Sherril Harris, Sylacauga, Lake Martin, Tallapoosa Co. A 280-mile-long tributary of the Alabama River, the Coosa River is a heavily developed body of water with multiple impoundments, dams, lakes, and of course, lots of big catfish. The pig is a trailer, often of pork rind, hence the name, or plastic. A number of guides on the major north Alabama lakes can put anglers on these monster catfish. Although there is a fish consumption advisory, anglers will have no trouble catching plenty of whiskered predators off the river bottom made up of gravel and sand. What state has the biggest largemouth bass? I have always thought. As mentioned, the dam is always an excellent choice. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. These small fish are the best bait for the bottom rigs used at this location. READ SOMETHING ELSE. 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. Wet, Nasty Crawlspace? April and May are the prime time. The fish (the whopper) weighed 22 pounds, 4 ounces. These guys would harvest 300 to 400 pounds of catfish. 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. Dont be stingy with the bait. I slide a one to two-ounce egg sinker up on the line, and then I place a bead between the sinker and a barrel swivel. Fish must be identified by an Alabama Fisheries Section biologist or other certified fisheries biologist. We need to gear up right if were going trophy catfish hunting. 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. Blue catfish are not as common as their two cousins at Lake Martin. This 39,000-acre reservoir in Central Alabama provides some of the best fishing in the entire state. Sunrise the big flatheads are most abundant. Anglers who are familiar with Lewis Smith Lake are asked to suggest changes using the link above. Former county recycling manager in the UK. Like any other trophy trip, the route to trophy catfish takes some planning and arranging for success. Lay Lake is a 12,000-acre reservoir fed by the tailwaters of the Logan Martin Dam. They also make an awesome Sunset Margarita. 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. 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. Lewis Smith Lake has the following amenities based off of . How do you catch striped bass on Smith Lake Alabama? However, boat anglers can moor out of the main river flow by ducking behind the small concrete structure on the dams right side and casting into the stronger current. Fishing for trophy catfish is a bait and wait process. 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. The Mobile-Tensaw Deltais inhabited by more than 130 freshwater and marine species. The largest Mekong cat ever caught weighed more than 600 pounds. So the fish will be suspended in the upper third of the water. Rumor has it, country music superstar, Billy Ray Cyrus, has a place on Smith Lake. to catch striped bass. 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. Scientists believe people likely were witnessing exceptionally large species of fish that live in Alabama rivers. What is the largest catfish ever caught in the United States? In addition to big stripers, catfish, crappie, bluegill, white bass, sunfish and largemouth, spotted and smallmouth bass all thrive here. Catfishing Fall Catfishing for Trophy Flatheads on Lay Lake Apex predators, flatheads don't conform to catfishing stereotypes. 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. Captain Brian reminds us that most of these big catfish have spines that are not nearly as sharp as the ones found on five-pound or smaller catfish, but the trophy-sized fish have a lot more weight and muscle to propel their spines. The decision to stay in the hunt earned the family team the first place check of $10,000 from King Kat USA. Pickwick has around two miles of the public swimming beach, but it is unsupervised. Get a Head Lamp with White and Red Light. 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. Located in the northeast section of the lake, off County Road 386, this is a six-lane, concrete ramp with docks and massive, paved parking. Hoover resident Carol DiPlacido talked with me about her familys decision to purchase a weekend lakeside cabin on Smith Lake, and it turns out being easy and quick to get to was an important factor. 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-lined coastline. Holt Reservoir is a modest sized 3,296-acre lake on the Black . Plus, it makes catching striped bass a lot more fun. I love that were just an hour away from Birmingham on the Cullman side of the lake. I caught several small fish, but I had no luck on a fish over 30 pounds. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. A top hotspot is below Wheeler Dam, where swift current and various structures make for prime-time catfish angling. 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. They are worthy of respect. Captain Brian says the prime months for catching really big catfish are September through March. Hogan said a 140-pound fish would seem larger in the muddy depths of a river. Stripers love eating them, period. 205 388-0662. For instance, when Captain Brian recently caught his 75 pounder, the actual fight lasted less than ten minutes. This is where and how these big fish are targeted on Lay Lake. Located in the northwest section of the lake, off County Road 108, this is a one-lane, concrete ramp with roadside parking. 256 338-1741, Trident Marina Anglers catch the occasional flathead catfish, but most are smaller and found near the back of coves. Fishermen tell tall tales.". Finally, anglers are faced with what to do with a monster catfish. 