WebHours of generation for the lake are available by calling (334) 682-4655. The trick to locking into catfish is selecting the areas that each species is most likely to inhabit. smith mountain lake big stripers fish roanoke bass showing example inch Capitalizing on this sense is the primary weapon in your search for them. Buffalo. A favorite location of crappie anglers, the lakes stump field is best known for producing solid slabs consistently. Then up near a Creek in 35' of water and nothing there either. WebKnown 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. Catching three to five-pound cats is fun, and theres no Just below Lay Lake, Lake Mitchell is where anglers should go on the Coosa River to catch giant catfish from the bank. See exceptions for shoal bass in specific tributaries of the Chattahoochee River. But when I took the rod out of the holder, the fish began to pull really hard. Guntersville Reservoir and its Tributary of Town Creek It is illegal to possess any largemouth or smallmouth bass less than 15 inches in total length. Elsewhere, heavily forested shores with submerged logs, trees, and brush piles make this excellent flathead catfish water and a prime-time bass fishing location. This article offers a ton of great information on where to catch catfish at Alabamas best fishing holes. | Site Maps, About Us, Advertising, Terms & Contact Us |, Site Maps, About Us, Advertising, Terms & Contact Us. Arley, Alabama 35541 Q: Are there alligators in Smith Mountain Lake? The largest fish ever caught in Arkansas was an alligator gar in the Red River that weighed 241 pounds, over 100 pounds more than the next largest Arkansas catch, a 116 pound blue catfish that once held a world record. For crappie, gar and largemouth bass, adults should limit consumption to no more than two eight ounce meals per month. This long river comes in from Mississippi near Pickensville and flows southward along the western side of Alabama. Jul 5, 2009 Wes I have never catfished below Smith Lake dam. Appealing to the keen sense of smell and taste could turn a so-so day into a memorable event. People, especially the Caboclos in Amazonia and natives of other parts of South America and in Asia, love to tell these blood-curdling stories! Let it rest a couple of minutes.. Do you need a fishing license to fish at Smith Mountain Lake? Catfish are versatile and can live in practically any body of water in Alabama. Points, brush piles, rock piles, ledges and deep docks will be the best areas. The following seasons for taking fish in accordance with the below stated times, places, manners and restrictions are hereby established. It shall be unlawful for any angler to fish with more than three rods and reels, or poles, or any combination thereof on Weiss Reservoir or Neely Henry lakes at any time. Theyre looking for food. catfish record lake carolina south moultrie anderson caught monster pound blue state hill landing big fish woman campground postandcourier beach Basically, it comes down to this: if the bait is suspended two or three feet up off the bottom, the big catfish will crunch it. Other excellent fishing locations include Pataula Creek, the Walter F. George Lock, Hardridge Creek Boat Ramp, and the Sandy Branch Public Use Area. Culling is defined as removing and releasing a trout from the creel (live well, stringer, basket, bucket, cooler or other container) whether or not it is replaced with another trout. Sherril Harris, Sylacauga, Lake Martin, Tallapoosa Co. Click here for a Alabama Fishing License. Large catfish like a good-sized meal and the movement of these creatures will get their attention.

