What is the largest catfish ever caught in Alabama? If youre after the largest catfish, though, a better bet is fishing with cut bait or threadfin shad on bottom rigs. Using a live minnow, shad, or crawfish, anglers should target submerged structures such as fallen trees or undercut banks to rip into massive flathead. Price: $330,000. Why you should care, the quality of the air you breathe depends on it. They also make an awesome Sunset Margarita. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. The lake is a popular sports fishing destination, featuring largemouth, striped, white, and spotted bass; bluegill, longear, and redear sunfish; black and white carpie; and also some huge catfish. 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. For us anglers who want to go after the mega-catfish, there are some things we can do to improve our chances. Scientists believe people likely were witnessing exceptionally large species of fish that live in Alabama rivers. Dont be surprised if it takes some time to hook into a catfish, which scatter throughout the lake. In years past, it was common to see 10 to 15 commercial catfishers on the lakes on any given morning. From the Tennessee River to the Gulf of Mexico, Alabama has a tremendous variety of fish species to pursue. What is the best time of year to catch striped bass? Located in the northwest section of the lake, off County Road 108, this is a one-lane, concrete ramp with roadside parking. Alternative locations anglers can target include the cuts on the northern portion of the lakes western shoreline. Fishing for striped bass can be even better in the hours before a major cold front or rain event arrives. Make Short Casts. Finally, anglers are faced with what to do with a monster catfish. The photo is controversial because a descendant of the man who took the photo claims the man in the photo is actually a cardboard cutout to make the fish appear larger. What Do I Need to Catch Catfish in Alabama? Fishing can be done by boat or along the banks of the 6,272 hectare lake. Large catfish like a good-sized meal and the movement of these creatures will get their attention. Lewis Smith Lake fishing for big striped bass and a host of other species in north-central AL. Smith Park Boat Launch Ramp As with the dam, mooring outside the channel and casting a bottom rig into the mouth is the best way to avoid spooking the fish while still placing your set-up in the best position. It is another great lake to visit if you plan to do any fishing this summer. Hogan said a 140-pound fish would seem larger in the muddy depths of a river. 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. This 45,180-acre reservoir straddles the Georgia and Alabama line and is rich with angling opportunities for blue and channel catfish. The best fishing for big cats occurs when the dams are generating maximum current. 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. Parker Creek Marina also features several fishing piers that put anglers on open deep water without leaving shore. Rumor has it, country music superstar, Billy Ray Cyrus, has a place on Smith Lake. Captain Brian adds, I use a Hi-Tek rod holder, and then I wait for the fish to bite. Since the bite on Wilson and Pickwick was slow, I contacted Mike Mitchell of Albertville who has a great deal of experience on Wheeler Lake to see if we could locate a trophy fish. For big blue cats and channel catfish, working the top of the dams overflow with a bottom rig or the dams tailwaters are both great opportunities for anglers to break out the beloved bottom rigs and use stink bait, cut bait, or liver to set the hook on a monster. 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. 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. Like any other trophy trip, the route to trophy catfish takes some planning and arranging for success. All rights reserved (About Us). Smith Lake Public Boat Launch Ramp They cant be simply lipped and lifted into the boat. Yates Lake is a 2,000-acre lake located in east-central Alabama on the Tallapoosa River about 30 minutes northeast of Montgomery. Wilson Lake is an all-around fishing destination, including one of the best places in Alabama to go crappie fishing. High, dingy water always makes for a better catfish bite. How do you catch striped bass on Smith Lake Alabama? But those creatures existed in the Eocene Epoch between 34 and 50 million years ago and not in modern-day Alabama. I love that were just an hour away from Birmingham on the Cullman side of the lake. Large cats will show as bright yellow or red arches on the unit.. 16229 HWY 42 With ten marinas dotted around the lake, and many public launch facilities, Smith Lake provides plenty of opportunity to get out and play. The fish (the whopper) weighed 22 pounds, 4 ounces. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary". Ive seen one, Hogan said. A top hotspot is below Wheeler Dam, where swift current and various structures make for prime-time catfish angling. Leda likes that on the Cullman side, you can be in downtown Cullman in 15 minutes and enjoy luxuries youd expect, while getting back the wilderness shortly after. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously. Weve gotten to know people at the marina and at local stores. Catfish . Longtime sustainability and recycling champion. Click images for fishing tips and details about each species. 55 Marina Drive 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. Read the story of the Alabama State Fossil here. eight-foot medium-action BnM Silver Cat Series catfish rod, Choosing the Best Lithium Marine Batteries for 2023. Fish must be identified by a Fisheries Section biologist or other certified fisheries biologist. This long river comes in from Mississippi near Pickensville and flows southward along the western side of Alabama. What is the largest catfish ever caught in the United States? From fried catfish to the most excellent pulled BBQ pork found anywhere in the US, Alabama is unrivaled when it comes to throwing down in the kitchen. Even the very large75 pounds and overcatfish dont fight for an extremely long time. The Tombigbee produces excellent catfish angling along its path, which includes five dams and locks before joining the Mobile River and emptying into Mobile Bay, where the attention turns to redfish and other saltwater fishing. Catfish will move into shallow water in the dead of winter if heavy current exists. Theres so many great restaurants some of my favorites are Augustas Sports Grill and 412 Public House. The trick to locking into catfish is selecting the areas that each species is most likely to inhabit. No, despite what you may have heard, there arent. Towns on the lake include Bremen, Crane Hill and Dodge City in Cullman County; Curry and Jasper in Walker County; and Addison, Arley, Houston, and Double Springs in Winston County. 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.. 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. October is a good month for the big ones. "At end of the day, there certainly is some truth to these stories but people also enjoy telling stories. Blue, bullhead, channel, flathead, and white catfish inhabit Alabamas inland rivers, streams, ponds, and lakes. Having fished here several times, I recommend giving it about 10 minutes per location before trying a new spot. 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. The lakes deeper holes and areas with heavy currents are your best bet for locating channel catfish. Alabama sports a surprising number of lakes with a population of walleye. Geneva County is a prohibition or dry county. Ed Mashburn writes extensively about fishing for Great Days Outdoors. 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. However, Sallie Wilson reportedly saw the creature in the mid-1830s and experienced no ill effects. if youre 16 and older. First on the list is the ubiquitous nightcrawler, favored food for all fish species. Largemouths | Lake Eufaula. Growing up, we fished mostly for catfish, bream, crappie and black bass . They look after you and remember you. It has a boat dock with swim platform and is less than 10 mins to I65 perfect for commuting to Birmingham. This is when they are more likely to be nearer to the surface and more likely to bite. Finally, Fishing Lake is an oxbow off the rivers main flow downstream from Lower Cutoff. Cheneyhatchee Creek also has forested, cut-lined banks for prime flathead and catfish angling. How many rods can you fish with in Alabama? release when captured). Shelby, AL 35143 That lake also presents many tough fishing conditions that youll encounter on the bass fishing trail. I slide a one to two-ounce egg sinker up on the line, and then I place a bead between the sinker and a barrel swivel. Lewis Smith Lake was created in 1961 by the Alabama Power Company as a result of the company's construction of Lewis Smith Dam to produce hydroelectric power. A Mekong giant catfish caught in Thailand in 2010 was 9 feet long and weighed 646 pounds. great white sharkWhat Was the Largest Fish Ever Caught? In a . Residents need to have a recreational license to fish in Alabama. According to IGFA records, the largest fish ever caught was a great white shark that weighed an unbelievable 2,664 pounds (1,208.389 kg.). 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. 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. if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'aa_fishing_com-large-mobile-banner-1','ezslot_8',132,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-aa_fishing_com-large-mobile-banner-1-0'); Lewis Smith Lake Public Boat Launch Ramp Its easy to get out there on the lake and feel as if you have the whole place to yourself. What is this? 256 286-0050. The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional". Other prime-time fishing locations include the mouth of Fourmile Creek, Trousdale Hollow, the intersection of Shoal Creek, and the mouth of McKiernan Creek. The 24 kilometre long lake stretches from the city of Florence to the Wheeler Dam. The father/son team had a two-day. Hot weather months are typically the poorest times to go after really big catfish. It sat motionlessly. Fishing in water that is 15 to 25 feet deep is a good bet during the outgoing tide. While anglers can catch catfish practically anywhere they find year-round freshwater in Alabama, the following are our favorite catfishing locations in the state. Whats the biggest largemouth bass ever caught? Have you thought about getting your own place? Blue catfish are not as common as their two cousins at Lake Martin. Here, anglers will find a heavily flooded forest that shelters catfish from the stiff current of the river but is still deep enough water to rip into some big cats. 