Lake Weiss
Lake Weiss is the first of several impoundments on the Coosa River and is located in northeast Alabama. The upper end toward the Georgia line is loaded with log jams and huge sprawling flats that have more than their fair share of stumps. While this provides excellent bass cover, a word of caution is needed when running that Ranger up river.
The lower end is more of what I would call a typical Coosa River impoundment. Boat houses and deeper water dominate for the most part. The entire lake produces really good bass fishing year round and excellent crappie fishing.
Fishing Lake Weiss
Growing up, my family had a small lot on the upper end of Lake Weiss that consisted of a small boatramp and a pier. It wasn't much, but it was fun. My father didn't see any reason to go to the lower end of Lake Weiss much. With the stringers of bass we were catching on the upper end, I didn't either.
Spinnerbaits and Mann's Razorback crankbaits were the ticket back then. We would slaughter the bass it seemed every trip (Now, we all know that you don't "slaughter" the bass every trip. However, memories of when you were nine and fishing with your dad are all good).
Seriously, spinnerbaits are the dominant lure for me up here. Just like anywhere, you have to find the fish and be on them to have success.
Where to Fish
Running upriver from the main lake, you will see a large flat develop to your right. When you see the large utility lines crossing the channel (1), take a 90 degree right and follow these power lines to the bank. DO NOT waver outside of this path! When you approach the other bank, you will see your depth increase. At this point, turn left and follow the bank up to the second pocket (2). The pocket is a MAJOR spawning area even though I have caught fish in here through July.
You will see why I like to throw a spinnerbait here, mostly a War Eagle Spinnerbait - Double Willow in chartreuse/white. Weeds and stumps dominate the cover. Start on the left side of the pocket near the island and work back and forth. I once caught 25 keeper crappie here along with a nice stringer of bass on a small spinnerbait called a Witchdoctor (the Witchdoctor spinnerbait is no longer manufactured to my knowledge. I have one left and refuse to throw it). The crappie in this lake are huge, by the way. I have not caught much in the very back.
Another place to check out is the dominant island located in the middle of the river on up the lake (3). The channel runs to the left of the island so be careful. Log jams from high water provide excellent cover and you could spend a lot of time working this cover.
Mudd Creek is a place I like to hit during the spawn (4). The right side when it opens up is where I have done my best. Again, spinnerbaits with a rattletrap every so often is what I catch my fish on here.
Conclusion
Fishing Lake Weiss for me means fishing the Coosa River. I run up away from the crowds and have a ball. The next time you have time to practice for that Lake Weiss tournament, check these places out. You will not be sorry.
Good fishin'
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