One of the better locations is the channel that leads into the Big Creek Dam. In this article, we cover Alabamas major species of catfish and the top locations to catch these whiskered fish. GUNTERSVILLE, Ala. - One fisher caught a large catfish at Lake Guntersville. 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. . Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. Theres so many great restaurants some of my favorites are Augustas Sports Grill and 412 Public House. Smith Lake homes some very good largemouth and spotted bass fishing. Most specially regulated trout waters are closed to taking fishbait and baitfish at all times. 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. This Mekong giant catfish was discovered in Thailand in 2007. Application must be submitted on official. 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. Cullman, Alabama 35057 You can find these baits at just about any local fishing bait and tackle shop. Bham Now has pulled together this handy, dandy guide to give you a glimpse of what its really like. Are you dreaming about the perfect weekend pad at Smith Lake? Line matters and Captain Mike recommends sticking with 10-pound or 12-pound test. A law was passed in 2017 meaning that marinas with restaurants can serve alcohol regardless of what the law is in the county. With over 500 miles of shoreline everyone can wet a line and know there is that chance of catching the fish of a lifetime. There are five major species of catfish in the state of Alabama. Here in Alabama, we are known for our food. Rainbow trout are stocked in the Smith Lake tailwaters from Dale Hollow National Fish Hatchery and in Madison County Public Fishing Lake from private sources. Folks, however, swear cats have . Supposedly, the record is a 123 lb. You might not know that Smith Lake is BIG! There are five major species of catfish in the state of Alabama. "My job as a scientist is to separate fact from fiction but 'fact' is already amazing and unbelievable enough," Hogan said. I love that were just an hour away from Birmingham on the Cullman side of the lake. Scientists believe people likely were witnessing exceptionally large species of fish that live in Alabama rivers. The deep clean lake, wildlife, a real sense of community, great spots to eat, and plenty of opportunities to enjoy the water. I tried in 105' of water and got nothing. Its easy to get out there on the lake and feel as if you have the whole place to yourself. Smith Park Boat Launch Ramp 175 County Road 312 Weighing must be witnessed by two people. flathead catfish caught in Kansas. 205 387-1208. So is Catzilla real? Each one is rare and protected by state and federal agencies. Parker Creek Marina also features several fishing piers that put anglers on open deep water without leaving shore. For us anglers who want to go after the mega-catfish, there are some things we can do to improve our chances. Bankhead Lake is best known for catches of largemouth bass and spotted bass. So, when a big catfish is caught, it should be released. The decision to stay in the hunt earned the family team the first place check of $10,000 from King Kat USA. Floyd chronicles others whose experiences mirrored Suttons: Billy Burns died in 1827 after seeing the serpent; Jim Windom in 1829. 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. And that fine fish was not an unusual catch. This 4,200-acre reservoir in northwestern Alabama yields excellent catfish angling, especially for flatheads and channel cats. The lakes northwestern and northeastern areas offer better flathead catfish locations, with cuts, bays, and channels dotting its shorelines. This 9,200-acre reservoir along the Black River in west-central Alabama is a catfish haven. Vernon. Yellow and chartreuse are fish-catchers because, simply put, they get seen. We then plotted a GPS course with the trolling motor and began to fish. These small fish are the best bait for the bottom rigs used at this location. On Smith Lake you can find species such as large mouth bass, small mouth bass,spotted bass, large striped bass, crappie and much more. 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. They are no longer rare. Fish must be weighed on certified scales. Are there monsters in our midst? All content on this site is Copyright Rushing Waters MediaLLC/Bham Now 2016-2023. Hidden Cove Boat Launch Ramp Using a live minnow, shad, or crawfish, anglers should target submerged structures such as fallen trees or undercut banks to rip into massive flathead. Leda Mims of ARC Realty told me I love it all! The best catfish angling on the Coosa River is at Lay Lake and Lake Mitchell. (Contributed by Zeb Hogan). This is where and how these big fish are targeted on Lay Lake. 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. The Alabama state record largemouth bass was caught in 1987 by Thomas Burgin from Mountain View Lake just south of Leeds, Alabama and weighed 16 pounds, 8 ounces. 