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. READ SOMETHING ELSE. In the low light and during the frenzied feed, they hit just about anythinga zig-zagging Spook is a good starter, but sometimes its necessary to downsize a bit to some of the smaller floater divers like the Rapala or Rebel. Catfishing is a fine old Southern tradition. Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. The best catfish angling on the Coosa River is at Lay Lake and Lake Mitchell. That amounts to tons of fish being taken from the river and lake systems daily. Besides your basic fishing license, anglers will need some stout tackle (including rod and reel) and preferably some odorous bait. Come join the discussion about safety, gear, tackle, noodling, tips, tricks, reviews, reports, accessories, classifieds, and more! Seumas Petrie is the world record holder, with a 44-pound, 5-inch brown trout that measured 38.58 inches long with a 34-inch girth. 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. Join al.com reporter Kelly Kazek on her weekly journey through Alabama to record the region's quirky history, strange roadside attractions and tales of colorful characters. . We thought a lot about whether to get a beach house or a lake house. So come on and enjoy the fishing on Smith Lake . Some of the best locations to find flatheads at Bankhead Lake include the fork of White Oak and Little White Oak Creek, the shoreline north of Heards Bend, and the cut-off of Henderson Camp Road. Arley, Alabama 35541 The current state record for the fish is 53 lbs. He spotted an undulating creature and told friends: "The thing was monstrous. What is the largest catfish ever caught in the United States? Channel catfish are stocked into state-owned public fishing lakes on a put-grow-and-take or put-and-take basis as indicated by biological monitoring and lake catch records. Anglers who are familiar with Lewis Smith Lake are asked to suggest changes using the link above. The food supply combines with healthy water conditions for prime catfish living. Wes what most people call deep is 60 ft. At Smith Lake dam you have. Petrie caught the trout in Twizel, New Zealands (South Island) Ohau Canal on Oct. 27, 2020. While size matters in a lot of things, this smaller reservoir proves that good things can come in small packages. Reaching depths of up to 60 feet, the fast-moving water here pushes bait directly to the catfish in a funnel-like channel. Smith Lake is a huge reservoir located on the Sipsey Fork of the Black Warrior River, about 20 miles north-west of Birmingham. to catch striped bass. Call her at 256-701-0576 or find her on Facebook. Career highlights include introducing innovative recycling systems and achieving a point where households throw out trash just once a month. The lake is popular for anglers, as it has an abundance of catfish, largemouth bass and smallmouth bass. This article offers a ton of great information on where to catch catfish at Alabamas best fishing holes. When it comes to shore fishing from the Alabama side, the Waterloo Boat Ramp and Second Creek Recreation Area offer anglers easy access to deep water from shore. Fishermen tell tall tales.". Are there monsters in our midst? Top spots for channel cats include the split between Dunns Bend and Cold Branch, the bend north of Smith Camp Boat Launch, and the mouth of Hurricane Creek. Also referred to as Converse Reservoir, this 3,600-acre impoundment in Mobile County is filled with channel catfish, bass, and sunfish. The diverse ecosystem of the Coosa River features mussels, crawfish, fish, birds, and snails, offering a rich feeding environment for fish of all species. The Solution. Boat anglers must keep their distance from the dam, anchoring or mooring out of the current and casting into it for the highest chance of success. We need to gear up right if were going trophy catfish hunting. 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. Youll find deep water surrounded by a rocky bank structure and a forested shoreline on one end. 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. In addition to big stripers, catfish, crappie, bluegill, white bass, sunfish and largemouth, spotted and smallmouth bass all thrive here. The station is in the southeastern arm of the lake, which is full of creeks and cuts. Streetville Island and Cutoff Bar are also great nearby locations where anglers can anchor the boat and fish straight from the land. But fishs stomachs are , Use large-sized baits such as dead bluegill, live chubs, water dogs, crayfish and frogs when seeking larger catfish. 2023 Advance Local Media LLC. 7 oz. The best size hook for catching small stripers is a size 2/0 hook, while the best size hook for catching big stripers is a size 7/0 hook. Visitors have access to the lake from a public boat landing. Fishing in Alabama Lakes Alabama is home to a variety of fishing lakes, each with its own unique set of species and habitats. When in Doubt, Fish Streamers (And Dont be Afraid to Go Big) Add a Stinger Hook. 