Best Bass Lakes

25 Best Bass Lakes of 2016: Southeast

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Since 2012 <em>Bassmaster</em> Magazine has published the annual 100 Best Bass Lakes, which also appears here on Bassmaster.com. Fans have loved it, and some have certainly criticized our choices. This year, we've incorporated some of that feedback and changed the formula for the Top 100. We started things off with the <a href=http://preprod.bassmaster.com/best-bass-lakes/slideshow/10-best-bass-lakes-2016 target=
Since 2012 Bassmaster Magazine has published the annual 100 Best Bass Lakes, which also appears here on Bassmaster.com. Fans have loved it, and some have certainly criticized our choices. This year, we’ve incorporated some of that feedback and changed the formula for the Top 100. We started things off with the Top 10 Best Bass Lakes. Next we are presenting the top 25 lakes from each of the following four regions – Southeast, West, Central and Northeast. It’s still 100 lakes, but now, readers can see the Top 25 lakes closest to them. This also creates four No. 1 regional fisheries. Enjoy the 25 Best Bass Lakes in the Southeast.
25. Lay Lake, Alabama [12,000 acres] This fishery can be tough on first­ time visitors. Still, it’s hard to ignore its production. During an Alabama Bass Trail event here in March, 25.29 pounds won. An 8.04 took big bass honors and you had to have almost 18 pounds to be in the Top 10. If you have the patience to learn this lake, you likely wouldargue that it should have been ranked higher.
25. Lay Lake, Alabama [12,000 acres] This fishery can be tough on first­ time visitors. Still, it’s hard to ignore its production. During an Alabama Bass Trail event here in March, 25.29 pounds won. An 8.04 took big bass honors and you had to have almost 18 pounds to be in the Top 10. If you have the patience to learn this lake, you likely wouldargue that it should have been ranked higher.
24. Lake Seminole, Georgia/Florida [37,500 acres] According to fisheries biologists in the state of Georgia, this lake is the healthiest in the state. That is good news for bass anglers, as there are few lakes in the country that have as rich a history as Seminole. It seems that no matter what month you are fishing a derby, you need to bring in at least 18 poundsto win. The Seminole Bassmasters had a tournament here in April and 18.41 took the top prize.
24. Lake Seminole, Georgia/Florida [37,500 acres] According to fisheries biologists in the state of Georgia, this lake is the healthiest in the state. That is good news for bass anglers, as there are few lakes in the country that have as rich a history as Seminole. It seems that no matter what month you are fishing a derby, you need to bring in at least 18 poundsto win. The Seminole Bassmasters had a tournament here in April and 18.41 took the top prize.
23. Smith Lake, Alabama [21,000 acres] According to Elite Series pro Randall Tharp, this may be the best lake in Alabama right now. That’s a bold statement. But, the results of the Bassmaster Southern Open this past March support his claim. If an angler didn’t have at least 14 pounds, he didn’t make the Top 40 after the first day. Twenty­-pound limits of mostly spotted bass are springing up here. Locals credit the upsurge to the proliferation of blueback herring, a non­native baitfish stocked here illegally.
23. Smith Lake, Alabama [21,000 acres] According to Elite Series pro Randall Tharp, this may be the best lake in Alabama right now. That’s a bold statement. But, the results of the Bassmaster Southern Open this past March support his claim. If an angler didn’t have at least 14 pounds, he didn’t make the Top 40 after the first day. Twenty­-pound limits of mostly spotted bass are springing up here. Locals credit the upsurge to the proliferation of blueback herring, a non­native baitfish stocked here illegally.
22. Lake Hartwell, Georgia/South Carolina [56,000 acres] Casey Ashley proved at the 2015 Bassmaster Classic that this lake is capable of producing 20­pound limits. Not much has changed in the past 18 months. An April Fishers of Men event took 19.48 pounds to win. A 5.99 earned big­fish honors. If you get a chance to visit this scenic border lake, be sure to take one of Ashley’s underspin baits. We hear they work well.
22. Lake Hartwell, Georgia/South Carolina [56,000 acres] Casey Ashley proved at the 2015 Bassmaster Classic that this lake is capable of producing 20­pound limits. Not much has changed in the past 18 months. An April Fishers of Men event took 19.48 pounds to win. A 5.99 earned big­fish honors. If you get a chance to visit this scenic border lake, be sure to take one of Ashley’s underspin baits. We hear they work well.
