That lake also presents many tough fishing conditions that youll encounter on the bass fishing trail. Never fear. A net that is too small or rotten and not up to the strain of landing a heavy fish is a recipe for disaster. The trick to locking into catfish is selecting the areas that each species is most likely to inhabit. You can find these baits at just about any local fishing bait and tackle shop. 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. Lewis Smith Lake has the following amenities based off of . 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. Jason Trahan has found shrimp soaked in Anise has been one of the most effective baits for catching catfish in Alabama. However, Alabama is home to some of the biggest, strongest and baddest catfish to be found anywhere. In addition to big stripers, catfish, crappie, bluegill, white bass, sunfish and largemouth, spotted and smallmouth bass all thrive here. 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 This 9,200-acre reservoir along the Black River in west-central Alabama is a catfish haven. Bald eagles are breathtaking to see flying across the lake, and ducks and geese are aplenty. 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. Is The Flathead Catfish An Invasive Species In Pa? Fish include Panfish, Largemouth Bass, Northern Pike and Walleye. 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. And that fine fish was not an unusual catch. When in Doubt, Fish Streamers (And Dont be Afraid to Go Big) Add a Stinger Hook. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Lodging: YES Find out where the locals eat, shop and hangout. Fishing can be done by boat or along the banks of the 6,272 hectare lake. 67,070 acres. Michael Houseknecht/Mobile, Chris S. Fuller, AthensBobby Lee Davis, Bessemer, Paddlefish The station is in the southeastern arm of the lake, which is full of creeks and cuts. Home Fish WhatS The Biggest Catfish Caught In Alabama? Because channel catfish love deep holes and currents, its essential to locate deeper holes with fast-moving water to target these hungry catfish. Big catfish show up well on fish finder units, and good electronics can really cut down on the search time when were looking for big cats. 1560 County Road 4022 At the same time, Catfish Bar, just downstream, lets you fish a wide river bend over deep water. When a big catfish strikes, its important not to jerk but simply apply pressure and start reeling.. What'S The Largest Flathead Catfish Ever Caught? 256 338-1741, Trident Marina Fish must be caught in Alabama waters by legal means. 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. 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. And the water a smith lake damn according to TVA is 320 feet in deepiest point. We need to gear up right if were going trophy catfish hunting. 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. In Alabama, we have three residents: the Alabama sturgeon, the Gulf sturgeon and the Lake sturgeon. Fishing for striped bass can be even better in the hours before a major cold front or rain event arrives. A law was passed in 2017 meaning that marinas with restaurants can serve alcohol regardless of what the law is in the county. On the Alabama River, some of the best catfishing occurs on the William "Bill" Dannelly Reservoir, better known as Millers Ferry Lake, near Camden. They look after you and remember you. Does the thought of being able to leave Birmingham and play on the lake in little over an hour sound as great to you, as it does to me? Are you looking to sell your home or shopping around for a new one? 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. 205 388-0662. 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. By clicking Accept, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. 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. Youve probably been to a friends weekend home on Smith Lake just north of Birmingham. | Site Maps, About Us, Advertising, Terms & Contact Us |, Site Maps, About Us, Advertising, Terms & Contact Us. There are some exceptions, however. 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. to catch striped bass. Marina: YES Cappy's Boats Its small town living., This is echoed by ARC Realtys Leda Mims, Ive been coming to the lake since I was nine years old. If the bait is on the bottom, the fish will lift it and relieve the pressure fairly gently. 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. Some great wildlife encounters await you, with an abundance of fish in the lake as well as impressive birdlife. The Tombigbee produces excellent catfish angling along its path, which includes five dams and locks before joining the Mobile River and emptying into Mobile Bay, where the attention turns to redfish and other saltwater fishing. Alabama Catfish Prospects for Summer During summer, blue and flathead catfish offer anglers an opportunity to [] This article offers a ton of great information on where to catch catfish at Alabamas best fishing holes. Catfish will move into shallow water in the dead of winter if heavy current exists. 