| An inpoundment of the
Tennessee River, Guntersville Lake is known for its diverse fishery
and abundance of aquatic vegetation. The lake is full of hydrilla,
milfoil and grass, providing gamefish with an abundance of habitat.
In combination with the vegetation, the lake is full of submerged
stump fields that were left after the forest was cut before flooding
occurred. There are several access sites and state parks that have
facilities capable of handling events of all sizes. The lake has an
extensive buoy system that all boaters should familiarize themselves
with. The main river channels are marked with a series of red cans
and green nuns. These mark the main channel, where navigation is not
impeded by submerged hazards.
SIZE AND DEPTH
67,900 acres with an
average depth of 15 feet and a maximum depth of 45 feet. From
Guntersville Dam to Nickajack Dam, the lake measures 76 miles.
SHORELINE
The TVA manages the
entire 949 miles of shoreline which occupies a narrow valley between
steep sloping, forested ridges. Approximately 15% of the
shoreline is developed, mainly with residential housing and very
limited commercial development.
BOTTOM
The deeper portions of
the lake generally consist of sand, gravel and mud. The steep
ledges of old stream channels consist of limestone. Most of
the shoreline has a sand and gravel bottom. Heavy situation
has occured in some creeks such as mud, North Sauty and South Sauty.
WATER
Guntersville Lake has
very fertile water with frequent algae blooms. The TVA
considers the lake to be "Turbid" with visible depths of 3 to 5
feet. Relatively shallow water and a strong river current
prevent the development of a thermocline.
COVER
The lake has significant
grass coverage throughout its length. Hydrilla and milfoil are
also abundant. Deep weedlines are found from 10 to 18 feet.
Prior to impoundment, all trees were removed but large fields of
stumps remain, particularly in Browns, Roseberry, Mud, and North and
South Sauty Creeks. There are also several riprapped
causeways.
FEATURED SPECIES
Largemouth bass, white
bass, channel catfish
OTHER SPECIES
Spotted bass, white bass,
yellow bass, redbreast, redear sunfish, bluegill, white crappie,
yellow perch, channel catfish, blue catfish, sauger, bullhead
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