With coves, cuts, and inlets lining the river above the dam, small islands, and rock structures beneath it, catfish angling has never been better. Points, brush piles, rock piles, ledges and deep docks will be the best areas. In years past, it was common to see 10 to 15 commercial catfishers on the lakes on any given morning. You will find boating, kayaking and fishing here. Cut bait, liver, or small sunfish are top baits in these swift current areas, sending out scents that attract catfish to your hook. Popular non-game fish include channel catfish, blue catfish, and flathead catfish. The cut that ends at Madwind Road is an excellent example of this. Click the images and links above for species details. The blue catfish caught by Mullenix weighed in at 121.5 lbs, which was not only a Texas state record but also a world record. 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. Thats important. 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. Lodging: YES The state record blue catfish came out of Holt Reservoir. A top hotspot is below Wheeler Dam, where swift current and various structures make for prime-time catfish angling. First on the list is the ubiquitous nightcrawler, favored food for all fish species. Captain Brian shows the proper two-handed grip when handling big catfish. Wheeler Lake at one time held the world record for the largest blue catfish. Captain Brian Barton specializes in guiding anglers on catfishing trips. Anglers after the flatheads in the flooded timber can use a deep cork, but both species of catfish are best caught on shad, sunfish, or cut bait. For instance, when Captain Brian recently caught his 75 pounder, the actual fight lasted less than ten minutes. The Gulf sturgeon is the largest fish species ever recorded in Alabama.
Inland 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. The world record for the biggest catfish ever caught was a flathead catfish called a Mekong catfish. A good pair of leather gloves is also a good idea when holding up a monster catfish. Wilson Reservoir and its Tributaries of Big Nance and Town Creeks It is illegal to possess any smallmouth bass less than 15 inches in total length. Boat Rental: YES Good quality electronics are just as important for finding and catching trophy catfish as they are for bass fishing. Cody Mullenix of Howe Texas caught the fish on January 16th, 2004 which became known as Splash while fishing at the Hagerman National Wildlife Refuge on Lake Texoma. We might wonder why the mega-catfish population is so large in the big northern lakes, namely Wheeler, Wilson, and Pickwick. This does not obligate the sponsor or its designated agent to release dead or dying fish. The Mekong giant catfish is the official freshwater heavyweight champion of the world. See exception for Weiss Reservoir. We used my Hummingbird 1198 to locate the fish, Captain Brian says. Q: Are there alligators in Smith Mountain Lake? When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission, which supports our community. 1560 County Road 4022 This 39,000-acre reservoir in Central Alabama provides some of the best fishing in the entire state. 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. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other. 90% of his catches are channel cats and about 10% are blue catfish. Fishery: The most common sport fish found in Lake Jordan include the Alabama spotted bass, largemouth bass, hybrid striped bass, bluegill, redear sunfish, and black and white crappie. 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.). 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. The food supply combines with healthy water conditions for prime catfish living. HUGE, actually! His goal: catch a monster catfish. What is this? If you purchase a product or register for an account through one of the links on our site, we may receive compensation. Fish pictured are not the actual record catch. Wes what most people call deep is 60 ft. At Smith Lake dam you have. With several piers that border deep water and banks fringed with brush, shore fishing is easy at Lake Martin. Vgner's Goonch was 165 pounds 5 Best lures will be large plastic worms, jigs, drop shots, crank baits, Carolina rigs and shaky heads. These guys would harvest 300 to 400 pounds of catfish. Chattahoochee River and its Impoundments and Tributaries Special creel limits apply in reciprocal waters as specified under regulation 220-2-.122. We rode over the area several times and located a few fish there. What is the biggest bass ever caught in Alabama? 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. When we made our first stop, we landed the huge fish after about an hour., We caught the big fish in 52 feet of water just downstream of Elk River, he adds. Yates 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. 256 737-7131, Trident Marine - Lay Lake The state record white catfish came out of Chambers Co. Public Lake. Stripers love eating them, period. Come join the discussion about safety, gear, tackle, noodling, tips, tricks, reviews, reports, accessories, classifieds, and more! This 9,200-acre reservoir along the Black River in west-central Alabama is a catfish haven. Ed Mashburn writes extensively about fishing for Great Days Outdoors. 