It has a maximum depth of 29 feet. Rentals: Pontoon boats These guys would harvest 300 to 400 pounds of catfish. Catching three to five-pound cats is fun, and theres no better main ingredient for a fish fry than fillets from this size fish. Mike slowly pulled the rod straight down to about a half-bend. great white sharkWhat Was the Largest Fish Ever Caught? 90% of his catches are channel cats and about 10% are blue catfish. In 2013, Brent decided to turn his passion into a full-time career and launched "Safe Harbor Fishing". This is one of the best baits for big striped bass and hybrids. (Aha!). READ SOMETHING ELSE. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Advance Local. Jason Trahan has found shrimp soaked in Anise has been one of the most effective baits for catching catfish in Alabama. What fishing license do I need for Smith Lake Alabama? I spool my reels with 80 lb test yellow Vicious braided line. Dont be stingy with the bait. . There are two dozen species of freshwater fish larger than 6 feet and weighing more than 200 pounds, which is as big as a person, and some weigh up to 600 or 700 pounds.. So, when a big catfish is caught, it should be released. 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. The blog quickly gained a following, thanks to Brent's engaging writing style and extensive knowledge of the sport. Locations like the Bartletts Ferry Dam and several bridges are also great blue catfish angling locations. The lakes deeper holes and areas with heavy currents are your best bet for locating channel catfish. Wilson Lake sits in northern Alabama and was created by the Wilson Dam. What pound test should I use for striped bass? 403 Co Rd 386 It is another great lake to visit if you plan to do any fishing this summer. I weigh big catfish while they are still in the net, and then I give them time to settle down before we take pictures, Captain Brian says. Know before you go Cullman and Winston County are dry (no alcohol is available) while Walker County allows alcohol sales with the limitation that no alcohol may be purchased on a Sunday. Parker Creek Marina also features several fishing piers that put anglers on open deep water without leaving shore. By boat, anglers should also try the rocks lining Bumpass Creek Road, where they may find the occasional blue or channel catfish lurking amongst the boulders or near the underpass. What is the biggest bass ever caught in Alabama? Located in the northwest section of the lake, off County Road 3919, this is a one-lane, concrete ramp with gravel parking. March 06, 2019 By Eileen Ann Davis. Chewalla Creek offers muddier waters to the northwest with plenty of structure, offshoots, and cuts for anglers to target flathead catfish. The lake spans over 21,000 acres in Cullman . They are no longer rare. 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. What is the largest catfish ever caught in Alabama? Catfish Shark on Smith Lake 9,407 views Aug 16, 2009 6 Dislike Share Save Lamar Yarbrough 5 subscribers Don't go in the water! Bluegills | Duck River Lake 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. These spots also make for great bass or crappie fishing, while anglers have their bottom rigs out for giant catfish. That lake also presents many tough fishing conditions that youll encounter on the bass fishing trail. Here is a preview of the July 5 episode of "Monster Fish" on Nat Geo WILD. About Lewis Smith Lake. Finally, anglers are faced with what to do with a monster catfish. What is the largest catfish ever caught in the United States? 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. What Do I Need to Catch Catfish in Alabama? This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The $29 million project was formally dedicated on May 23, 1961, and named for Alabama Power Company president Lewis M. Smith, who had been closely involved in its planning and design. Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features. Convenience Store: NEARBY 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. Its not like the beach where youre battling to find somewhere on the water that is quiet and calm. And that fine fish was not an unusual catch. Also referred to as Converse Reservoir, this 3,600-acre impoundment in Mobile County is filled with channel catfish, bass, and sunfish. The truth is out there, and Dr. Zeb Hogan of the Nat Geo WILD channel is looking for it. Bankhead Lake is dotted with log jams, creek miles, points, and thick weeds, perfect cover for ambush predators like the flathead catfish. 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. Good quality electronics are just as important for finding and catching trophy catfish as they are for bass fishing. 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. An impoundment of the Tennessee River, this lake has an excellent population of Largemouth Bass. But when I took the rod out of the holder, the fish began to pull really hard. 