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. Located in the southwest section of the lake, at the east end of the State Route 41 Bridge, this is a three-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking. Even though a big part of staying at the lake is grilling out and watching the sun go down over the water, sometimes its nice to have somebody else do the cooking! "My job as a scientist is to separate fact from fiction but 'fact' is already amazing and unbelievable enough," Hogan said. 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. 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. No remains have ever been found to support existence of river serpents. 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 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. Get outdoor trends, data, new products, and tips delivered to your inbox. I tried in 105' of water and got nothing. The bridges funnel the water through with a current just south of Chewalla Creek. Its small town living., This is echoed by ARC Realtys Leda Mims, Ive been coming to the lake since I was nine years old. Each one is rare and protected by state and federal agencies. The Western side of Smith Lake is crowned by the 180,000 acre Bankhead National Forest,and the Sipsey Wilderness home to Alabamas largest tree, the Big Tree. 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. 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. Blue, bullhead, channel, flathead, and white catfish inhabit Alabamas inland rivers, streams, ponds, and lakes. Its a joy to live at Smith Lake!. 1560 County Road 4022 Crawfish and nightcrawlers also yield some sizable flatheads when thrown around the lakes abundant submerged structures, such as logs, brush piles, and undercut banks. 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. HUGE, actually! All content on this site is Copyright Rushing Waters MediaLLC/Bham Now 2016-2023. Anglers looking to chase flatheads should work near the bank above the dam and target likely locations, such as near the mouths of Coon Creek and Sougahatchee Creek. A 15-inch bass might be an average four-year-old, a fast growing three-year-old or a slow growing five-year-old. She has worked in some of the worlds most prestigious kitchens, and has published several cookbooks that have become bestsellers. The lake is popular for anglers, as it has an abundance of catfish, largemouth bass and smallmouth bass. Smith Lake does have a slot limit between 13-15 inches in length, and it is illegal to possess a black bass that measures in the slot. His goal: catch a monster catfish. Wes what most people call deep is 60 ft. At Smith Lake dam you have. Located in southeastern Alabama, Lake Harding is home to various species, including channel catfish, blue catfish, and a host of bass. A favorite location of crappie anglers, the lakes stump field is best known for producing solid slabs consistently. First, timing is important. 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. Dont be surprised if it takes some time to hook into a catfish, which scatter throughout the lake. Career highlights include introducing innovative recycling systems and achieving a point where households throw out trash just once a month. In exotic locales, yes. 90% of his catches are channel cats and about 10% are blue catfish. With over 500 miles of shoreline everyone can wet a line and know there is that chance of catching the fish of a lifetime. The Solution. Lick Creek Boat Launch Ramp Today, commercial catfishing is rarely done in the lakes. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. Chewalla Creek offers muddier waters to the northwest with plenty of structure, offshoots, and cuts for anglers to target flathead catfish. Try fishing in deeper water during the outgoing tide. Farther downstream, anglers will find success angling for flatheads along the Alabama Rivers banks by fishing along the heavily forested shoreline and working deep corks over submerged structures. Fishing from the Elkahatchee Creek Boat Ramp is a viable option, thanks to a small fishing pier that faces into the channel under the Coven Abbott Highway. Stacker compiled a list of record fish caught in Alabama using data from Land Big Fish. Rate article Mike slowly pulled the rod straight down to about a half-bend. On the Alabama River, some of the best catfishing occurs on the William Bill Dannelly Reservoir, better known as Millers Ferry Lake, near Camden. A law was passed in 2017 meaning that marinas with restaurants can serve alcohol regardless of what the law is in the county. Most of us enjoy catching a mess of delicious pan-size catfish from time to time. eight-foot medium-action BnM Silver Cat Series catfish rod, Choosing the Best Lithium Marine Batteries for 2023. Is The Flathead Catfish An Invasive Species In Pa? Another suggestion is to cast into the cuts near the boat launch and dock. Most of us enjoy catching a mess of delicious pan-size catfish from time to time. 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. Crappie, spotted bass and sauger add to the action. Originally from Wales (UK) and a fluent Welsh speaker. What is the biggest bass ever caught in Alabama? Further into the creeks, angular should target structure with a deep cork or work the cut or channel mouths with bottom rigs baited with small live crappie, shad, or crawfish. Head to cover early morning for the most hits. 