Lake Guntersville Reports
Seasonal fishing reports, lake conditions, and local updates from Guntersville Getaway on Lake Guntersville.
Planning guide for March 1, 2027
March 2027 — Big Bass Splash Tournament & Spring Turkey Season Opens
The Sealy Outdoors Big Bass Splash returns to Goose Pond Colony in late March with major cash prizes for amateur anglers. Spring turkey season opens March 25 in Marshall County. Pre-spawn bass fishing intensifies as water temperatures push past 60 degrees.
Planning guide for February 1, 2027
February 2027 — Pre-Spawn Bass, Valentine's Getaway & Race to the Cave
Lake Guntersville bass begin their pre-spawn transition as water temperatures climb from the mid-40s into the low 50s. The Race to the Cave half marathon runs through Cathedral Caverns State Park. February offers a quiet lakefront Valentine's retreat.
Planning guide for January 1, 2027
January 2027 — Eagle Awareness Weekends & MLF Bass Pro Tour on Guntersville
Lake Guntersville State Park celebrates 40+ years of Eagle Awareness with guided eagle safari tours, live raptor demonstrations, and educational programs. The MLF Bass Pro Tour returns to Guntersville for Stage 1 competition.
Planning guide for December 1, 2026
December 2026 — Guntersville Christmas Parade & Boat Parade of Lights
The Guntersville Christmas Parade marches downtown followed by the Christmas Boat Parade of Lights at City Harbor, with illuminated boats cruising the lake. Winter crappie fishing peaks as fish stack up in deep creek channels.
Planning guide for November 1, 2026
November 2026 — Bald Eagles Return & Christmas Lights Open Across North Alabama
Bald eagles are back on Lake Guntersville for the winter nesting season. Arab's Christmas in the Park opens with 2 million lights, and Huntsville's Galaxy of Lights begins at the Botanical Garden. Crappie fishing enters its peak season.
Planning guide for October 1, 2026
October 2026 — Fall Foliage, Boaz Harvest Festival & Deer Season Opens
Peak fall color arrives at Lake Guntersville State Park from late October through early November. The Boaz Harvest Festival and Cullman Oktoberfest bring food and music to the region. Deer archery season opens October 15 in Marshall County.
Planning guide for September 1, 2026
September 2026 — Fall Fishing Frenzy Begins on Lake Guntersville
The fall feeding frenzy is on. Lake Guntersville bass are chasing shad into creek arms as water temperatures drop from the upper 80s into the low 80s. The Marshall County Fair returns with livestock shows and carnival rides.
Planning guide for August 1, 2026
August 2026 — St. William Seafood Festival & Late Summer on the Lake
The St. William Seafood Festival returns to Guntersville August 29-30 with all-you-can-eat catfish, shrimp, and crab boils from 20+ vendors. On the lake, the hollow body frog bite heats up as bass push bait against grass mats.
Planning guide for July 1, 2026
July 2026 — Fourth of July Fireworks Over Lake Guntersville & Summer Fishing Tips
The annual Fourth of July fireworks launch from Civitan Park over Lake Guntersville at 9 PM on July 4th, drawing 10,000+ spectators. Best viewing is by boat in the cove or from the Guntersville Getaway dock.
Planning guide for June 1, 2026
June 2026 — Summer Arrives on Lake Guntersville: Swimming, Boating & Cathedral Caverns
Lake Guntersville summer season is in full swing. The State Park beach complex and boat rentals are open, Cathedral Caverns offers 60-degree relief from the heat, and the early morning topwater bass bite is explosive.
May 1, 2026
May 2026 — Memorial Day Weekend & the Best Fishing Month on Guntersville
May is arguably the single best fishing month on Lake Guntersville. Bass are on beds throughout the lake while the shad spawn triggers a feeding frenzy. Memorial Day weekend brings the LiveLonger HappyFest to downtown Guntersville.
April 1, 2026
April 2026 — Art on the Lake Festival & Peak Bass Spawn
The 65th annual Art on the Lake festival returns to Guntersville April 18-19 with 100+ artists, food vendors, and live music. On the water, Lake Guntersville bass are spawning in the shallows as water temperatures hit the mid-60s.
March 3, 2026
March 2026 Fishing Report — Lake Guntersville Pre-Spawn Bass
Lake Guntersville bass are moving shallow as water temperatures climb through the mid-50s. The pre-spawn bite is on with bass staging on secondary points and channel swings in 5 to 12 feet of water.