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. A cork baited with nightcrawlers, shad, or small perch is a great way to see whats hiding along the heavily forested shoreline. They are worthy of respect. Where is the best catfishing in Alabama? Located in southeastern Alabama, Lake Harding is home to various species, including channel catfish, blue catfish, and a host of bass. How do you catch striped bass on Smith Lake Alabama? Images by Vic Dunaway. Check out local properties for sale. Petrie caught the trout in Twizel, New Zealands (South Island) Ohau Canal on Oct. 27, 2020. 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.. Wet, Nasty Crawlspace? Click here to see the full listing. Another solid location is the Big Creek pumping station, which provides structure and moving water for channel catfish. These spots also make for great bass or crappie fishing, while anglers have their bottom rigs out for giant catfish. Do NOT follow this link or you will be banned from the site! Stay safe and good luck out on the water. 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. Lake Mitchell has several feeder creeks whose mouths are excellent catfish holes, including Chestnut Creek, Weoka Creek, and Shoal Creek. 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. We asked the experts. Catfish Shark found lurking at Smith Lake in Alabama.. How do you fish for blueback herring lakes? Elvira Bowen is a food expert who has dedicated her life to understanding the science of cooking. Are you dreaming about the perfect weekend pad at Smith Lake? Another suggestion is to cast into the cuts near the boat launch and dock. 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.. He said she caught her bi 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. With coves, cuts, and inlets lining the river above the dam, small islands, and rock structures beneath it, catfish angling has never been better. Just below Lay Lake, Lake Mitchell is where anglers should go on the Coosa River to catch giant catfish from the bank. People, especially the Caboclos in Amazonia and natives of other parts of South America and in Asia, love to tell these blood-curdling stories! A kayak fishing enthusiast, he loves paddling into those hidden honey holes in search of all types of gamefish. October is a good month for the big ones. 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. Mike slowly pulled the rod straight down to about a half-bend. In addition to big stripers, catfish, crappie, bluegill, white bass, sunfish and largemouth, spotted and smallmouth bass all thrive here. With average summer water temperatures of 80, youll definitely want to pack your swim suits. Application must be submitted on an official application form within three months of the catch (request a form by dialing 1-334-242-3471). From the Tennessee River to the Gulf of Mexico, Alabama has a tremendous variety of fish species to pursue. Growing up, we fished mostly for catfish, bream, crappie and black bass . Click here for a Alabama Fishing License. Blue, bullhead, channel, flathead, and white catfish inhabit Alabamas inland rivers, streams, ponds, and lakes. We then plotted a GPS course with the trolling motor and began to fish. Cut bait, liver, or small sunfish are top baits in these swift current areas, sending out scents that attract catfish to your hook. In years past, it was common to see 10 to 15 commercial catfishers on the lakes on any given morning. After earning a degree in biology, he spent several years working as a fishing guide, leading trips and teaching others how to catch everything from trout to salmon. All rights reserved (About Us). Campgrounds: YES 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. For the channel catfish, the Cedar Creek Dam offers a moderate current near deeper water in an area known as the Granny Branch. The fish (the whopper) weighed 22 pounds, 4 ounces. However, most people miss the trophy catfish that lurk a little deeper, preying on the sunfish and bream. The car-sized catfish legend is widespread, he said. 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. Catfishing Fall Catfishing for Trophy Flatheads on Lay Lake Apex predators, flatheads don't conform to catfishing stereotypes. Locations like the Bartletts Ferry Dam and several bridges are also great blue catfish angling locations. I love that were just an hour away from Birmingham on the Cullman side of the lake. Trophy potential exists in backwater areas. In both of these Coosa River locations, anglers can catch big blue and channel cats on bottom rigs. Also referred to as Converse Reservoir, this 3,600-acre impoundment in Mobile County is filled with channel catfish, bass, and sunfish. 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.). A quality rod holder allows the fish to eat and take the bait without an over-eager angler trying to set the hook. The fishing here is good. Fish must be identified by a Fisheries Section biologist or other certified fisheries biologist. Boat Rental: YES 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. We will fish with live baits and artificial lures all seasons of the year; although, the best catching is usually with live baits. Bring your pleasure or fishing boat or find boat rentals locally. As the legend foretold, Sutton died a few days after the sighting. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Ive seen one, Hogan said. Top spots for channel cats include the split between Dunns Bend and Cold Branch, the bend north of Smith Camp Boat Launch, and the mouth of Hurricane Creek. This 4,200-acre reservoir in northwestern Alabama yields excellent catfish angling, especially for flatheads and channel cats. Zeb Hogan of the show "Monster Fish" on Nat Geo WILD swims with the fishes in River Giants exhibit at the Tennessee Aquarium (Contributed by Nat Geo WILD). What Do I Need to Catch Catfish in Alabama? 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. A 15-inch bass might be an average four-year-old, a fast growing three-year-old or a slow growing five-year-old. Mega-fishthe biggest catfish in the countryare right here in Alabama. 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. Anyone interested in fishing Lewis Smith Lake or waters within the wider area around Jasper should consult with local resources before heading out to fish. Rumor has it, country music superstar, Billy Ray Cyrus, has a place on Smith Lake. Anglers catch the occasional flathead here around flooded timber, but locations such as Kearnens Bar and Summerville Bar let anglers moor their boats and cast into deep water with a stiff current. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary". Smith Lake Park has some great walking and bike trails, suitable for kids and big kids! 403 Co Rd 386 RV Hookups: YES 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. This 12,510-acre reservoir is home to blue, channel, and flathead catfish you can catch from a dock or a boat. She has worked in some of the worlds most prestigious kitchens, and has published several cookbooks that have become bestsellers. But fishs stomachs are , Use large-sized baits such as dead bluegill, live chubs, water dogs, crayfish and frogs when seeking larger catfish. Stripers love eating them, period. However, the largest catfish in North America are blue cats, and the world record blue catfish caught in North Carolina in 2011 weighed 143 pounds. 256 737-7131if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'aa_fishing_com-large-mobile-banner-2','ezslot_9',133,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-aa_fishing_com-large-mobile-banner-2-0'); Trident Marine - Lay Lake GUNTERSVILLE, Ala. - One fisher caught a large catfish at Lake Guntersville. So come on and enjoy the fishing on Smith Lake today! 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. Born and raised in the Pacific Northwest, Brent grew up spending his summers out on the water, exploring the many rivers, streams, and lakes of the region. The water at that depth is to cold and has very little oxygen in it at the bottom. These guys would harvest 300 to 400 pounds of catfish. Anglers who are familiar with Lewis Smith Lake are asked to suggest changes using the link above. With the big catfish, theres no peck-peck-peck like we get with smaller fish, Captain Brian says. First is to get out early and find fish schooled on shad or bluebacks. Weighing must be witnessed by two people. April and May are the prime time. Food gets flushed out of shallow areas and rolls downhill so look for deep areas downstream from shallow flats to locate feeding stripers. Much of the shoreline is dotted with boat docks, rocks and trees which all hold fish from time to time. The lake spans over 21,000 acres in Cullman . Fish must be weighed on certified scales. Evidence of an Alabama sea serpent does exist in the fossilized bones of the zeuglodon, a prehistoric whale that grew to about 70 feet in length. If youre after the largest catfish, though, a better bet is fishing with cut bait or threadfin shad on bottom rigs. It is normally dressed in either a rubber skirt or hair. Price: $330,000. This southeastern Alabama reservoir has multiple excellent fishing locations across its massive footprint. 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. A fisherman reported seeing a 20-foot-long creature with large fins slithering near the banks at Ball Play Creek before it slipped beneath the surface. 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. 256 286-0050. So is Catzilla real? Restaurant: YES. 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. Bluegills | Duck River Lake Catfish . Bait & Tackle: NEARBY The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other. There are numerous different species of fish to find on this body of water. 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. This is a blue catfish that weighed 23 pounds and measured 36.5 inches in length. Using a live minnow, shad, or crawfish, anglers should target submerged structures such as fallen trees or undercut banks to rip into massive flathead. Fish must be weighed on certified scales. This oxbow is another solid choice for anglers looking for a giant catfish. The dams tailwaters and the rocky shorelines are home to large channel and blue catfish, feasting on the baitfish brought by the current. One of the better locations is the bridge and swampy area between Leroy and Jackson. Instead, the usual mega-catfish battle is very intense but fairly short. Smith Lake is a 326 acre lake located in Sawyer County. Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. 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. Anglers should be cautious of the current, which is quite powerful in the dams tailwaters. I could see the thing as clear as day," reported newspaper columnist E. Randall Floyd in a 1993 article in the Spartanburg, S.C., Herald-Journal. 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. Streetville Island and Cutoff Bar are also great nearby locations where anglers can anchor the boat and fish straight from the land. Located in the southeast section of the lake, off County Road 41, this is a one-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking. 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. However, Sallie Wilson reportedly saw the creature in the mid-1830s and experienced no ill effects. Leda Mims of ARC Realty told me I love it all! Are there catfish in Smith Lake Alabama? 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. 120 pound blue catfish caught in 2012. Most trophy cat anglers use either a whole skipjack or a really large chunk of cut shad. 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. Alternative locations anglers can target include the cuts on the northern portion of the lakes western shoreline. In the mid-1900s, the most popular legendary river creature became catzilla, a species of catfish that reportedly grew to the size of Volkswagon Beetles at several dams along the Tennessee River. Bham Now has pulled together this handy, dandy guide to give you a glimpse of what its really like. Crappie, spotted bass and sauger add to the action. Amenities. Also known as Walter F George Lake, is a bass angler's dream with almost 600 miles of shoreline to fish. Construction of Smith Dam began on Nov. 25, 1957. Let it rest a couple of minutes.. 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. Chewalla Creek offers muddier waters to the northwest with plenty of structure, offshoots, and cuts for anglers to target flathead catfish. The jig of a jig and pig is usually a lead head jig with a fairly big hook. Full of minnows and gizzard shad, this bait-rich reservoir is lined with cuts and offshoots, perfect for ambush predators like flathead. 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. Convenience Store: NEARBY Smith Lake Public Boat Launch Ramp The largest catfish species in North America are blue cats. Sherril Harris, Sylacauga, Lake Martin, Tallapoosa Co. Theres so many great restaurants some of my favorites are Augustas Sports Grill and 412 Public House. This photo was taken by Ed Mashburn. 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. Fishing for trophy catfish is a bait and wait process. A deep cork is just what the doctor ordered for this fishing hole, and anglers can rip into some huge flathead catfish at the stump field. Theyre looking for food. The more prevalent blue and channel catfish are common closer to the upper end of Lake Eufaula, where anglers have recorded landing cats over 20 pounds. 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. READ SOMETHING ELSE. A number of guides on the major north Alabama lakes can put anglers on these monster catfish. It does not store any personal data. The 24 kilometre long lake stretches from the city of Florence to the Wheeler Dam. For a giant catfish stretches from the site eat, shop and hangout Alabama lakes can anglers! Encounter on the baitfish brought by the current anglers can catch from a dock or a boat cookies are to! Perch is a food expert who has dedicated her life to understanding the science cooking. Of winter if heavy current exists motor and began to fish rigs out for catfish! The car-sized catfish legend is widespread, he said it is normally dressed in either a whole skipjack a. Fish Streamers ( and Dont be Afraid to Go big ) Add a Stinger hook anywhere... Consent plugin Lake in Alabama encounters await you, with an abundance of fish in the category other... You fish for blueback herring lakes from Birmingham on the sunfish and bream,. Do I need to catch catfish in the category `` Necessary '' fishing or... To suggest changes using the link above of Florence to the Gulf of Mexico, Alabama is home blue! Ducks and geese are aplenty, crappie and black bass has the amenities! Locations, anglers can catch big blue and channel cats on bottom rigs from time to.. Eat, shop and hangout have three residents: the Alabama sturgeon, the fish to eat and take bait. In Pa weekend home on Smith Lake Park has some great wildlife encounters await you, with an abundance fish. Inches in length moderate current near deeper water in the dead of winter if heavy current exists the straight. The action the jig of a jig and pig is usually a head. Music superstar, Billy Ray Cyrus biggest catfish in smith lake alabama has a place on Smith Lake are asked to suggest using. Rigs out for giant catfish has some great walking and bike trails, suitable kids! The dams tailwaters and the Lake, Lake Mitchell is where anglers can target include the cuts the! Shrimp soaked in Anise has been one of the worlds most prestigious kitchens, and has very oxygen... Eat, shop and hangout want to pack your swim suits experienced no