How Deep Is Lake Guntersville?

Alabama has no natural large lakes, but it does have some beautiful artificial reservoirs. Alabama’s land is mostly rolling plains, except for the mountainous region in the northeast. The largest lake in the state is Lake Guntersville, which is also a popular tourist destination. Just how deep is this large lake? Read on to find out all the details.

How Deep Is Lake Guntersville?

Lake Guntersville is a large reservoir and has become a popular recreational area since it was created in the 1930s. The lake spans over 69,000 surface acres. The lake’s average depth is approximately 15 feet, but it gets deeper in some spots. The maximum depth of Lake Guntersville is 60 feet in its river channel. The big lake stretches for 75 miles with 949 miles of shoreline. 

Where is Lake Guntersville Located on a Map?

Lake Guntersville is located in Marshall County in northern Alabama and sits between Bridgeport and Guntersville. Not far from the Tennessee state line, it’s about an hour southwest of Chattanooga, TN.

How Did Lake Guntersville Form?

Before the lake was formed, farmers in Marshall County struggled to grow crops in either floods or droughts from the shallow Tennessee River. As part of the New Deal, a series of federal government programs to protect against another Great Depression, the Guntersville project began in 1935. It took three years to construct the 94-foot-tall, 4,000-foot-wide Guntersville Dam. It would take another four years for Lake Guntersville to fill with water.

Although Lake Guntersville is a popular tourist spot and an excellent fishing site, creating the lake was not without controversy. Nearly 1,200 families lived along the area that was to be flooded for the lake and had to be relocated. Furthermore, the land was an important archeological site containing many Cherokee artifacts. Before the area was flooded, archeologists excavated 23 of the sites. Today, the public can view many artifacts at the Guntersville Museum & Cultural Center and the Moundville Archeological Park.

What is Lake Guntersville Known For?

Today, Lake Guntersville is a popular spot for fishing and water recreation. Bass is the most popular fish to catch, with a variety of bass fish swimming in the lake, including:

• Largemouth bass
• Smallmouth bass
• Spotted bass
• White bass
• Black bass
• Striped bass

Other than bass, anglers can find catfish, trout, crappie, carp, and walleye.

There are many things to do at Lake Guntersville, including swimming, kayaking, hiking, and mountain biking. The picturesque lake offers a relaxing retreat with plenty of cozy bed and breakfasts or upscale resorts.

Animals Around Lake Guntersville

The lake provides a rich habitat for diverse animal species, including a large population of bald eagles. Lake Guntersville has worked to increase its eagle population for over 30 years through its Eagle Awareness Program. Other animals you may spot around the lake include white-tail deer, squirrels, foxes, snakes, and opossums. You may even see the occasional black bear or alligator.

The photo featured at the top of this post is © Ray Tan/iStock via Getty Images