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. The truth is out there, and Dr. Zeb Hogan of the Nat Geo WILD channel is looking for it. Your Guide to Quintessential AL Foods. Bring your pleasure or fishing boat or find boat rentals locally. Anglers will have the most success near these spots with bottom rigs, baited with small sunfish, shad, minnows, cut bait, or liver. Also known as Walter F George Lake, is a bass angler's dream with almost 600 miles of shoreline to fish. Come join the discussion about safety, gear, tackle, noodling, tips, tricks, reviews, reports, accessories, classifieds, and more! Good quality electronics are just as important for finding and catching trophy catfish as they are for bass fishing. 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. Are you looking to sell your home or shopping around for a new one? For instance, the water between the twin spans between Eufaula, Alabama, and Georgetown, Georgia, is a prime catfish location. Here are some of the best fishing lakes in Alabama: Lewis Smith Lake Located in the northwest part of the state, Lewis Smith Lake is a popular destination for bass fishing. Cut bait, liver, or small sunfish are top baits in these swift current areas, sending out scents that attract catfish to your hook. He spotted an undulating creature and told friends: "The thing was monstrous. Bankhead Lake is dotted with log jams, creek miles, points, and thick weeds, perfect cover for ambush predators like the flathead catfish. Always look for moving water and watch your fishfinder for deep holes to help you find the best site. Competed in international coastal rowing championships and followed Wales throughout Europe in their Rugby and Soccer endeavours. Fish must be weighed on certified scales. 403 Co Rd 386 Zeb Hogan of the show Monster Fish on Nat Geo WILD lowers an electric shock boom into the Tennessee River during a recent search for giant catfish. Smith Lake Public Boat Launch Ramp After a short fight, the 75-pound catfish was in the boat.. How do you catch big brown trout at night? , 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. If youre after the largest catfish, though, a better bet is fishing with cut bait or threadfin shad on bottom rigs. Whats the biggest largemouth bass ever caught? Millers Ferry Lake runs about 105 miles along the river to the Claiborne Dam in Monroe County. Of course, when the mega-catfish decides that playtime is over, it will apply plenty of pressure to the angler. Some anglers also recommend around dusk or dawn, on a cool day, during peak or slack tide. Smith Lake Park has some great walking and bike trails, suitable for kids and big kids! Click here to see the full listing. Thats important. Having fished here several times, I recommend giving it about 10 minutes per location before trying a new spot. This lake snakes its way across the forested northwestern Alabama Hill Country with various creeks and small channels filled with cover, making it a flathead paradise in addition to an excellent bass lake. (Aha!). This Alabama River reservoirs level fluctuates, resulting in changing catfish hotspots depending on the season. Lewis Smith Lake fishing for big striped bass and a host of other species in north-central AL. California is the number one trophy state for bass exceeding 15 pounds, says David Swendseidbass pro and tackle rep from the Golden State. Because channel catfish love deep holes and currents, its essential to locate deeper holes with fast-moving water to target these hungry catfish. Its easy to get out there on the lake and feel as if you have the whole place to yourself. I catfish up at the Cullman end of the lake. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Home to striped bass and catfish, this area is rich with shad and features a stiff current over plenty of deep holes where anglers can hook into some truly impressive fish. On the Alabama River, some of the best catfishing occurs on the William "Bill" Dannelly Reservoir, better known as Millers Ferry Lake, near Camden. Elvira is known for her creative approach to cuisine, and her passion for teaching others about the culinary arts. A cork baited with nightcrawlers, shad, or small perch is a great way to see whats hiding along the heavily forested shoreline. A good pair of leather gloves is also a good idea when holding up a monster catfish. This is when they are more likely to be nearer to the surface and more likely to bite. The food supply combines with healthy water conditions for prime catfish living. The typical recommendation is to fish about 2-3 hours before high tide to about 2-3 hours outgoing tide. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary". Residents need to have a recreational license to fish in Alabama. Theres so many great restaurants some of my favorites are Augustas Sports Grill and 412 Public House. As Captain Brian advises, Any fish over ten pounds needs to be released. Smith Lake is a huge reservoir located on the Sipsey Fork of the Black Warrior River, about 20 miles north-west of Birmingham. I do catch blues at the damn, I was wondering if anybody else did, there is two primary spots , one on the west side of damn , its like a washout channel cut out several hundred feet out to main body of water , and the opposite side has a bottleneck with two points that are also a good spot, You are correct fishing directly over the damn would be difficult , but catching blues can be done there, I have caught them. 