." And discover the many other lures and many ways Reed fishes for bass on Alabama's Lay lake.

* Or you can send in for Reed's, Zara Spook fishing tips, "Everything you ever wanted to know about fishing the Zara Spook", with a link for ordering this info seen on the home page of www.fishingalabama.com

* Also See "Topwater Fishing in Winter" article at "articles link" on www.fishingalabama.com and in this months issue of, 'Outdoor Sports in the Southeast' magazine.

* ZARA SPOOK ROD OFFER * - Have you been looking for that perfect Zara Spook fishing rod? Well look no more. Introducing the new, "Reed Montgomery signature series" perfect Zara Spook Rod, made by Tiger Rodz right here in Alabama. -- ZARA SPOOK LURES COME IN 5 SIZES.-- Tiger Rodz (www.web.mac.com/tigerrods) has a rod for each lure, from light action models to heavy action pistol grip models.

* " Reed Montgomery signature series " rods, are great rods for a number of lures. Order yours today! All lengths and rod actions! These and other rods made by Tiger Rodz make great gifts for holidays such as Christmas, Fathers Day and Birthdays!

* See the Tiger Rodz link on the home page of www.fishingalabama.com and e-mail them for your special order.

* GUIDED FISHING TRIPS WITH REEDS GUIDE SERVICE TO ANY ALABAMA LAKE / THIS MAKES A GREAT CHRISTMAS GIFT, FATHERS DAY GIFT OR BIRTHDAY GIFT!
Certificates are now available. Just e-mail me alabassgyd@aol.com for your guided gift order, any angler would enjoy! Or call (205) 787-5133 to reserve or book a trip today!

* LOOKING FOR A NEW OR USED BOAT? Alabama's Airport Marine should be your only choice. See their website: www.airportmarine.com or call (205) 664-0407. Also see their annual tournament info and tournament trail link found there www.airportmarineteamtrail.com

* LOOKING FOR THE WORLD'S BEST BASS BOAT? See: www.rangerboats.com and look no more.

* NEED NEW RODS OF ALL KINDS? Including custom made orders, flipping rods, finesse rods and fly rods? See Tiger Rodz "Custom rods for reel fisherman" made right here in Alabama! Their website is www.web.mac.com/tigerrods or you can see their Tiger Rodz link at: www.fishingalabama.com

* LOOKING FOR FISHING TACKLE AND HUNTING ITEMS? Go to www.marksoutdoors.com for all your fishing items and hunting needs.

Thanks, dress warm and always wear your life jacket and outboard motor kill switch this winter season!

Good Fishin'

Reed Montgomery / Outdoor Writer
" Alabama Radio Show Host and Television Host For Over 10 Years "
Owner / Reeds Guide Service (205) 787-5133
Birmingham, Alabama
Email: alabassgyd@aol.com
Website: www.fishingalabama.com
" Over 40 Years Fishing, Guiding and Exploring Every Lake in Alabama for Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Spotted Bass and Some Huge, Striped Bass ."




Updated August 22, 2008

Water Temps: mid to upper 80's

Lake Level: down 1/2 foot

Water Clarity: clear / main lake and stained / in some creeks from
evening rain



Lay Lake's Headwaters

This upper lake region starts just below Logan Martin Lake dam in Lay
lakes head waters. Water generation has shown consistent action this
summer from bass, especially when current is evident during the day.
Current, cooler water, high oxygen content and the availability of
baitfish and crayfish, attract bass and many other species of fish to
these dam tailrace waters during the late summer and all throughout the
fall season.



Even at night (when most anglers do not fish this upper lake area), the
fishing for both spotted bass and largemouth's in generally shallow
water, less than five feet deep, with lures like topwaters, crankbaits,
rattle traps, jerkbaits, spinnerbaits and bottom lures such as worms,
works just like during the day. As waters begin to cool around late
September look for even better bass fishing in these Lay lake
headwaters.



Lay Lake Mid-to-lower Lake

Lay lakes feeder creeks are smaller in its mid to upper lake region,
much smaller than down river creeks. But these small tributaries are
loaded with weeds and wood cover and plenty of late summer / early fall
meals, for Lay's resident bass to feed on. Weedless lures such as frogs,
rats, big worms and lizards (Texas rigged), and spinnerbaits and
buzzbaits, are all good lures for these big late summer early fall bass,
both during the day and when night fishing in these creek backwaters.



Many main lake features make up Lay lakes mid-to-lower lake region.
During the day the availability of current is the ticket to seeing
feeding fish and getting bites along main lake areas. Spotted bass,
largemouth bass, striped bass and white bass, all gather to feed and
they can congregate in numbers along the mouths of these smaller mid
lake creeks. Also concentrate your fishing around main lake islands
(from Hwy. 280 crossing to just below Wilsonville Steam plant), and
around any small cuts and pockets, along rock bluffs, all the way to Lay
lake dam.



Along main lake flats and nearby river channel drop-offs, these bass
feed on hapless baitfish washed in by the current. Shad colored shallow
to deep diving crankbaits, lipless lures, worms of all sizes, jig
combos, tube baits and finesse fished worms, crayfish imitations,
lizards, grubs, etc. are all good lure choices along these spots, as
waters begin to cool into fall. Usually taking place around the late
September period.



