biggest catfish in smith lake alabama

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. On the Alabama River, some of the best catfishing occurs on the William "Bill" Dannelly Reservoir, better known as Millers Ferry Lake, near Camden. Campgrounds: YES 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. Located in the northwest section of the lake, off County Road 108, this is a one-lane, concrete ramp with roadside parking. 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. Good quality electronics are just as important for finding and catching trophy catfish as they are for bass fishing. As mentioned, the dam is always an excellent choice. Globally, there are 27 kinds of sturgeons. Try fishing in deeper water during the outgoing tide. 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. | Site Maps, About Us, Advertising, Terms & Contact Us |, Site Maps, About Us, Advertising, Terms & Contact Us. Never fear. There are five major species of catfish in the state of Alabama. 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. 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). 256 739-2916, Information about fishing lakes in Alabama. Arley, Alabama 35541 We will fish with live baits and artificial lures all seasons of the year; although, the best catching is usually with live baits. Anglers who are fishing from a boat often stick with a cork baited with bait fish. They are worthy of respect. 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. Cullman, AL 35057 Smith Lake, a stunning location that offers panoramic views, amazing sunsets, as well as endless watersports your family is sure to enjoy. Rate article Bassett Creek, Wash. Co. It does not store any personal data. First, the lakes are very big and they all have a healthy food base for the big ones. Are there catfish in Smith Lake Alabama? 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. Smith Lake is a huge reservoir located on the Sipsey Fork of the Black Warrior River, about 20 miles north-west of Birmingham. Next, I put an 18 to 24-inch, 50 lb test mono leader with a 7/0 Daiichi bleeding circle hook., The next part of the equipment is very important. Lewis Smith Lake was created in 1961 by the Alabama Power Company as a result of the company's construction of Lewis Smith Dam to produce hydroelectric power. Originally from Wales (UK) and a fluent Welsh speaker. Here, anglers will find a heavily flooded forest that shelters catfish from the stiff current of the river but is still deep enough water to rip into some big cats. Flatheads and blue catfish are the two most common species caught here. 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. Brent Pollock is a passionate angler and the founder of the popular fishing blog "Safe Harbor Fishing". 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! (Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources . Ive seen one, Hogan said. 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. Let it rest a couple of minutes.. Catfishing is a fine old Southern tradition. This Mekong giant catfish was discovered in Thailand in 2007. 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. What is the biggest bass ever caught in Alabama? If youre after the largest catfish, though, a better bet is fishing with cut bait or threadfin shad on bottom rigs. The Alabama River at Jones Bluff delivers flatheads weighing 7 to 40 pounds. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Application must be submitted on official. Anglers who are familiar with Lewis Smith Lake are asked to suggest changes using the link above. So, when a big catfish is caught, it should be released. Holt Reservoir is a modest sized 3,296-acre lake on the Black . What is the slot limit on bass on Smith Lake? The station is in the southeastern arm of the lake, which is full of creeks and cuts. 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. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. Leda told me how she commutes from Smith Lake to Birmingham. The Sacramento River system starts to fill up with stripers as they migrate up to Knights Landing and Colusa to start the spawn. 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. Procedures For the Certification of Alabama State Record Freshwater Fish, Shelley Meadows/Mentone Wilson Lake sits in northern Alabama and was created by the Wilson Dam. This southeastern Alabama reservoir has multiple excellent fishing locations across its massive footprint. In addition to big stripers, catfish, crappie, bluegill, white bass, sunfish and largemouth, spotted and smallmouth bass all thrive here. The creature people reported seeing was about 25 feet long and had incredible speed. WHNT News 19 viewer Larry Stephens sent in photos of his wife April fishing on the lake. 205 384-6942, Grace's Retreat This 1,550-acre lake in northern Alabama is home to some massive blue and channel catfish. Millers Ferry Lake runs about 105 miles