Hey guys, I'm going to Lake Wilson in about a month to make my first attempt at smallmouth fishing. The lake is in Alabama and its a 15 mile long river system. Any advice how I should approach it ? I want to catch a few of the smaller fish first to get the feel of it and then aim for a bigger one. Any lures, tips, tricks, areas, or anything under that sun that yall would like to put in would be greatly appreciated.

          Thanks

Wilson has a lot of cover (both vegetation and docks), extended flats and shallow coves. The lake is more noted for largemouth and spots, the smallmouth you hear about are generally found below the Wheeler Dam and below the Wilson Dam (Pickwick). If you plan to target smallmouth, fish the river portions (moving water) below one of these dams.

8-)

at the base of wheeler dam (E end of the lake) theres a current that runs right between two big metal power line towers that yeilds smallies when the water is running.  to the N of those towers is an island where they get caught around too....

Scott C with the specific holes!  That's awesome, you couldn't get that much help/info. anywhere else! Kudos to Scott! Good luck to you Mottfia and tell us how it goes.

-This is why I love this forum!

Thanks everyone. alarcher you're right about this site. This place is full of great fisherman and people. I'll be sure to bring a camera to show yall my first smallmouth. Once again thank you.

Try the area around Hawg Island. The creek and cove to the south supply baitfish and the current is still strong when the water is being released. Check a topo map because there are numerous drainage ditches and the water can be shallow in close to the island. Tubes, jigs, spinners and at that time of year don't rule out topwater. Good luck!

Try the area around Hawg Island. The creek and cove to the south supply baitfish and the current is still strong when the water is being released. Check a topo map because there are numerous drainage ditches and the water can be shallow in close to the island. Tubes, jigs, spinners and at that time of year don't rule out topwater. Good luck!

AMEN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! couldnt of said it better myself!!!!!!

Guys that lake is wild. We caught everything under the sun when the crankbait bite was on. We caught some solid largemouth and spots along with a 4 pound hawg and lost what I think was a 5 pound spot. but more importantly!!! I caught my first smallmouth!!! She weights every bit of 14 oz but I still went crazy. Those fish are amazing to watch jump. My buddy and I caught 5 small smallies by the end of the trip and watched a few guys caught some Huge slabs. We were loving it. Thanks for the help everyone. Yall helped make it one great trip.  

Awesome! Glad to hear you had a great trip and I imagine the help you got from here cut down on your water searching time. Congrats on your first smallie they are addictive!

Send pics if you got them! ;D