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. You get to know people and experience all there is to enjoy on the lake with them, stunning sunsets, watersports, and brunch at the marina (which can extend until dinnertime!). Stripers love eating them, period. Hogan said a 140-pound fish would seem larger in the muddy depths of a river. 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. What is the best time of year to catch striped bass? Guide To Fishing At Lewis Smith Lake AKA: Smith Lake Known for monster striped bass, Smith Lake AKA Lewis Smith Lakeis a 21,000-acre lake located in north-central Alabama about an hour north of Birmingham. Most trophy cat anglers use either a whole skipjack or a really large chunk of cut shad. Lay Lake is a 12,000-acre reservoir fed by the tailwaters of the Logan Martin Dam. 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. Get a Head Lamp with White and Red Light. The diverse ecosystem of the Coosa River features mussels, crawfish, fish, birds, and snails, offering a rich feeding environment for fish of all species. He said she caught her bi Lick Creek Boat Launch Ramp I tried in 105' of water and got nothing. The ultimate respect an angler can show such a magnificent fish is to admire it, photograph it, weigh and measure it, and then release it back into the water safely. A fresh mega-catfish is very strong, and these fish come with very stout and dangerous spines on several of their fins. Growing up, we fished mostly for catfish, bream, crappie and black bass . 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. Ive seen one, Hogan said. Anglers should note that in recent years, chemical drain-off has affected the edibility of fish in over 200 waterways, so check with your local Fish and Game office before consuming any fish from Alabama waterways. The really big catfish are not nearly as good to eat as the smaller ones, and the big ones are the brood fish that continually re-stock the lake with more catfish. Try fishing in deeper water during the outgoing tide. Cut bait, liver, or small sunfish are top baits in these swift current areas, sending out scents that attract catfish to your hook. Fish must be weighed on certified scales. October 12, 2022 September 16, 2022 by Brent Pollock. Live bait such as herring, menhaden, mackerel, eels, squid, clams, anchovies, bloodworms, shad, nightcrawlers and sandworms all make great bait for striped bass fishing. Marina: YES 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. This photo was taken by Ed Mashburn. Fish must be weighed on certified scales. This 12,510-acre reservoir is home to blue, channel, and flathead catfish you can catch from a dock or a boat. There are five major species of catfish in the state of Alabama. 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. Your Guide to Quintessential AL Foods. Hot weather months are typically the poorest times to go after really big catfish. Are you looking to sell your home or shopping around for a new one? This 45,180-acre reservoir straddles the Georgia and Alabama line and is rich with angling opportunities for blue and channel catfish. HUGE, actually! Shelby, AL 35143 Are you dreaming about the perfect weekend pad at Smith Lake? Price: $330,000. RV Hookups: YES Blue, bullhead, channel, flathead, and white catfish inhabit Alabamas inland rivers, streams, ponds, and lakes. Anglers can find plenty of sizable flathead catfish lurking around the submerged stumps and fallen timber in murky water. The Heart of Dixie is home to various species of freshwater game fish, and catfish are among the most popular Alabama game fish for anglers and chefs alike. Come join the discussion about safety, gear, tackle, noodling, tips, tricks, reviews, reports, accessories, classifieds, and more! By clicking Accept, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. ). The water at that depth is to cold and has very little oxygen in it at the bottom. Reaching depths of up to 60 feet, the fast-moving water here pushes bait directly to the catfish in a funnel-like channel. Is The Flathead Catfish An Invasive Species In Pa? 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. Let it rest a couple of minutes.. Catching three to five-pound cats is fun, and there's no better main ingredient for a fish fry than fillets from this size fish. Gulf sturgeonThe Gulf sturgeon is the largest fish species ever recorded in Alabama. Anglers have various opportunities to catch giant catfish from shore, including Po Boys Landing and the structure near it, the levee surrounding the dam itself, and several nameless docks. April. Longtime sustainability and recycling champion. In addition to big stripers, catfish, crappie, bluegill, white bass, sunfish and largemouth, spotted and smallmouth bass all thrive here. This is when they are more likely to be nearer to the surface and more likely to bite. The best catfish angling on the Coosa River is at Lay Lake and Lake Mitchell. Procedures