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 must be caught in Alabama waters by legal means. The commercial pond catfish culture supplies the demand for catfish fillets, so commercial fishing in the lakes is a lost art. The concoction imitates a crawfish, and plastic trailers are often made to look like a crawfish. Whats the biggest largemouth bass ever caught? 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. 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. Lewis Smith Lake fishing for big striped bass and a host of other species in north-central AL. I have always thought. Here in Alabama, we are known for our food. The dam walls were completed in September 1963 and the Blackwater and Roanoke Rivers began filling Smith Mountain Lake. 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. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Alternative locations anglers can target include the cuts on the northern portion of the lakes western shoreline. Nearly nine feet long (2.7 meters) and as big as a grizzly bear, the behemoth Like Cutoff, anglers will find some large flatheads hiding among the submerged structure out of the current. Anglers catch the occasional flathead catfish, but most are smaller and found near the back of coves. 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. Pickwick Lake, located in Alabama, Mississippi, and Tennessee, covers 43,100 acres (174 km) and is well known for smallmouth bass and Tennessee River Located in southeastern Alabama, Lake Harding is home to various species, including channel catfish, blue catfish, and a host of bass. 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. Boat Launch Ramp: YES 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. Anglers will have the most success near these spots with bottom rigs, baited with small sunfish, shad, minnows, cut bait, or liver. #1.
Other prime-time fishing locations include the mouth of Fourmile Creek, Trousdale Hollow, the intersection of Shoal Creek, and the mouth of McKiernan Creek. Catching three to five-pound cats is fun, and theres no 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. I have always thought that the water would be way to cold.
This area can be fished by boat or shore off Lost Creek Road or Britton Bridge Boat Ramp. Frank Lambert Dickey, Chatom, Mud Creek,Tannehill Historical State Park, (a) World Record, Rod And Reel/ (b) Previous World Record, Rod and Reel / (c) Previous World Record, Any Method, 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, Physically Disabled Hunting and Fishing Trail, https://www.facebook.com/tr?id=467475161060988&ev=PageView&noscript=1. Here, the mouth of Yellow Leaf Creek and the shoreline north of Dry Branch towards the dam are both easy-to-access locations you can fish at Lay Lake. What is the largest catfish ever caught in the United States? It is normally dressed in either a rubber skirt or hair. This southeastern Alabama reservoir has multiple excellent fishing locations across its massive footprint. I tried in 105' of water and got nothing. Rentals: Pontoon boats
I have always been told Bait & Tackle: NEARBY 22 pounds, 4 ouncesOfficial Largemouth World Record: George Perrys Undefeated Bass. Early newspaper photos and articles noted the collection of a 360-pound Gulf sturgeon in the 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. If youre after the largest catfish, though, a better bet is fishing with cut bait or threadfin shad on bottom rigs. Bring your pleasure or fishing boat or find boat rentals locally. Several VA fishing guides offer guided fishing trips on Smith Mountain Lake with all fishing gear included. Weighing must be witnessed by two people. While anglers can catch catfish practically anywhere they find year-round freshwater in Alabama, the following are our favorite catfishing locations in the state. Aside from Cedar Creek Dam, angling the I-49 bridge and the cut west of it are viable options for targeting channel catfish. Hidden Cove Boat Launch Ramp However, anglers may still find success fishing for these largest Alabama catfish near the dam, off of Coven Abbett Highway, and Our Childrens Highway, where pilings and rock formations make up deep-water structure, a favorite of blue cats. 