Most fish species are represented by large numbers of individuals scattered across several river systems, but a few, known as endemic species, are restricted to a single river system, stream, spring, or cave. Daily License: If you just want to purchase a license for a day to fish in a State-owned county Public Fishing Lakes, it costs $6.45. Circumstances that require state recognition and federal protection vary from species to species. Quite unusual, even for a subterranean fish, it is the sole member of its genus. This lakes primary purpose is fishing. The licenses and their costs for 2021 are: Annual License: This license is valid from September 1 - August 31. The lower reaches of the Alabama river are home to its most significantly-sized populations. The shadow bass is a more elusive perciform due to its limited distribution. This sustained discharge rate is very important to the long-term health of Alabamas many fish species, especially during prolonged periods of drought. Thirty-three Alabama fish species were identified as Priority 1 (highest conservation concern), and 38 were identified as Priority 2 (high conservation concern), the largest number of imperiled species ever identified for the state of Alabama. Historic newspaper articles and harvest statistics indicate two anadromous species: Gulf sturgeon and Alabama shadonce migrated into the Alabama, Black Warrior, Cahaba, Coosa, Tallapoosa, and Tombigbee rivers from the late nineteenth century to about the middle of the twentieth century. The construction of high-lift dams has blocked the return of eel larvae into the upstream sections of many coastal rivers in the United States, including Alabama, resulting in smaller and smaller numbers of eels above each successive upstream dam. Required fields are marked *. Alabamas geologic formations are important factors in the diversity of the states fish communities in several ways. Alabama shad generally weigh between three and five pounds, reach a length of between 12 and 18 inches, and live four to six years. Centre, AL. Walter F. George Lake, which is best known as Lake Eufaula, is located on the Chattahoochee River between the states of Alabama and Georgia. At 69,000 acres, Lake Guntersville is Alabama's largest lake. The best time to fish for them is in fall, when they are most likely to feed in the shallows. Fish and Wildlife Service. Escambia County PFL is closed. However, it is still very rich in terms of fish species, with bass, bluegill, and channel catfish very common in the area. Alabama Shad Still, according to the Tennessee Valley Authority in 2013, it carries more fish than Lake Guntersville. The qualifications for this List of Alabama lakes is that the lake contains sports fish, is open to the public and is managed by Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources or other state or federal agencies. In the Northwest area of Alabama, Lake Pickwick has a notable crappie population and is one of the more popular crappie fishing spots in the state. Bear Creek Reservoir is a 1,500-acre lake in the northeast corner of AL, nearby Atwood. 2023 Alabama Humanities Alliance - All Rights Reserved, Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. Anglers can expect to catch largemouth bass and spotted bass. The dams greatest depth is 264 feet. Where To Fish In Alabama. Barbour County PFL *Closed for renovation*, Chambers County PFL *Closed for renovation*, Clay County PFL *Closed. Each lake is intensively managed to provide quality fishing on a sustained basis. However, Lake Martin is an excellent lake for crappie fishing in the summer and offers exceptional bass fishing. Areopening date will be announced at a later time. Learn how your comment data is processed. 1 Guntersville Lake. The Alabama Power Company owns and operates Weiss Lake in northeastern Alabama. This reserve, not so far away from Jordan Lake, has 39,000 acres of water and a 750-mile-long shoreline, making it one of the largest lakes in Alabama. Bass tournaments and recreational fishing activities generate considerable revenues for Alabamas state and local economies. pixabay/tpsdave. Their productive populations make them highly sought after as a sport and food fish. Five of 15 endemic species documented in the system have disappeared, but populations of 11 speciesincluding the Alabama cavefish, spring pygmy sunfish, and a number of dartersstill inhabit the system. Youll most likely find largemouth bass, bluegill and redear sunfish in them, but often many more species. White crappie and black crappie have become established in many lakes. Located in the far north, this lake got its name after General Joseph Wheeler. Guntersville. The largest populations of alligator gar are found in the Mobile-Tensaw Delta system. It is Alabamas deepest lake. Its slender and snake-like body is covered in fine scales, which are often difficult to see due to the thick layer of mucus covering them. Smith Lake AKA Lewis Smith Lake is a 21,000-acre lake located in north-central Alabama on the Black Warrior River, about an hour north of Birmingham. In Alabama, most individuals prefer to spend winter in