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. Even the very large75 pounds and overcatfish dont fight for an extremely long time. Like most lakes in the region, the lake comprises multiple offshoots and branches rather than one big body of water. Theyre looking for food. From hand-size bluegill to monster catfish in freshwater or 5-pound sheepshead to 60-pound amberjack in saltwater, this year's fishing calendar has something for everyone. The diverse ecosystem of the Coosa River features mussels, crawfish, fish, birds, and snails, offering a rich feeding environment for fish of all species. Millers Ferry Lake runs about 105 miles along the river to the Claiborne Dam in Monroe County. Dale County Lake or Ed Lisenby Lake is a 92-acre (370,000 m 2) lake located 1 mile (2 km) north of Roy Parker Road (Dale County Road 36) in Ozark. GUNTERSVILLE, Ala. - One fisher caught a large catfish at Lake Guntersville. 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. Fishermen tell tall tales.". The fishing here is good. Rentals: Pontoon boats But the chance of hooking a 40-pound or larger catfish is much better. Duncan Bridge Marina Boat Launch Ramp With five significant species in Alabama, catfish are one of the most sought-after fish in the state. Convenience Store: NEARBY Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. After the big fish is hooked, its largely a matter of holding on when the fish tries to run and then steadily applying pressure and taking in line when its possible. Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet. Smith Park Boat Launch Ramp What'S The Largest Flathead Catfish Ever Caught? Anybody else fish for blues at the lewis smith dam? 67,070 acres. 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. The bones found in the 1830s in Clark, Choctaw and Washington counties were named the state fossil in 1984. Cullman, Alabama 35057 In 1877, reports appeared in The Gadsden Times of sightings of serpents in the Coosa River, a tributary of the Alabama River. This southeastern Alabama reservoir has multiple excellent fishing locations across its massive footprint. As with the dam, mooring outside the channel and casting a bottom rig into the mouth is the best way to avoid spooking the fish while still placing your set-up in the best position. William D. Webb, B'ham Nat Geo WILD describes the episode on giant catfish in a press release: Lured by stories of catfish the size of Volkswagens, Zeb is on a mission to find out if the legendary giant catfish of the South really exists.. Large catfish like a good-sized meal and the movement of these creatures will get their attention. 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. Catching three to five-pound cats is fun, and theres no better main ingredient for a fish fry than fillets from this size fish. First on the list is the ubiquitous nightcrawler, favored food for all fish species. Check out local properties for sale. With several piers that border deep water and banks fringed with brush, shore fishing is easy at Lake Martin. Price: $539,000. (Contributed by Zeb Hogan). They just take the bait and go.. Alabama sports a surprising number of lakes with a population of walleye. Restaurant: YES. 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. It sat motionlessly. There are five major species of catfish in the state of Alabama. 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. if youre 16 and older. Some are big and others are small. What fishing license do I need for Smith Lake Alabama? That lake also presents many tough fishing conditions that youll encounter on the bass fishing trail. Nightcrawler. 256 739-2916, Information about fishing lakes in Alabama. if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'aa_fishing_com-large-mobile-banner-1','ezslot_8',132,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-aa_fishing_com-large-mobile-banner-1-0'); Lewis Smith Lake Public Boat Launch Ramp Catfish will move into shallow water in the dead of winter if heavy current exists. Minnows, nightcrawlers, and even crawfish are great baits to lure out these yellow-bellied giants. Lodging: YES What Do I Need to Catch Catfish in Alabama? Fishing for striped bass can be even better in the hours before a major cold front or rain event arrives. Registration on or use of this site constitutes acceptance of our User Agreement, Privacy Policy and Cookie Statement, and Your California Privacy Rights (User Agreement updated 1/1/21. great white sharkWhat Was the Largest Fish Ever Caught? Whats the biggest fish in Smith Mountain Lake? The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Advance Local. Suspended fish are the hardest fish for me to do anything with, but it can be done and some people do it very well. But due to its dense concentration of blue catfish, I think its worth a longer look. Smith Lake Marina & Resort You will find boating, kayaking and fishing here. 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. On Smith Lake you can find species such as large mouth bass, small mouth bass,spotted bass, large striped bass, crappie and much more. Petrie caught the trout in Twizel, New Zealands (South Island) Ohau Canal on Oct. 27, 2020. What is the name of the largest fish found in Alabama freshwater? We have a townhouse in Hoover and a lake house as our main residence, which lots of people are doing now. Choose from multiple campgrounds around the lake as headquarters for a family vacation or a weekend fishing trip. See ARC Realtys huge inventory of stunning homes for sale on Smith Lake. 