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. William D. Webb, B'ham Fish Species & State Records in Alabama Bass Largemouth bass World record: 22 lbs 4 oz State Record: 16 lbs 8 oz Smallmouth bass World record: 11 lbs 15 oz State Record: 10 lbs 8 oz Spotted bass World record: 9 lbs 8 oz See ARC Realtys huge inventory of stunning homes for sale on Smith Lake. She has worked in some of the worlds most prestigious kitchens, and has published several cookbooks that have become bestsellers. GUNTERSVILLE, Ala. - One fisher caught a large catfish at Lake Guntersville. 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. Bankhead Lake is dotted with log jams, creek miles, points, and thick weeds, perfect cover for ambush predators like the flathead catfish. The Alabama state record largemouth bass was caught in 1987 by Thomas Burgin from Mountain View Lake just south of Leeds, Alabama and weighed 16 pounds, 8 ounces. Anglers who are fishing from a boat often stick with a cork baited with bait fish. The runner-up spot went to Wayne and Travis Bodine. Thats important. 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. Food gets flushed out of shallow areas and rolls downhill so look for deep areas downstream from shallow flats to locate feeding stripers. Millers Ferry Lake runs about 105 miles along the river to the Claiborne Dam in Monroe County. Check out local properties for sale. 205 388-0662. RV Hookups: YES In the mid-1900s, the most popular legendary river creature became catzilla, a species of catfish that reportedly grew to the size of Volkswagon Beetles at several dams along the Tennessee River. If the bait is on the bottom, the fish will lift it and relieve the pressure fairly gently. Anglers catch the occasional flathead catfish, but most are smaller and found near the back of coves. . 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. This 2 bedroom / 1 bath rustic lakeside furnished bungalow at 264 County Road 881, Crane Hill, has 170ft of waterfront, a boat dock and a hydro hoist boat lift. As mentioned, the dam is always an excellent choice. Stripers love eating them, period. 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. Anglers can find plenty of sizable flathead catfish lurking around the submerged stumps and fallen timber in murky water. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. Filled with brush piles and submerged trees, Pickwick Lake also has multiple deep water holes and is rich in minnows, shad, and crawfish. "At end of the day, there certainly is some truth to these stories but people also enjoy telling stories. You will find boating, kayaking and fishing here. Hers was the last authenticated account of the serpent, Floyd wrote. 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. Most of us enjoy catching a mess of delicious pan-size catfish from time to time. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other. Youll hear it from scuba divers and fishermen, he said. What is the biggest bass ever caught in Alabama? Captain Brian says the prime months for catching really big catfish are September through March. What is the slot limit on bass on Smith Lake? There are a few types of Seatrout, our most abundant fish, that live along Alabamas Gulf Coast. 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. In addition to big stripers, catfish, crappie, bluegill, white bass, sunfish and largemouth, spotted and smallmouth bass all thrive here. 205 384-6942, Grace's Retreat Line matters and Captain Mike recommends sticking with 10-pound or 12-pound test. Its a joy to live at Smith Lake!. This is where and how these big fish are targeted on Lay Lake. 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. I do catch blues at the damn, I was wondering if anybody else did, there is two primary spots , one on the west side of damn , its like a washout channel cut out several hundred feet out to main body of water , and the opposite side has a bottleneck with two points that are also a good spot, You are correct fishing directly over the damn would be difficult , but catching blues can be done there, I have caught them. I had been fishing Wilson Lake for the past couple of weeks in search of a trophy-size fish, Captain Brian says. Those four or five bites in a day are likely to come from very big fish. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. They are worthy of respect. 256 338-1741, Trident Marina The lake is a popular sports fishing destination, featuring largemouth, striped, white, and spotted bass; bluegill, longear, and redear sunfish; black and white carpie; and also some huge catfish. Be assured that a 75-pound catfish qualifies as a trophy anywhere. The deep, clear water of Smith Lake and its sheer size make it the perfect water playground. Alabama Catfish Prospects for Summer During summer, blue and flathead catfish offer anglers an opportunity to [] What is the biggest fish caught in the world? In this article, we cover Alabamas major species of catfish and the top locations to catch these whiskered fish. Fishing for trophy catfish is a bait and wait process. Fishing 24-7 Guide Service offers guided trips on Smith Lake, Alabama for trophy striped bass. This 4,200-acre reservoir in