Wilson Lake is a man-made reservoir in northwestern Alabama with a size of 15,500 acres. The lake was created in 1924 as part of the Tennessee Valley Authority’s (TVA) hydroelectric power generated by damming the Tennessee River. The lake is also a popular recreational spot for boating, fishing, and swimming. Here’s a brief history of Wilson Lake.
The dam was built as part of the TVA’s effort to provide hydroelectric power to the Tennessee Valley region. The reservoir created by the dam, Wilson Lake, is named after TVA’s first chairman, David Eccles Wilson.
The lake quickly became a popular spot for recreation. In the early years, people would come to the lake to picnic and swim. Soon after, boating and fishing became popular activities on the lake. With its sandy beaches, crystal-clear waters, and abundance of activities, Wilson Lake is the perfect place to relax and have some fun.
Fishing has always been popular on Wilson Lake. In fact, it was one of the prime reasons why the TVA decided to create the reservoir in this location in the first place. The abundance of fish in the river made it a prime spot for commercial freshwater fishing operations, and the TVA hoped that by impounding the river they could create even more opportunities for both commercial and local fishermen.
It didn’t take long for the commercial fishing industry to move in and set up shops on the newly created Wilson Lake. In 1915, just one year after the completion of the dam, there were already 20 fish camps around the lake. These camps offered lodgings, boat rentals, and of course, access to some of the best fishing in the state. The most popular fish species sought after by anglers were bass, crappie, and catfish.
These days, fishing is still popular on Wilson Lake but it is primarily recreational rather than commercial. The TVA maintains several public boat ramps around the lake and there are also several private marinas where boats can be rented or stored. Bass, crappie, and catfish are still the most popular species to target but there are also plenty of others such as trout, walleye, and bream waiting to be caught.
Let’s explore some of the best places to go fishing in Wilson Lake so that you can make the most of your time there.
Joe Wheeler Dam State Park – This state park is located on the Tennessee River and offers visitors the opportunity to fish from the bank or from a boat. There are also picnic tables and grills available, making it the perfect spot to enjoy a summer day.
McFarland Park
– McFarland Park is located on the south shore of Wilson Lake and offers visitors access to a large pier for fishing. The pier is also lighted so that you can fish at night if you’d like. There are also boat ramps available for those who wish to launch their own boat.
Wheeler Dam Tailrace
– The Wheeler Dam tailrace is one of the most popular fishing spots on Wilson Lake. The reason for this is that the dam releases large quantities of water into the river below, which attracts baitfish. The baitfish in turn attract larger fish such as bass and catfish.
FACT: A “Tailrace” or “Tail Race” is the channel of current that pushes water downstream away from a dam. This water pressure comes from water falling from a level above the dam, where the gravity of the falling water has been used to turn the hydroelectric wheel or turbine to generate electricity. This water extruding from the dam has already been used to rotate the turbines and is being expelled from the dam to make way for more water to fall which in turn creates a powerful current. This water current is also called the “Tailwater” and could be strong and even become dangerous so use caution, no one should ever swim in this area due to the likelihood of current pushing the swimmer away from the boat or an undercurrent pulling the swimmer down under the surface of the water.
Rockpile Recreation Area
– The Rockpile Recreation Area is located on the southeast side of Wilson Lake, Alabama. This area offers a boat ramp, picnic tables, and grills, making it a great spot for a family fishing trip. You can catch bass, bream, catfish, and crappie from both the shore and a boat.
Other things you can do to make the most of your time at Wilson Lake.
At the time of its completion, Wilson Dam was the largest hydroelectric facility in the world. Today, the dam is still an impressive sight, standing at 440 feet tall and stretching 1,700 feet across. And best of all, it’s home to a beautiful waterfall that’s just begging to be photographed!
The Wilson Dam waterfall is located on the south side of the dam and can be accessed via a short trail from the nearby parking lot. The falls are fed by the outflow from Wilson Lake, which is impounded by the dam. When water levels are high, the waterfall is an impressive sight, tumbling some 30 feet over a series of ledges. Unfortunately, due to drought conditions in recent years, the waterfall has been reduced to little more than a trickle in recent months. However, even when it’s not flowing at full capacity, the Wilson Dam waterfall is still a beautiful sight worth seeing.