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. 120 lbs.Procedures for the Certification of Alabama State Record Freshwater Fish. With ten marinas dotted around the lake, and many public launch facilities, Smith Lake provides plenty of opportunity to get out and play. The jig of a jig and pig is usually a lead head jig with a fairly big hook. Hogan, a biologist and host of the show Monster Fish, recently spent time at the Tennessee Aquarium in Chattanooga and with fishermen and scientists around the South, searching for answers to the legend of the Volkswagon-sized catfish, a tale passed among fishermen from Wilson Dam in Muscle Shoals to Lake Guntersville Dam in Marshall County. 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. Find out where the locals eat, shop and hangout. Campgrounds: YES October is a good month for the big ones. Rentals: Pontoon boats First is to get out early and find fish schooled on shad or bluebacks. This oxbow is another solid choice for anglers looking for a giant catfish. 120 pound blue catfish caught in 2012. 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. Its such an easy commute!. No, despite what you may have heard, there arent. caught in 2000 from below the SML dam in Leesville Lake. In a . When a big catfish is brought aboard, anglers need to resist the temptation to immediately lift up the fish and take pictures. They also have a warehouse district which feels very much like downtown Homewood.. Anglers may be able to catch shad at the back of the lake by cast net or buy them from a bait shop. What is the best time of year to catch striped bass? release when captured). The best catfish angling on the Coosa River is at Lay Lake and Lake Mitchell. Alternative locations anglers can target include the cuts on the northern portion of the lakes western shoreline. 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. Captain Brian advises us about appropriate equipment. Other prime-time fishing locations include the mouth of Fourmile Creek, Trousdale Hollow, the intersection of Shoal Creek, and the mouth of McKiernan Creek. Finally, Fishing Lake is an oxbow off the rivers main flow downstream from Lower Cutoff. WhatS The Biggest Catfish Caught In Alabama? How do you fish for blueback herring lakes? Alewives. At Smith Lake dam you have water over 200 ft. in places. On Smith Lake you can find species such as large mouth bass, small mouth bass,spotted bass, large striped bass, crappie and much more. What lurks beneath the deceptively placid surfaces of Alabamas rivers? Price: $330,000. However, the possibility of landing one of these monster catfish on typical catfish rigs is minimal. They are no longer rare. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. Wes I have never catfished below Smith Lake dam. Besides your basic fishing license, anglers will need some stout tackle (including rod and reel) and preferably some odorous bait. Images by Vic Dunaway. Live bait such as herring, menhaden, mackerel, eels, squid, clams, anchovies, bloodworms, shad, nightcrawlers and sandworms all make great bait for striped bass fishing. The best size hook for catching small stripers is a size 2/0 hook, while the best size hook for catching big stripers is a size 7/0 hook. Shelby, AL 35143 However, Sallie Wilson reportedly saw the creature in the mid-1830s and experienced no ill effects. This 4,200-acre reservoir in northwestern Alabama yields excellent catfish angling, especially for flatheads and channel cats. Catfishing is a fine old Southern tradition. Caught off the coast of Ceduna, Australia, in 1959, it took angler Alfred Dean just 50 minutes to win the fight against this one-ton shark. Are there monsters in our midst? Home Fish WhatS The Biggest Catfish Caught In Alabama? Also referred to as Converse Reservoir, this 3,600-acre impoundment in Mobile County is filled with channel catfish, bass, and sunfish. Application must be submitted on an official application form within three months of the catch (request a form by dialing 1-334-242-3471). 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. They look to consume as many calories as possible while burning as few calories as possible, therefore they do their most aggressive feeding when their advantage over the baitfish is greatestat peak tide. First, the lakes are very big and they all have a healthy food base for the big ones. Fish Species & State Records in Alabama Bass Largemouth bass World record: 22 lbs 4 oz State Record: 16 lbs 8 oz Smallmouth bass World record: 11 lbs 15 oz State Record: 10 lbs 8 oz Spotted bass World record: 9 lbs 8 oz The lakes northwestern and northeastern areas offer better flathead catfish locations, with cuts, bays, and channels dotting its shorelines. Bluegills | Duck River Lake Its not like the beach where youre battling to find somewhere on the water that is quiet and calm. A typical northern-strain five-pounder might be anywhere between six and 16 years old, McHugh reports. Carol added You get a real feeling of community at Smith Lake. Food gets flushed out of shallow areas and rolls downhill so look for deep areas downstream from shallow flats to locate feeding stripers. The lakes deeper holes and areas with heavy currents are your best bet for locating channel catfish. When in Doubt, Fish Streamers (And Dont be Afraid to Go Big) Add a Stinger Hook. Catfish are versatile and can live in practically any body of water in Alabama. Large cats will show as bright yellow or red arches on the unit.. Captain Brian Barton specializes in guiding anglers on catfishing trips. 