Wheeler Lake is an impoundment of the Tennessee River that stretches from Guntersville Dam to Wheeler Dam. Created for flood control and power generation, Wheeler Lake boasts a robust and diverse fishery. It is home to numerous species of bass, including largemouth, smallmouth, stripers, and white bass.  The Wheeler State Wildlife Refuge is found along a large portion of the lakes northern shore. As part of the Tennessee River System, Wheeler Lake has an extensive buoy and navigational system. It is recommended that all boaters familiarize themselves  with the buoys and heed the various markers. Many of the creeks and shallow flats contain submerged stump fields and boulders that become quite hazardous during the lower lake levels associated with winter pool elevations.

SIZE AND DEPTH

67,070 acres with a maximum depth of 57 feet. Full pool elevation is 556 feet.

WATER SOURCE

An impoundment of the Tennessee River, the lake was formed by the creation of the Wheeler Dam.

SHORELINE

899 miles of shoreline.  Approximately 50% of the lakes perimeter is developed while the remainder is mostly wooded with numerous trees.

BOTTOM

Primarily a mixture of mud, silt, rock and sand.  The main river channel is characterized by bedrock and mud.  Backwater and tailrace areas contain silt, sand and muck.

WATER

Wheeler Lake is moderately fertile. Visible clarity varies from 18 inches to 4-feet depending on river current and recent rainfall.

COVER

Water willow is the primary emergent species of vegetation.  Eurasian milfoil, hydrilla, and coontail comprise the submergent species found in the lake. Abundance and concentration of vegetation varies annually.

FEATURED SPECIES

Largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, striped bass, crappie

OTHER SPECIES

Channel catfish, hybrid striped bass, sauger, bluegill, redear sunfish, sunfish