Captain Brian says the prime months for catching really big catfish are September through March. Youve probably been to a friends weekend home on Smith Lake just north of Birmingham. Located in the northwest section of the lake, off County Road 3919, this is a one-lane, concrete ramp with gravel parking. With over 600 miles of shoreline, this emerald green-appearing gem in North Alabama is rated among the cleanest man made lakes in the U.S. caught in 2000 from below the SML dam in Leesville Lake. Are there catfish in Smith Lake Alabama? 256 338-1741, Trident Marina When trophy fishing for any species, we have to be aware that these extra-large fish are powerful animals. On the Alabama River, some of the best catfishing occurs on the William "Bill" Dannelly Reservoir, better known as Millers Ferry Lake, near Camden. Anybody else fish for blues at the lewis smith dam? Although its usually known for its excellent bass fishing, the channel, blue, and flathead catfish population at Lake Martin is a poorly kept secret. Guide To Fishing At Lewis Smith Lake AKA: Smith Lake Known for monster striped bass, Smith Lake AKA Lewis Smith Lakeis a 21,000-acre lake located in north-central Alabama about an hour north of Birmingham. Bankhead Lake is dotted with log jams, creek miles, points, and thick weeds, perfect cover for ambush predators like the flathead catfish. Evidence of an Alabama sea serpent does exist in the fossilized bones of the zeuglodon, a prehistoric whale that grew to about 70 feet in length. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Longtime sustainability and recycling champion. Nat Geo WILD describes the episode on giant catfish in a press release: Lured by stories of catfish the size of Volkswagens, Zeb is on a mission to find out if the legendary giant catfish of the South really exists.. This 39,000-acre reservoir in Central Alabama provides some of the best fishing in the entire state. We thought a lot about whether to get a beach house or a lake house. Spring brings warmer waters, and the main spawning runs up the rivers. As the legend foretold, Sutton died a few days after the sighting. Dont be stingy with the bait. Scientists believe people likely were witnessing exceptionally large species of fish that live in Alabama rivers. With blue catfish regularly caught over 50 pounds, Wilson Lake has deeper holes in its lower half, and the upper end features a strong current due to Wheeler Dam. The lakes northwestern and northeastern areas offer better flathead catfish locations, with cuts, bays, and channels dotting its shorelines. 205-435-4009. In 1877, reports appeared in The Gadsden Times of sightings of serpents in the Coosa River, a tributary of the Alabama River. Book your fishing trip today. The deep clean lake, wildlife, a real sense of community, great spots to eat, and plenty of opportunities to enjoy the water. WE ARE YOUR SOURCE FOR FISHING DESTINATIONS IN ALABAMA! Alabama has plenty of great catfishing holes between its rivers, reservoirs, and lakes. This bluegill weighed in at a whopping 4 pounds 12 ounces and came in at 15 inches long with an astounding girth of 18- inches. Hogan said a 140-pound fish would seem larger in the muddy depths of a river. We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. These guys would harvest 300 to 400 pounds of catfish. The runner-up spot went to Wayne and Travis Bodine. Largemouths | Lake Eufaula. Weighing must be witnessed by two people. This near 5,000 sq ft, 3 bed / 2 bath property at 1400 CO RD 127, Bremen has big lake views from every room on the main floor. Actress and singer, Miley Cyrus and actor, Liam Hemsworth have been spotted in Cullman. This has led to more and larger fish in the entire Tennessee River system. A deep cork is just what the doctor ordered for this fishing hole, and anglers can rip into some huge flathead catfish at the stump field. | Site Maps, About Us, Advertising, Terms & Contact Us |, Site Maps, About Us, Advertising, Terms & Contact Us. Anglers can catch some catfish from the docks, but most anglers there are fishing for panfish and using nightcrawlers or even crappie pellets under a cork when a surprise catfish strikes. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary". Using a live minnow, shad, or crawfish, anglers should target submerged structures such as fallen trees or undercut banks to rip into massive flathead. Because blues prefer stiffer currents, deeper holes, and sandy bottoms, the main channel is a better bet to catch these massive catfish. From the Tennessee River to the Gulf of Mexico, Alabama has a tremendous variety of fish species to pursue. With five significant species in Alabama, catfish are one of the most sought-after fish in the state. She has worked in some of the worlds most prestigious kitchens, and has published several cookbooks that have become bestsellers. What state has the biggest largemouth bass? A net that is too small or rotten and not up to the strain of landing a heavy fish is a recipe for disaster. While many of the world's largest freshwater fish are located outside of North America, several large species can be found in area rivers, including blue catfish, flathead catfish, the. Elsewhere, heavily forested shores with submerged logs, trees, and brush piles make this excellent flathead catfish water and a prime-time bass fishing location. They look to consume as many calories as possible while burning as few calories as possible, therefore they do their most aggressive feeding when their advantage over the baitfish is greatestat peak tide. The bones found in the 1830s in Clark, Choctaw and Washington counties were named the state fossil in 1984. He said she caught her bi Armstrong Creek, Wash. Co. Henry Merritt, Deer Park I use an eight-foot medium-action BnM Silver Cat Series catfish rod with an Abu 6500C3 reel with a line counter, he says. I had been fishing Wilson Lake for the past couple of weeks in search of a trophy-size fish, Captain Brian says. First, the lakes are very big and they all have a healthy food base for the big ones. 7 oz. Another reason for the massive number of catfish is the crash of the commercial catfish market. Suspended fish are the hardest fish for me to do anything with, but it can be done and some people do it very well. Holt Reservoir is a modest sized 3,296-acre lake on the Black . You get to know people and experience all there is to enjoy on the lake with them, stunning sunsets, watersports, and brunch at the marina (which can extend until dinnertime!). However, Sallie Wilson reportedly saw the creature in the mid-1830s and experienced no ill effects. A quality rod holder allows the fish to eat and take the bait without an over-eager angler trying to set the hook. Thats important. This area can be fished by boat or shore off Lost Creek Road or Britton Bridge Boat Ramp. A law was passed in 2017 meaning that marinas with restaurants can serve alcohol regardless of what the law is in the county. If skiing or wakeboarding isnt your thing, and if youre feeling energetic, Smith Lake Paddle Boards offer rentals, and Smith Lake Park offers Canoe and Kayak rentals for a more relaxed approach to the lake. It is another great lake to visit if you plan to do any fishing this summer. You can find these baits at just about any local fishing bait and tackle shop. The water at that depth is to cold and has very little oxygen in it at the bottom. Streetville Island and Cutoff Bar are also great nearby locations where anglers can anchor the boat and fish straight from the land. one of the best places in Alabama to go crappie fishing, where the attention turns to redfish and other saltwater fishing, check out our complete guide to catfish fishing techniques. Known for monster striped bass, Smith Lake AKA Lewis Smith Lake is a 21,000-acre lake located in north-central Alabama about an hour north of Birmingham. Located in the northwest section of the lake, off County Road 108, this is a one-lane, concrete ramp with roadside parking. What is the name of the largest fish found in Alabama freshwater? Whether fishing from a boat or the shore, Yates Reservoir allows anglers to set their hooks into a myriad of species, all from one location. RV Hookups: YES The car-sized catfish legend is widespread, he said. However, boat anglers can moor out of the main river flow by ducking behind the small concrete structure on the dams right side and casting into the stronger current. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. We will fish with live baits and artificial lures all seasons of the year; although, the best catching is usually with live baits. Alabama Catfish Prospects for Summer During summer, blue and flathead catfish offer anglers an opportunity to [] Ed Mashburn writes extensively about fishing for Great Days Outdoors. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics". Duncan Bridge Marina Boat Launch Ramp So come on and enjoy the fishing on Smith Lake . Fed by the Tallapoosa River and other streams, the Martin Dam Hydro Electric Plant keeps water moving through this big lake and provides an excellent location to catch channel catfish. Farther downstream, anglers will find success angling for flatheads along the Alabama Rivers banks by fishing along the heavily forested shoreline and working deep corks over submerged structures. Other prime-time fishing locations include the mouth of Fourmile Creek, Trousdale Hollow, the intersection of Shoal Creek, and the mouth of McKiernan Creek. #1. This is a blue catfish that weighed 23 pounds and measured 36.5 inches in length. Its just such a friendly place. Campgrounds: YES The best thing for us anglers who want to catch a monster like this is to know lots of them are in the big lakes. Leda told me how she commutes from Smith Lake to Birmingham. I catfish up at the Cullman end of the lake. Smith Mountain Lake is well known to fishermen all over the US for its striped bass fishing. Catfishing Fall Catfishing for Trophy Flatheads on Lay Lake Apex predators, flatheads don't conform to catfishing stereotypes. Other excellent fishing locations include Pataula Creek, the Walter F. George Lock, Hardridge Creek Boat Ramp, and the Sandy Branch Public Use Area. Anglers can find plenty of sizable flathead catfish lurking around the submerged stumps and fallen timber in murky water. 256 756-7946if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'aa_fishing_com-leader-1','ezslot_7',131,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-aa_fishing_com-leader-1-0'); Duskin Point Marina Boat Rentals What pound test should I use for striped bass? If youre not sold on lakeside versus seaside yet, consider this. Registration on or use of this site constitutes acceptance of our User Agreement, Privacy Policy and Cookie Statement, and Your California Privacy Rights (User Agreement updated 1/1/21. Filled with brush piles and submerged trees, Pickwick Lake also has multiple deep water holes and is rich in minnows, shad, and crawfish. California is the number one trophy state for bass exceeding 15 pounds, says David Swendseidbass pro and tackle rep from the Golden State. What is the slot limit on bass on Smith Lake? Get a Head Lamp with White and Red Light. Fish must be identified by a Fisheries Section biologist or other certified fisheries biologist. In years past, it was common to see 10 to 15 commercial catfishers on the lakes on any given morning. 4 pounds 12 ouncesThe Biggest Bluegill in the World The world record bluegill recorded by IGFA or the International Gamefish Association was caught in 1950 at Ketona Lake, Alabama. It was caught out of Lake Neely Henry. 13 Best Catfish Fishing Lakes and Rivers in Alabama. Smith Lake homes some very good largemouth and spotted bass fishing. HUGE, actually! Youll hear it from scuba divers and fishermen, he said. Read the story of the Alabama State Fossil here. Bluegills | Duck River Lake Rich with submerged woody cover, this lake reaches depths up to 60 feet closer to the dam, with creek channels that dip down to 20 feet. If the bait is on the bottom, the fish will lift it and relieve the pressure fairly gently. Gizzard shad are excellent striper baits. Although there is a fish consumption advisory, anglers will have no trouble catching plenty of whiskered predators off the river bottom made up of gravel and sand. May. Located in the southwest section of the lake, at the east end of the State Route 41 Bridge, this is a three-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking. Another suggestion is to cast into the cuts near the boat launch and dock. Located between Lake Martin and Thurlow Lake along the Tallapoosa River, Yates Lake has earned a reputation for big striped bass, but its hidden gem is its quality catfish population. Hoover resident Carol DiPlacido talked with me about her familys decision to purchase a weekend lakeside cabin on Smith Lake, and it turns out being easy and quick to get to was an important factor. A top hotspot is below Wheeler Dam, where swift current and various structures make for prime-time catfish angling. The earth- and rock-filled dam is 2,200 feet long and 300 feet tall, one of the largest dams of its type in the . You might not know that Smith Lake is BIG! Bottom rigs baited with minnows, cut bait, or liver are a great choice here. Pickwick Lake, located in Alabama, Mississippi, and Tennessee, covers 43,100 acres (174 km) and is well known for smallmouth bass and Tennessee River Catfish. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. Construction of Smith Dam began on Nov. 25, 1957. Known for monster striped bass, Smith Lake AKA Lewis Smith Lake is a 21,000-acre lake located in north-central Alabama about an hour north of Birmingham. Especially when the sun goes down, catfish will school just beneath the tailwaters of the structure, and its a nightly feeding frenzy that anglers shouldnt miss. This Tombigbee River backwater in western Alabama near Aliceville could have been lumped in with our coverage of the river. We will use blueback herring and shad legally caught on Smith Lake. Of course, when the mega-catfish decides that playtime is over, it will apply plenty of pressure to the angler. There are some exceptions, however. Hot weather months are typically the poorest times to go after really big catfish. Location and Information: Smith Lake is located in Winston, Cullman and Walker Counties, Alabama. Millers Ferry Lake runs about 105 miles along the river to the Claiborne Dam in Monroe County. Fishing 24-7 Guide Service offers guided trips on Smith Lake, Alabama for trophy striped bass. great white sharkWhat Was the Largest Fish Ever Caught? Anglers will have the most success near these spots with bottom rigs, baited with small sunfish, shad, minnows, cut bait, or liver. We just felt wed use a cabin at the lake a whole lot more if it were a little over an hour away, as opposed to a five hour trip to the beach, and we were right said Carol. First is to get out early and find fish schooled on shad or bluebacks. Restaurant: YES. to catch striped bass. Some anglers also recommend around dusk or dawn, on a cool day, during peak or slack tide. Click images for fishing tips and details about each species. Flatheads and blue catfish are the two most common species caught here. Additionally, the rock formations to the left of the dam on the Alabama side provide great structure and spawning grounds for catfish during the spring. Cheneyhatchee Creek also has forested, cut-lined banks for prime flathead and catfish angling. High, dingy water always makes for a better catfish bite. But when I took the rod out of the holder, the fish began to pull really hard. Anglers can catch plenty of decent-sized catfish from shore, but they often catch the largest catfish in the cut to the right of the Bartletts Ferry Hydro Dam or in the dams tailwaters in the Chattahoochee River below the dam itself. Theres plenty of spots to go for a peaceful swim, or if you want to get the adrenaline pumping, popular cliff jumping spots into the lake are Indian head jump (30 ft) and Castle Rock (4050 ft.). Crappie, spotted bass and sauger add to the action. By clicking Accept, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. A fisherman reported seeing a 20-foot-long creature with large fins slithering near the banks at Ball Play Creek before it slipped beneath the surface. Yates Reservoir) is a 1,980-acre body of water filled with various fish, including blue, channel, and flathead catfish. A 43,000-acre lake divided between Mississippi, Alabama, and Tennessee, this giant impoundment on the Tennessee River provides some of the best big catfish angling between the three states. WhatS The Biggest Catfish Caught In Alabama? Does the thought of being able to leave Birmingham and play on the lake in little over an hour sound as great to you, as it does to me? Rentals: Pontoon boats This 1,550-acre lake in northern Alabama is home to some massive blue and channel catfish. Chewalla Creek offers muddier waters to the northwest with plenty of structure, offshoots, and cuts for anglers to target flathead catfish. For us anglers who want to go after the mega-catfish, there are some things we can do to improve our chances. Although its most well-known for trophy largemouth and spotted bass, anglers catch a variety of species in this reservoir, including massive channel and flathead catfish, rainbow trout, and world-record striped bass. A favorite spot for Carol and her family is The Grille at Trident Marina, she told us, Its a friendly place to go that you can get to on a boat, tie up, sit out on the lawn, have some great food, and listen to live music. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. He has since expanded the blog to include gear reviews, fishing reports, and even recipes for cooking up your catch. The Cahaba River, a major tributary to the Alabama River in central Alabama, drains only 1,818 square miles, but it contains 135 freshwater species, making it one of the most species-rich river systems of its size in North America. I tried in 105' of water and got nothing. Like most lakes in the region, the lake comprises multiple offshoots and branches rather than one big body of water. Located in the southeast section of the lake, off County Road 41, this is a one-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking. 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