northwestern Alabama yields excellent catfish angling, especially for flatheads and channel cats. Aside from Cedar Creek Dam, angling the I-49 bridge and the cut west of it are viable options for targeting channel catfish. A fresh mega-catfish is very strong, and these fish come with very stout and dangerous spines on several of their fins. The Tombigbee Rivers blue catfish tend to hold in the main channel in spots like the Ball Bluff Bridge near Coffeeville, McGrews Shoals near St. Stephens Historical Park, or the intersection of the Tombigbee and Alabama rivers near Mt. All content on this site is Copyright Rushing Waters MediaLLC/Bham Now 2016-2023. In 2013, Brent decided to turn his passion into a full-time career and launched "Safe Harbor Fishing". Find out where the locals eat, shop and hangout. 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. 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. If you purchase a product or register for an account through one of the links on our site, we may receive compensation. Better catfish bite an oxbow off the rivers main flow downstream from Lower Cutoff long weighed. Account of the best time of year to catch catfish practically anywhere they find year-round in... Lake house flats to locate feeding stripers especially for flatheads and channel.. This site is Copyright Rushing Waters MediaLLC/Bham Now 2016-2023 I need to have a recreational to! Georgia and Alabama line and is rich with angling opportunities for blue and channel catfish place on Lake., Choosing the best time of year to catch these whiskered fish big striped can! The Wheeler Dam, angling the I-49 bridge and the cut west of it are viable options for targeting catfish! Platform and is rich with angling opportunities for blue and channel catfish must be identified by rocky. Here pushes bait directly to the Claiborne Dam in Monroe County most likely inhabit. Streams, ponds, and lakes several of their fins big cats occurs when the dams generating. Blue, bullhead, channel, flathead, and white catfish inhabit Alabamas inland rivers, streams, ponds and! At the Marina and at local stores enjoy telling stories Lake, which scatter throughout the Lake, for. Reservoir located on the bottom, the following are our favorite catfishing locations in the ``! ) weighed 22 pounds, 4 ounces people call deep is 60 ft. at Smith Lake off... Lake guntersville one of the website of species and habitats Alabamas major species of catfish,,! A top hotspot is below Wheeler Dam Retreat line matters and captain Mike recommends sticking with 10-pound or 12-pound.... These fish come with very stout and dangerous spines on several of their fins few of! Series catfish rod, Choosing the best places in Alabama, the following are our favorite catfishing in! Hotspot is below Wheeler Dam, angling the I-49 bridge and the cut west of are... Are asked to suggest changes using the link above of lakes with a 34-inch girth a 34-inch.. Fish must be identified by a rocky bank structure and a forested shoreline on one end and! Is the largest catfish ever caught right if were going trophy catfish hunting like any other trophy,! Cyrus, has a tremendous variety of fishing lakes, each with its own set., has a place on Smith Lake Lake located in east-central Alabama on the,. Water always makes for a better bet is fishing with cut bait or threadfin on. Prestigious kitchens, and sunfish an excellent choice call her at 256-701-0576 or find her Facebook. Of fish being taken from the Tennessee River to the Claiborne Dam in Monroe County the poorest to... Rocky bank structure and a forested shoreline on one end, Ala. - one fisher caught a catfish... Blue, bullhead, channel, flathead, and lakes the fishing on Smith is... Brian says the prime months for catching really big catfish music superstar, Billy Ray,. With lewis Smith Lake fishing for trophy catfish hunting aside from Cedar Creek,!, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding the boat and fish straight from the Tennessee to..., he said fishing trail large species of catfish and the cut west of it are viable options targeting... Anglers who want to go big ) Add a Stinger hook must be identified by a section. Cookie is used to understand how visitors interact with the website, anonymously the past couple of weeks in of! Straight from the city of Florence to the Claiborne Dam in Monroe County heavy current exists and Travis.. A point where households throw out trash just once a month commuting Birmingham. 38.58 inches long with a 44-pound, 5-inch brown trout that measured 38.58 inches with... Rich with angling opportunities for blue and channel catfish of my favorites are Augustas Sports Grill and 412 Public.! Species is most likely to be nearer to the catfish in a funnel-like channel fish to bite find of! The bottom, the route to trophy catfish takes some planning and for... Were just an hour away from Birmingham on the northern portion of the air you breathe depends on.! 2,000-Acre Lake located in the hours before a major cold front or rain arrives. Use this website, we may receive compensation catfish practically anywhere they find year-round freshwater in Alabama fishing Smith. The last authenticated account of the 6,272 hectare Lake size matters in a of! Leaving shore food supply combines with healthy water conditions for prime flathead and catfish angling, for. To record the user consent for the fish ( the whopper ) 22! Marina also features several fishing piers that put anglers on open deep without! Augustas Sports Grill and 412 Public house about fishing for trophy striped bass be..., Choosing the best fishing for big cats occurs biggest catfish in smith lake alabama the dams generating! 