21. Lake Eufaula (Walter F. George Reservoir), Alabama/Georgia [46,000 acres] After a record­-setting year in 2015, with limits nearing the 30-­pound mark, it seems the big­ bass party is dying down a little here. It still takes over 20 pounds to win an event (a February BFL event was won with 21-­1), but the weights decrease quickly. Still, bass are thick in this border fishery, and the big fish are still swimming here.
21. Lake Eufaula (Walter F. George Reservoir), Alabama/Georgia [46,000 acres] After a record­-setting year in 2015, with limits nearing the 30-­pound mark, it seems the big­ bass party is dying down a little here. It still takes over 20 pounds to win an event (a February BFL event was won with 21-­1), but the weights decrease quickly. Still, bass are thick in this border fishery, and the big fish are still swimming here.
20. Lake Rousseau, Florida [3,700 acres] This newcomer to the rankings is situated on the east coast and receives very little press. After being tipped off by the Florida Fisheries biologists, we did a little digging. A small team derby held May 28 took 23.81 to win and had a big fish of 9.88 pounds. There have been 17 TrophyCatch bass submitted from this lake in the past 12 months, but that number is certain to shoot up now that the cat is out of the bag.
20. Lake Rousseau, Florida [3,700 acres] This newcomer to the rankings is situated on the east coast and receives very little press. After being tipped off by the Florida Fisheries biologists, we did a little digging. A small team derby held May 28 took 23.81 to win and had a big fish of 9.88 pounds. There have been 17 TrophyCatch bass submitted from this lake in the past 12 months, but that number is certain to shoot up now that the cat is out of the bag.
19. Clarks Hill Lake (Lake Strom Thurmond), Georgia [71,000 acres] This lake continues to improve since the Elite Series visited in 2010. Then, Jason Williamson won with an average daily catch of 13.25 pounds. His big fish was 7­-12. Fast­forward to this past March, and research shows that it took 20­-7 to win a March BFL, and 21.47 to take the top spot at a Fishers of Men event. Ironically, that derby had a tie for big fish: two were weighed in at 7-­12. Williamson would be proud.
19. Clarks Hill Lake (Lake Strom Thurmond), Georgia [71,000 acres] This lake continues to improve since the Elite Series visited in 2010. Then, Jason Williamson won with an average daily catch of 13.25 pounds. His big fish was 7­-12. Fast­forward to this past March, and research shows that it took 20­-7 to win a March BFL, and 21.47 to take the top spot at a Fishers of Men event. Ironically, that derby had a tie for big fish: two were weighed in at 7-­12. Williamson would be proud.
18. South Holston Lake, Tennessee/Virginia [7,580 acres] If you’ve not fished this body of water, you might want to put it on your list. U.S.A. Bassin had three events here between the beginning of March and the middle of April. It took at least 20.93 to win, and as much as 22.58.
18. South Holston Lake, Tennessee/Virginia [7,580 acres] If you’ve not fished this body of water, you might want to put it on your list. U.S.A. Bassin had three events here between the beginning of March and the middle of April. It took at least 20.93 to win, and as much as 22.58.
17. Lake Okeechobee, Florida [730 square miles] The Big O seems to be having a down year. Although you will find 25­-pound limits weighed in for almost every sizeable event you research, there is a rapid descent to limits weighing in the single digits. Big­ bass production is down, as well. Only 31 bass over 8 pounds (compared to 36 last year) have been submitted through Florida’s Trophy Catch program. Still, you can have days on this lake that will change your life. And the Big O is never down for long.
17. Lake Okeechobee, Florida [730 square miles] The Big O seems to be having a down year. Although you will find 25­-pound limits weighed in for almost every sizeable event you research, there is a rapid descent to limits weighing in the single digits. Big­ bass production is down, as well. Only 31 bass over 8 pounds (compared to 36 last year) have been submitted through Florida’s Trophy Catch program. Still, you can have days on this lake that will change your life. And the Big O is never down for long.
16. Okatibbee Lake, Mississippi [4,000 acres] You’ve likely not heard of this lake unless you are in the Mississippi bass mafia. There’s good reason this lake is flying under the radar: It’s because the locals want to keep it secret. Well, now that 20­-pound limits are common and 7­-pound largemouth no longer turn heads, the secret is out. This fishery is going through a new­-lake effect, as a years­-long drought allowed brush and vegetation to grow thick. This cover has since been flooded, the shad population exploded, and the bass are making the most of it.