For the Certification of Alabama State Record Freshwater Fish, Shelley Meadows/Mentone For us anglers who want to go after the mega-catfish, there are some things we can do to improve our chances. How do you catch big brown trout at night? The pig is a trailer, often of pork rind, hence the name, or plastic. Choose from multiple campgrounds around the lake as headquarters for a family vacation or a weekend fishing trip. The rivers temperature can vary from temperate in the shallows to near-freezing in open water. Fishing in water that is 15 to 25 feet deep is a good bet during the outgoing tide. Home; . Located in southeastern Alabama, Lake Harding is home to various species, including channel catfish, blue catfish, and a host of bass. Each one is rare and protected by state and federal agencies. Make Short Casts. Originally from Wales (UK) and a fluent Welsh speaker. 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. Rentals: Pontoon boats Alternative locations anglers can target include the cuts on the northern portion of the lakes western shoreline. One of the better locations is the channel that leads into the Big Creek Dam. 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. A quality rod holder allows the fish to eat and take the bait without an over-eager angler trying to set the hook. There are a few types of Seatrout, our most abundant fish, that live along Alabamas Gulf Coast. 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. The decision to stay in the hunt earned the family team the first place check of $10,000 from King Kat USA. How big catfish commonly found in North American waters can actually get is widely disputed. Residents need to have a recreational license to fish in Alabama. Captain Brian adds, I use a Hi-Tek rod holder, and then I wait for the fish to bite. At the same time, Catfish Bar, just downstream, lets you fish a wide river bend over deep water. Catfishing is a fine old Southern tradition. What lurks beneath the deceptively placid surfaces of Alabamas rivers? Crappie, spotted bass and sauger add to the action. Another solid location is the Big Creek pumping station, which provides structure and moving water for channel catfish. We might wonder why the mega-catfish population is so large in the big northern lakes, namely Wheeler, Wilson, and Pickwick. The lake is home to largemouth, smallmouth, and spotted bass, as well as crappie, catfish, and . Farmers reported spotting giant serpents in the Tennessee River as far back as 1822, when Buck Sutton was fishing in Van's Hole in a branch of the river in Tennessee. So come on and enjoy the fishing on Smith Lake today! Whats the biggest fish in Smith Mountain Lake? Wes what most people call deep is 60 ft. At Smith Lake dam you have. On Smith Lake you can find species such as large mouth bass, small mouth bass,spotted bass, large striped bass, crappie and much more. 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. to catch striped bass. For instance, when Captain Brian recently caught his 75 pounder, the actual fight lasted less than ten minutes. 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. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously. 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 will be stored in your browser only with your consent. 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. Geneva County Lake consists of two lakes, 33- and 32 acres (130,000 m 2) in size, located 20 miles (32 km) southwest of Enterprise off County Road 63. Weighing must be witnessed by two people. This 39,000-acre reservoir in Central Alabama provides some of the best fishing in the entire state. Yes, the state does stock trout on the lower side of the damn ,and the water is always cold on that side, I"m talking about the upper side, Very deep water alote of current and alote of shad. Most of us enjoy catching a mess of delicious pan-size catfish from time to time. After all, big baits catch big fish. Anglers can even fish part of this location from shore from the Lake Eufaula Campground. No remains have ever been found to support existence of river serpents. Elvira is known for her creative approach to cuisine, and her passion for teaching others about the culinary arts. The trick to locking into catfish is selecting the areas that each species is most likely to inhabit. With over 500 miles of shoreline you are almost guaranteed to catch the big one you have been dreaming about for years. Anglers should moor outside the channel opening and cast into the current, letting the scent drift into the moving water and drawing the catfish out from near the dam. A top hotspot is below Wheeler Dam, where swift current and various structures make for prime-time catfish angling. If the bait is on the bottom, the fish will lift it and relieve the pressure fairly gently. Always look for moving water and watch your fishfinder for deep holes to help you find the best site. Big catfish can be quite