The eyes of the fishing world will be on Wheeler Lake June 18-21 as the $1 million Forrest Wood Open comes to Joe Wheeler State Park in Florence, Ala., where the winning pro angler will take home $200,000.

Two-time Wal-Mart FLW Tour Angler of the Year Clark Wendlandt of Cedar Park, Texas, explains that fishing Wheeler is really more like tackling three different lakes at once.

One of these “lakes” is the lower-lake area that extends about 10 miles north of the dam. Here the water is deep and clear with a rocky shoreline. Wendlandt recommends fishing structure and gravel bars with deep-running crankbaits in shad or chartreuse colors. Another proven technique in this area is to Carolina-rig a Gambler icicle worm and fish the same areas.

Second is the Decatur Flats area near Decatur, Ala. According to Wendlandt, this is a giant flat – 5 miles long and 2 miles wide – and is literally full of stumps and milfoil grass. On the flat, Wendlandt likes to use top-waters, buzzbaits and Gambler Ninja jigs in green pumpkin or black/blue. He also stresses the use of caution when fishing the Decatur Flats, as many stumps can be just inches below the surface.

Third is the “upriver area,” which always has current and is the best place on Wheeler to locate spotted bass. In this area, especially the Elk River, the water is more stained, and Wendlandt suggests bright-colored jigs or small crankbaits.

Links:

Pro field
Co-angler field
Tournament details and payouts
Pre-tournament press release