16. Okatibbee Lake, Mississippi [4,000 acres] You’ve likely not heard of this lake unless you are in the Mississippi bass mafia. There’s good reason this lake is flying under the radar: It’s because the locals want to keep it secret. Well, now that 20­-pound limits are common and 7­-pound largemouth no longer turn heads, the secret is out. This fishery is going through a new­-lake effect, as a years­-long drought allowed brush and vegetation to grow thick. This cover has since been flooded, the shad population exploded, and the bass are making the most of it.
15. Watauga Lake, Tennessee [6,430 acres] When the Unicoi County Bass Club holds its annual event here in early May, it’s an indicator of what to expect for the rest of the year. Volunteer State anglers should be stoked based on this year’s results. It took 21­-1 to win, followed by 19-­8 and 18­-3 limits.
15. Watauga Lake, Tennessee [6,430 acres] When the Unicoi County Bass Club holds its annual event here in early May, it’s an indicator of what to expect for the rest of the year. Volunteer State anglers should be stoked based on this year’s results. It took 21­-1 to win, followed by 19-­8 and 18­-3 limits.
14. Randleman Lake, North Carolina [3,007 acres] This little beauty is earning quite a reputation. No, you likely will not catch a 10­-pounder here. Nor will you have 100-­fish days. However, if catching a lot of 3­-to 7-pound fish trips your trigger, Randleman is for you. A Big Bass Bash event held here in April saw a 5-­pound average for bass winning the hourly prizes. A 9.02 took top honors.
14. Randleman Lake, North Carolina [3,007 acres] This little beauty is earning quite a reputation. No, you likely will not catch a 10­-pounder here. Nor will you have 100-­fish days. However, if catching a lot of 3­-to 7-pound fish trips your trigger, Randleman is for you. A Big Bass Bash event held here in April saw a 5-­pound average for bass winning the hourly prizes. A 9.02 took top honors.
13. St. Johns River, Florida [310 miles long] This river probably could have made this list on the strength of Rick Clunn’s 31­-7 limit that catapulted him into the winner’s circle during the Elite Series event here in March. Add to that limit another 25 20­-plus-­pound bags and you see evidence of an incredibly sound fishery where 5-­pounders abound.
13. St. Johns River, Florida [310 miles long] This river probably could have made this list on the strength of Rick Clunn’s 31­-7 limit that catapulted him into the winner’s circle during the Elite Series event here in March. Add to that limit another 25 20­-plus-­pound bags and you see evidence of an incredibly sound fishery where 5-­pounders abound.
12. Dale Hollow Reservoir, Tennessee/Kentucky [27,700 acres] This historic fishery is making a comeback. A U.S.A. Bassin event here last January took 20.03 pounds to win. And you can be sure the heavyweights here are smallmouth. Although most brown bass you catch will be in the 3­-pound range, it’s kind of cool knowing that they could be descendants of the biggest smallie the world has ever seen: the David Hayes world record 11-­15 landed in 1955 from this fishery.
12. Dale Hollow Reservoir, Tennessee/Kentucky [27,700 acres] This historic fishery is making a comeback. A U.S.A. Bassin event here last January took 20.03 pounds to win. And you can be sure the heavyweights here are smallmouth. Although most brown bass you catch will be in the 3­-pound range, it’s kind of cool knowing that they could be descendants of the biggest smallie the world has ever seen: the David Hayes world record 11-­15 landed in 1955 from this fishery.
11. Lake Tohopekaliga, Florida [22,700 acres] Since January of this year, 57 bass over 8 pounds have been submitted to the Florida Trophy Catch program from this lake. The biggest fish weighed in at 11 pounds, 11 ounces and was caught in March by Aleksandar Rak. It took 26­-6 to win a one-­day BFL event here in March. As of this writing, Toho may be the most consistent lake in the Sunshine State for both big fish and numbers.
11. Lake Tohopekaliga, Florida [22,700 acres] Since January of this year, 57 bass over 8 pounds have been submitted to the Florida Trophy Catch program from this lake. The biggest fish weighed in at 11 pounds, 11 ounces and was caught in March by Aleksandar Rak. It took 26­-6 to win a one-­day BFL event here in March. As of this writing, Toho may be the most consistent lake in the Sunshine State for both big fish and numbers.
10. Lake Murray, South Carolina [50,000 acres] To land inside the Top 5 in a February Fishers of Men event, you had to have at least 20.22 pounds. To win, though, you needed to beat 27.68 pounds! Murray is as healthy as the locals can remember it being. An April tournament here saw a 2.85-­pound average per fish weighed in. That’s about as impressive a number as you can wish for.