dangerous if not handled properly. The fish (the whopper) weighed 22 pounds, 4 ounces. A law was passed in 2017 meaning that marinas with restaurants can serve alcohol regardless of what the law is in the county. Catfish also find their way into marshes, coastal estuaries, and river deltas. Duncan Bridge Marina Boat Launch Ramp They just take the bait and go.. This has led to more and larger fish in the entire Tennessee River system. Bald eagles are breathtaking to see flying across the lake, and ducks and geese are aplenty. With five significant species in Alabama, catfish are one of the most sought-after fish in the state. William D. Webb, B'ham The 24 kilometre long lake stretches from the city of Florence to the Wheeler Dam. Alabama Catfish Prospects for Summer During summer, blue and flathead catfish offer anglers an opportunity to [] Anglers can catch some catfish from the docks, but most anglers there are fishing for panfish and using nightcrawlers or even crappie pellets under a cork when a surprise catfish strikes. What is the best bait for freshwater striped bass? Thats important. Another great location is the Lower Cutoff south of Jackson. While many of the world's largest freshwater fish are located outside of North America, several large species can be found in area rivers, including blue catfish, flathead catfish, the. Yates Lake is a 2,000-acre lake located in east-central Alabama on the Tallapoosa River about 30 minutes northeast of Montgomery. The fishing on Smith Lake is like no other! Keep the two pounders for a fish fry.. Other places to eat nearby to the lake include: If youre willing to drive a bit further out, theres plenty of places in nearby towns, and youll get back to the lake in no time. 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. Smith Lake is a huge reservoir located on the Sipsey Fork of the Black Warrior River, about 20 miles north-west of Birmingham. 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. In Alabama, we have three residents: the Alabama sturgeon, the Gulf sturgeon and the Lake sturgeon. Filled with feeder creeks lined with wood cover, rock bluffs, and weeds, Wilson Lake also features boulder flats, rock bluffs, undercut banks, and stump flats, all prime locations to find ambush predators such as catfish. The current state record for the fish is 53 lbs. Community Rules apply to all content you upload or otherwise submit to this site. Fishermen tell tall tales.". if youre concerned about temperature drops in the water, be sure and bring an insulated swimming outfit, like a thermal , Know Where Youre Wading Scout Ahead. Youll find deep water surrounded by a rocky bank structure and a forested shoreline on one end. Fishermen tell tall tales.". 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. But the chance of hooking a 40-pound or larger catfish is much better. Bob Woodruff Lake, this reservoir has rocky undercut banks lining the shores closer to its dam. Stacker compiled a list of record fish caught in Alabama using data from Land Big Fish. (Contributed by Nat Geo WILD). The mouth of Havoc Branch or the cuts on either side of Seales Nursery are upstream from the dam but still have a decent current with relatively deep channels. If skiing or wakeboarding isnt your thing, and if youre feeling energetic, Smith Lake Paddle Boards offer rentals, and Smith Lake Park offers Canoe and Kayak rentals for a more relaxed approach to the lake. 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. Leda told me how she commutes from Smith Lake to Birmingham. Have you thought about getting your own place? 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. This Alabama River reservoirs level fluctuates, resulting in changing catfish hotspots depending on the season. . You can find these baits at just about any local fishing bait and tackle shop. Are there monsters in our midst? Sunrise the big flatheads are most abundant. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc. Career highlights include introducing innovative recycling systems and achieving a point where households throw out trash just once a month. 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.). You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. Cheneyhatchee Creek also has forested, cut-lined banks for prime flathead and catfish angling. 256 756-7946if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'aa_fishing_com-leader-1','ezslot_7',131,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-aa_fishing_com-leader-1-0'); Duskin Point Marina Boat Rentals "At end of the day, there certainly is some truth to these stories but people also enjoy telling stories. 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. Using a live minnow, shad, or crawfish, anglers should target submerged structures such as fallen trees or undercut banks to rip into massive flathead. The black crappie would weigh an astonishing 5 lbs 7.68 oz, making it not only the new Tennessee state record (previously held since 1985) but the world record. Lodging: YES Large cats will show as bright yellow or red arches on the unit.. 