COLUMBIANA, Ala. — The Bama Division of the Phoenix Bass Fishing League Presented by T-H Marine will host its second event of 2026 on Feb. 7 at Lay Lake. The Coosa River impoundment has a knack for producing compelling tournaments, and if the weather cooperates, this one should see some heavy weights.
What to expect
Coosa River local Blake Davenport said winter is an underrated time to be on Lay, as the lake’s spotted and largemouth bass are at their fattest.
“Usually that’s the biggest bags of the year,” Davenport said.
However, putting one of those big bags together might not be straightforward. One wrinkle BFL competitors will have to negotiate in 2026 is the new rule limiting anglers to three hours per day using forward-facing sonar. Davenport noted that forward-facing sonar has become “pretty much dominant” on Lay during the winter in recent years.
As a result, making the most of their three hours with modern technology will likely be paramount to contending for the win, as will be playing the conditions. The area recently experienced its first cold snap of what had previously been a mild winter, and there’s more sub-freezing temperatures in the forecast. If the weather warms by time the event arrives, Davenport said the fishing would benefit. If not, it could be a grind.
“Hopefully we get a warm front,” he said. “That would absolutely help the bite.”
Additionally, with Lay being part of the Coosa River, current is always a consideration. If rain arrives before the event and forces more water through the system, Davenport said the tailrace beneath the Logan Martin Dam and the rest of the riverine, upper section of the fishery could be a player.
Spotted bass rule the roost on the Coosa, and they grow big – 4-pounders aren’t uncommon. Davenport expects them to dominate the catch count. However, he thinks the top few anglers will be able to catch a kicker largemouth to anchor a limit of spots.
Baits to bring
Davenport said there are fish to be caught shallow on Lay, although not yet in the water willow the Coosa River is known for. Those anglers who fish around the banks will likely target seawalls and other vertical cover with Alabama rigs and jerkbaits. As for during anglers’ three hours with forward-facing sonar, expect jighead minnows to dominate.
What will it take?
Last year, Lay hosted a BFL on March 1, and Brent Reaves took the trophy with 20-10 (Davenport was second with 20-3). Despite the sonar limitations, Davenport thinks this event will take just as much to win, if not more. He pegged the winning weight at 20 to 21 pounds.