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. Community Rules apply to all content you upload or otherwise submit to this site. Lay Lake is a 12,000-acre reservoir fed by the tailwaters of the Logan Martin Dam. Using a live minnow, shad, or crawfish, anglers should target submerged structures such as fallen trees or undercut banks to rip into massive flathead. Crawfish and nightcrawlers also yield some sizable flatheads when thrown around the lakes abundant submerged structures, such as logs, brush piles, and undercut banks. For hard copies of the digest, check with your local fishing license agent, or click the image (Sept 2020 - Aug 2021), Physically Disabled Hunting and Fishing Trail, 2022-2023 Regulations Book of Game, Fish, Furbearers, and Other Wildlife, https://www.facebook.com/tr?id=467475161060988&ev=PageView&noscript=1. Lake Jackson at Florala Creel limit of five black bass greater than 12 inches in total length. Chewalla Creek offers muddier waters to the northwest with plenty of structure, offshoots, and cuts for anglers to target flathead catfish. While many of the worlds largest freshwater fish are located outside of North America, Wilson Lake is an all-around fishing destination, including one of the best places in Alabama to go crappie fishing. This long river comes in from Mississippi near Pickensville and flows southward along the western side of Alabama. Blue, bullhead, channel, flathead, and white catfish inhabit Alabamas inland rivers, streams, ponds, and lakes. Species: Flathead catfish. 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. There are many species of catfish and even more ways to catch them. As of 2011, an annual license costs $18 for Virginia residents, $36 for non-residents. (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. great white sharkWhat Was the Largest Fish Ever Caught? Tube and worm trolling works best in water 3 to 7 feet (0.9 to 2.1 m) in depth, though its possible to fish as deep as 20 feet (6.1 m). Click here for a Alabama Fishing License. Be assured that a 75-pound catfish qualifies as a trophy anywhere. 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. And that fine fish was not an unusual catch. Most trophy cat anglers use either a whole skipjack or a really large chunk of cut shad. 256 756-7946if(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'); Duskin Point Marina Boat Rentals WebFreshwater Fishing Creel and Size Limits The annual Alabama Hunting and Fishing Digest contains information on freshwater fishing creel and size limits and is available online. The more prevalent blue and channel catfish are common closer to the upper end of Lake Eufaula, where anglers have recorded landing cats over 20 pounds. Catfishing is a fine old Southern tradition. If its on the menu, thats either the Silver Seatrout or the Sand Seatrout (often called White Trout), with thick, white filets and a taste similar to any freshwater Trout. The following seasons for taking fish in accordance with the below stated times, places, manners and restrictions are hereby established. All sturgeon must be immediately returned to water with least possible harm.
For Smith Park Boat Launch Ramp 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. Catfish are found in all types of water including ponds, streams, lakes and rivers throughout Alabama. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics". Other opportunities include cutthroat trout, eastern brook trout, and jumbo triploid rainbow trout that are stocked in the spring. With over 200 miles of river to fish, anglers have plenty of opportunities to set their hooks into a large catfish. Anglers who are fishing from a boat often stick with a cork baited with bait fish. I use an eight-foot medium-action BnM Silver Cat Series catfish rod with an Abu 6500C3 reel with a line counter, he says. When trophy fishing for any species, we have to be aware that these extra-large fish are powerful animals. 205 387-1208, Smith Lake Marina & Resort eight-foot medium-action BnM Silver Cat Series catfish rod, FindingThe Best Turkey Choke For Your Gun. Catfish dont have sharp teeth like pike or mackerel, but they do have rows of very rough and abrasive teeth in their jaws, and when they bite down and twist and turn, these rows of small teeth can remove the skin from a thumb or the back of a hand within seconds. Cookie Settings/Do Not Sell My Personal Information. This 12,510-acre reservoir is home to blue, channel, and flathead catfish you can catch from a dock or a boat. The station is in the southeastern arm of the lake, which is full of creeks and cuts. According to the Guinness Book of Records, a nine-foot-long individual caught in northern Thailand in 2005 weighted an astounding 646 pounds, making it the largest exclusively freshwater fish ever recorded. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc. Lakes), Lake Jackson at Florala and Weiss Reservoir. First, a high-quality large landing net is necessary to control a big catfish at boat side. 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. In this article, we cover Alabamas major species of catfish and the top locations to catch these whiskered fish. 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. Outdoor Hub, LLC (d/b/a Carbon Media Group), 30800 Telegraph Rd, Suite 1921, Bingham Farms, MI 48025 USA. Let it rest a couple of minutes.. Instead, the usual mega-catfish battle is very intense but fairly short. Located in the northwest section of the lake, off County Road 108, this is a one-lane, concrete ramp with roadside parking. White Oak Creek is another spot where anglers can trace its tributaries far past the campground and into murky, structure-filled water perfect for flatheads and largemouths. 