| Wilson has often been called the
best trophy smallmouth fishery in the country. This is due in large
part to the numerous beneficial conditions of the river system and
its location. The lake is situated at the southern boundary of
habitable climate for smallmouth. This southern location
allows for a longer growing year, which produces larger fish. Pickwick is also at the northern boundary for threadfin shad, the
primary prey for smallies. Add the strong current of the Tennessee
River to these two factors and it is easy to see why Pickwick bass
are arguably the largest and strongest bronzebacks around.
SIZE AND DEPTH
15,930 acres and 15 miles
long with a maximum depth of 95 feet.
SHORELINE
The shore
is approximately 70 percent developed and is comprised of both
privately-held land and Tennessee Valley Authority ownership.
The remaining shoreline is undeveloped.
BOTTOM
Sand, gravel, bedrock,
mud and muck. The main river channel is mostly bedrock and mud.
In tailwater areas and coves, sand, gravel and muck bottoms are
found.
WATER
Moderately fertile water
with a light green to brownish color. In the main river channel the
water is lighter colored than the brownish color found in the
backwater areas of coves and bays. Visible clarity is between 2 and
4 feet depending on location, rainfall and current.
COVER
There is little submerged
vegetation and what is present is sporadically dispersed throughout
the lake. The most common emergent plant is water willow, which can
be found along the lakes shoreline and in bays and coves.
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