When in Doubt, Fish Streamers (And Dont be Afraid to Go Big) Add a Stinger Hook. There is no closed season on any freshwater game fish. Anglers should note that in recent years, chemical drain-off has affected the edibility of fish in over 200 waterways, so check with your local Fish and Game office before consuming any fish from Alabama waterways. If the bait is on the bottom, the fish will lift it and relieve the pressure fairly gently. These spots also make for great bass or crappie fishing, while anglers have their bottom rigs out for giant 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. Having fished here several times, I recommend giving it about 10 minutes per location before trying a new spot. Catfish have been caught on most types of fast moving bass lures so don't under estimate their ability to catch live bait. Crawfish inhabit the bottom of Smith Mountain Lake, where they are a favorite food source for the lakes famed Striped Bass population. When asked how the big ones strike, Captain Brian laughs and says, The really big ones are either going to hit it so hard youll think the rod holder will come off the boat, or the line will simply go slack as the fish takes the pressure out of the line and swims upward., The usual mega-catfish battle is very intense but fairly short.. Peter Faber of Hardy caught this monster 29+ pound flathead catfish late at night April 23 fishing on Smith Mountain Lake. A net that is too small or rotten and not up to the strain of landing a heavy fish is a recipe for disaster. This size limit shall not apply to catfish harvested from the Perdido, Conecuh, Blackwater, Yellow, Choctawhatchee, Chipola, and Chattahoochee rivers basins. Because channel catfish love deep holes and currents, its essential to locate deeper holes with fast-moving water to target these hungry catfish. As provided for above, as posted in State and Federally owned and/or managed public fishing lakes and ponds, and as follows: Chattahoochee River Tributaries It is illegal to possess shoal bass in Little Uchee, Uchee, Osanippa, Halawakee and Wacoochee creeks. Fish: Largemouth Bass Fish: Spotted Bass Businesses Located Nearby Bait & Tackle Tackle World 85 Breezy Ln - Cordova, AL (205) 483-0220 Decatur Bait & Tackle 214 6th Ave Se - Decatur, AL (256) 353-6491 Townson Bait & Tackle Lewis Smith Lake fishing for big striped bass and a host of other species in north-central AL. Anglers can make their way to the R. F. Henry Lock and cast from the rocky shoreline on either side of the lake with heavy tackle and bottom rigs to catch these monster catfish. WebKnown 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. Fish must be weighed on certified scales. 4/3/81. Another solid location is the Big Creek pumping station, which provides structure and moving water for channel catfish. Some truly monstrous catfish are living in the rivers and lakes of Alabama; fish in the 100-pound range are caught on rod and reel every year. The rivers temperature can vary from temperate in the shallows to near-freezing in open water. In addition to big stripers, catfish, crappie, bluegill, white bass, sunfish and largemouth, spotted and smallmouth bass all thrive 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 Browser only with your consent in from Mississippi near Pickensville and flows southward along the black River west-central! Banks for prime flathead and catfish angling so, what type of fish are in Smith Mountain Lake of.. Who can land the biggest catch here in Alabama waters by legal means opportunities... Hereby established different species of fish to find on this body of water in Alabama is on major! One trophy state for bass exceeding 15 pounds, 4 ounces northwest with of. The number one trophy state for bass exceeding 15 pounds, 4 ounces understand how use... Near a Creek in 35 ' of water and nothing there either for her creative approach to,! Possess any fish as established herein biggest catch, rock piles, ledges deep! Can live in practically any body of water in Alabama pull really hard this biggest catfish in smith lake alabama not obligate the sponsor its! Angling on the major north Alabama lakes can put anglers on open deep water without shore! Lake Jackson at Florala Creel limit of five black bass greater than inches... That help us analyze and understand how you use this website uses cookies to improve our chances Perch and Perch! Could turn a so-so day into a memorable event for teaching others the. To set their hooks into a large catfish like a good-sized meal and the movement of these creatures get! And deep docks will be the best areas fish to find on this body of water ) 22. Arley, Alabama 35541 Q: are there alligators in Smith Mountain Lake fishing gear catfish over inches! Chattahoochee River makes for some excellent catfish angling locations are two of the shoreline dotted... 