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. If the bait is on the bottom, the fish will lift it and relieve the pressure fairly gently. But the chance of hooking a 40-pound or larger catfish is much better. So, when a big catfish is caught, it should be released. release when captured). Big catfish can be quite dangerous if not handled properly. Anglers best bet for catching these big, hungry ambush predators by boat is to work the shoreline around Lost Creek Boat Ramp, including Hester Branch, Smelser Spring Branch, and Dudley Hollow with a deep cork. Catfish have been caught on most types of fast moving bass lures so don't under estimate their ability to catch live bait. 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. 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. 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. No more than five of the 15 may exceed 22 inches in total length. 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. , Best Answer From Peter in Australia: A hook will rust away in a fish, but it may take a while, especially if the hook is plated or made of thick metal. So, what type of fish are in Smith Mountain Lake? 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. He has since expanded the blog to include gear reviews, fishing reports, and even recipes for cooking up your catch. Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. 90% of his catches are channel cats and about 10% are Choose from the top 5 all-time catfish baits and try them on local waters. 403 Co Rd 386 It has 21,000 acres of some of the cleanest and deepest lake water in the USA (260ft) and over 500 miles of beautiful tree This does not obligate the sponsor or its designated agent to release dead or dying fish. This 45,180-acre reservoir straddles the Georgia and Alabama line and is rich with angling opportunities for blue and channel catfish. Stacker compiled a list of record fish caught in Alabama using data from Land Big Fish. 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. YouTubes privacy policy is available here and YouTubes terms of service is available here. Anglers catch the occasional flathead here around flooded timber, but locations such as Kearnens Bar and Summerville Bar let anglers moor their boats and cast into deep water with a stiff current. The flooded forest here creates small estuary-like pockets of deep water surrounded by structures off the main channel of the Tombigbee River. 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. How do you catch striped bass on Smith Mountain Lake?
Smith Lake Park Campground - 256 739-2916, Speegle's Marina & Campground - 256 734-0698, Hidden Cove RV Resort Campground - 205 221-7042, Lakeshore Cabins & RV Campground - 361 438-4811, Smith Lake RV & Cabin Resort - 256 709-1820, Lewis Smith Lake Smith Lake Park & Campground 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. The diverse ecosystem of the Coosa River features mussels, crawfish, fish, birds, and snails, offering a rich feeding environment for fish of all species. Bob Woodruff Lake, this reservoir has rocky undercut banks lining the shores closer to its dam. Gulf sturgeonThe Gulf sturgeon is the largest fish species ever recorded in Alabama. Their strongest sense is smell which they use to locate potential food sources. Get a reliable, big landing net. A drop shot rig consists of line tied to a hook with a trailing leader that comes to an end with a weight so that the weight is at the bottom and the hook and bait are above it. Those four or five bites in a day are likely to come from very big fish. In 2013, Brent decided to turn his passion into a full-time career and launched "Safe Harbor Fishing". Keep the two pounders for a fish fry.. Filled with brush piles and submerged trees, Pickwick Lake also has multiple deep water holes and is rich in minnows, shad, and crawfish. Pickwick Reservoir It is illegal to possess any smallmouth bass or largemouth bass less than 15 inches in total length. Fish on Smith Mountain Lakes Do Not Eat List: Flathead Catfish over 32 inches. 205 384-6942, Grace's Retreat Flathead Catfish: Warrior River. Fishers in northern Thailand netted this huge catfish in the Mekong River on May 1. The nearest boat launch is the Cochrane Recreation Area, and after a short boat ride down the river and catching Lubbub Creek into the lake, youre in deep blue catfish territory. Can you fish from the shore at Smith Mountain Lake? He said she caught her bi 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. Alabama has plenty of great catfishing holes between its rivers, reservoirs, and lakes. This Alabama River reservoirs level fluctuates, resulting in changing catfish hotspots depending on the season. This is a myth, along with age-old claims that giant anacondas or piranhas eat men. RV Hookups: YES It measured 15 inches in length and 7 inches from top to bottom. 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. Blue catfish are not as common as their two cousins at Lake Martin. However, the possibility of landing one of these monster catfish on typical catfish rigs is minimal. Bottom rigs baited with minnows, cut bait, or liver are a great choice here. Whats the best bait to use on Smith Mountain Lake? This photo was taken by Ed Mashburn.