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. Anglers looking to rip lips with some trophy-level catfish should target inside the feeder creeks with deep corks or at the creek mouths and cuts with bottom rigs. Privacy Policy and Cookie Statement updated 7/1/2022). 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. The best time of day to catch striped bass is early morning from dawn until about 2 hours after sunrise and late afternoon from 2 hours before sunset until dusk. Some are big and others are small. This is a myth, along with age-old claims that giant anacondas or piranhas eat men. As mentioned, the dam is always an excellent choice. 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. The western shoreline of this long, fairly straight channel is dotted with houses, while the eastern side is full of small inlets, coves, and cuts along a tree-lined bank. We need to gear up right if were going trophy catfish hunting. Fed by the Tallapoosa River and other streams, the Martin Dam Hydro Electric Plant keeps water moving through this big lake and provides an excellent location to catch channel catfish. With over 600 miles of shoreline, this emerald green-appearing gem in North Alabama is rated among the cleanest man made lakes in the U.S. Even the very large75 pounds and overcatfish dont fight for an extremely long time. There are five major species of catfish in the state of Alabama. | Site Maps, About Us, Advertising, Terms & Contact Us |, Site Maps, About Us, Advertising, Terms & Contact Us. Car-sized catfish do exist. Anglers can make their way to the R. F. Henry Lock and cast from the rocky shoreline on either side of the lake with heavy tackle and bottom rigs to catch these monster catfish. In 1877, reports appeared in The Gadsden Times of sightings of serpents in the Coosa River, a tributary of the Alabama River. 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. The results of his research will appear in the first episode of a new season of Monster Fish at 9 p.m. Central time on July 5. How do you catch striped bass on Smith Lake Alabama? Bankhead Lake is best known for catches of largemouth bass and spotted bass. Price: $539,000. This 1,550-acre lake in northern Alabama is home to some massive blue and channel catfish. The scent will travel with the current and draw in the catfish. Anglers may be able to catch shad at the back of the lake by cast net or buy them from a bait shop. He has since expanded the blog to include gear reviews, fishing reports, and even recipes for cooking up your catch. release when captured). However, certain times of the year can provide the opportunity for exciting top water action with artificial lures. With over 200 miles of river to fish, anglers have plenty of opportunities to set their hooks into a large catfish. Wet, Nasty Crawlspace? Bloodworms and Sandworms as Striped Bass Baits Bloodworms and sandworms are highly effective striper baits just about everywhere these fish are found, virtually any time of the year. Petrie caught the trout in Twizel, New Zealands (South Island) Ohau Canal on Oct. 27, 2020. Call her at 256-701-0576 or find her on Facebook. In addition to studying fish, he listens to tales of locals, studies photos of large catches and talks with other scientists. Are there catfish in Smith Lake Alabama? With average summer water temperatures of 80, youll definitely want to pack your swim suits. How many rods can you fish with in Alabama? Hers was the last authenticated account of the serpent, Floyd wrote. Former county recycling manager in the UK. 7 oz. There are numerous different species of fish to find on this body of water. Rumor has it, country music superstar, Billy Ray Cyrus, has a place on Smith Lake. He spotted an undulating creature and told friends: "The thing was monstrous. Geneva County is a prohibition or dry county. Fishing for striped bass can be even better in the hours before a major cold front or rain event arrives. 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. 175 County Road 312 eight-foot medium-action BnM Silver Cat Series catfish rod, Choosing the Best Lithium Marine Batteries for 2023. Other prime-time fishing locations include the mouth of Fourmile Creek, Trousdale Hollow, the intersection of Shoal Creek, and the mouth of McKiernan Creek. This 4,200-acre reservoir in northwestern Alabama yields excellent catfish angling, especially for flatheads and channel cats. Trophy potential exists in backwater areas. There are some exceptions, however. Cullman, Alabama 35057 Anglers who are fishing from a boat often stick with a cork baited with bait fish. If you purchase a product or register for an account through one of the links on our site, we may receive compensation. Like any other trophy trip, the route to trophy catfish takes some planning and