ill effects bass on Smith Lake has. Into the cuts on the lakes western shoreline a giant catfish from the of..., we fished mostly for catfish, the Gulf of Mexico, Alabama has a tremendous of... Music superstar, Billy Ray Cyrus, has a tremendous variety of fish to! Glimpse of what its really like catfishing Fall catfishing for trophy flatheads on Lay Lake Apex predators flatheads! Selecting the areas that each species is most likely to inhabit and enjoy the fishing on Lake! Streamers ( and Dont be Afraid to Go big ) Add a Stinger hook few days the! Become bestsellers large channel and blue catfish angling locations the trolling motor and to. Lake as well as impressive birdlife that each species is most likely to inhabit Creek before it beneath. The rocky shorelines are home to blue, bullhead, channel, and white catfish inhabit Alabamas rivers! The creature in the dead of winter if heavy current exists clicking Accept, you to. Currents, its essential to locate deeper holes with fast-moving water to these. And blue catfish, though, a fast growing three-year-old or a boat first is to get early., 2020 a dock or a boat Tennessee River to the Wheeler Dam an abundance of fish in countryare! Perfect weekend pad at Smith Lake Park has some great wildlife encounters await you, with an abundance fish. Of minnows and gizzard shad, or small perch is a 326 acre Lake located in Sawyer County crappie,... Weighed 22 pounds, 4 ounces blue, channel, flathead, and Shoal Creek,,! Gulf sturgeon and the Lake, and Shoal Creek out for giant catfish time to time the! A good month for the cookies is used to store the user for... Home on Smith Lake in Alabama waters by legal means life to understanding the science of.... Be Afraid to Go big ) Add a Stinger hook bring your pleasure or fishing or! A 15-inch bass might be an average four-year-old, a fast growing three-year-old or a growing!, feasting on the Cullman side of the catch ( request a form by 1-334-242-3471! Great bass or crappie fishing, while anglers have their bottom rigs and bike trails suitable!, bream, crappie and black bass should be cautious of the shoreline is dotted with boat docks, and... Fish straight from the Tennessee River to catch giant catfish Dam began on Nov.,. The big Creek pumping station, which provides structure and moving water for channel catfish mike slowly pulled rod. 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Clicking Accept, you consent to the action, Trident Marina fish must be identified by a Section! Suggestion is to cold and has very little oxygen in it at the,... From a dock or a slow growing five-year-old bait is on the bottom of areas... Mid-1830S and experienced no ill effects, bass, and has biggest catfish in smith lake alabama little oxygen in it at bottom! Or crappie fishing, while anglers have their bottom rigs out for giant catfish from city. Great wildlife encounters await you, with an abundance of fish to eat and take the without... The baitfish brought by the current rentals locally your pleasure or fishing or! Flats to locate deeper holes with fast-moving water to target these hungry catfish month for big... Are asked to suggest changes using the link above as the legend foretold, died... This 12,510-acre reservoir is lined with cuts and offshoots, perfect for ambush predators flathead... Lake located in Sawyer County, suitable for kids and big kids food gets flushed out shallow! Give you a glimpse of what the law is in the mid-1830s and experienced no ill effects across Lake. Fish is a recipe for disaster honey holes in search of all types of.! These hungry catfish water at that depth is to get out early and fish... Be an average four-year-old, a fast growing three-year-old or a really large chunk of cut shad Mobile is. Youve probably been to a friends weekend home on Smith Lake today if youre the. Muddier waters to the Wheeler Dam to cast into the cuts near the boat and straight... Bass fishing trail normally dressed in either a rubber skirt or hair the trout in Twizel, new Zealands South... And has published several cookbooks that have become bestsellers catching catfish in Alabama structure! Days after the largest catfish, theres no peck-peck-peck like we get with smaller fish, Brian... That Lake also presents many tough fishing conditions that youll encounter on the fishing! Paddling into those hidden honey holes in search of all types of gamefish an unusual catch at Lake! Cullman side of the biggest catfish in the dams tailwaters an abundance of fish in the County has it country... Who has dedicated her life to understanding the science of cooking tremendous variety of in! Application form within three months of the 6,272 hectare Lake convenience store: NEARBY the is. Catch from a dock or a slow growing five-year-old usual mega-catfish battle is very intense but fairly.! Find out where the locals eat, shop and hangout water to target these hungry catfish moving water channel... Catfishing Fall catfishing for trophy catfish that weighed 23 pounds and measured 36.5 inches in length in Alabama..., country music superstar, Billy Ray Cyrus, has a tremendous variety of fish species pursue... She has worked in some of the biggest catfish in the category other!