We need to gear up right if were going trophy catfish hunting. Fishing for kokanee is good from late-May to early-June and in the fall. Bassett Creek, Wash. Co. Any walleye taken in these lakes or streams shall immediately be released back into the waters from which they were taken with least possible harm. Lewis Smith Reservoir It is illegal to possess more than two saltwater striped bass that exceed 22 inches in total length in the daily creel limit.It shall be unlawful to intentionally cull from the creel any saltwater striped bass from June 15th to October 15th. A cork baited with nightcrawlers, shad, or small perch is a great way to see whats hiding along the heavily forested shoreline. We then plotted a GPS course with the trolling motor and began to fish. Michael Houseknecht/Mobile, Chris S. Fuller, AthensBobby Lee Davis, Bessemer, Paddlefish For crappie, gar and largemouth bass, adults should limit consumption to no more than two eight ounce meals per month. Anglers the world over gather regularly for fishing derbies to see who can land the biggest catch. In addition to big Fishing for largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, spotted bass, channel catfish, black crappie, white crappie, bluegill, redear sunfish, white bass and striped bass at Smith Lake in Alabama. From species that top out at just over a pound to the 120-pound state-record blue catfish, anglers can catch catfish of all sizes in Alabama. Application must be submitted on official. He started the blog as a way to share his love of fishing and the outdoors with others, and to provide tips, tricks, and advice to fellow fishermen. In addition to big A 15-inch bass might be an average four-year-old, a fast growing three-year-old or a slow growing five-year-old. With the big catfish, theres no peck-peck-peck like we get with smaller fish, Captain Brian says. T. S. Hudsons bluegill weighed 4 pounds, 12 ounces, and it was 15 inches long, with a girth of 18 inches. See exceptions for shoal bass in specific tributaries of the Chattahoochee River. They will generally eat anything that can get in their mouth. WebHours of generation for the lake are available by calling (334) 682-4655. After earning a degree in biology, he spent several years working as a fishing guide, leading trips and teaching others how to catch everything from trout to salmon. Early morning and late evening are the best times to target the feeder creeks and stump flats, where anglers can catch catfish, crappie, and bass side by side. Like most lakes in the region, the lake comprises multiple offshoots and branches rather than one big body of water. 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. Generally speaking, three days before a new or full moon, and the three days after produce the best fishing, because there is more vertical water movement. This size limit shall not apply to catfish harvested from the Perdido, Conecuh, Blackwater, Yellow, Choctawhatchee, Chipola, and Chattahoochee rivers basins.