10. Lake Murray, South Carolina [50,000 acres] To land inside the Top 5 in a February Fishers of Men event, you had to have at least 20.22 pounds. To win, though, you needed to beat 27.68 pounds! Murray is as healthy as the locals can remember it being. An April tournament here saw a 2.85-­pound average per fish weighed in. That’s about as impressive a number as you can wish for.
9. Ross Barnett Reservoir, Mississippi [33,000 acres] The state’s fisheries department believes this is the best lake that sits completely within the confines of the Magnolia State. Tournament results seem to agree with that assessment. An end -of-­April Fishers of Men team event took 20.36 pounds to win, which is about the average winning weight on this fishery.
9. Ross Barnett Reservoir, Mississippi [33,000 acres] The state’s fisheries department believes this is the best lake that sits completely within the confines of the Magnolia State. Tournament results seem to agree with that assessment. An end -of-­April Fishers of Men team event took 20.36 pounds to win, which is about the average winning weight on this fishery.
8. Falls of the Neuse Reservoir (Falls Lake), North Carolina [12,410 acres] Although this is not the first year this lake has made the national rankings, the fishery made a huge statement this past March as to why it should remain on the list. During a Fishers of Men event, a 30.11-­pound limit, including a 9.04 big fish, took top honors. You didn’t make the Top 5 unless you had at least 23.76 pounds. Yes, this lake has ’em.
8. Falls of the Neuse Reservoir (Falls Lake), North Carolina [12,410 acres] Although this is not the first year this lake has made the national rankings, the fishery made a huge statement this past March as to why it should remain on the list. During a Fishers of Men event, a 30.11-­pound limit, including a 9.04 big fish, took top honors. You didn’t make the Top 5 unless you had at least 23.76 pounds. Yes, this lake has ’em.
7. Pickwick Lake, Alabama/Mississippi/Tennessee [43,100 acres] This year’s Stren Team Series National Championship held in March really highlights how stellar the fishing is on this lake straddling three powerhouse fishing states. A 27.04 limit was weighed in, as well as five more limits topping the 20-­pound mark. And the cool part is, most were mixed bags of largemouth and smallies. There are few places where you can be as competitive with a load of brown bass as you can with green fish. Pickwick is one of those places.
7. Pickwick Lake, Alabama/Mississippi/Tennessee [43,100 acres] This year’s Stren Team Series National Championship held in March really highlights how stellar the fishing is on this lake straddling three powerhouse fishing states. A 27.04 limit was weighed in, as well as five more limits topping the 20-­pound mark. And the cool part is, most were mixed bags of largemouth and smallies. There are few places where you can be as competitive with a load of brown bass as you can with green fish. Pickwick is one of those places.
6. Lake Istokpoga, Florida [26,762 acres] If you want to catch a double-­digit bass in the Sunshine State, go here. Although there are lakes in Florida that have produced more 8­-pounders, this fishery in the middle of the state has produced the most 10­-plus-­pounders —14 since last January, with a 12-­12 earning the top spot.
6. Lake Istokpoga, Florida [26,762 acres] If you want to catch a double-­digit bass in the Sunshine State, go here. Although there are lakes in Florida that have produced more 8­-pounders, this fishery in the middle of the state has produced the most 10­-plus-­pounders —14 since last January, with a 12-­12 earning the top spot.
5. Lake Guntersville, Alabama [70,000 acres] This lake has been the crown jewel of the Southeast bass­ fishing scene for almost a decade. Now, though, the glimmer is fading. There may be no lake on the planet that receives as much tournament pressure as G­ville, and that pressure may, finally, be taking a toll. After looking at more than half a dozen results from different derbies through May of this year, it seems the winning weights are typically in the 18­-pound range. There are still 20­-plus-­pound limits caught, just not with the frequency anglers are used to seeing here. Still, on a bad day, Guntersville remains one of the best lakes in the region.
5. Lake Guntersville, Alabama [70,000 acres] This lake has been the crown jewel of the Southeast bass­ fishing scene for almost a decade. Now, though, the glimmer is fading. There may be no lake on the planet that receives as much tournament pressure as G­ville, and that pressure may, finally, be taking a toll. After looking at more than half a dozen results from different derbies through May of this year, it seems the winning weights are typically in the 18­-pound range. There are still 20­-plus-­pound limits caught, just not with the frequency anglers are used to seeing here. Still, on a bad day, Guntersville remains one of the best lakes in the region.