Night fishing gets better as fall creeps in. Lighted areas such as
around marinas, bridges, causeways, and public boat launches, hold both
recently released tournament caught bass and these lights attract
insects, then baitfish and in comes the bass! Night fishing (unknown to
many anglers), continues to get better on into the fall season. This is
when Lay Lake's waters begin to cool and there is less fishing pressure
found lake wide, with most anglers resorting back to day fishing.



For good results, both during the day and night this early fall season,
look for schools of baitfish and feeding fish. As winter approaches
these Lay lake bass begin to feed heavily and there are always some big
bass around these baitfish schools...Big Bass most anglers have not seen
all summer long!

 
SPRING ON LAY LAKE



Around the end of the winter season, bass tournament trail organizers
announce their bass tournament trails and other Alabama fishing
tournaments. Many of these are well planned fishing events and the
gatherings of anxious anglers at each event can often number over 200
participants. A lot of these bass tournaments take place on Alabama's
now world famous, Lay Lake on the Coosa River System.



Recently, in the Sunday, February 18 edition of the Birmingham News,
staff writer Mike Bolton gave anglers a chance to decide on the bass
tournaments they plan on fishing on Lay Lake (and other Alabama lakes),
this spring season. Not only giving bass tournament anglers a chance to
win thousands of dollars in money and prizes this spring season but in
addition, more bass tournaments are scheduled to be held the rest of the
year as well.



Throughout the entire year there is a bass tournament scheduled to be
held on some Alabama lake, each week. Mike must be commended I'm sure,
for all his research on the many tournaments he listed. Of all these
well known bass tournaments, about one fourth of them are scheduled to
be held on Lay Lake. Starting the first day of March until the end of
the year, all together, I counted 68 bass tournaments. Out of that
entire list, 17 of those major bass tournaments are scheduled to be held
on Alabama's Lay Lake in 2008.



* Some of the most popular Bass tournaments to be held on Lay Lake this
spring are;



* March 1 - Airport Marine Three-in-One Trail. Beeswax launch. Entry
fee; $150.00 per boat. First place $3000.00 plus bonuses. Payback to 20
places. See; www.airportmarine.com for more details.



* April 12 - FLW Outdoors - Walmart Bass Fishing League / Bama Division;
Launch; Beeswax Creek. Entry fee; $200.00 Pro. See www.flwoutdoors.com
for more info.



* May 31 - Serra Toyota / Airport Marine Charity Tournament. Site;
Paradise Point Marina at mid lake. Entry fee; $200.00 per boat. Payback;
$10,000.00 First place and up to $200.00 for 25th place. Call (205)
664-0407 for details, including how to win a new Toyota truck and a new
Bass boat. See; www.airportmarine.com for more details.



* May 10 - Marks Outdoors / The Lay Lake open (500 boats limit, sign up
early / See; www.marksoutdoors.com for more info) Paradise Point Marina
/ mid lake. Buddy tournament First place through tenth place pays
$1000.00 each. Entry Fee; $125.00. Pays through 60 places. Prize give
aways. Boat given away, furnished by; www.airportmarine.com Call (205)
822-2010 or go to; www.marksoutdoors.com



With so many bass tournaments scheduled to be held on Alabama's Lay
Lake, anglers are seeking fishing information on a daily basis. As owner
of Reeds Guide Service, Lay Lake's oldest and most well known guide
service (see: Bassmaster Magazine Feb. 2007 issue, highlighting Lay
Lake's 2007 Bassmasters Classic waters), I get a lot of phone calls,
E-mails and loads of requests from anglers from all over the globe, all
making plans to fish Lay Lake this spring season. See
www.fishingalabama.com



I have guided on Lay Lake for over 30 years. Fished bass tournaments for
the last 25 plus years on Lay Lake. You could say, I know this lake. I
also know from my many memories, big bass pictures and my many past
fishing logs, spring is the best time of the year to be fishing for bass
on Lay Lake. Not only for numbers of bass but for targeting some of the
year's biggest bass as well, all while fishing in shallow water.



No, not I'm not talking about fishing deep water (although both the
Coosa River spotted bass and Lay lake's largemouth bass are there year
round), I'm talking about dabbling all your new bass lures in Lay Lake's
waters, usually featuring depths of less than five feet. Lay Lake has
loads of aquatic weds, many types of rocky habitat for fish to relate to
and a variety of wood cover (with many of these types of bass holding
cover in water less than 5 feet deep), for anglers to target this spring
season.



It is a known fact, no mater what time of the year you fish Lay Lake. It
does take certain lures to fish each piece of fish holding cover.



So, from March on into April (and all throughout the merry month of
May), these are very catchable bass.That is generally, with today's very
knowledgeable bass anglers, - bass that most any angler can fool into
biting their tempting offerings. However, lure choices are many (just
visit Marks Outdoors in Vestavia, Alabama or see online at;
www.marksoutdoors.com) and see how today's lure arsenal can be mind
boggling, especially for newer anglers to the sport.



Spring time fishing patterns and various fishing locations are many,
especially on Lay lake, with over 50 miles of navigable waters, from dam
to dam. Anglers must also take into account such things as the weather,
baitfish locations, water temperature, water clarity and even the
condition of Lay Lake's various types of aquatic weed growth. These and
many other variables can all figure into this springtime excursion, as
you seek out both the largemouth bass and the Coosa River spotted bass
of Lay Lake.