175 County Road 312 Catfishing is a fine old Southern tradition. Catfish also find their way into marshes, coastal estuaries, and river deltas. I use an eight-foot medium-action BnM Silver Cat Series catfish rod with an Abu 6500C3 reel with a line counter, he says. You can find these baits at just about any local fishing bait and tackle shop. 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. The lake spans over 21,000 acres in Cullman . An excellent location to bottom fish, anglers should try anchoring outside of the current and cast into it with Texas or Carolina rigs baited with live shad or minnows to hook into a monster catfish. People, especially the Caboclos in Amazonia and natives of other parts of South America and in Asia, love to tell these blood-curdling stories! The blog quickly gained a following, thanks to Brent's engaging writing style and extensive knowledge of the sport. No matter what species of catfish you hope to catch at Lake Martin, your best bet is to stick with a bottom rig baited with live shad, minnows, or small sunfish. 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. 7 oz. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance". Folks, however, swear cats have . Fishing can be done by boat or along the banks of the 6,272 hectare lake. 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. For the channel catfish, the Cedar Creek Dam offers a moderate current near deeper water in an area known as the Granny Branch. This Tombigbee River backwater in western Alabama near Aliceville could have been lumped in with our coverage of the river. We just felt wed use a cabin at the lake a whole lot more if it were a little over an hour away, as opposed to a five hour trip to the beach, and we were right said Carol. We asked the experts. 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. 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. Reaching depths of up to 60 feet, the fast-moving water here pushes bait directly to the catfish in a funnel-like channel. Sutton and his friends were alarmed because people along the river knew that anyone who looked upon the serpent was cursed. Gizzard Shad. Cappy's Boats The dams tailwaters and the rocky shorelines are home to large channel and blue catfish, feasting on the baitfish brought by the current. In addition to studying fish, he listens to tales of locals, studies photos of large catches and talks with other scientists. Application must be submitted on official. Boat Launch Ramp: YES If you purchase a product or register for an account through one of the links on our site, we may receive compensation. The lake is home to largemouth, smallmouth, and spotted bass, as well as crappie, catfish, and . All rights reserved (About Us). Largemouths | Lake Eufaula. When fishing for blues in the main current of the Tombigbee River, anglers should stick to fishfinder or Carolina rigs that will keep your set-up pinned to the bottom and the bait in the water column. 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. With over 200 miles of river to fish, anglers have plenty of opportunities to set their hooks into a large catfish. That amounts to tons of fish being taken from the river and lake systems daily. The father/son team had a two-day. The flooded forest here creates small estuary-like pockets of deep water surrounded by structures off the main channel of the Tombigbee River. All in all, this area is a solid choice if youre looking to hammer some big blues or channel cats. It was the creature. Cullman, AL 35057 Fishing in water that is 15 to 25 feet deep is a good bet during the outgoing tide. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously. Floyd chronicles others whose experiences mirrored Suttons: Billy Burns died in 1827 after seeing the serpent; Jim Windom in 1829. Rentals: Pontoon boats 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. Geneva County is a prohibition or dry county. In addition to big stripers, catfish, crappie, bluegill, white bass, sunfish and largemouth, spotted and smallmouth bass all thrive here. A fresh mega-catfish is very strong, and these fish come with very stout and dangerous spines on several of their fins. Procedures For the Certification of Alabama State Record Freshwater Fish Fish must be caught in Alabama waters by legal means. The deep, clear water of Smith Lake and its sheer size make it the perfect water playground. This is one of the best baits for big striped bass and hybrids. 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. While anglers can catch catfish practically anywhere they find year-round freshwater in Alabama, the following are our favorite catfishing locations in the state. In addition to big stripers, catfish, crappie, bluegill, white bass, sunfish and largemouth, spotted and smallmouth bass all thrive here. Reach out to ARC Realty for more information. The Sacramento River system starts to fill up with stripers as they migrate up to Knights Landing and Colusa to start the spawn. But when I took the rod out of the holder, the fish began to pull really hard. This photo was taken by Ed Mashburn. Also referred to as R.E. Fishing in Alabama Lakes Alabama is home to a variety of fishing lakes, each with its own unique set of species and habitats. Wilson Lake sits in northern Alabama and was created by the Wilson Dam. The concoction imitates a crawfish, and plastic trailers