Limestone County Alabama is bound on three sides by water -- the Elk River to the north and west and the Tennessee River/Wheeler Lake Reservoir along the south making it a popular destination for the avid angler or the weekend getaway on the water.
Our waters are rich fishing grounds and play host to a variety of tournaments throughout the year. Wheeler Lake is rated as a top fishing reservoir abundant with largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, spotted bass, blue catfish, bluegill, sunfish and crappie.
The tournaments may launch at Ingalls Harbor in Decatur, but many of those professional anglers make the trip across the lake to the shores of Limestone County for the grassy fields, rocky outcroppings, and well-known nutrient-rich waters near the Elk River confluence.
Cabela's King Kat Tournament Wheeler Lake
About the tournament
Wheeler Lake is one of twelve events held in ten states by the Cabela's King Kat Tournament that leads to the "Super Bowl of Cat Fishing" -- the Cabela's King Kat Classic held in September or October each year.
Team Info
According to the Cabela's King Kat Tournament site: $200.00 allows a team of two to compete on a National level in our Local qualifier events. This draws more family competitors and also brings in competitors that otherwise would not compete in tournament fishing. We further encourage family involvement by allowing a third person on the team who is under 16 or over 65 at no charge.
Tournament Details
The local details are listed as the Tennessee River (Wheeler Lake) here
Alabama Bass Trail - North Division Wheeler Lake
About the tournament
This is one of five North Division tournaments of the North Division of the Alabama Bass Trail. The top 75 teams, along with the winners of the five regular season tournaments, will automatically qualify for the season's championship.
Team Info
The Rules governing teams for the Alabama Bass Trail (ABT) can be found here. There is a 225 boat maximum for each regular season tournament.
Tournament Details
Rules, Schedules, and Tournament Payout information is available here.
Heartland Anglers Bass Tournament Wheeler Lake Lee-Hi Boat Ramp
About the Tournament
Heartland Anglers Bass Tournament Division 1 Wheeler/Elk River at the Lee-Hi Boat Ramp (on US72 west of Athens) from safe light until 3:00PM is for the amateur-based team.
Lee-Hi Boat Ramp Tournament Coordinator: Matt Leicher ~ 256-777-9843 E-mail: aldeerhunter23@yahoo.com Rules, registration and schedule for the Heartland Anglers can be found at here.
Friday Night Bass Tournament
About the Tournament
Set on Wheeler Lake and launching from the Lucy's Branch Marina on Snake Road in Limestone County is open to the weekend angler each Friday night from 6:30PM-11:30PM.
This annual tournament hosted by the City of Athens Relay for Life Team benefits the American Cancer Society and launches from Ingalls Harbor in Decatur. This Wheeler Lake only (no lock-through) is open fishing (no trolling) for Largemouth, Smallmouth, and Spotted Bass.
Team Info
Two contestants per boat only. On the morning of the tournament, each boat team will be assigned a boat number by order of entry fee payment and registration. Keep this boat number card in your possession. It will be used for take-off, check-in, and weigh-in identification. All boats must present their boat number, and leave from and return to the designated check in point.
Seaark Owners Catfish Tournament is open to all Seaark owners with proof of ownership at registration. It takes place on Wheeler Lake and launches from Ingalls Harbor.
Team Info
This is a team event. A Team will consist of two persons with one exception: A Third person may accompany the team provided the third person is under 16 years of age 65 years of age or older. The six (6) rod rule will still apply. The team MUST fish from a Seaark boat.
Tournament Details
Learn more about the Seaark Owners Boat Tournament here.
Saturday Night Open Series
About the tournament
Saturday Night Open Series fishes Wheeler Lake and Wilson Lake with blastoff at 6:30PM and weigh-in at 11:30PM.
Team Info
Teams hit the waters of either Wheeler Lake or Wilson Lake fishing without live bait. Teams must be within sight of the ramp before 11:30PM to be weighed-in.
Tournament Details
For tournament dates, locations and details please visit Facebook.