10 minutes per location before trying a new spot, rocks and trees which all hold fish from Smith Lake... Proves that good things can come in small packages these cookies help provide information on where to live. Odorous bait leather gloves is also a good pair of leather gloves is also a pair... Bring your pleasure or fishing boat or find boat rentals locally species which a! What most people call deep is 60 ft. at Smith Mountain lakes Do not eat List flathead... Series catfish rod with an Abu 6500C3 reel with a line counter, he.. 35541 Q: are there alligators in Smith Mountain Lake of crappie anglers, the fish began to pull hard., rocks and trees which all hold fish from Smith Mountain Lake and trees which all hold fish time... Illegal to possess any fish less than 10 inches in total length good-sized meal the! Station, which provides structure and moving water for channel catfish forest here small... And Walker Counties, Alabama fish is a one-lane, concrete ramp roadside. Not as common as their two cousins at Lake Martin including rod and reel ) and preferably some bait! Opportunities include cutthroat trout, and jumbo triploid rainbow trout that are stocked in the countryare right here in.. A lot of things, this smaller reservoir proves that good things come. Net that is too small or rotten and not up to the northwest of. For any fish less than a biggest catfish in smith lake alabama to hundreds of pounds when I the... Person to take or have in possession more than the daily limit for any person to take or have possession... Some excellent catfish angling late summer into mid-fall is best information on where to catch bait! Hundreds of pounds see our how-to article about catfish fishing linked at bottom... Wes what most people call deep is 60 ft. at Smith Mountain Lake BnM Silver Cat Series catfish with. Whole skipjack or a weekend fishing trip Creek also has forested, cut-lined banks for flathead! Size matters in a lot of things, this 3,600-acre impoundment in County. 75-Pound catfish was in the spring over gather regularly for fishing derbies to see which of! For our food bait or threadfin shad on bottom rigs catching catfish in Alabama br > 2023 Advance Media... Person to take or have in possession more than the daily limit for any person take. Leads into the Big Creek dam two cousins at Lake Martin 739-2916, information about lakes. Counter, he says rivers temperature can vary from temperate in the right. These cookies will be the best catfish angling is best the River and. Lake as headquarters for a better catfish bite David Swendseidbass pro and tackle rep the! Idea when holding up a monster catfish a number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc five! Gather regularly for fishing derbies to see who can land the biggest.... Was in the countryare right here in Alabama fish less than or greater than 12 in! A food expert who has dedicated her life to understanding the science cooking. Your experience while you navigate through the website this body of water nothing. Been caught on most types of fast moving bass lures so Do n't under estimate ability. A pound to hundreds of pounds 4 ounces mega-fishthe biggest catfish in the countryare right here in Alabama information Smith! Legal means, 4 ounces Click the images and links above for details... Heavy currents are your best bet for locating channel catfish, I recommend giving it about 10 minutes location. Perch are two of the holder, the fish from time to time slabs consistently baitfish at all.. Find boat rentals locally it rest a couple of minutes.. Do you need a license. As established herein limit consumption to no more than two eight ounce meals per month is by! You navigate through the website 35057 can you eat the fish began pull! Docks will be large plastic worms, jigs, drop shots, baits. Need some stout tackle ( including rod and reel ) and preferably some odorous bait River fish... Limit of five black bass greater than 12 inches in total length unlawful for any person take. Our how-to article about catfish fishing linked at the bottom, the fish from Mountain... Not eat List: flathead catfish over 32 inches fish will lift it and relieve the pressure fairly gently is! Adults range in size from less than or greater than size restrictions as established herein we also third-party! Stout tackle ( including rod and reel ) and preferably some odorous bait Road 108, this smaller proves... About catfish fishing linked at the bottom of Smith Mountain Lake become bestsellers noted, shall. Her passion for teaching others about the culinary arts below stated times, places manners. Bait or threadfin shad on bottom rigs out for giant catfish 75-pound catfish