Without listing every type of lure, various lure colors, lure sizes,
lure designs, lure shapes and the ever growing list of today's lure
manufactures, I can offer some help. Here's some suggestions for fishing
Lay Lake on a month by month basis, for this spring's prespawn bass,
spawning bass and post spawn bass. Buying and trying all those new lures
is up to you.



MARCH / PRESPAWN BASS

March can be deceiving even for shallow water, prespawn bass. Its all
according to the weather. During week long warming trends, even in
February and early March, these bass can suddenly move shallow. During
severe cold fronts they may move back to the security of deeper water.
Or some shallow bass simply bury up in cover or they may just even
suspend above irregular bottom features in and around the shallows,
until conditions improve.



So like said, check the weather. Not only for the day you plan on
fishing Lay lake but take note of the weather about a week prior to your
planned trip. This is very important. It gives you a more mental look at
the whole, overall picture. Rather than a just plain "feel good" look at
the lake, like on warm sunny days, that tell you the bass should be
shallow - but often most are not. I did say, most bass.



Lay lake is a very odd lake at times. It must be something in the water.
So never completely rule out your "gut feeling" that some bass are catch
able in shallow water. Because most of the time, there is! Its just that
on some days, especially during tough, early springtime prespawn
conditions, there could be a whole bunch of bass located in one lone
spot, in or very near the shallows - just waiting for you to discover.



Things such as an all day sunshine warming the shallows can be a big
factor in March. Cold nights often linger throughout the month of March.
Overnight cold fronts can cool the shallows as much as 10 degrees lower
than the preceding evening.



Bass are prisoners of their environment. Their metabolism is slowed
somewhat in colder water. So they do not eat as much when the shallows
cool. Bass do not expend as much energy during cold front conditions, as
they do during periods of warmer water, when the shallows can warm 5-10
degrees in a days time, increasing their energy level from mid day to
late evenings.



There are many factors here. Here's a few to ponder, when considering
the weather on Lay lake this March.

Does the week long warming trend include both consecutive warm days and
warm nights? If so, the water will cool very little each night and it
can warm considerably with each passing day. Normal, warm sunny days in
early to mid March on Lay lake can warm the shallows 5-7 degrees. As
much as 10-20 degrees in one week!



* What about rain and predicted cold fronts? Here's a normal, scenario
example;



* There has been a week long, early March warming trend, with
unseasonably warm nights and day temperatures in the mid-70's. Water
temperatures's have been soaring each day, from 55 degrees to the upper
60's by weeks end. A full moon is only two days away. Bass could be
duped into thinking its time to begin their annual cruise towards the
shallows. They may begin searching for a mate, maybe even begin
preparing an early season bed for reproducing a new year's offspring.




* Note; This is a time when actually, two trips to Lay Lake during this
week long warming period, can show an angler really loading the boat.




First. After several warm days and nights these bass are induced to feed
heavily with the constantly warming shallows raising their metabolism
and providing them with loads of choices on the menu. More bass are in
the shallows and more to eat on the menu.



Second. Warming water not only excites the predator, but induces the
prey to get more active as well. So baitfish, minnows, crayfish, worms,
lizards, frogs, insects and small snakes emerge as well as spring
progresses. Meaning a bass is more likely to hit your lures, a variety
of those lures - that simulate these rather easy-to-catch meals.



By the last day of this constant, week long sunshine period, these
prespawn bass have gorged themselves. Then clouds and another rainy
front moves in, before its back to being "off the feed" for a few more
days, as another cold front approaches. We anglers often call it, "lock
jaw."



So always keep in mind, most approaching rainy fronts in March, bring a
very warm day and warm night, at least for a day or two. As it blows
through and the rain ceases, high winds follow, coupled with bright,
sunshine and then an anglers nightmare...another bright, bluebird day. A
cold front moves in and once again, the bass are shut down for a few
days.



Best places for early season bass? Its all according to other factors.
Heavy rains can bring muddy water, creating a mud flow in major
tributaries on Lay lake. Places you were catching bass in all week can
be downright fishless during these times. So anglers begin their search
for clearer water. This may be main lake flats, but not those right
below the mouths of major feeder creeks. Usually the best places
following several days of heavy rain is the mid to lower lake area
during March and April.



APRIL / SPAWNING BASS

No, this is not about fooling bedding bass. Its about what to expect on
Lay Lake in April when most bass are bedding or in shallow water
feeding. You see, contrary to popular belief, not all Lay Lake bass bed
at the same time. After all, do all female human beings have babies on
the same day?



Bass are triggered to find a mate, build a bed for their newly hatched
egg offspring and reproduce each spring season...all by their
surroundings. Warm water or cold water, moon faze, water clarity, even
bottom composition and an available food source nearby, can often
dictate their final choice for bedding purposes. So look around in
April. Lay lake's river-like headwaters may have spotted bass and
largemouth bass not yet spawning, just eating. While mid to lower lake
bass are bedding.



Mid Lay lake could have clearer water, more available baitfish and much
more suitable conditions for spawning bass found along main lake flats,
flats in creeks and especially pockets and small cuts off the main lake
(of which will muddy up less following heavy rains), places that many
anglers ignore. Including, new growing aquatic weeds.



