This scenic lake stretches 66 miles along the Tennessee River and offers a wide range of activities to enjoy. From fishing and boating to camping and swimming, there are plenty of ways to make the most of your visit to this beautiful spot.
The lake is perfect for recreational boaters who are looking for a relaxed day out on the water or fishermen who want to try their luck at catching some bass or catfish. There are also plenty of opportunities for camping and picnicking around the lake, as well as several public beaches that offer swimming during the summer months.
Wheeler Lake is also home to several wildlife areas where visitors can observe birds, deer, wild turkeys, and other native species in their natural habitats. Wildlife tours are offered by paddle boat or kayak so visitors can get an up-close look at the local fauna. Additionally, there are several hiking trails around the lake that offer stunning views of its crystal-clear waters.
Due to its mild climate year-round, Wheeler Lake can be enjoyed any time of year. However, some activities may be limited depending on the season– such as swimming being only available during warmer months– so it’s best to plan ahead if you have something specific in mind. During spring and fall, temperatures tend to be milder so they may be better times to visit if you’re looking for a more relaxed experience with fewer crowds.
The Wheeler lake was constructed by the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) in the mid-20th century to provide hydroelectric power and flood control. Today, it is a popular destination for locals and tourists alike who are looking for outdoor recreation activities. Let’s take a closer look at the history and construction of this amazing lake.
Construction of Wheeler Lake began in 1933 and took three years to complete. During construction, engineers had to overcome some major challenges like diverting the course of the Tennessee River around the dam site, building new channels for connecting streams, relocating bridges, railroads, and roads, as well as constructing cofferdams that would help keep water out of areas during construction.
Once these challenges were conquered, engineers could begin constructing the dam itself. The design consisted of an earthen embankment with a concrete spillway on top. The embankment was 16 feet thick at its base and made from compacted clay, sand, and gravel that was obtained from nearby quarries. The spillway was built using reinforced concrete that was poured onsite over several months’ time.
The result is a stunning lake that stretches 66 miles long with over 880 miles of shoreline! It has become one of Alabama’s most popular recreational destinations because it offers excellent fishing opportunities as well as plenty of other activities such as boating, camping, swimming, and hiking.
Are you looking for the perfect camping spot? Look no further than Wheeler Lake in Alabama! With its stunning lake views and plenty of outdoor activities, it is the ideal destination for travelers who want to get away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Let’s explore some of the best camping sites at Wheeler Lake.
Frog Pond Campground is a great option if you want to be close to all of the action. This campground has a wide variety of sites, including both tent and RV spots. It also offers excellent fishing opportunities, as well as easy access to nearby trails and other outdoor activities. The campground also offers a playground, picnic tables, fire pits, and grills so you can enjoy your time outdoors with family or friends.
If you’re looking for a more peaceful camping experience, check out Greenbrier Estates. This campground offers rustic cabins that are perfect for those who don’t have their own tents or RVs. It also has plenty of amenities such as bathrooms with showers and hot water, laundry facilities, and an on-site store where you can buy supplies like firewood and ice. Additionally, this campground is located near Wheeler Dam State Park which has many wonderful trails to explore.
Wheeler Dam State Park is another great option for camping at Wheeler Lake. This park is home to over 100 campsites with electric hookups available on select sites. It also has two boat ramps so you can easily launch your boat into the lake for fishing or leisurely boat rides around the lake. Furthermore, this state park offers hiking trails that wind through bluffs with spectacular views of the lake from below as well as above it!
Bear Creek Recreation Area is located at the northern end of Wheeler Lake. It has a wide variety of activities and amenities that make it an ideal spot for camping. There are picnic areas, swimming beaches, and several public boat ramps available. You can also take advantage of their fishing pier or rent a kayak or canoe to explore the lake further. There are even hiking trails in the area where you can take in some beautiful views of the lake and surrounding forest.
Kowaliga Point Campground is situated on the western side of Wheeler Lake and offers all sorts of recreational opportunities. The campground has primitive campsites as well as RV sites with full hookups. There’s also a large beach area perfect for swimming and enjoying a day in the sun with family or friends. Additionally, there are plenty of fishing spots nearby so anglers won’t be disappointed either!
Cypress Tree Campground lies just south of Kowaliga Point Campground along the eastern shoreline of Wheeler Lake. This campground provides basic camping amenities such as water hookups, electric hookups, restrooms, showers, playgrounds, and more. They even have an on-site store where you can stock up on supplies before heading out into nature! Fishing is especially popular here—you’ll find plenty of bass, crappie, catfish, and other species in the lake.
If you’re looking for an outdoor adventure that won’t break the bank, fishing at Wheeler Lake in Alabama is the perfect option. Let’s take a look at why this lake is such a great spot for fishing!
The lake has plenty of structures such as underwater points, submerged trees, and other features that provide ideal habitat for fish. One thing to keep in mind though is that Wheeler Lake can get crowded during peak times such as weekends and holidays so plan accordingly if you don’t want to deal with too many people on the water.
Wheeler Lake is home to a variety of species including largemouth bass, spotted bass, striped bass, crappie, bluegill, white bass, hybrid striped bass (aka wiper), sauger, walleye, and catfish. The most popular species here are largemouth bass and spotted bass but there are plenty of other options available depending on what type of fish you’re targeting. In addition to these species, there are also numerous baitfish present in the lake which can be used as natural bait or cut into chunks for artificial lures like jigs or crankbaits.
When fishing at Wheeler Lake it’s important to familiarize yourself with all local laws and regulations before heading out on the water. There are regulations in place regarding size limits as well as creel limits which must be followed in order to ensure that everyone has an enjoyable experience while fishing here (and keeps the resources sustainable). Be sure to check with the local tackle shops for more information about Alabama’s fishing regulations before heading out on your trip!
Let’s find out what are the best spots on this lake to maximize your chances of catching a big one:
The Big Bend area is located near the dam at Wheeler Lake. This section of the lake is very deep and offers plenty of large rocks and crevices for fish to hide in. It’s also a popular spot for anglers due to its easy access from shore. Try targeting largemouth bass with jigs, crankbaits, or spinnerbaits in this area. And don’t forget about the crappie—they love to hang out around the deeper areas of the lake as well.
White Oak Creek is located on the south end of Wheeler Lake and empties into the main body of water near the dam. This area is full of stumps and rocks that provide cover for all kinds of fish species. You’ll find a variety here, including largemouth bass, catfish, crappie, sunfish, and walleye. Target these fish with soft plastics or crankbaits cast close to structures like logs or stumps. Also, try drifting live bait rigs throughout this area for a good chance at catching some nice size catfish or walleye.
Little Mountain Park is situated on the northeast side of Wheeler Lake and features several shallow flats that are great areas to target panfish like bluegill or sunfish. Use small jigs tipped with worms or crickets fished along weed lines or near patches of lily pads. For larger panfish like black crappie try using minnows or jigging spoons around cover like laydowns or brush piles found in deeper pockets off these flats.
Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced angler looking for something new, there’s plenty to explore when it comes to fishing at Wheeler Lake in Alabama! So grab your tackle box and head out onto Wheeler Lake today—you won’t regret it!
Source:
https://tennesseerivervalleygeotourism.org/entries/wheeler-lake/bce948fc-84b8-4a72-ba82-e00c4c1570fa
https://www.visitflorenceal.com/directory/wheeler-lake/
https://fishalabama.org/lakes/wheeler-lake/