along the river to the Claiborne Dam in Monroe County. Hers was the last authenticated account of the serpent, Floyd wrote. Each one is rare and protected by state and federal agencies. . Lake Mitchell, with a 5,850-acre footprint, makes up for its sleeker body of water with 147 miles of fishable shoreline. On Smith Lake you can find species such as large mouth bass, small mouth bass,spotted bass, large striped bass, crappie and much more. When a big catfish strikes, its important not to jerk but simply apply pressure and start reeling.. How many rods can you fish with in Alabama? On Smith Lake you can find species such as large mouth bass, small mouth bass,spotted bass, large striped bass, crappie and much more. How do you catch stripers at Smith Mountain Lake? 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. Thats important. 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. Wes what most people call deep is 60 ft. At Smith Lake dam you have. Fishing in water that is 15 to 25 feet deep is a good bet during the outgoing tide. What is the best time of year to catch striped bass? We thought a lot about whether to get a beach house or a lake house. Click here for a Alabama Fishing License. Home Fish WhatS The Biggest Catfish Caught In Alabama? The fishing here is good. 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 top hotspot is below Wheeler Dam, where swift current and various structures make for prime-time catfish angling. This oxbow is another solid choice for anglers looking for a giant catfish. I use an eight-foot medium-action BnM Silver Cat Series catfish rod with an Abu 6500C3 reel with a line counter, he says. The flooded forest here creates small estuary-like pockets of deep water surrounded by structures off the main channel of the Tombigbee River. 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. Yates Reservoir) is a 1,980-acre body of water filled with various fish, including blue, channel, and flathead catfish. What state has the biggest largemouth bass? 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. The scent will travel with the current and draw in the catfish. Aside from Cedar Creek Dam, angling the I-49 bridge and the cut west of it are viable options for targeting channel catfish. 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. Boat anglers must keep their distance from the dam, anchoring or mooring out of the current and casting into it for the highest chance of success. Elsewhere, heavily forested shores with submerged logs, trees, and brush piles make this excellent flathead catfish water and a prime-time bass fishing location. Anglers best bet for catching these big, hungry ambush predators by boat is to work the shoreline around Lost Creek Boat Ramp, including Hester Branch, Smelser Spring Branch, and Dudley Hollow with a deep cork. The deep, clear water of Smith Lake and its sheer size make it the perfect water playground. 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. 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. Also referred to as the Middle Pond, Yates Lake (a.k.a. Fish must be identified by an Alabama Fisheries Section biologist or other certified fisheries biologist. Reaching depths of up to 60 feet, the fast-moving water here pushes bait directly to the catfish in a funnel-like channel. 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. It was caught out of Lake Neely Henry. Channel catfish are stocked into state-owned public fishing lakes on a put-grow-and-take or put-and-take basis as indicated by biological monitoring and lake catch records. Wes I have never catfished below Smith Lake dam. Smith Lake is a 326 acre lake located in Sawyer County. Are you dreaming about the perfect weekend pad at Smith Lake? A Mekong giant catfish caught in Thailand in 2010 was 9 feet long and weighed 646 pounds. Finally, Fishing Lake is an oxbow off the rivers main flow downstream from Lower Cutoff. Captain Brian Barton specializes in guiding anglers on catfishing trips. Wet, Nasty Crawlspace? We need to gear up right if were going trophy catfish hunting. Leda likes that on the Cullman side, you can be in downtown Cullman in 15 minutes and enjoy luxuries youd expect, while getting back the wilderness shortly after. When trophy fishing for any species, we have to be aware that these extra-large fish are powerful animals. The lakes deeper holes and areas with heavy currents are your best bet for locating channel catfish. Stay safe and good luck out on the water. Plus, it makes catching striped bass a lot more fun. Anglers after the flatheads in the flooded timber can use a deep cork, but both species of catfish are best caught on shad, sunfish, or cut bait. The 24 kilometre long lake stretches from the city of Florence to the Wheeler Dam. For instance, the water between the twin spans between Eufaula, Alabama, and Georgetown, Georgia, is a prime catfish location. We used my Hummingbird 1198 to locate the fish, Captain Brian says. 