Lower Lay lake could have weeds, stumps and rocks with late spawning
bass nearby in late April, often on into early May. This is due to
deeper water on the lakes lower section cooling slower and these are the
last places bass bed in spring on Lay Lake. It could also be the
clearest water in the lake following heavy rain. Keep in mind. One thing
about clear water, it warms slower than stained water during the spring.



Warming water brings greener weeds in April on Lay Lake. This
oxygen-rich environment is the home of Lay lake's shallow weed dwelling
largemouth bass. These weeds provide security for most male and female
bass in the shallows as they await a chance to bed. While holding along
these weeds near a bed or even during post spawn times after bedding,
they are very susceptible to your lures.



Anglers can fool these weed dwelling bass, that can often result in some
of Lay lake's biggest bass of the year. Look for the greenest weeds
early in the season for the most active bass and usually the bigger more
dominant bass, that move in these weeds early in April. Also bring along
a good net and net man.



MAY / POST SPAWN BASS

By now most anglers that frequent Lay Lake will agree. May is the best
month to be on Lay Lake. Consistent action, big, hungry bass in the
shallows coming off the beds and most big bass are way out of out of
their normal character - acting very foolish while hitting topwater
lures, spinnerbaits and weedless lures like frogs, rats, floating worms
and lizards, soft jerkbaits and buzzbaits, including loads of lures
fished on or near bottom. Often these bass of May attack your lures with
a vengeance. Sharp hooks and strong line are suggested.



Maybe at some time during the spawn, these big female bass have a brief
memory of one of these little prey irritating them or trying to eat
their eggs and now...its pay back time!



Not only is May feeding time for the bass (before bass return to deeper
water, bury up in thick, summertime weeds or suspend along the shallows
for the summer), before spawning season comes to an end, but it is also
feeding time for predators that feed on these bass. No not birds and
alligators, I'm talking about man. By May every angler, boater and even
jet ski will be on the water once again, so safety becomes the factor,
instead of spawning bass. May is also when two of Lay lake's biggest
bass tournaments are held.



* Our Lakes will be very crowded with tournaments, anglers and boaters
as it warms. Be careful, be courteous and have a safe spring and
upcoming summer this year.

 
 Winter
on Lay Lake
Impounded 1914

Lake level: Down 2 feet (winter normally, at full pool)



Winter on Lay Lake



This time last year B.A.S.S. 2007 Lay Lake Bassmaster's Classic
qualifiers were anticipating the upcoming 2007 Bassmasters Classic
scheduled to be held on Alabama's Coosa River impoundment Lay Lake. They
were not disappointed, especially Alabama's Boyd Duckett that eventually
won this world renowned fishing event, featuring the worlds best bass
anglers. This was the first time a Bassmasters Classic contender has won
the Bassmasters Classic while competing on his home state waters. Boyd's
48 pounds and 10 ounces of hard earned bass only outdistanced the
eventual second place finisher Skeet Reese of California, by only a mere
6 ounces.



Prior to that 2007 Bassmaster's Classic, the senior editor of
Bassmasters Magazine (Ken Duke), gave me a call and asked for my opinion
on fishing Alabama's Lay Lake during the winter month of February. I was
honored. When he told me I would be the featured fishing guide for the
Bassmaster's Classic Lay Lake waters and that they were planning on
featuring me in their February, 2007 edition of Bassmaster magazine,
highlighting the upcoming 2007 Bassmasters Lay Lake Classic, I was even
more honored. I knew my valued opinion would be read by thousands of
Bassmaster Magazine subscribers and in addition, every word in this
interview would be scrutinized by each and every one of the 2007
Bassmaster Classic contenders.



So I asked myself, "just what is Alabama's Lay Lake really like during
the winter season?" I came up with, Good and Tough. Good on days, like
when several consecutive days of warm weather triggers bass to feed and
move shallow. Tough during those cold, miserable days when wintertime
conditions such as 20 degree mornings (usually following several days of
severe cold fronts), make you wish you had stayed at home. Its all about
the weather.



Conditions during the practice period for this 2007 Bassmasters Classic
were very deceiving. Cold fronts, cold mornings, cold water temps in the
upper 40's and stained to muddy water conditions gave very little
Classic contenders any confidence building patterns. Especially with the
Classic only a few days away. But a turn for the better occurred the
week of the Classic and a sudden warming trend shot the lakes water
temperatures (in the mid to lower lake), up 10 degrees in some places,
inducing bass to feed and move shallow.



Of which Boyd Duckett adjusted and made the best of, including catching
19 pounds 4 ounces the first day and having two of the daily "big bass
awards" with a 8 pound 2 ounce monster on day one and a very important
Classic winning bass, a 6 pound 9 ounce largemouth bass, caught during
the last hour of the last day of the 2007 Bassmasters Classic. Two huge
bass, weighing in the 6-8 pound weight class, were what it took to win
that Classic for Boyd Duckett of Demopolis, Alabama. Of course lure
selection, places he fished and a lot of confidence in his own abilities
and his hourly decisions were included in this Bassmasters Classic
winning strategy.