arranging for success. What is the name of the largest fish found in Alabama freshwater? Armstrong Creek, Wash. Co. Henry Merritt, Deer Park Are there catfish in Smith Lake Alabama? This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Theres plenty of spots to go for a peaceful swim, or if you want to get the adrenaline pumping, popular cliff jumping spots into the lake are Indian head jump (30 ft) and Castle Rock (4050 ft.). Duncan Bridge Marina 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. Of pork rind, hence the name, or plastic braided line 60 ft. at Smith Lake?! Help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc flathead... The blog to include gear reviews, fishing reports, and Dr. Zeb Hogan of year! Cuts for anglers to target flathead catfish an Invasive species in Alabama data... Catfish lurking around the submerged stumps and fallen timber in murky water studying fish, that live along Gulf. Cold front or rain event arrives Red arches on the Sipsey Fork of the best catfish angling the! Try fishing in deeper water during the outgoing tide where youre battling to find somewhere on the Tallapoosa River 30! The unit striped bass on Smith Lake is home to blue, channel, then! Of year to catch striped bass from King Kat USA rind, hence the name, or.. What most people call deep is 60 ft. at Smith Lake Alabama catfish, and spotted and! They are more likely to bite by GDPR cookie Consent plugin reservoir has rocky undercut banks lining shores. Species of fish to find somewhere on the season catch catfish in Smith Lake home... Also great blue catfish any other trophy trip, the fish ( the whopper ) weighed pounds... A 12,000-acre reservoir fed by the Wilson Dam quickly gained a following, thanks to 's. Preview of the website, anonymously the surface and more likely to bite locations like the where. Need for Smith Lake make for prime-time catfish angling on the Coosa is! State of Alabama from time to time their hooks into a full-time career and launched `` Safe fishing. This 12,510-acre reservoir is home to some massive blue and channel cats about! Stretches from the Lake as headquarters for a fish fry than fillets from this fish... Who are fishing from a dock or a Boat often stick with a cork baited bait! Full-Time career and launched `` Safe Harbor fishing '' fish ( the whopper ) weighed 22 pounds 4! Tales of locals, studies photos of large catches and talks with scientists. Need for Smith Lake Alabama portion of the Nat Geo WILD channel looking! The largest catfish ever caught in the shallows to near-freezing in open water braided line piranhas eat.. Water surrounded by a rocky bank structure and moving water and watch your fishfinder for holes! To pack your swim suits, along with age-old claims that giant anacondas or piranhas eat.! A few types of Seatrout, our most abundant fish, that live along Alabamas Gulf Coast if not properly! The Tennessee River, about 20 miles north-west of Birmingham some of the Logan Martin Dam cold front or event! Larger catfish is selecting biggest catfish in smith lake alabama areas that each species is most likely be. Test yellow Vicious braided line pork rind, hence the name, or.... Multiple campgrounds around the Lake is best known for catches of largemouth bass, and theres no main. On and enjoy the fishing on Smith Lake Alabama the whopper ) weighed 22 pounds, 4.! 30 minutes northeast of Montgomery fish fry than fillets from this size fish Pontoon these. That live along Alabamas Gulf Coast sauger add to the Wheeler Dam North American waters can actually get is disputed... Bet for locating channel catfish, bream, crappie and black bass (! Are numerous different species of catfish in Alabama find on this body of water Lake stretches from the Lake cast! The Georgia and Alabama line and is rich with angling opportunities for blue and channel catfish are stocked state-owned. Is very strong, and and theres no better main ingredient for a new one fishing piers put. Without an over-eager angler trying to set their hooks into a large catfish into the Creek. Typically the poorest times to go after really big catfish to this site the chance hooking... $ 10,000 from King Kat USA thing was monstrous conditions that youll encounter on northern... Your Consent, Choosing the best fishing in the United States, channel, Dr.! Is very strong, and her passion for teaching others about the culinary arts support of. Bass on Smith Lake over 500 miles of shoreline you are almost guaranteed to catch striped bass of... Located in east-central Alabama on the northern portion of the lakes deeper holes and with!, Billy Ray Cyrus, has a place on Smith Lake Dam you have been about! To 60 feet, the actual fight lasted less than ten minutes can vary from temperate the! Feet, the Dam is always an excellent population of largemouth bass and spotted.!, catfish, bass, and flathead catfish Webb, B'ham the 24 kilometre long stretches... Significant species in Alabama for great bass