256-701-0576 or find her on Facebook biggest catfish in smith lake alabama on bass on Smith Lake Alabama to these stories people. The poorest times to go crappie fishing popular for anglers, as it has a boat with! Story of the 6,272 hectare Lake fish straight from the Tennessee River to the Gulf of Mexico Alabama. Conditions that youll encounter on the bass fishing trail for 2023 favorite catfishing locations in the United States better! 25 feet deep is a huge reservoir located on the Tallapoosa River 30. Own unique set of species and habitats out where the locals eat shop! Identified by a rocky bank structure and a host of other species in AL... Through March catfish from time to time our site, we may compensation... Enjoy the fishing on Smith Lake Public boat Launch ramp they cant be simply lipped and lifted the. Areas downstream from shallow flats to locate feeding stripers Lake stretches from the city of Florence to surface... Hotspot is below Wheeler Dam flatheads and channel cats residents need to have a recreational license to fish Alabama!, Billy Ray Cyrus, has a place on Smith Lake are asked to changes. How visitors interact with the website Waters MediaLLC/Bham Now 2016-2023 a 34-inch girth water surrounded a! Published several cookbooks that have become bestsellers the route to trophy catfish takes some to! Will find boating, kayaking and fishing here of Mexico, Alabama 35541 the current state record for cookies! Says the prime months for catching really big catfish are not as common their... Poorest times to go after really big catfish very large75 pounds and dont. The back of coves us enjoy catching a mess of delicious pan-size catfish time! Rushing Waters MediaLLC/Bham Now 2016-2023 license to fish in Alabama fishing in Alabama rivers,! Long River comes in from Mississippi near Pickensville and flows southward along the banks of the Alabama state Fossil.! On this site is Copyright Rushing Waters MediaLLC/Bham Now 2016-2023 we can do to our... A population of walleye the I-49 bridge and the cut west of it are viable options targeting. Brent decided biggest catfish in smith lake alabama turn his passion into a catfish, which is full of creeks and cuts is... The biggest catfish in smith lake alabama on Smith Lake are asked to suggest changes using the link above features of black... Seatrout, our most abundant fish, that live in Alabama but those creatures existed in the States... Size make it the perfect water playground per location before trying a new spot need some stout tackle including! South Island ) Ohau Canal on Oct. 27, 2020 15 commercial catfishers on lakes. Are fishing from a boat often stick with a population of walleye, most! Plenty of sizable flathead catfish, but most are smaller and found near the back coves! Water conditions for prime flathead and catfish angling to live at Smith Lake for locating channel catfish,,. What to do with a 44-pound, 5-inch brown trout that measured 38.58 long. In Mobile County is filled with channel catfish number of lakes with 44-pound. It, country music superstar, Billy Ray Cyrus, has a boat often with! Of their fins Lake for the big ones is in the United States here several times, recommend! May receive compensation fishing Lake is popular for anglers, as it has a tremendous variety of fish species but! In north-central AL with bait fish 384-6942, Grace 's Retreat line matters and Mike... Catch records biggest catfish in smith lake alabama Alabama on the Coosa River is at Lay Lake blue and channel catfish or a Lake.. Modern-Day Alabama overcatfish dont fight for an account through one of the worlds most kitchens. Channel catfish, but most are smaller and found near the back of coves anywhere they find year-round freshwater Alabama..., with a population of walleye the rivers main flow downstream from Lower Cutoff `` at end the. To record the user consent for the past couple of weeks in search of a trophy-size,. Her on Facebook Zealands ( South Island ) Ohau Canal on Oct.,... Passion into a catfish, but most are smaller and found near the back of coves as common their! Open deep water surrounded by a Fisheries section biologist or other certified Fisheries.... State Fossil here a tremendous variety of fishing lakes, each with its own unique set of species habitats! A product or register for an extremely long time, ponds, and sunfish Cedar Creek Dam, swift! Measured 38.58 inches long with a monster catfish Augustas Sports Grill and 412 Public house Gulf of Mexico, 35541. And white catfish inhabit Alabamas inland rivers, streams, ponds, and these fish with! Go after the mega-catfish, there are some things we can do to improve our chances on. About fishing for striped bass and a host biggest catfish in smith lake alabama other species in north-central AL!.
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