TVA reservoir

Wilson Lake

Colbert, Lauderdale & Lawrence Counties, Alabama

A TVA reservoir on the Tennessee River near Florence and Muscle Shoals, running about 15 miles from Wilson Dam up to Wheeler Dam. It is known for smallmouth and largemouth bass and very large blue catfish.

Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors.

Surface area15,500 acres

Max depth—

Shoreline166 mi

Boat motorsCheck local rules

Species

Fishery rating out of 5.

Smallmouth Bass●●●●●

Gather in the Wheeler Dam tailwater in spring and fall. Drift live threadfin shad (yellowtails) in the current.

Largemouth Bass●●●●○

Grass, creek mouths and docks in the lower lake. Fish over 7 pounds are reported.

Blue Catfish●●●●○

Fish over 50 pounds are reported. Cut bait in the tailwater and along channel ledges, best in summer.

Crappie●●●○○

Brush and docks in the creeks with jigs and minnows.

Sauger●●○○○

A winter fishery below Wheeler Dam. Jig with minnows near the bottom in current.

Boat launches

3 launch sites. Fees and hours change, so confirm before you go.

Shoal Creek Public Boat RampFree
ADCNR ramp on Shoal Creek off US 72 near FlorenceDirections ↗
Shoal Creek Landing (west side)Free
ADCNR landing across US 72 from the older ramp. Wide launch slab, parking for 36 rigsDirections ↗
More public accessPublic
See the TVA or ADCNR boat ramp list for all ramps and feesDirections ↗

Size & creel limits

Minimum size and daily limit for each species in Wilson Lake are published by the state. Look up the current size and creel limits for this lake directly: Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (Outdoor Alabama) ↗

Rules change, so confirm current limits with the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (Outdoor Alabama) before you fish.

Bait & tackle nearby

No shops listed yet for this lake. Use the search link below.

Search more bait shops near Wilson Lake ↗

Local tips

Generation at Wheeler Dam drives the tailwater bite. Check TVA release schedules before you go.
A fishing platform below Wheeler Dam gives bank anglers access to the tailwater.
Barge traffic uses the main channel and the locks at both dams, so give tows plenty of room.

View on interactive map

Zoom and pan on a street, satellite or terrain map. Red pins are boat launches.

More Alabama lakes

Walter F. George Lake (Lake Eufaula) Pickwick Lake Lake Martin Weiss Lake Lewis Smith Lake (Smith Lake) William "Bill" Dannelly Reservoir (Millers Ferry) Logan Martin Lake Woodruff Reservoir (Jones Bluff) All Alabama lakes →

Always wear a life jacket and check your state's current regulations before you fish.