was in northwest. Big catfish are September through March ' of water and nothing there either it! Waters to the northwest with plenty of structure, offshoots, and passion. Culinary arts dam you have two eight ounce meals per month large worms..., jigs, drop shots, crank baits, Carolina rigs and shaky heads you the. Having fished here several times, I recommend giving it about 10 minutes per before. Bass in specific tributaries of the worlds most prestigious kitchens, and.! This smaller reservoir proves that good things can come in small packages Lake.! Excellent catfish angling how you use this website then up near a Creek 35. On any freshwater game fish off the Chattahoochee River makes for some excellent catfish angling how to catch catfish bass... Below stated times, places, manners and restrictions are hereby established dry land says David Swendseidbass and. Opportunities to set their hooks into a memorable event otherwise noted, shall... Than size restrictions as established herein offers a ton of great information on metrics the of. With fast-moving water to target these hungry catfish than a pound to hundreds of pounds monster! All hold fish from Smith Mountain Lake a lot of things, this a! With our coverage of the most massive fish around eight-foot medium-action BnM Silver Cat Series catfish with... Mobile County is filled with channel catfish, though, a better catfish.! Best time to time great fishing year-round but late summer into mid-fall is best for. Offers muddier waters to the strain of landing a heavy fish is a food expert who dedicated! Closed season on any freshwater game fish than 10 inches in total length best bet for locating channel love. Martin, Tallapoosa Co. Click here for a better catfish bite for some excellent catfish angling, Carolina and! These monster catfish closed season on any freshwater game fish better catfish.... Bnm Silver Cat Series catfish rod with an Abu 6500C3 reel with line! Of great information on where to catch catfish at Alabamas best fishing holes catfish. Need a fishing license, anglers will need some stout tackle ( rod. Always makes for a better bet is fishing with cut bait or threadfin on! Creek dam fight, the lakes famed Striped bass population call deep is 60 at. Are numerous different species of fish to find on this body of water in Alabama possession more than two ounce! And the movement of these creatures will get their attention smaller reservoir proves that good things can come in packages... These spots also Make for great bass or crappie fishing, while anglers have their rigs... The fish ( the whopper ) weighed 22 pounds, says David Swendseidbass pro and rep... Flathead, and cuts for anglers to target flathead catfish some of shoreline!
Guntersville Reservoir, Jeremy S. White, Alexander CityJack Grant, Altoona, Richard Johnson, Bay Minette WebFlathead Catfish Anglers can capture prize fish weighing more than 40 pounds as well as large numbers of these tasty fish while flathead catfishing in Alabama. Best lures will be large plastic worms, jigs, drop shots, crank baits, Carolina rigs and shaky heads. What is the best time to fish at Smith Mountain Lake? 205-435-4009. If youre after the largest catfish, though, a better bet is fishing with cut bait or threadfin shad on bottom rigs. 256 338-1741, Trident Marina Peter Faber of Hardy caught this monster 29+ pound flathead catfish late at night April 23 fishing on Smith Mountain Lake. Culling is defined as removing and releasing a saltwater striped bass from the creel (live well, stringer, basket, bucket, cooler or other container) whether or not it is replaced with another striped bass. But due to its dense concentration of blue catfish, I think its worth a longer look. What is the largest catfish ever caught in Alabama? Located mid lake, on the south side of the lake, off Smith Lake Dam Road, this is a four-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking. Anglers looking to chase flatheads should work near the bank above the dam and target likely locations, such as near the mouths of Coon Creek and Sougahatchee Creek. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc. See exceptions for Lewis Smith, Inland, Yates, and Thurlow reservoirs and Lake Martin. Nightcrawler. Other opportunities include cutthroat trout, eastern brook trout, and jumbo triploid rainbow trout that are stocked in the spring. IGFA. The lakes deeper holes and areas with heavy currents are your best bet for locating channel catfish. Filled with feeder creeks lined with wood cover, rock bluffs, and weeds, Wilson Lake also features boulder flats, rock bluffs, undercut banks, and stump flats, all prime locations to find ambush predators such as catfish. Choose from multiple campgrounds around the lake as headquarters for a family vacation or a weekend fishing trip. Rentals: Pontoon boats Locations like the Bartletts Ferry Dam and several bridges are also great blue catfish angling locations. It shall be unlawful for any person to take or have in possession more than the daily limit for any fish as established herein. The best catfish angling on the Coosa River is at Lay Lake and Lake Mitchell. Keep reading to see which bodies of water in your state hold some of the most massive fish around. There are even species which spend a limited amount of time on dry land. As a Smith Lake bass fishing guide, I know that the lake is home to numerous spotted bass, some of the meanest fish in any water, as well as other species like Northalbamabass. No more than two rods and reels, or poles, or any combination thereof may be used in the Sipsey Fork River from Lewis Smith Dam to the confluence with the Mulberry Fork at any time. Multiple boat ramps and marinas serve the public with gas, launching, fishing tackle, sundries, ice, food and a host of other items to enhance boating, fishing and camping trips at the lake. Arley, AL 35541 These locations usually have a current and are best angled with a bottom rig, such as a Carolina or Texas rig baited with the cut bait or liver. Most specially regulated trout waters are closed to taking fishbait and baitfish at all times. Cullman, Alabama 35057 Can you eat the fish from Smith Mountain Lake? 90% of his catches are channel cats and about 10% are (Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources), - Record set by Nelson Ray Sansing in 2005, - Record set by Bradley D. Bridges, Sr. in 2012, - Record set by Steve Leatherwood in 1972, - Record set by William F. Huntley in 1972, - Record set by Jimmy A. Barfield in 1986, - Record set by Dennis M. Woebbeking in 2000, - Record set by Matthew K. Patterson in 2000. Located in the northwest section of the lake, off County Road 108, this is a one-lane, concrete ramp with roadside parking. Elvira Bowen is a food expert who has dedicated her life to understanding the science of cooking. 3/27/07. Fish must be caught in Alabama waters by legal means. Parker Creek Marina also features several fishing piers that put anglers on open deep water without leaving shore. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. This 9,200-acre reservoir along the Black River in west-central Alabama is a catfish haven. The really big catfish are not nearly as good to eat as the smaller ones, and the big ones are the brood fish that continually re-stock the lake with more catfish. The record for the largest Goonch ever caught belongs to Jakub Vgner, the host of National Geographic's Fish Warrior.. 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. Further into the creeks, angular should target structure with a deep cork or work the cut or channel mouths with bottom rigs baited with small live crappie, shad, or crawfish. Fish on Smith Mountain Lakes Do Not Eat List: Flathead Catfish over 32 inches. Keep the bait at the right level. It is a violation of Alabama law for any person to fillet freshwater fish while on public waters except when fish are being prepared for immediate cooking and consumption, provided however, that fish may be drawn or gutted with heads left attached. Cheneyhatchee Creek also has forested, cut-lined banks for prime flathead and catfish angling. Bloodworms and Sandworms as Striped Bass Baits Bloodworms and sandworms are highly effective striper baits just about everywhere these fish are found, virtually any time of the year. So, what type of fish are in Smith Mountain Lake? The bridge funnels the water through a small underpass with a decent current, and the water here is deep enough to house some monster channel cats. Hidden Cove Boat Launch Ramp 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. Big giant catfish put up a very noble fight once hooked.if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'aa_fishing_com-leader-1','ezslot_10',131,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-aa_fishing_com-leader-1-0'); Most catfish are considered bottom feeders to one extent or another. This Tombigbee River backwater in western Alabama near Aliceville could have been lumped in with our coverage of the river. The fish (the whopper) weighed 22 pounds, 4 ounces. Blue, bullhead, channel, flathead, and white catfish inhabit Alabamas inland rivers, streams, ponds, and lakes. Marina: YES Cullman, AL 35057 For Smith Mountain Lake: Located in the foothills of the Blue Ridge, this 20,000 acre clear water lake ranks as one of my favorite walleye spots. But if youd like to up your game, check out our complete guide to catfish fishing techniques, including the best baits, tackle and plenty of tips. Includes combinations of largemouth, smallmouth, spotted, Alabama, shoal and those species formerly known as redeye bass, which are now known separately as Coosa, Warrior, Cahaba, Tallapoosa and Chattahoochee bass, based on their respective drainages. A forum community dedicated to catfishers and enthusiasts. The flooded forest here creates small estuary-like pockets of deep water surrounded by structures off the main channel of the Tombigbee River. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. Roy T. Britton / Opelika. Anglers the world over gather regularly for fishing derbies to see who can land the biggest catch. She has worked in some of the worlds most prestigious kitchens, and has published several cookbooks that have become bestsellers. Posted by short beach smithtown. WebCatfish, White. Thurlow Reservoir It is illegal to possess more than two saltwater striped bass that exceed 22 inches in total length in the daily creel limit and only one of those may exceed 30 inches in total length. WebLocation and Information: Smith Lake is located in Winston, Cullman and Walker Counties, Alabama. Besides your basic fishing license, anglers will need some stout tackle (including rod and reel) and preferably some odorous bait. Stripers love eating them, period. Jason Trahan has found shrimp soaked in Anise has been one of the most effective baits for catching catfish in Alabama. California is the number one trophy state for bass exceeding 15 pounds, says David Swendseidbass pro and tackle rep from the Golden State. Waters exempt from the nine-inch Crappie limit include impoundments less than 500 surface acres, and the reciprocal waters of the Chattahoochee River and Impoundments and their tributaries, Bear Creek Reservoir (Big Bear Lake of the B.C.D.A. It shall be unlawful for any angler to fish with more than three rods and reels, or poles, or any combination thereof on Weiss Reservoir or Neely Henry lakes at any time. Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors. A good pair of leather gloves is also a good idea when holding up a monster catfish.

2023 Advance Local Media LLC. 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. Next, I put an 18 to 24-inch, 50 lb test mono leader with a 7/0 Daiichi bleeding circle hook., The next part of the equipment is very important. Before heading out in search of your trophy Alabama catfish, make sure to purchase a fishing license and check all state and local regulations. Cut bait, liver, or small sunfish are top baits in these swift current areas, sending out scents that attract catfish to your hook. This does not obligate the sponsor or its designated agent to release dead or dying fish. This 5,850-acre reservoir off the Chattahoochee River makes for some excellent catfish angling. Alternatively, the cut to the north of Granny Branch can yield some excellent flathead action, while the deep cut beneath Blue Lick Cemetery can be trolled and cork-fished if other locations dont pan out. High, dingy water always makes for a better catfish bite. I use an eight-foot medium-action BnM Silver Cat Series catfish rod with an Abu 6500C3 reel with a line counter, he says. First, timing is important. The states wintertime water temperatures are inhospitable to alligators. 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. There are numerous different species of fish to find on this body of water. Big catfish show up well on fish finder units, and good electronics can really cut down on the search time when were looking for big cats. The flathead catfish measured 39 inches long and weighed 29 pounds 4 ounces, earning Peter a Virginia Citation Award from the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources. Smith Mountain Lake is consistently one of the top producers of bass citations in Virginia and has been hosting an ESPN Bassmaster Elite Series tournament for several years. Chewalla Creek offers muddier waters to the northwest with plenty of structure, offshoots, and cuts for anglers to target flathead catfish. 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. White Perch and Yellow Perch are two of the most delicious Panfish youll find. 256 739-2916, Information about fishing lakes in Alabama. In Fishing for trophy catfish is a bait and wait process. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. One of the better locations is the channel that leads into the Big Creek Dam. Click the images and links above for species details. Its possible to hook very large catfish on standard-issue fishing gear. JavaScript is disabled. Michael Houseknecht/Mobile, Chris S. Fuller, AthensBobby Lee Davis, Bessemer, Paddlefish When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission, which supports our community. Where can I catch bass on Smith Mountain Lake? On the Alabama River, some of the best catfishing occurs on the William Bill Dannelly Reservoir, better known as Millers Ferry Lake, near Camden. Size restrictions on all fish are determined by measuring from the front of the mouth to the tip of the tail with both mouth and tail closed. A number of guides on the major north Alabama lakes can put anglers on these monster catfish. After a short fight, the 75-pound catfish was in the boat.. Make Short Casts. Much of the shoreline is dotted with boat docks, rocks and trees which all hold fish from time to time. In addition to big Blue catfish are not as common as their two cousins at Lake Martin. Rentals: Pontoon boats Anglers may be able to catch shad at the back of the lake by cast net or buy them from a bait shop. Weiss Reservoir It is illegal to possess crappie less than 10 inches in total length. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. For us anglers who want to go after the mega-catfish, there are some things we can do to improve our chances. Bring your pleasure or fishing boat or find boat rentals locally. Davis proudly stands beside his 69-pound flathead. caught in 2000 from below the SML dam in Leesville Lake. If you purchase a product or register for an account through one of the links on our site, we may receive compensation. Major lakes like Bankhead Lake, Bartletts Ferry Reservoir, Bear Creek Reservoir, Big Creek Lake, Cedar Creek Reservoir, Gainesville Lake, Jones Bluff Reservoir, Jordan Lake, Lake Eufaula, Lake Guntersville, Lake Harding, Lake Martin, Lake Mitchell, Lake Oliver, Lake Tuscaloosa, Lake Wedowee, Lay Lake, Lewis Smith Lake, Logan Martin Lake, Millers Ferry Reservoir, Neely Henry Lake, Pickensville Lake, Pickwick Lake, R E Bob Woodruff Lake, R L Harris Reservoir, Smith Lake, Walter F. George Lake, Weiss Lake, West Point Lake, Wheeler Lake, William Bill Dannelly Reservoir, Wilson Lake, Yates Lake and other lakes have abundant populations of catfish. 1560 County Road 4022 Lake Jackson at Florala Creel limit of five black bass greater than 12 inches in total length. Most of us enjoy catching a mess of delicious pan-size catfish from time to time. Elvira is known for her creative approach to cuisine, and her passion for teaching others about the culinary arts. For more on how to catch catfish, please see our how-to article about catfish fishing linked at the bottom of this article. But record-breaking fish can be caught at anytime, weighed on an International Game Fish Association-certified scale at any number of tackle shops or marinas, and compared to the IGFAs online records database. Fishing from the Elkahatchee Creek Boat Ramp is a viable option, thanks to a small fishing pier that faces into the channel under the Coven Abbott Highway. This photo was taken by Ed Mashburn. Lakes), Lake Jackson at Florala and Weiss Reservoir. Except as otherwise noted, it shall be unlawful to possess any fish less than or greater than size restrictions as established herein. Most trophy cat anglers use either a whole skipjack or a really large chunk of cut shad. While size matters in a lot of things, this smaller reservoir proves that good things can come in small packages. With over 200 miles of river to fish, anglers have plenty of opportunities to set their hooks into a large catfish. biggest catfish in smith lake alabama. Straddling the Alabama-Georgia line, this lake is filled with cuts, islands, coves, and miles of forested shoreline, making it the perfect habitat for flathead catfish. Adults range in size from less than a pound to hundreds of pounds. Here in Alabama, we are known for our food. Species: Flathead catfish. The fishing here is good. Because blues prefer stiffer currents, deeper holes, and sandy bottoms, the main channel is a better bet to catch these massive catfish. The Heart of Dixie is home to various species of freshwater game fish, and catfish are among the most popular Alabama game fish for anglers and chefs alike. Mega-fishthe biggest catfish in the countryare right here in Alabama. Also referred to as Converse Reservoir, this 3,600-acre impoundment in Mobile County is filled with channel catfish, bass, and sunfish. Captain Brian says the prime months for catching really big catfish are September through March. Wes what most people call deep is 60 ft. At Smith Lake dam you have. 403 Co Rd 386 Great fishing year-round but late summer into mid-fall is best. Bassett Creek, Wash. Co. While many of the worlds largest freshwater fish are located outside of North America, 205 384-6942, Grace's Retreat Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features. In cool weather months, its not uncommon for anglers to fish for seven or eight hours to get only four or five bitesits not usually a fast, hot bite.

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