Wheeler will test anglers during Choo Choo Super Tournament
Of the historic Tennessee River fisheries, Wheeler Lake can be one of the most difficult. Sometimes fantastic, sometimes challenging, it is home to this year’s Phoenix Bass Fishing League Presented by T-H Marine Choo Choo Division Super Tournament.
Tournament details
Phoenix Bass Fishing League Presented by T-H Marine Choo Choo Division Super Tournament
Rogersville, Ala.
Sept. 28-29
About the fishery
Stretching more than 70 miles, there may be no more diverse fishery along the Tennessee River than Wheeler.
Starting below Guntersville Dam, the tailrace is a prime smallmouth haven when the current is flowing. Next comes the river, which looks and fishes like, well, a typical river. Next up is the famous Decatur Flats area, which in its prime in the early 2000s, was one of the best places to fish along the whole TVA chain. It’s still the spot most tournaments are won, but a lack of grass compared to its heyday has significantly dampened the fishing on it. Then, finally, you have the lower end and it’s offshore ledges and open-water opportunities. Not to mention, the Elk River, which has become a key player in the last decade.
What to expect
A lot can change between now and the start of this event, and Fisher Anaya sure hopes it does.
“There’s plenty of fish there, but they sure don’t seem to want to bite right now,” Anaya said. “I’ve practiced a few times and my best bag was maybe 9 pounds, and a local team tournament only took 12 pounds to win.”
Fortunately, the cooler nights have got the baitfish and bass on the move, which sets up for anyone wanting to burn a buzzbait all day long. The weather should also help the bite on the Decatur Flats. Not that it matters, as Anaya figures more than 90 percent of tournaments on the fishery are won there.
Still, he said if the forecast for significant rain ever comes true, the smallmouth in the tailrace will definitely come into play for the few anglers lucky enough to get there first and squeeze into the tiny area.
He also said not to sleep on the lower end.
“It’s a hero-or-zero area down there,” Anaya said. “You can go do there and not get bit or absolutely load the boat. It’s rarely any in between.
“Then again, if they’re biting on the Decatur Flats, it’s hard to compete with the fish that live there.”
While recent weights have been paltry, Anaya still figures mid to upper teens will be necessary to go for the win, as the fishery still has plenty of potential for an angler who finds the right pattern.
“It’s the right time of year for the bigger bites to start coming,” Anaya said. “They haven’t been yet, but hopefully they will finally come the tournament.”