Guntersville Dam

Why visit

Guntersville Dam was one of the dams built by the Tennessee Valley Authority in the 1930s to tame the Tennessee River and bring electricity to the valley. It turned the river into a chain of lakes, and Lake Guntersville is one of the largest. The dam is not a big tourist attraction, but it is worth a short visit to understand how the lake was made, to watch a barge or a boat go through the lock, or to cast a line in the tailwater.

What to see

• The dam: a long concrete and earth dam with a hydroelectric powerhouse, stretching across the river.
• The locks: barges, pleasure boats and houseboats are raised and lowered between the lake and the river below. Watching a tow of barges lock through takes patience but is fascinating.
• The tailwater: below the dam, the moving water draws baitfish, and the bass, catfish and other fish that feed on them.

Fishing below the dam

Bank anglers fish from the public areas below the dam, and boats work the current downstream. Conditions change quickly when TVA releases more water through the turbines, so take care, stay out of restricted areas and wear a life jacket on the water. You need an Alabama fishing license.

Tips

• Some areas around the dam are closed to the public for security reasons. Follow the signs.
• Check the TVA website or app for lake levels and water releases before you fish.
• Bring binoculars in winter: eagles and other birds often fish below dams.
• Combine your visit with downtown Guntersville.