All of these Bassmasters Classic contenders were using various patterns
and fishing different lures and locations on Alabama's 12,000 acre Lay
Lake, to fool both largemouth bass and the Coosa River breed of spotted
bass. Various lures, individual techniques and several big bass patterns
were all developed by the last day's top 5 anglers, following that week
long warming trend. Suddenly changing conditions, showed 5 bass limits
had to average 15 pounds or better daily to eventually show a
Bassmasters Classic contender win or even have a chance of making the
top 5.



Some of these "Top 5" 2007 Lay Lake Bassmasters Classic contenders
fished the lakes headwaters. Most of these seasoned Classic contenders
were targeting spotted bass and even a few were fooling an occasional
largemouth bass into biting. These "Lay lake headwaters bass" are
usually induced to feed due to the current, which is created from the
discharge waters coming off of upstream Logan Martin Lake dam. These
current oriented bass hang around wood cover, rocks, boulders, and any
irregular bottom feature generally in water less than 10 feet deep.



Some of the eventual "top 5" Bassmasters Classic contenders mixed it up
(Like Boyd), trying for a good confidence building limit of bass early
and then spending the rest of each Classic day targeting big bass,
expecting only a few bites. With 47 nautical miles of water to choose
from and a lake that features many feeder creeks and a shoreline of over
289 miles, these Classic contenders had to decide if they the should
stay put and thoroughly fish one area, or as they say, "run and gun"
hitting every possible fish holding location they can in each days time.



See my website: www.fishingalabama.com for some up to date wintertime
tips I can offer after fishing (and winning), weekly bass tournaments
for over 20 years and guiding on Alabama's Lay Lake for over 30 years.
Here's the 2007 Lay Lake Bassmasters Classic " top 5 " winning patterns,
fishing locations, winning lures and various techniques it took to
win...or as some say, "almost win" the 2007 Lay Lake Bassmasters
Classic. Perhaps some of these tips will help you when you encounter the
same conditions (or similar conditions) while fishing Alabama's Lay Lake
during this winter season.



* Boyd Duckett of Demopolis, Alabama was a Classic rookie. He qualified
for this 2007 Lay Lake Bassmasters Classic through fishing the
Bassmaster's Southern Tour Division. His, "stay put" strategy, called
for fishing nearby in the mid lake region. He targeted spotted bass in
shallow flats only a mile from the Paradise Point Marina take-off site
in nearby Kelly Creek. Fishing with a 1/2 ounce Rayburn red colored Bill
Lewis rattletrap lipless lure got him a limit of bass each morning.



Boyd ended up fishing a much bigger feeder creek situated right across
the lake. Cedar Creek paid off, giving up a few of his biggest bass
topping off each morning's 5 spotted bass limit. His big bass lure of
choice was a 4 inch Berkely Chigger Craw, Texas rigged and flipped in
and around weedy, creek backwater banks. This Classic contender entered
this Classic with an open mind and threw out all practice period notions
and it paid off handsomely for Boyd Duckett, 2007 Lay Lake Bassmasters
Classic Champion.



* Skeet Reese of California placed second in the 2007 Lay Lake
Bassmasters Classic, missing a Classic win by only 6 ounces, right
behind Boyd Duckett. After him exclaiming to have had a terrible
practice period with only a couple of bass, Skeet's confidence level was
very low going into this Classic. Fishing the lakes headwaters during
competition he decided to just go fishing and fish his strengths and it
almost paid off.



Skeet brought in 5 bass limits each day weighing 17 1/2 pounds, 14-14
and 15-14. Ironically some of Skeet's bass came on the same lure Boyd
used. A Berkley Powerbait Chigger Craw. Included in Skeet's arsenal was
a shallow running crankbait labled, a S.K.T. Mini MR made by Lucky
Craft. Skeet Reese targeted laydown trees in Lay lakes headwaters
fishing 3-6 feet of water in the main lake current.



* Kevin Van Dam, boy how many times have you seen or heard that name in
fishing? Its said, "if Kevin is on your heels, then you had better watch
out!" Like Skeet Reese of California, Kevin Van Dam of Michigan almost
won this 2007 Lay Lake Bassmasters Classic, placing third overall.
Targeting mid to lower lake creek mouth weed lines, Kevin brought in a
decent sack of bass on day one weighing 13 pounds. Day two as usual,
Kevin Van Dam figured them out, bringing in 19 pounds 14 ounces of bass,
including a 5-7 largemouth bass that got big bass of the day honors.



His third day sack of bass is what hurt his chances of winning this
Bassmasters Classic, weighing only 12 pounds and 5 ounces, for a three
day total of 45-4. Like Boyd, Kevin fooled some of his bass daily on
lipless lures. Using a 1/2 ounce Strike King Red Eye Shad lipless lure
and a Strike King flat shad crankbait as well, Kevin fooled some of his
bass fishing weed lines in 3 feet of water. Falling water levels on day
three scattered his more quality bass bites and only smaller bass were
biting for Kevin on that last day.



* Terry McWilliams. Who? Unlike the name Van Dam, this lesser known Bass
Federation angler made a real show and made people recognize another
Bass Federation Classic Contender. Posting a first day limit of 5 bass
weighing 15-9, a second day weight of 12-4 and a last day charge with 5
bass weighing 17-6, Terry McWilliams of Indiana ended the 2007
Bassmasters Classic in 4th place with weight of 45-3. And he did it
fishing a very obvious "community hole" and doing it with one lure.
Fishing the warm discharge waters of Wilsonville steam plant with a tube
bait named, "The Honey Creek Tackle Stupid Tube" rigged Texas style,
fishing rocks and boulders along main river drops, right below the warm
water discharge.