the estuaries and along coastal waters, where they must feed in preparation for the upward migration in spring. The state record, which weighed a whopping 151 pounds (68 kg), was fished in the Tensaw River in 2004. This fishs diet largely consists of macroinvertebrates and small types of fish, such as minnows and darters. In addition to its rich nongame fish fauna, the Tennessee River is one of the finest fishing areas in the United States for smallmouth bass, largemouth bass, and sauger. *, Crenshaw County PFL*Closed beginning October 1, 2022*, Dallas County PFL*Closed. Its highlight may be the . Its very well-known as a great fishing location, but also as one of the best camping lakes in Alabama. Alabama has abounding waterways for freshwater fishing, and there are saltwater fishing possibilities on the coast. With a great population of largemouth bass, as well as spotted bass, its the best lake for bass-fishing in Central Alabama. The Alabama Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries Division manages 23 Public Fishing Lakes (PFLs) in 20 counties throughout the State. Alabama is home to some of the finest reef fishing on the planet, attracting thousands of anglers each year. This lake has an outstanding tailwater fishery for catfish, crappie, bass, and drum. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Male and female spring pygmy sunfish exhibit markedly different coloration. 256-779-6461. Watercress Darter As a result, it is now considered critically endangered. Lake Martin can be complex to fish in; the water transparency is high and makes fishing difficult. Guntersville, the county seat of Marshall County, is located along the shores of Lake Guntersville. Areopening date will be announced at a later time. You can find a listing of AL fishing guides here. The chain pickerel is the largest type of pike found in the state of Alabama. Rapidly increasing human population growth, Alabama is one of the most biologically diverse states in the United States and is a global hotspot of diversity for several groups of plants and animals. The latest TVA results showed that Wheeler and Guntersville's average fish each weighted about 2.1 pounds. Fishes are very important to Alabamas economy, the environmental integrity of its rivers and streams, and the recreational enjoyment of its citizens. At its completion, Lake Martin was the world's largest man-made body of water. Here, you can fish for largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, spotted bass, shoal bass, redeye bass, channel catfish, flathead catfish, blue catfish, white catfish, black crappie, white crappie, walleye, rainbow trout, bluegill, green sunfish, longear sunfish, redbreast sunfish, redear sunfish, rock bass, warmouth, white bass, yellow bass, yellow perch, stripers, alligator gar, bowfin, chain pickerel, longnose gar, muskie, paddlefish, sauger and spotted gar in local lakes, rivers, ponds and/or streams. They may also be tricky to catch as they rarely stray away from cover. Lake Guntersville has many varieties of habitat. Law Enforcement Contacts Fisheries Contacts Wildlife Contacts Lay Lake is a 12,000-acre lake located 30 miles south of Birmingham in east-central Alabama. There are plenty of bass, crappie, walleye, catfish and sunfish. Fishing Permit (Anglers 12 Years Old and Older), If Motorized, Boater Certification or Agree to Alabama PFL Boat Rental Agreement. In Alabama, the common carp can grow to enormous sizes sometimes up to three times the size of your typical largemouth bass specimen! As sport fish, grass pickerel are not as in demand as their close cousin, the northern pike. This carnivorous fish is found in many of Alabamas rivers, large streams, and estuaries. In Jefferson County, Alabama, lies a small pond that houses one of the last living populations of the endangered watercress darter. Located on the outskirts of Alexander City in Central Alabama, Lake Martin is a 39,180-acre impoundment on the Tallapoosa River with an astounding 700 miles of shoreline. A reopening date will be announced at a later time. Check out these interesting articles too: Your email address will not be published. Anadromous fish live in marine habitats most of the year and migrate into freshwater rivers in the spring to spawn. Its common name alludes to the greenish pigmentation on its sides, which may resemble the pattern of a chain. Chambers County PFL is closed due to draining and restocking. Our goal is to share our knowledge of these incredibly important ecosystems with the world! When they reach Atlantic and Gulf coastal areas, the larvae migrate into adjacent freshwater rivers and move upstream as far as possible. Able to thrive in clean springs, reservoirs, and ponds (both private and public), it can easily sustain its local numbers through the annual production of millions of juveniles. Adult Gulf sturgeons live for 30 to 40 years. [Be Surprised! Still underrated by many fishermen, Coffeeville is one of the best secluded fishing lakes in Alabama. Bits of vegetation, diatoms, algae, and small invertebrates in the tributaries of the Tennessee River keep its stomach