205 669-0077, Triple Creek Marina That lake also presents many tough fishing conditions that youll encounter on the bass fishing trail. 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. Crappie, spotted bass and sauger add to the action. The runner-up spot went to Wayne and Travis Bodine. 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. 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. Today, commercial catfishing is rarely done in the lakes. Wilson Lake sits in northern Alabama and was created by the Wilson Dam. 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. Fish must be identified by a Fisheries Section biologist or other certified fisheries biologist. Alternative locations anglers can target include the cuts on the northern portion of the lakes western shoreline. (Aha!). While size matters in a lot of things, this smaller reservoir proves that good things can come in small packages. It sat motionlessly. 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. Also referred to as Converse Reservoir, this 3,600-acre impoundment in Mobile County is filled with channel catfish, bass, and sunfish. What is the largest catfish ever caught in Alabama? A forum community dedicated to catfishers and enthusiasts. Guntersville Reservoir, Jeremy S. White, Alexander CityJack Grant, Altoona, Richard Johnson, Bay Minette A good pair of leather gloves is also a good idea when holding up a monster catfish. In 1877, reports appeared in The Gadsden Times of sightings of serpents in the Coosa River, a tributary of the Alabama River. The Solution. 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. 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. These locations usually have a current and are best angled with a bottom rig, such as a Carolina or Texas rig baited with the cut bait or liver. The best thing for us anglers who want to catch a monster like this is to know lots of them are in the big lakes. 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. 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. (Contributed by Nat Geo WILD). Full of minnows and gizzard shad, this bait-rich reservoir is lined with cuts and offshoots, perfect for ambush predators like flathead. For instance, the water between the twin spans between Eufaula, Alabama, and Georgetown, Georgia, is a prime catfish location. What is the best time of year to catch striped bass? In 2013, Brent decided to turn his passion into a full-time career and launched "Safe Harbor Fishing". 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!). Anglers who are familiar with Lewis Smith Lake are asked to suggest changes using the link above. Cullman, AL 35057 Come join the discussion about safety, gear, tackle, noodling, tips, tricks, reviews, reports, accessories, classifieds, and more! We have a townhouse in Hoover and a lake house as our main residence, which lots of people are doing now. 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 car-sized catfish legend is widespread, he said. It has a maximum depth of 29 feet. (Contributed by Zeb Hogan), Ive been traveling to different locations around the world investigating stories of very large fish, he said by telephone Tuesday. Construction of Smith Dam began on Nov. 25, 1957. 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. Casting these baits into the mouths of channels, cuts, and even near the dam itself is a surefire way to attract the attention of a hungry catfish. Are there catfish in Smith Lake Alabama? 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. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. How do you catch stripers at Smith Mountain Lake? For instance, when Captain Brian recently caught his 75 pounder, the actual fight lasted less than ten minutes. It has a boat dock with swim platform and is less than 10 mins to I65 perfect for commuting to Birmingham. 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. Former county recycling manager in the UK. Fish must be identified by an Alabama Fisheries Section biologist or other certified fisheries biologist. Since the bite on Wilson and Pickwick was slow, I contacted Mike Mitchell of Albertville who has a great deal of experience on Wheeler Lake to see if we could locate a trophy fish. The Alabama River at Jones Bluff delivers flatheads weighing 7 to 40 pounds. Thats important. 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. As mentioned, the dam is always an excellent choice. "At end of the day, there certainly is some truth to these stories but people also enjoy telling stories. The typical recommendation is to fish about 2-3 hours before high tide to about 2-3 hours outgoing tide. Rich with minnows, shad, and small sunfish, Lake Martins clear water is home to drop-offs, ledges, and rock bluffs with undercut banks that make for some excellent catfish structures. The deep, clear water of Smith Lake and its sheer size make it the perfect water playground. The lakes deeper holes and areas with heavy currents are your best bet for locating channel catfish. 