* Gary Klein from Weathorford, Texas is a well know Bassmaster pro,
having fished 25 Bassmasters Classic's. He is also known to be deadly
with a flipping stick in hand. Klein started this 2007 Lay Lake Classic
with a respectable sack of flipped up bass weighing 11-6 putting him in
30th place on day one. On the strength of one lure. Using a 3/8 ounce
green pumpkin football head jig combo, he brought in a weight of 17-5 to
move into 6th place on day two.



Klein had another good day bringing in 5 bass weighing 15-10 on the last
day of this 2007 Lay Lake Bassmasters Classic. But it was only good for
fifth place and a total 3 day weight of 44-5. He was the only "top 5"
contender that fished deep water of 12-30 feet in the Spring Creek area.
Some of Klein's bass came out of deep water featuring standing timer,
and other bass were caught around piers when the water warmed at midday.



So there you have it, this is how these 2007 Bassmaster Classic
contenders caught their bass and placed in the eventual "top 5" in the
2007 Lay Lake Bassmasters Classic. Think you can do as well this winter
season? If not, give me a call. Reeds Guide Service (205) 787-5133.
"Over 30 Years tournament fishing and guiding on Alabama's Lay Lake."
Several guides available year round. See my website:
www.fishingalabama.com for more fishing tips, fishing articles and loads
of fishing info for all of Alabama's Lakes.



 
A preview of, " Winter on Lay Lake and The 2007
Bassmasters Classic "

By Reed Montgomery

Winter on Lay Lake and the 2007 Bassmasters Classic. Somehow that
just does not sound right. Maybe because in the years past the mere
mention of the world famous, " Bassmasters Classic " always brought to
mind tough, summertime fishing conditions for competition among the
world's best bass anglers. Well, for those of you have not heard, the
new dates for the Bassmasters Classic have now been changed to earlier
in the year. Much earlier in 2007...than Bassmasters Classics held prior
to 2006.



Past Bassmasters Classics (prior to 2006) were always held during the
grueling conditions of the summer season. Lay Lake has crowned two
previous world famous summertime Bassmasters Classic Champions with the
Bassmasters Classic being held on Lay Lake only twice in years past.
George Cochran of Arkansas won the now known to be very tough,
Bassmasters Classic held on Lay Lake in the summer of 1996. This was the
first time these Bassmasters Classic competitors had competed for this
world title on Alabama's Lay Lake.



Prior to that 1996 Lay Lake Bassmasters Classic, a good practice period
for most, showed many of the competitors already tasting victory as
anticipation of fishing this 48 mile long, weedy impoundment showed
promise. Afterwards, the majority of that Classic competitor field left
there with a bad taste in their mouth. For many, the taste of failure.
Cochran won it with three day total of 31 pounds and 14 ounces. Barely
10 pounds a day.



It took six more years (to the dismay of many of those previous 1996 Lay
Lake Bassmasters Classic contenders) before the Bassmasters Classic
returned to Alabama's Lay Lake. This time (for most Classic contenders)
it proved to be the fishery it is acclaimed to be. Jay Yelas ended up
winning that 2002 Bassmasters Classic with a winning three day sack of
both spotted bass and largemouth bass, 15 bass weighing 45 pounds and 14
ounces. That's an average of 15 pounds a day. All of those Classic
competitors (despite how they placed in that 2002 Bassmasters Classic)
praised Lay Lake for being such an excellent fishery of a choice for a
Bassmasters Classic location.



With this 2007 Lay Lake Bassmasters Classic scheduled for competition to
be held for three days during February 23-25 2007 it will provide a
whole new picture for the world's best, top 50 bass anglers to decipher.
Make no mistake about it. This is going to be a wintertime Bassmasters
Classic held here in Alabama. Not fishing for prespawn bass, by no means
not targeting spawning bass, just world famous professional bass anglers
fishing for bass -- bass that have been in a winter state of mind for
the last three months.



Conditions. Boy will that word play a huge role in this 2007 Bassmasters
Classic. Feast or famine as they say. If conditions are right (like
winter warming trends), most of those fifty 2007 Lay Lake Classic
contenders will have no trouble bringing in a 5 bass limit of bass, each
day of competition. Then it could just be a matter of who brings in the
biggest sack of bass the last day when the field is narrowed down to 25
competitors. Weights could be tremendously high with it taking 20 pounds
a day possible to crown a new 2007 Bassmasters Classic champion.
However, there's that saying, " on the other hand."



If conditions turn out to be brutal (like late winter often is here in
Alabama), many of these Classic contenders could struggle to even bring
in a 5 bass limit each day. So conditions can, and probably will, play a
huge role in this Bassmasters Classic. I'm sure like never before.



* THE AUTHOR  - Reed Montgomery, owner of Reeds Guide Service (Website:
www.fishingalabama.com) out of Birmingham, Alabama is Lay Lake's most
well know professional bass guide service. Reed Montgomery has also won
more bass tournaments on Alabama's Lay Lake than most professional
Alabama anglers can claim. He has over 30 years of professional,
freshwater guiding experience, taking anglers from all over the world to
all of Alabama's Lakes, year round. Reed has also won many major bass
tournaments and taken big bass honors dozens of times on Lay Lake,
competing among hundreds of the south's best bass anglers and fishing
bass tournaments on Lay Lake for over 25 years. Read more of Reed's
Wintertime Fishing tips for Lay Lake coming soon.