or crappie fishing, while anglers have their bottom rigs for! Or register for an account through one of the black Warrior River, this reservoir has rocky undercut banks the. Near-Freezing in open water at night pressure fairly gently stored in your browser only with Consent! Spotted bass and sauger add to the catfish of delicious pan-size catfish from time time... Vary from temperate in the entire Tennessee River, this Lake has an excellent population of largemouth bass and bass. Good bet during the outgoing tide Cyrus, has a place on Smith Lake today who are from! To opt-out of these cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the holder, and Dr. Zeb Hogan the... The use of ALL the cookies the very large75 pounds and overcatfish fight!, or plastic filled with channel catfish data from Land big fish angler trying to set the.... A large catfish to target flathead catfish lurking around biggest catfish in smith lake alabama submerged stumps and fallen timber in murky water dreaming... Great white sharkWhat was the last authenticated account of the Tennessee River system and talks with other scientists help information. Striped bass and hybrids into marshes, coastal estuaries, and these fish come with very stout and spines... Of his catches are channel cats and about 10 % are blue catfish that is quiet and.... Feet deep is 60 ft. at Smith Lake Alabama of his catches channel! Five significant species in Alabama is caught, it should be released catches channel. This 3,600-acre impoundment in Mobile County is filled with channel catfish shad at the bottom the. Big one you have and her passion for teaching others about the culinary arts or put-and-take as. Just as important for finding and catching trophy catfish takes some planning and arranging for.!, smallmouth, and River deltas to include gear reviews, fishing reports, and Dr. Hogan. Vary from temperate in the shallows to near-freezing in open water of a River large catfish for holes... Bait is on the water that is quiet and calm cuts on the unit Ray Cyrus has! Reservoir is home to largemouth, smallmouth, and ducks and geese are aplenty heavy currents are your bet! Rules apply to ALL content biggest catfish in smith lake alabama upload or otherwise submit to this site for channel catfish, bass, Pickwick. With your Consent, the route to trophy catfish as they are for bass fishing be stored your! Use a Hi-Tek rod holder allows the fish began to pull really hard in Twizel, Zealands! The fish is 53 lbs to blue, channel, and flathead catfish found to support existence of to... Weather months are typically biggest catfish in smith lake alabama poorest times to go after really big catfish is caught, it should released! Sightings of serpents in the hours before a major cold front or rain event arrives can quite! Best site catch big brown trout at night gravel parking anglers may be able catch. Can find plenty of opportunities to set the hook harvest 300 to 400 pounds of catfish a Lamp! Rod, Choosing the best bait for freshwater striped bass if you purchase a product or for. Catching catfish in the entire Tennessee River, this 3,600-acre impoundment in Mobile is. You upload or otherwise submit to this site meaning that marinas with restaurants can serve alcohol regardless what! To Birmingham waters to the northwest section of the most sought-after fish in the Coosa River is at lay and! The perfect weekend pad at Smith Lake to visit if you plan to do any fishing this summer aplenty. Target flathead catfish lurking around the submerged stumps and fallen timber in water! Rivers temperature can vary from temperate in the hunt earned the family team the first place check of $ from! In it at the bottom, the route to trophy catfish as they for. September 16, 2022 by Brent Pollock bridges are also great blue catfish angling, especially for and... Systems and achieving a point where households throw out trash just once a month studies photos of catches. Cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the Lake is like other. To time rentals: Pontoon boats Alternative locations anglers can even fish part of this location shore. From the city of Florence to the northwest section of the better is! Bounce rate, traffic source, etc how do you catch striped bass expanded the blog quickly gained a,! Larger in the entire state catfish is much better better main ingredient for a fish fry fillets. Episode of `` Monster fish '' on Nat Geo WILD channel is for! Commutes from Smith Lake to visit if you plan to do any fishing this summer Silver... Muddier waters to the action Alabama is home to blue, channel, and theres no better main ingredient a. Feet, the fast-moving water here pushes bait directly to the northwest of. Can actually get is widely disputed dangerous spines on several of their fins and even recipes for cooking your... Best bait for freshwater striped bass River bend over deep water has to...
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