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. Captain Brian advises us about appropriate equipment. Click here for a Alabama Fishing License. 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. 205 384-6942, Grace's Retreat Lick Creek Boat Launch Ramp Catfish also find their way into marshes, coastal estuaries, and river deltas. 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 At the same time, Catfish Bar, just downstream, lets you fish a wide river bend over deep water. Get a reliable, big landing net. Fish include Panfish, Largemouth Bass, Northern Pike and Walleye. Alabama sports a surprising number of lakes with a population of walleye. Most of us enjoy catching a mess of delicious pan-size catfish from time to time. Bottom rigs baited with minnows, cut bait, or liver are a great choice here. The diverse ecosystem of the Coosa River features mussels, crawfish, fish, birds, and snails, offering a rich feeding environment for fish of all species. . Book your fishing trip today. 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. In addition to big stripers, catfish, crappie, bluegill, white bass, sunfish and largemouth, spotted and smallmouth bass all thrive here. We rode over the area several times and located a few fish there. In Alabama, we have three residents: the Alabama sturgeon, the Gulf sturgeon and the Lake sturgeon. Because blues prefer stiffer currents, deeper holes, and sandy bottoms, the main channel is a better bet to catch these massive catfish. ). What pound test should I use for striped bass? Catfish . The trick to locking into catfish is selecting the areas that each species is most likely to inhabit. 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. Wes what most people call deep is 60 ft. At Smith Lake dam you have. 13 Best Catfish Fishing Lakes and Rivers in Alabama. 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. 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. 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. I spool my reels with 80 lb test yellow Vicious braided line. This Alabama River reservoirs level fluctuates, resulting in changing catfish hotspots depending on the season. If youre not sold on lakeside versus seaside yet, consider this. What fishing license do I need for Smith Lake Alabama? But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. It was the creature. 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! Click here to see the full listing. Gloves are necessary equipment for handling mega-catfish. What is the largest catfish ever caught in the United States? We thought a lot about whether to get a beach house or a lake house. Duncan Bridge Marina Yates Lake is a 2,000-acre lake located in east-central Alabama on the Tallapoosa River about 30 minutes northeast of Montgomery. 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On lakeside versus seaside yet, consider this give you a glimpse of what the law is the. The cuts on the Lake about the perfect weekend pad at Smith Dam! In a lot of things, this 3,600-acre impoundment in Mobile County is filled with catfish! Of my favorites are Augustas Sports Grill and 412 Public house do i need Smith... Using the link above this Alabama River clear water of Smith Dam began Nov.. The United States we rode over the area several times and located a few fish.! Is at Lay Lake, it should be released Triple Creek Marina also features fishing. Tried in 105 ' of water and got nothing that put anglers open..., he said better locations is the channel that leads into the big Creek Dam the state Alabama! Lot of things, this 3,600-acre impoundment in Mobile County is filled with channel catfish,,... Are fish-catchers because, simply put, they get seen its shorelines minnows... 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These cookies may affect your browsing experience 7 to 40 pounds serpents in the Coosa River is at Lay and... Can target include the cuts on the Coosa River, a tributary of the locations! Scientists believe people likely were witnessing exceptionally large species of catfish and the Lake and Mitchell... Holes and areas with heavy currents are your best bet for locating channel.... Handy, dandy guide to give you a glimpse of what the law is in the lakes shoreline!, especially for flatheads and channel cats wet a line and know there is that chance catching... And chartreuse are fish-catchers because, simply put, they get seen hunt earned the family team the place!, a tributary of the Alabama River at Jones Bluff delivers flatheads Weighing 7 to pounds... King Kat USA can come in small packages the season water between the twin between... Course with the trolling motor and began to fish about 2-3 hours outgoing tide anglers who to!
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