satisfied. Washington, D.C.: Smithsonian Books, 2004. Introduced into North America via the aquarium trade and the aquaculture industry, its escapees have managed to reshape the food webs of many important lake systems. Young Gulf sturgeons actively feed on benthic (bottom-dwelling) invertebrates in freshwater rivers for one to two years before they migrate downstream into marine habitats. This site offers articles on Alabama's people, events, sports, art, literature, industry, government, plant and animal life, agriculture, recreation, and so much more. When adults reach reproductive age, they begin a long spawning migration that carries them downstream into the Gulf of Mexico, around the southern tip of Florida, and north in the Atlantic Ocean to the Sargasso Sea near the island of Bermuda. As they rely on visual cues to feed, their success rate as predators is best in high-visibility waters. Adult fish feed on benthic invertebrates and small vertebrates in the marine environment, but they never feed while in fresh water. The Alabama State record for freshwater drum of 41 pounds, 8 ounces was caught on Wilson Lake June 24, 1949 by Wilson Brock of Birmingham. The best catfish angling on the Coosa River is at Lay Lake and Lake Mitchell. 10. Unsurprisingly, one of its main predators is none other than the smallmouth bass. The best spot to fish for the channel cat is in the Alabama River specifically Miller Ferry Lake and a handful of reservoirs. It's one of Alabama's most popular lakes for tournament fishing. Over the years, this lake has grown into a popular fishing destination, offering plenty of smallmouth bass. Alabamas fish species are spread across 16 river systems in three major drainage groups. There are plenty of bass, crappie, walleye, catfish and sunfish. For fishing regulations and information about fishing in Alabama, visit the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources website. When these young eels reach adult size, the process is repeated. Alabama is revered as one of the most popular spots to fish for bass in the country. From north to south, Alabama truly has some of the best bream waters anywhere. Neely Henry is in Gadsden Alabama on the Coosa River Chain of lakes and is just one lake down below Weiss Lake where the ABT Championship will be held in October. Lake Martin stretches across Tallapoosa, Elmore, and Coosa counties in Alabama. Channel catfish are stocked in every lake during the fall. Lake Jordan is a 6,800 acred 18-mile reservoir that covers 188 miles of shoreline. It is Alabamas second-largest lake at 67,100 acres. If you are able to spot one, you should count yourself incredibly lucky! Lake Mitchell is a 5,900-acre lake located 10 miles east of Clanton in central Alabama on the Coosa River. More than 3.6 million acres of freshwater and salty wetlands support numerous freshwater and estuarine species, some of which are not found anywhere else in the state. A glimpse into the contents of its jaws reveals rows of sharp teeth. It spawns its eggs in between the columns of vegetation, where they may eventually stick to the fronds or settle on the substrate. Aside from being home to some of the best striped bass fishing in Alabama, Smith Lake is also home to urban myths, as the building of the dam flooded a town called Falls City. They are thus considered one of the smaller members of the pike family. Support freshwater habitat enhancement, aquatic wildlife species protection and restoration, conservation education, bass genetic research, sport fish disease research, invasive species management, and public water fish stockings. Lay Lake covers approximately 12,000 acres and is located about half an hour south of Birmingham. [1] These lakes range in size from 13 to 184 acres (0.7km2) for a total of 1,912 acres (8km2). Practically all of Alabamas river systems, especially those associated with planted streams, contain warmouth populations. The state of Alabama offers a variety of fishing including lakes, ponds, streams and rivers. If you are a fishing guide in Alabama or know of a good resource, please send us information for consideration. Located a bit northern from our previous two entries. Fishing begins to pick up in March and can advance through the summer for stripes and hybrids when the power company produces water. Big Creek Lake is a 3,600-acre lake in the southeast corner of the state, 15 miles west of Mobile. When was Lay Lake built? www.facebook.com . Lake Lurleen State Park is also located there. Lake Martin is arguably the most popular recreational reservoir in Alabama attracting literally hundreds of thousands of visitors annually. The lake hosts a 15,930-acre site that is 18 miles distant. February-April is an excellent time for crappie, redear sunfish, and bluegill near the bank is perfect in spring through summer. Recreational anglers catch alligator gar, black and white crappie, bluegill, redear sunfish, and largemouth and spotted bass in the rivers and their backwater areas during the spring and summer months and striped bass and white bass-striped bass hybrids during the winter months. Fishing license sales and a portion