Alabama is a fisherman’s paradise with an abundance of lakes, reservoirs, rivers, streams and the Gulf of Mexico within or bordering the state. Freshwater and saltwater fishermen alike will experience fishing like never before almost anywhere in the state. Guided charters are available in most areas if a fisherman prefers not to venture out alone.
There are six main river systems in Alabama producing 23 large lakes. Fourteen of those lakes have produced largemouth bass big enough to be a state record in 35 other states. Many of the counties have state-operated lakes too.
Along the Tennessee River are the two largest lakes in the state. The largest lake, Lake Guntersville, located south of Huntsville, is known world-wide for its bass fishing, but it is also good fishing for a variety of bream, crappie and catfish. With over 69,000 acres and 950 miles of shoreline, this lake provides ample opportunity for any type of fisherman to catch his haul for the day. Whether casting from the shore, or in the middle of the deep Tennessee River channel, a fisherman will be kept busy for hours!
Also part of the Tennessee River is Lake Wheeler, at 67,000 acres. This is a great place to catch white crappie, largemouth bass and sunfish. The lake is located west of Huntsville.
From the Chattahoochee River flows Lake Walter F. George (also known as Lake Eufaula). Fishing at this lake, an angler may catch a variety of fish, including largemouth bass, white bass, channel catfish, crappie, and bream. Fishing from the 640 miles of shoreline is excellent. Bordering Alabama and Georgia, there is a reciprocal license agreement in effect, but the catch limit for each state differs, so visitors will need to check the local regulations.
The Coosa River produces two of the best fishing lakes – Logan Martin and Neely Henry. Located just 30 minutes east of Birmingham, Lake Logan Martin is a favorite of the best bass fishermen in the world. Just 45 minutes northeast of Birmingham, Neely Henry offers hundreds of docks from which to fish without a boat. Both lakes have produced record-breaking catches and have been hosts to a variety of fishing tournaments.
The Tallapoosa River offers Lake Martin – one of the best family-friendly fishing lakes in the state. Located 45 miles northeast of Montgomery, the lake has a large population of spotted bass.
Black Warrior River hosts Smith Lake, one of the deepest and coolest lakes in the South and is considered one of the most beautiful lakes in the United States. Thirty-pound striped bass are common and even 40-pound have been recorded. Smith Lake is also the number one spot in Alabama to catch rainbow trout. Fly-fishing is common in the area, even at night. The lighted piers make an excellent destination at night to catch a few bass or bream. This lake is located northwest of Birmingham.
For saltwater fishing, anglers have a slew of options along Alabama’s coastline. Gulf Shores, Orange Beach and Fort Morgan provide 32-miles of shoreline, and off-shore charters are offered in abundance. Fishermen will find pier fishing, surf casting and charter tours all to be rewarding choices. Orange Beach hosts an annual month-long fishing rodeo in October of each year, where cash and prizes are offered to top catches.
A fisherman cannot go wrong in Alabama – the fish are biting!
