Spring
Spring pulls largemouth into the creek arms and the backs of pockets to spawn, while spotted bass stack on rocky current areas. Squarebills, spinnerbaits, and jigs around wood and rock produce well as the water warms.
Coosa River current, riprap, and hard-fighting spots
Neely Henry Lake is an 11,200-acre Coosa River impoundment running through Gadsden and Rainbow City in Northeast Alabama. It is a classic river-style fishery — current, riprap, bridge pilings, laydowns, and seawalls — where Coosa River spotted bass pull far above their weight and quality largemouth hold in the creeks and around cover. For anglers in the Gadsden area, it is genuine trophy-capable water right in the backyard.
River lakes like Neely Henry reward anglers who understand current. The bite often turns on when water is moving, and the most productive spots change with flow. Captain Shane fishes it with proven Coosa River tactics and puts you on the cover and current breaks that are loading up with fish that day.
🎣 What it means: Hot summer pattern. Early-morning and late topwater; deep ledges and current breaks midday.
We just started logging Neely Henry Lake's daily water temp — the trend chart fills in as the season goes.
🎣 Today's bite: Good day — the first quarter gives workable majors. Focus your effort on the listed windows, especially dawn and dusk.
How the bite changes through the year — and how each trip is matched to the season.
Spring pulls largemouth into the creek arms and the backs of pockets to spawn, while spotted bass stack on rocky current areas. Squarebills, spinnerbaits, and jigs around wood and rock produce well as the water warms.
Summer is prime spotted-bass time on the current. Main-river rock, bridge pilings, and current seams hold fish that crush crankbaits, topwater, and shaky-head presentations, especially when there is good flow.
Fall brings the shad migration into the creeks and a strong shallow bite. Moving baits around the bait schools and over shallow cover bring fast action through the cooler months.
Winter fish hold near deeper cover and current breaks. Slower presentations and jerkbaits on stable days produce quality bites, and pressure is light.

Neely Henry is ideal for anglers in Gadsden, Rainbow City, Attalla, Southside, and the surrounding Coosa Valley who want strong fishing close to home, and for anyone who enjoys hard-fighting spotted bass and current-oriented river fishing.
You will fish a fully equipped bass boat with all rods, reels, and tackle provided. Captain Shane keys on current, cover, and the day's most productive water. Bring an Alabama fishing license, dress for the conditions, and pack a cooler for the day.
Captain Shane Ellis & his pro guide team · USCG licensed · all gear included.
You have probably heard us on the air around Guntersville. Here it is, straight from the studio.
🎣 Guntersville Fishing Guide Jingle — then call (256) 744-5185 to book your trip.