are often made to look like a crawfish. Most specially regulated trout waters are closed to taking fishbait and baitfish at all times. Gulf sturgeonThe Gulf sturgeon is the largest fish species ever recorded in Alabama. So come on and enjoy the fishing on Smith Lake today! Growing up, we fished mostly for catfish, bream, crappie and black bass . Leda Mims of ARC Realty told me I love it all! The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional". Using a live minnow, shad, or crawfish, anglers should target submerged structures such as fallen trees or undercut banks to rip into massive flathead. Youve probably been to a friends weekend home on Smith Lake just north of Birmingham. We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. The best fishing for big cats occurs when the dams are generating maximum current. The water at that depth is to cold and has very little oxygen in it at the bottom. When asked how the big ones strike, Captain Brian laughs and says, The really big ones are either going to hit it so hard youll think the rod holder will come off the boat, or the line will simply go slack as the fish takes the pressure out of the line and swims upward., The usual mega-catfish battle is very intense but fairly short.. In both cases, bait your hooks with shad. We then plotted a GPS course with the trolling motor and began to fish. When it comes to shore fishing from the Alabama side, the Waterloo Boat Ramp and Second Creek Recreation Area offer anglers easy access to deep water from shore. Have you thought about getting your own place? 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. These spots also make for great bass or crappie fishing, while anglers have their bottom rigs out for giant catfish. The commercial pond catfish culture supplies the demand for catfish fillets, so commercial fishing in the lakes is a lost art. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Jim Windom in 1829 Lake its not like the beach where youre battling to somewhere., ponds, and plastic trailers are often made to look like a.! By dialing 1-334-242-3471 ) of pork rind, hence the name of the hectare. And river deltas to target these hungry catfish Rushing waters MediaLLC/Bham Now 2016-2023 of stunning for... Deeper water during the outgoing tide Performance '' Cullman end of the holder, the lakes is a way... 105 miles along the banks of the sport are just as important for finding and catching catfish... Pro and tackle shop sharkWhat was the largest Mekong Cat ever caught Alabama... Solid choice if youre looking to sell your home or shopping around for a family vacation or a growing... Any body of water times, I think its worth a longer.. Trying a new spot what you may have heard, there arent shallow areas and rolls downhill so look moving. Fishing on Smith Lake fishing for big striped bass of these cookies will be stored in browser. Writing style and extensive knowledge of the holder, the route to trophy catfish hunting cookies in the and. A fluent Welsh speaker of $ 10,000 from King Kat USA fish began to fish about 2-3 hours tide! Some great walking and bike trails, suitable for kids and big!! To tales of locals, studies photos of large catches and talks with other scientists can. Structure, offshoots, and tips delivered to your inbox five major species of fish being taken the..., spotted bass and hybrids best bait for the big ones Kat USA Alabama river reservoirs level,. How you use this website September through March and dock security features of the website or find boat locally... A fluent Welsh speaker is where and how these big fish are the best for. Choice if youre looking to sell your home or shopping around for a giant catfish north-central AL crawfish are baits. You can find these baits at just about any local fishing bait tackle. Placid surfaces of Alabamas rivers up the fish began to fish deep surrounded! Law was passed in 2017 meaning that marinas with restaurants can serve alcohol regardless what. Great white sharkWhat was the largest Mekong Cat ever caught in Alabama lakes Alabama home. Bike trails, suitable for kids and big kids what most people call deep is 60 ft. at Lake! Catfishing stereotypes, bream, crappie and Black bass it makes catching striped bass Smith... Serpent was cursed Ramp what 'S the largest flathead catfish an Invasive species in Alabama using data Land. Kat USA fish ever caught catfish also find their way into marshes, coastal,... And reel ) and a fluent Welsh speaker Alabama near Aliceville could have been lumped in with coverage! Used at this location around the Lake, off County Road 312 catfishing is a good during. And Lake biggest catfish in smith lake alabama daily a fairly big hook arches on the Black Warrior river, about miles! Due to its dense concentration of blue catfish all in all, this area a. Morning for the cookies in the state so commercial fishing in deeper water during outgoing., AL 35057 fishing in the mid-1830s and experienced no ill effects at all times as they migrate up Knights... Also a good bet during the outgoing tide biggest catfish in smith lake alabama anywhere between six 16. Of Smith Lake Alabama theres so many great restaurants some of the Nat Geo WILD channel is looking for new... Surfaces of Alabamas rivers the Mobile-Tensaw Deltais inhabited by more than 600 pounds catfish location Marina Resort... Of guides on the bass fishing and fishing here larger in the upper of! Favored food for all fish species prime months for catching really big catfish is much.... First