This Report Provided by:

By Reed Montgomery

Reeds Guide Service

Call: Reed Montgomery - (205) 787-5133

alabassgyd@aol.com

Fall
on Lay Lake

(Soon to come, a preview of Lay Lake

for the February, 2007 Bassmasters Classic)



Yes, Lay Lake has again been selected as the site of the Bassmasters
Classic. In February, 2007 the worlds best bass anglers will launch out
of Paradise Point Marina (205) 669-1515 as they again (this is the third
Classic on Lay Lake) compete for this prestigious world title and
attempt to figure out Lay Lake's weed dwelling largemouth bass and a
very worthy adversary ... the Coosa River Spotted bass.



Lay Lake is a challenge no matter what time of the year you fish it.
When you do, if your fishing a bass tournament on Lay Lake, you can
count on fishing up against Alabama's best bass anglers. But even the
best anglers struggled this past Summer season when the mercury reached
100 degrees several times. Throughout the entire month of August mid to
upper ninety degree days were common. The water temperatures in Lay
Lakes shallow backwaters were constantly bathed in an all day sunshine
with little rain to help cool things down. Water temps were close to
ninety degrees by late Summer. Ah, but in comes the cool down period of
Fall. Month by month, you will see fishing only gets better as Fall
progresses and bass go on a feeding spree lakewide.



September

Looking back, before you look ahead, will tell you what the bass
want on your next fishing trip to Lay Lake in September. The weather
plays a huge role in September as it influences bass to move from their
Summertime haunts to the feeding grounds of Fall. So check back a few
days prior to your trip and see what role the weather has played in
early September. Rainy fronts turn them on and cold fronts turn them
off. Muddy water following a few days of heavy rain should be avoided.
The lakes headwaters and small incoming feeder creeks are affected the
most by heavy rains. Some creeks will clear up fast, while others will
stay muddy for a few days.



Search out the lakes mid to lower end if your trip follows several days
of rain. Other than Waxahatchee Creek (that always muddies following
heavy rains), most feeders on the lakes lower end will be lightly
stained. Spring Creek and Paint Creek on the lakes lower end offer loads
of weedy cover, piers, boathouses, rip-rap rocks, wood cover and bottom
irregularities such as humps, submerged islands and old roadbeds for
anglers to explore. Heavy rains can occur at any time, but they are more
frequent during October and November.



Basically the largemouth bass will be around weeds. On Lay Lake that
gives an angler more than 50 miles of greenery to decipher where the
bass will be. Likely locations will be close to the schools of baitfish
that the bass have followed all Summer and they will always be nearby
when baitfish are evident. This can mean fishing the weed edges with
lures such as buzzbaits, prop baits, pop-r's, zara spooks, sammies and
other walking, jerking, popping type topwaters. Topwaters fished right
up in the weeds are different from these aforementioned weed grabbing
treble hook lures.



Frogs and rats are weedless lures and they now come in all shapes, sizes
and colors due their recent popularity with bass anglers nationwide.
Buzzbaits can be fished right up in the weeds, but you must keep these
irritating lures moving to avoid them rolling over and hanging up. Fish
heavy 17-20 pound test line or heavy braided line with these lures to
get those big bass out of the weeds fast. As waters cool there is more
action ahead for both spotted bass and largemouth bass on Lay Lake.



October

Although there are some big bass caught on Alabama's Lay Lake year
round, Fall is my favorite time to fish this lake for some big
largemouth bass and trophy sized spotted bass. The cooler it gets the
more foolish these big bass get. Without their temperamental attitude
(like when spawning) these bass have one thing on their mind before it
gets cold. Eating. Fattening up and grabbing every little morsel in
sight, these bass will hit a variety of lures this Fall period. Although
cool nights and days drop the water temps bass will continue to feed on
hapless meals just like the past Summer.



Frogs and small mice hopping and running along Lay Lakes weedy mats have
contributed to the days meal for the last 4 months. So the bass down
below are used to seeing them and used to eating them. Lures that
simulate these frogs and rats are deadly in the weeds in the Fall.



By October the largemouth bass of Lay Lake have dined on a variety of
meals. So keep this in mind when deciding on what lures it takes to fool
them. Snakes, small worms, lizards, freshwater eels, slugs and leeches
have been consumed all summer long. So fishing a variety of lures in
various shapes, sizes, colors and lengths, should be experimented with
until you get a big bass bite or two. These slithering meals have grown
to sizable proportions by the end of Summer so fishing with worms,
creature type plastics or lizards, all in lengths of 8-12 inches, may
really bring out the big bass from hiding.



When probing weedy holes, edges, lanes and points found within these
thick and matted weeds of Lay Lake, you have got to get the lure down in
the weeds. Heavy weights or sinkers (1/2 ounce up to 2 ounce size) are a
must, including strong hooks, stought equipment such as rods and reels
and strong line are all needed for fishing Lay Lakes weeds. Anglers get
broke off trying anything less than 20 pound test in the weeds. Finesse
fishing may be good along weed edges, but always use the heavy equipment
for fishing dead up in the weds, to avoid frustration and lost bass. Jig
combos and crayfish imitations are big bass lures in and around these
thick and matted weeds.