When most people think of Alabama, the first thing that comes to mind is likely the city of Birmingham. But there’s so much more to this Southern state than its biggest city. Nestled in Northern Alabama is the Florence Indian Mound and Museum, a hidden gem that’s definitely worth a visit.
The Florence Indian Mound and Museum is located on the banks of Wilson Lake, Alabama. The mound was built by Native Americans of the Mississippian culture around 1000 AD and was used as a ceremonial site. It’s believed to be one of the largest mounds in the Southeast, standing 60 feet tall and measuring 700 feet in circumference.
The museum offers free admission and is open Tuesday through Saturday from 9 am to 5 pm. Visitors can explore the museum’s three galleries, which feature exhibits on the history and culture of the Mississippian people. You can also learn about other Native American tribes of the Southeast, see artifacts from archaeological excavations, and watch a short film about the mound builders. Outside, there are picnic tables where you can enjoy a packed lunch with a view of Wilson Lake.
The Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail is one of the most celebrated golf trail systems in the world, and The Shoals at Wilson Lake in Alabama is one of its many gems. Located in the northwest corner of the state, The Shoals features two championship courses—Fighting Joe and Schoolmaster—that are sure to challenge and delight golfers of all skill levels.
Both Fighting Joe and Schoolmaster were designed by the famed Robert Trent Jones Sr., and they showcase his signature style of strategic playability. Fairways are generous, but accuracy is still key if you want to score well. And with elevation changes of up to 40 feet, you’ll need to be extra careful with your club selection on approach shots. But don’t worry—there are plenty of bailout areas if you happen to miss the fairway.
In addition to its two championship courses, The Shoals also features a state-of-the-art practice facility with a driving range, short game area, and putting green. There’s also an on-site pro shop stocked with all the latest gear, as well as a restaurant and bar for grabbing a bite or a drink after your round. If you are looking for more golfing adventure, there is also RTJ Trail at Hampton Cove 75 miles downstream to the Southeast that will give golfers a great challenge.
Nestled atop a beautiful bluff overlooking Wilson Lake, Joe Wheeler State Park is one of Alabama’s hidden gems. This 2,550-acre park features camping, cabins, picnicking, hiking, biking, fishing, swimming, and much more. And with its convenient location just off I-65, it’s the perfect place to stop for a break on a road trip through the south.
Joe Wheeler State Park is named for Confederate General Joseph “Fighting Joe” Wheeler, who was born in Georgia in 1836 and later moved to Lauderdale County, Alabama. During the Civil War, Wheeler served as a cavalry commander under Generals Forrest and Hood.
Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy hiking or biking along the 20 miles of trails that wind through the park. Anglers can cast their lines in Wilson Lake or one of the park’s three stocked fishing ponds. And families can enjoy picnicking in one of the park’s pavilions or swimming in the heated pool.
If you’re looking for a more rustic experience, consider staying in one of the park’s 22 campsites or renting one of the 12 cabins. No matter how you choose to spend your time at Joe Wheeler State Park, you’re sure to create lasting memories that will bring you back again and again.
The Rosenbaum House was commissioned by small business owners Ferdinand and Clara Rosenbaum, who were fans of Mr. Wright’s work. After moving to Florence from Chicago, the couple contacted Wright and asked him to design a new home for them. Wright agreed and set to work on what would become one of his most iconic works.
The house is built primarily from cypress wood and features Wright’s signature cantilevered roofs, which allow for large expanses of glass and an abundance of natural light. The interior is just as carefully designed as the exterior, with each room flowing seamlessly into the next. Even the furniture was custom-designed by Wright to fit the space perfectly.
When the Rosenbaums moved into their new home, it was met with criticism from their neighbors who thought it was too modern and too different from the other houses in the area. But time has been kind to the Rosenbaum House; today, it is widely considered to be one of Wright’s masterpieces and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
If you are looking for a place to get away and relax, Wilson Lake is the perfect spot. With plenty of places to visit and fishing spots, you will be able to enjoy nature while getting some relaxation. So pack your bags and head on over to Wilson Lake for an unforgettable trip. Have you ever been to Wilson Lake? What was your favorite part?
Source:
https://www.aa-fishing.com/al/al-fishing-lake-wilson.html
https://www.landbigfish.com/articles/default.cfm?ID=1126
https://majorleaguefishing.com/industry-news/lowrance-ls-rebate/
