Wilson Lake is known for its excellent trophy smallmouth bass fishing. You can usually find good numbers of fish and some big fish mixed in once you learn the better spots on this lake. The tailwater fishing below the dam is the reason why most people hear of this lake.
Catch Big Bass
Wilson Lake grows plenty of big smallmouth bass and you can find them throughout the lake, however, the spring and fall smallmouth fishery below the dam can be amazing. Anglers catch smallmouth bass in the 4 to 6 pound range and bigger fish are possible too.
Current Plays a Major Factor on Pickwick, Not as Much on Wilson
Current runs through Wilson Lake, but you don’t get as much current throughout the lake as you do on Pickwick Lake. As a result, Wilson Lake does fish a little bit more like a lake than a river, but if you are fishing during high water or in the areas with current, it can definitely be a factor. For example, if you are fishing
Fish the Creeks
There are lots of creek arms to fish on Wilson Lake. Spring and fall are usually the best times to fish these creeks for a variety of fish. With less current on Wilson Lake, the creek arms will see smallmouth bass move into these areas, however, largemouth bass will usually be available in larger numbers once summer rolls around.
Fish the Wheeler Dam
The tailwater fishery below the Wheeler Dam is what makes Wilson Lake known on the national stage. There are so many big smallmouth bass caught here in the spring and fall. When they are releasing a lot of water you will have some decent current and you won’t be able to get as close up to the dam, however, throughout most parts of the year, the amount of water they will be running will allow you to fish closer to this dam.
Fish the Main Lake
On the main lake, you will have current, especially as you get closer to both dams on either end of the lake. The current breaks will definitely help position a variety of fish, especially smallmouth bass. When the dams are releasing less water, this lake does fish more like a lake compared to Pickwick lake which has lots of current running through it. So depending on when you visit this lake to fish, you may be able to hit some good main lake shorelines, ledges and points without having to deal with much current. If current isn’t the main driver then it’s going to be water temperature, baitfish, cover and drop-offs that will drive the better spots just like fishing a normal lake.
Fish the Points
There are a good amount of points to fish on Wilson Lake. From spring through fall, you should be able to find a good amount of fish on or around these points. Current can definitely play a major factor on what points are better to fish. Besides current, look for vegetation, rocks, wood and areas that have deep water close by will help to attract more fish.
Fish the Rocks
There are plenty of rocks on Wilson Lake and the smallmouth bass definitely prefer the rocky areas. You will find plenty of other species of fish around the rocks as well, especially when you have current.
Fish the Shorelines
There are miles of good shorelines to fish on Wilson Lake. This lake has plenty of rocks, wood and vegetation to go along with plenty of boat docks too. Bass anglers will find endless amounts of shoreline to target bass shallow.
Fish the Weeds
The weeds are going to hold way more largemouth bass than smallmouth bass, however, when you can find some areas that have good depth, some current nearby and some rocks mixed in with the vegetation, these spots can be awesome areas for smallmouth bass.
Fish the Wood
There are many good spots along the shorelines where the current will help position the bass around the wood. Most anglers will flip these spots with jigs for largemouth bass, but don’t be surprised if you catch some smallmouth bass fishing the wood throughout the lake.
Learn More About Smallmouth Bass
Our smallmouth bass section is huge with information on the best live baits, lures, where to catch them and how to catch them. Visit our smallmouth bass page to learn more.