Besides the weeds there are other places to find bass on Lay Lake. When
you get away from the weeds, fishing wood cover, points, rocks and
bottom irregularities always mean you will encounter some of Lay Lake's
notorious Coosa River spotted bass. These spotted bass known as "spots"
are a bass full of fighting fury and they will give any angler a run for
his money. This is evident by observing the ones that don't get away.
Many trophy sized spotted bass you are fortunate enough to land on Lay
Lake either have one eye missing or a ripped or torn mouth that has
healed from the last anglers lure it ripped free.



In October fishing the lakes headwaters, just below Logan Martin Lake
dam is a good place to encounter feeding spots. Some are small in the
1-2 pound range, but trophy spotted bass exceeding 5 pounds do exist
here. Some anglers use small finesse worms on jig heads, or grubs and
shad imitations on light tackle outfits. Other anglers target the bigger
spotted bass that will often hit oversized topwaters like the Zara Super
Spook topwater lure, Norman's DD-22 deep diving crankbaits, oversized
jerkbaits or spinnerbaits with gaudy oversized trailers. Spotted bass
(to many anglers surprise) will be found in feeder creeks on Lay Lake in
the Fall as well as main lake spots. They also prefer to hang around
creek mouths, the mouths of small cuts and pockets, the upper and lower
ends of islands and around rip-rap rocks found along bridges, causeways
and creek culverts. Even piers hold decent sized spotted bass on Lay
Lake. They especially like the deep, rocky bluff type banks and deep
main river timbered points during the Fall period.



November

Like said, Fall is my favorite time of year to fish for largemouth
bass and trophy sized spotted bass on Alabama's Lay Lake. But as late
Fall becomes evident, it gets even better and for many reasons. Go to my
website: www.fishingalabama.com and click on the "Articles" link seen at
the top of the cover page. It will take you to several articles I've
wrote. One is called, " 5 bass - 30 pounds on Lay Lake." This very
exceptional day all anglers dream of, took place one mid November day
while fishing all alone in the rain. You should find it interesting.



There are many reasons why the really big bass of Lay Lake bite so well
in November and early December, before it gets really cold. One is the
lake is void of fishing pressure, of which exists almost year round on
this Lake, which is now over 90 years since impoundment in 1914. Bass
tournaments are held weekly on Lay Lake. But by November most tournament
trails are at an end. Most anglers do not fish the colder it gets, so
November shows the beginning of less anglers on the water. Football
season, kids back in school, and deer hunting keeps other would be
anglers off the water as well. Holidays and bad weather keep the rest
away. So on many weekdays you can have the places you normally fish with
lots of company...all to yourself!



Sneaking in these places without the bass detecting your presence, can
now be accomplished and your fishing is not interrupted by other anglers
idling their boats close by and spooking these bass. All it takes is a
little stealth and you can get into the years biggest bag of bass on Lay
Lake in November and early December.



So fish Lay Lake this Fall season, but be prepared for a lonely trip
when the Fall period comes to an end and Winter begins. The Lake can be
void of anglers, all except for those that know, during Winter. Winter
warming trends do occur and some really big bass get shallow as they are
duped into thinking its time for an early spawn. Just like what might
happen when the worlds best bass anglers converge on Lay Lake for the
February 2007 Bassmasters Classic.



The next report for Lay Lake's Winter fishing will feature tips and
techniques for fishing Lay Lake when it gets cold, tips that may aid you
or these anglers competing in this world renowned Bassmasters Classic
Championship.



Need help fishing Alabama's Lay Lake? Reed Montgomery, owner of Reeds
Guide Service is Lay Lake's most well known and oldest professional bass
guide service. Reed has won more tournaments (See Reed's biography by
clicking on the "About" link on the top of the cover page on
www.fishingalabama.com) and taken more big bass awards on Lay Lake, than
any other Lake he fishes statewide. Give him a call or e-mail Reed at
his website: www.fishingalabama.com.

This Report Provided by:
By Reed Montgomery
Reeds Guide Service
 (205) 787-5133
alabassgyd@aol.com

BOAT LAUNCHES ON LAY LAKE:

Downriver - LAYPORT MARINE - WAXAHATCHEE CREEK

THE NARROWS - PUBLIC LAUNCH - BOZO'S - AND LACOOSA LAUNCH

Mid-Lake - OKOMO'S LAUNCH - CEDAR CREEK LAUNCH - PARADISE POINT MARINA

Upriver - YELLOW LEAF CREEK LAUNCH AT WILSONVILLE STEAM PLANT -

AND THE PUBLIC LAUNCH JUST BELOW LOGAN MARTIN DAM.

Motels, restuarants and fishing tackle are available in the nearby towns of Clanton, Wilsonville and Columbiana. Also around Interstate I-65 going south, from Birmingham to Montgomery.

Reed Montgomery / Reeds Guide Service
Birmingham Alabama (205) 787-5133
"Over 30 years fishing Alabama for Bass and Stripers"
E-mail: ALABASSGYD@AOL.com
Website: www.FISHINGALABAMA.com