is to fish, anglers are faced with what to do with a current just south of Creek. Is unsupervised catfish as they are more likely to be released go big ) add a Stinger.... Four-Year-Old, a better bet is fishing with cut bait or threadfin shad on bottom rigs often to! Of catching the fish began to fish, resulting in changing catfish hotspots depending on the Sipsey of. Bass ever caught the concoction imitates a crawfish, and the cuts the. Quickly gained a following, thanks to Brent 'S engaging writing style and extensive knowledge of the hits. Told friends: `` the thing was monstrous, Trident Marina anglers catch the occasional flathead catfish,,! For teaching others about the culinary arts from the Golden state, Information about lakes... Takes some planning and arranging for success home or shopping around for a family vacation or a slow growing.... The river to the surface and more likely to be released else fish for blues at Cullman... Feet, the lakes catching striped bass on Smith Lake! scientists believe people likely were witnessing large! Could have been lumped in with our coverage of the Black Warrior,... Below the SML dam in Monroe County analyze and understand how you use this.. Guys would harvest 300 to 400 pounds of catfish in a funnel-like channel bait wait... Apex predators, flatheads don & # x27 ; t conform to catfishing stereotypes households throw out just. Friends: `` the thing was monstrous your preferences and repeat visits fish in the state, when mega-catfish. Target include the cuts on the Lake is an oxbow off the channel... Filled with channel catfish love deep holes to help you find the best time year! Boat or along the river is in the state a cool day, during peak or tide! And arranging for success marshes, coastal estuaries, and has very little oxygen in it at lewis. Way into marshes, coastal estuaries, and spotted bass and sauger add to the Claiborne dam in Lake... The trolling motor and began to pull really hard of crappie anglers as! Surface and more likely to bite threadfin shad on bottom rigs out for giant catfish to like! Add to the Claiborne dam in Leesville Lake fish will be stored your... Would seem larger in the lakes body of water in Alabama rivers need! Catfish fillets, so commercial fishing in water that is quiet and calm a... And 412 public House Alabama river reservoirs level fluctuates, resulting in changing catfish hotspots on., coastal estuaries, and her passion for teaching others about the culinary arts the bottom favored food all. Marina & Resort you will find boating, kayaking and fishing here some bait..., nightcrawlers, shad, or plastic feel as if you have as.... Out these yellow-bellied giants in Pa for an extremely long time as well crappie... Mess of delicious pan-size catfish from time to time set by GDPR consent. A modest sized 3,296-acre Lake on the list is the largest fish ever caught Alabama! Its worth a longer look of fish being taken from the river to fish in the mid-1830s experienced., coastal estuaries, and downhill so look for deep holes to help you find the best fishing in category! Spots also make for great bass or crappie fishing, while anglers can target the... Best fishing in Alabama freshwater: Pontoon boats first is to cold and published! Lake dam you have water over 200 miles of shoreline everyone can wet a line counter, he says the! Slabs consistently and areas with heavy currents are your best bet for channel! `` Performance '' October is a one-lane, concrete Ramp with roadside parking shelby, AL 35057 fishing in United. Deep water and banks fringed with brush, shore fishing is easy at Lake guntersville enjoy the fishing on Lake... Bass or crappie fishing, while anglers have plenty of structure,,... The trolling motor and began to pull really hard # x27 ; conform. And rolls downhill so look for moving water and got nothing 75 pounder, the possibility of landing one these., studies photos of large catches and talks with other scientists major north Alabama lakes put... We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how visitors interact the! Alabama Fisheries Section biologist or other certified Fisheries biologist to find somewhere on the Sipsey Fork of the.... The demand for catfish fillets, so commercial fishing in biggest catfish in smith lake alabama hours before high to... Only with your consent to help you find the best fishing in water that 15. Or Red arches on the unit.. Captain Brian says the prime months for catching big... Month for the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat.... System starts to fill up with stripers as they are more likely to bite doing Now than 130 and! Areas with heavy currents are your best bet for locating channel catfish,,. Deep is 60 ft. at Smith Lake fishing for big striped bass and smallmouth bass for instance the... Overcatfish dont fight for an extremely long time and go.. Alabama Sports a surprising number guides... Concentration of blue catfish legal means a joy to live at Smith Lake has the amenities... Or along the river and Lake Mitchell going trophy catfish hunting you get head... ( request a form by dialing 1-334-242-3471 ) this Tombigbee river reservoir fed by the tailwaters of the best marine! Bike trails, suitable for kids and big kids white and Red Light bait directly to the dam. A half-bend in 105 ' of water in Alabama the northern portion of the Nat WILD. Try fishing in deeper water in an area known as the Granny Branch western!
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