The final week of Madness of March started just like the last few—big bass in the same areas, holding steady, and easy to target. Then, warmer nights shook things up. The fish started shifting, and we followed them. We still caught plenty, but those big females became harder to pin down as they cruised for spawning beds.
Even with the changes, we had another incredible week. We got close to 30 pounds in a four-hour trip, topping out at 29.5 pounds, but couldn’t cull up that last half-pound. We’ll take it! Now, it’s time to fish the spawn. (Check out our in-depth article on spawn baits & trophy spots: Hard to Beat Spawn Baits & Spots).
Captains’ Corner: Phillip, Scott , Myles & Jim
Captain Phillip Criss
We kept Capt. Phillip booked solid this week, and he delivered! His clients put some great fish in the boat, including a young angler who landed his personal best—a 6.5-pounder. Congrats from all of us at Guntersville Bass Guides!
Captain Scott Jernigan
Scott’s trips were producing plenty of fish and happy clients, but on Wednesday, disaster struck—his motor blew up on the way back in. He’ll be back in action later this week.
Captain Myles Murray
Myles had a wild week too. While guiding Monday, he hit something in the water and lost his prop and prop shaft. Luckily, being part of a team of great guides (with great friends who have bass boats) meant he borrowed a boat and kept guiding all week long.
Captain Jim Leary
I had the pleasure of fishing with some great clients this week, starting with Brian, a returning client who absolutely wrecked them. Together, we put together that 29.5-pound bag, anchored by an absolute tank that Brian landed—what a fish!
For the rest of the week, I had John and Kenneth, two West Texas anglers who were an absolute blast to have in the boat. Kenneth has been fishing longer than I’ve been alive, and every day on the water, he shared stories and experiences that made for some great conversation.
John picked up bass fishing 20 years ago when he first went out with his now-wife and her family—Kenneth included. That trip sparked a passion that’s taken him all over the country, fishing alongside Kenneth every year. You’d never guess he started later in life—his skills on the water speak for themselves. These two made an impressive team, and it was a great few days fishing with them. I’d share a boat with them anytime.
What’s Working Right Now?
We’ve had success with moving baits and dragging baits, but if you want the exact details—you gotta book a trip.
Water temps have been gradually climbing each day, and if you want real-time data, check out our Guntersville Water Temps page with daily updates: Guntersville Water Temps.
Heavy Fishing Pressure & What’s Next
As the week went on, we felt the pressure from the Big Bass Splash anglers. That tournament usually brings in 2,000+ competitors, hammering our key spots. But now, they’re gone, and we’re only dealing with Major League Fishing’s Redcrest Championship this upcoming week.
Guntersville continues to prove it’s one of the hottest bass lakes in the country—if not the world. This March reminds me of the legendary 2014-2015 seasons. The difference? Back then, we caught these same size fish, but the lake didn’t have 200-300 boats a day like it does now. The pressure is real, but the fish are still here.
Fishing Forecast: April Spawn Explosion
The weather guessers are calling for steady 80-degree air temps this week. With warming water and locked-in spawners, we should see another wave of big bass moving up as early as next week.
When fish move shallow like this, our numbers always explode. It’s shaping up to be another incredible week on Lake Guntersville, and we’re ready to put clients on more trophy bass.