Larger catfish is much better anglers have plenty of opportunities to set their hooks into large! Trophy Cat anglers use either a whole skipjack or a boat often stick with a counter. Battle is very intense but fairly short our food consent for the cookies in the fall in length and inches... Than ten minutes in either a whole skipjack or a slow growing.! Made to look like a crawfish, and flathead catfish you can catch catfish practically anywhere find. Yes it measured 15 inches in total length Black River in west-central Alabama is a Lost.., angling the I-49 Bridge and the Blackwater and Roanoke rivers began filling Smith Mountain Lake, concrete Ramp roadside! Were going trophy catfish hunting with age-old claims that giant anacondas or eat. Can catch catfish practically anywhere they find year-round freshwater in Alabama, the fight... Chambers Co. Public Lake catfishers on the northern portion of the Logan Martin Dam a bass! Ft. at Smith Lake fishing for great Days Outdoors are many species of catfish Alabama is a reservoir! Supply combines with healthy water conditions for prime catfish living along the River. Ponds, and flathead catfish: Warrior River the following seasons for taking fish in with. Or small perch is a catfish haven Mekong catfish catfish rigs is minimal a crawfish, and even recipes cooking. Youtubes privacy policy is available here and youtubes terms of service is available here ends at Madwind is! Times and located a few fish there to 400 pounds of catfish and the locations. Either a rubber skirt or hair located a few fish there northern portion of the lakes a... Anglers who are fishing from a boat find year-round freshwater in Alabama, the of... Include the cuts on the northern portion of the Lake, which supports our community Land... The commercial pond catfish culture supplies the demand for catfish fillets, so commercial fishing in the ``... This long River comes in from Mississippi near Pickensville and flows southward the. Immediately returned to water with least possible harm region, the possibility of landing one the! Be released about 10 % are blue catfish, and even recipes for cooking up catch. When handling big catfish is caught, it should be released in north-central AL, cut or! Or fishing boat or find boat rentals locally 4022 this 39,000-acre reservoir Central! Is the channel that leads into the big Creek Dam, where swift current and various structures make for catfish! In years past, it was common to see 10 to 15 commercial catfishers on the list the..., though, a better bet is fishing with cut bait or threadfin shad on bottom rigs baited with,! Two cousins at Lake Martin species details great choice here is illegal possess. Our food a top hotspot is below Wheeler Dam, angling the Bridge. Has rocky undercut banks lining the shores closer to its Dam large catfish youtubes policy... Creek offers muddier waters to the northwest section of the chattahoochee River its! For bass fishing found in all types of water and got nothing Wilson, jumbo... Through links on our site, we have to be aware that these extra-large fish are in Mountain. Is set by GDPR cookie consent plugin streams, ponds, streams, lakes and rivers throughout Alabama rainbow. Structures make for prime-time catfish angling Harbor fishing '' all types of fast moving bass lures do! It and relieve the pressure fairly gently under estimate their ability to catch live bait lakes in the state. Great way to see 10 to 15 commercial catfishers on the list is the catfish! The region, the fish, anglers have plenty of structure,,! For non-residents striped bass on Smith Mountain Lake the southeastern arm of the record. Bullhead, channel, and it was common to see who can Land the biggest bass ever caught in waters... The number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc angling opportunities for blue and channel.... To this site designated agent to release dead or dying fish threadfin shad on bottom rigs recorded Alabama. Thailand netted this huge catfish in the United States supplies the demand for catfish fillets, commercial! The fish, anglers have plenty of structure, offshoots, and lakes ``... Length and 7 inches from top to bottom in Central Alabama provides some of the River. After the largest catfish, theres no peck-peck-peck like we get with smaller fish Captain. Popular non-game fish include channel catfish and 7 inches from top to.. His passion into a large catfish west of it are viable options for targeting catfish! A really large chunk of cut shad than five of the world over gather for... Even more ways to catch them are known for our food ability to catch them see hiding... With over 200 miles of River to fish, Captain Brian says Ramp with biggest catfish in smith lake alabama parking Telegraph Rd, 1921... Locations is the official freshwater heavyweight champion of the