Fishing trip
Season: Best Feb–MayGuided bass fishing on Lake Guntersville
- Fish the grass beds, ledges and creek mouths with a local guide
- Boat, rods and tackle are usually provided; you need an Alabama fishing license
The essentials
| Location | North-east Alabama, on the Tennessee River, about 40 miles south-east of Huntsville |
|---|---|
| Size | About 67,900 acres, with almost 890 miles of shoreline; Alabama’s largest lake |
| Main town | Guntersville, the seat of Marshall County, with about 8,500 people |
| Time zone | Central Time (Chattanooga, Tennessee, is on Eastern Time) |
| Currency | US dollar (USD) |
| Plugs | Types A and B, 120 volts |
| Emergency number | 911 |
When to visit
Lake Guntersville has a warm, humid climate, with long summers and short, mild winters. Each season has something to offer.
| Months | What to expect |
|---|---|
| March to May | Warm days, blooming dogwoods and the best fishing for big bass. Also the stormiest time of year. |
| June to August | Hot and humid, with highs around 90°F and afternoon thunderstorms. The lake is at its busiest. |
| September to November | Warm, drier and quieter, with fall colors in late October and November. |
| December to February | Mild days and cold nights. Bald eagles winter around the lake. |
Read more about the best time to visit.
Fishing and boating licenses
- Fishing: most anglers aged 16 and over need an Alabama fishing license, including visitors. Buy one online from Outdoor Alabama, the state’s conservation department.
- Boating: most people who drive a boat in Alabama need an Alabama boating license, and the minimum age is 12. Check the rules for visitors with the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency’s Marine Patrol, or ask your rental company.
What to pack
- Light, breathable clothes for summer, and layers for spring, fall and winter evenings
- A rain jacket
- Sun cream, sunglasses and a hat for days on the water
- Bug spray, for mosquitoes, ticks and chiggers
- Good walking shoes for the trails, and a light jacket for Cathedral Caverns
- Binoculars in winter for the eagles
Money and costs
Cards are accepted almost everywhere. Prices in restaurants and shops do not include sales tax, which is added at checkout. In restaurants, a tip of 15–20% is expected, and it is usual to tip fishing guides too.
Health
- Heat: drink plenty of water and avoid the midday sun in summer.
- Bugs: check for ticks after walking in the woods or long grass.
- Snakes: watch where you step on rocky trails and along the shore in warm weather.
- Insurance: healthcare in the US is expensive, so overseas visitors should take out travel insurance.
Safety
- Storms: thunderstorms build quickly in summer. Get off the water and away from the shore when you hear thunder.
- Tornadoes: North Alabama gets tornado warnings, mostly in spring and late fall. Follow local alerts and know where to shelter.
- On the water: wear a life jacket, keep clear of barges and never drink and drive a boat.
- Swimming: there are no lifeguards at most places, so swim with care and keep away from boat traffic.
Local customs
- People in north Alabama are friendly and polite. A “hello” and a “thank you” go a long way.
- Some counties and towns have limits on alcohol sales, especially on Sundays, so check before you plan a drink.
- Respect “no wake” zones and private docks on the lake.