4. Kentucky/Barkley lakes, Tennessee/Kentucky [160,309 and 58,000, acres respectively] Edwin Evers nearly cracked the 100-­pound mark here at the 2015 BASSfest event. His 97-4 winning weight topped KVD’s 94-4 second­-place effort. But both weights go to show how healthy this fishery remains. A video of VanDam catching 4­-pounders on every cast for 20 minutes went viral and helped solidify this lake’s position in the rankings.
4. Kentucky/Barkley lakes, Tennessee/Kentucky [160,309 and 58,000, acres respectively] Edwin Evers nearly cracked the 100-­pound mark here at the 2015 BASSfest event. His 97-4 winning weight topped KVD’s 94-4 second­-place effort. But both weights go to show how healthy this fishery remains. A video of VanDam catching 4­-pounders on every cast for 20 minutes went viral and helped solidify this lake’s position in the rankings.
3. Chickamauga Lake, Tennessee [36,240 acres] Bass Pro Shops held the Battle of Chickamauga Classic this past March, which put the best high school teams in the region against each other. Grundy County won the one-­day event with 29.57 pounds. Did we mention these were high school students? A 9.03 took big-­fish honors. The Chattanooga Bass Association had three tournaments through May, and it took no less than 26 pounds to win. The organization’s March derby had two fish weighed in over 10 pounds. Giants live here.
3. Chickamauga Lake, Tennessee [36,240 acres] Bass Pro Shops held the Battle of Chickamauga Classic this past March, which put the best high school teams in the region against each other. Grundy County won the one-­day event with 29.57 pounds. Did we mention these were high school students? A 9.03 took big-­fish honors. The Chattanooga Bass Association had three tournaments through May, and it took no less than 26 pounds to win. The organization’s March derby had two fish weighed in over 10 pounds. Giants live here.
2. Rodman Reservoir, Florida [13,000 acres] This body of water is on fire right now for big fish. It currently leads the state in Trophy Catch lunkers, with 70 caught between January and the middle of May (an 11-12 leads the pack). The 20th annual Save Rodman Reservoir derby this past May took 34.04 pounds to win! “Rodman has always been a hotspot for trophy bass, but this year has been phenomenal!” admits Tom Champeau with the Florida Wildlife Commission. “Plus,” he continued, “a lot of big fish have not been turned in on purpose.” Well, looks like the secret’s out.
2. Rodman Reservoir, Florida [13,000 acres] This body of water is on fire right now for big fish. It currently leads the state in Trophy Catch lunkers, with 70 caught between January and the middle of May (an 11-12 leads the pack). The 20th annual Save Rodman Reservoir derby this past May took 34.04 pounds to win! “Rodman has always been a hotspot for trophy bass, but this year has been phenomenal!” admits Tom Champeau with the Florida Wildlife Commission. “Plus,” he continued, “a lot of big fish have not been turned in on purpose.” Well, looks like the secret’s out.
1. Santee Cooper Lakes, Marion and Moultrie, South Carolina [110,000 acres and 60,000 acres, respectively] Results of an FLW event here last March would have convinced you that this might be the best lake in the nation right now. Bryan Thrift won the three-day event with 79-15, and he was one fish short of a limit on Day 2. That’s a 6-pound average — which was illustrated perfectly by his final-day limit of 30-7. A 32-1 limit was also weighed in, as well as 16 other limits that topped 25 pounds! And this isn’t just a spring fishery. A Fishers of Men event here in May took 32 pounds to win, as well.
1. Santee Cooper Lakes, Marion and Moultrie, South Carolina [110,000 acres and 60,000 acres, respectively] Results of an FLW event here last March would have convinced you that this might be the best lake in the nation right now. Bryan Thrift won the three-day event with 79-15, and he was one fish short of a limit on Day 2. That’s a 6-pound average — which was illustrated perfectly by his final-day limit of 30-7. A 32-1 limit was also weighed in, as well as 16 other limits that topped 25 pounds! And this isn’t just a spring fishery. A Fishers of Men event here in May took 32 pounds to win, as well.
<b>Other 2016 Best Bass Lakes galleries:</b><br> <a href=http://preprod.bassmaster.com/best-bass-lakes/slideshow/10-best-bass-lakes-2016 target=
Other 2016 Best Bass Lakes galleries:The Top 10 Best Bass Lakes25 Best Bass Lakes: West25 Best Bass Lakes: Central25 Best Bass Lakes: Northeast

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