of the federal excise taxes collected on the sale of fishing-related equipment are returned to Alabama in the form of Sport Fish Restoration Funds; the Division of Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries uses the revenue to monitor the status of Alabamas game fish populations, build and maintain public boat ramps, and educate our citizens on the diversity of fishes and fishing opportunities in state waters. The states largest ever individual, which weighed around 40 pounds (18 kg), was fished in 1967. Lay Lake covers 12,000 acres (4,900 ha) and has a shoreline about 289 miles (465 km) long. You can wait to find some trophy largemouth bass, excellent Striped Bass, Black Crappie, and giant Catfish, we mean colossal river cat! Birmingham: Oxmoor House, 2003. Lay Lake. We caught up with Texas native, Bassmaster Opens EQ angler and former Bassmaster Elite Series pro Clark Reehm to . Unfortunately, rental boats arent available, so you can only fish from the shore for now. It is definitely one of the best fishing lakes in South Alabama. It's very well-known as a great fishing location, but also as one of the best camping lakes in Alabama. The Port of Decatur is positioned on Wilson Lake, the most bustling port on the Tennessee River. Alabama Fish Species & State Records The state of Alabama offers a variety of fishing including lakes, ponds, streams and rivers. When it comes to fish, the lake gets its water from the Tennessee River, with plenty of bass, sunfish, sauger, catfish, and crappie in the water. The Cost Guys is dedicated to getting you a better deal. Thats right, these shark-like fish have a diet that consists primarily of zooplankton. Surrounded by the Appalachian foothills, this section of the Tennessee River offers some of the state's best flatwater paddling and kayak fishing. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) currently lists 128 endangered or threatened species in Alabama, of which 105 are animals and 23 are plants. Individuals live in freshwater rivers for 6 to 9 years. The populations there are considered a subspecies of S. vitreus. Bluegills are found all throughout Alabama as they can persist in smaller bodies of water. Channel catfish are stocked in every lake during the winter. The latest Gulf sturgeon records in Alabama are from a 160-pound fish collected in Mobile Bay near Fairhope in 2006 and an 80-pound fish collected at the same location in 2008. Logan Martin is a 17,000-acre reservoir with an excellent range of fish, including common bream, spotted bass, striped bass, largemouth bass, and white bass. Lake offers fishing and boating, but boats are limited to 25 horspower. After spawning is completed, the adults die. Rows of sharp teeth allow it to feed on a wide range of items, including small terrestrial animals that fall into the water. facebook/Lay Lake. Alabama's Bass can reach impressive sizes. Whether you enjoy fishing, boating, swimming, or sunbathing, Alabama has it all. Alabama Wildlife. Largemouth and spotted bass are important target species for numerous bass tournaments held across the state annually. Much smaller than our previous entries, Escambia County Lake is only 184 acres wide. Fishing is an integral part of Alabamas local culture, and freshwater fish are the prize for the most skillful fishermen. This pike favors slow-moving bodies of water with ample vertical vegetation. Its populations help control the growth and spread of macroinvertebrates and, in turn, serve as a vital food source for secondary and tertiary consumers. Let us know what is your preferred one among all these lakes. You read that right, we even have jellyfish in Alabama's lakes! Official Web Site of Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, 2023 Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, 64 N. Union Street, Suite 468 - Montgomery, Alabama 36130, Crenshaw County PFL will be closed beginningOctober 1, 2022 due. It is located 15 miles south of Columbiana in east-central Alabama, famous for boating and fishing tournaments throughout the year. , 2022 *, Crenshaw County PFL * Closed beginning October 1, 2022 *, County! Are thus considered one of Alabama & # x27 ; s bass can reach impressive sizes of thousands anglers. Closed beginning October 1, 2022 *, Chambers County PFL * Closed 12,000 acres and is located the... Rental Agreement of largemouth bass and spotted bass the smallmouth bass September 1 - August.... May eventually stick to the Tennessee Valley Authority in 2013, it more! Should count yourself incredibly lucky elusive perciform due to draining and restocking south of Birmingham east-central. 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As in demand as their close cousin, the common carp can grow alabama lake fish! Gulf sturgeons live for 30 to 40 years from September 1 - August 31 items, including small animals! They may also be tricky to catch as they rarely stray away from cover Alabama the!, 15 miles south of Columbiana in east-central Alabama, visit the Alabama River home. Of items, including small terrestrial animals that fall into the contents of its main predators is none other the!