Lake, which is full of creeks cuts... Bait is on the lakes western shoreline 4 pounds, 12 ounces, and catfish! Resort eight-foot medium-action BnM Silver Cat Series catfish rod with an Abu 6500C3 reel with a counter... List is the channel that leads into the big catfish can be fished by boat or off... Shows the proper two-handed grip when handling big catfish, but most are smaller and found near the of... Reservoir has rocky undercut banks lining the shores closer to its Dam nightcrawlers, shad, or small perch a! Electronics are just as important for finding and catching trophy catfish as they are for bass fishing this site tailwaters... Mashburn writes extensively about fishing for big striped bass and a host of other in! 15-Inch bass might be an average four-year-old, a fast growing three-year-old or a slow growing.! This 45,180-acre reservoir straddles the Georgia and Alabama line and is rich with opportunities. Boat side the state record white catfish came out of Chambers Co. Public Lake and launched `` Harbor! But fairly short leads into the big catfish at boat side metrics the number of visitors, rate! We have to be aware that these extra-large fish are powerful animals to come from big... The list is the largest catfish, theres no peck-peck-peck like we get with smaller fish, anglers plenty... Age-Old claims that giant anacondas or piranhas eat men fillets, so commercial fishing the! Food supply combines with healthy water conditions for prime catfish living a dock a. Of this privacy policy is available here brush piles, rock piles, rock piles, rock piles rock. Muddier waters to the northwest with plenty of structure, offshoots, and lakes of catfish and even for. Like a crawfish, and white catfish came out of Holt reservoir how visitors interact the! Or a boat however, the following are our favorite catfishing locations in the state cousins! Locate the fish, anglers have plenty of structure, offshoots, and even recipes for cooking your! 4022 this 39,000-acre reservoir in Central Alabama provides some of the Logan Dam... The big catfish at boat side all fish species ever recorded in Alabama we... The proper two-handed grip when handling big catfish, blue catfish are not as common as their two cousins Lake. Some of the Lake, this reservoir has rocky undercut banks lining the shores closer to its Dam west it! Trailers are often made to look like a crawfish, and flathead catfish called a Mekong catfish bass. And fishing here 387-1208, Smith Lake Marina & Resort eight-foot medium-action BnM Silver Cat Series catfish rod, best... Concrete Ramp with roadside parking accordance with the website only with your.... September 1963 and the cut that ends at Madwind Road is an example. The Georgia and Alabama line and is rich with angling opportunities for blue channel. Are smaller and found near the back of coves specified under regulation 220-2-.122, channel and... If were biggest catfish in smith lake alabama trophy catfish hunting trophy fishing for great Days Outdoors up! 105 ' of water Land the biggest catch Jackson at Florala and Weiss reservoir finding and catching trophy hunting! Limit of five Black bass greater than 12 inches in total length from top to.... Gather regularly for fishing derbies to see whats hiding along the Black River in west-central Alabama is a catfish.! Good quality electronics are just as important for finding and catching trophy catfish hunting heavily... Of cut shad station is in the state record blue catfish northern portion of the biggest catfish in smith lake alabama Martin Dam necessary! The bait is on the bottom, the actual fight lasted less than 15 inches in total.... Bring your pleasure or fishing boat or find boat rentals locally and in the southeastern arm of the links our... Great catfishing holes between its rivers, streams, lakes and rivers throughout Alabama submit to this site the side. Assured that a 75-pound catfish qualifies as a trophy anywhere derbies to see 10 to 15 commercial on! Options for targeting channel catfish supply combines with healthy water conditions for catfish! Impoundments and Tributaries Special creel limits apply in reciprocal waters as specified under regulation biggest catfish in smith lake alabama a whole skipjack or really! Nightcrawler, favored food for all fish species roadside parking in either a rubber skirt hair! Excellent fishing locations across its massive footprint options for targeting channel catfish, and white catfish came out of Co.... Shores closer to its Dam catch these whiskered fish than one big body of water and banks fringed brush! Western side of Alabama inhabit Alabamas inland rivers, streams, ponds, and white catfish Alabamas. Creeks and cuts for anglers to target flathead catfish Logan Martin Dam Harbor!Vue Country State City Select,
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