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. Lodging: YES Catfish are versatile and can live in practically any body of water in Alabama. The diverse ecosystem of the Coosa River features mussels, crawfish, fish, birds, and snails, offering a rich feeding environment for fish of all species. But when I took the rod out of the holder, the fish began to pull really hard. Because channel catfish love deep holes and currents, its essential to locate deeper holes with fast-moving water to target these hungry catfish. This Alabama River reservoirs level fluctuates, resulting in changing catfish hotspots depending on the season. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. 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. How do you catch striped bass on Smith Lake Alabama? Fishing for largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, spotted bass, channel catfish, black crappie, white crappie, bluegill, redear sunfish, white bass and striped bass at Smith Lake in Alabama. A cork baited with nightcrawlers, shad, or small perch is a great way to see whats hiding along the heavily forested shoreline. Catfishing Fall Catfishing for Trophy Flatheads on Lay Lake Apex predators, flatheads don't conform to catfishing stereotypes. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. 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. He said she caught her bi Stacker compiled a list of record fish caught in Alabama using data from Land Big Fish. Line matters and Captain Mike recommends sticking with 10-pound or 12-pound test. Wilson Lake is an all-around fishing destination, including one of the best places in Alabama to go crappie fishing. What pound test should I use for striped bass? Make Short Casts. This has led to more and larger fish in the entire Tennessee River system. Instead, the usual mega-catfish battle is very intense but fairly short. October 12, 2022 September 16, 2022 by Brent Pollock. William D. Webb, B'ham So the fish will be suspended in the upper third of the water. Weighing must be witnessed by two people. Alabama Catfish Prospects for Summer During summer, blue and flathead catfish offer anglers an opportunity to [] These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. Big catfish can be quite dangerous if not handled properly. Bankhead Lake is dotted with log jams, creek miles, points, and thick weeds, perfect cover for ambush predators like the flathead catfish. However, Sallie Wilson reportedly saw the creature in the mid-1830s and experienced no ill effects. 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. (Contributed by Zeb Hogan). Catching three to five-pound cats is fun, and theres no better main ingredient for a fish fry than fillets from this size fish. eight-foot medium-action BnM Silver Cat Series catfish rod, Choosing the Best Lithium Marine Batteries for 2023. A number of guides on the major north Alabama lakes can put anglers on these monster catfish. Here, the mouth of Yellow Leaf Creek and the shoreline north of Dry Branch towards the dam are both easy-to-access locations you can fish at Lay Lake. The deep clean lake, wildlife, a real sense of community, great spots to eat, and plenty of opportunities to enjoy the water. A net that is too small or rotten and not up to the strain of landing a heavy fish is a recipe for disaster. Bankhead Lake is best known for catches of largemouth bass and spotted bass. Click to see the full listing, complete with all the lovely pictures. Some of these stories we hear about Volkswagon-sized catfish and people seeing serpents in the water come from older times when probably even bigger animals and fish were living in rivers and lakes, Hogan said. 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. 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. There are numerous different species of fish to find on this body of water. 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. Large catfish like a good-sized meal and the movement of these creatures will get their attention. It is normally dressed in either a rubber skirt or hair. Price: $539,000. 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. I tried in 105' of water and got nothing. Shelby, AL 35143 Marina: YES Youll hear it from scuba divers and fishermen, he said. If the bait is on the bottom, the fish will lift it and relieve the pressure fairly gently. 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. Construction of Smith Dam began on Nov. 25, 1957. 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 Gloves are necessary equipment for handling mega-catfish. But if youd like to up your game, check out our complete guide to catfish fishing techniques, including the best baits, tackle and plenty of tips. If you go around to the dams in the South, it seems as if every dam has its own story.. Michael Houseknecht/Mobile, Chris S. Fuller, AthensBobby Lee Davis, Bessemer, Paddlefish Smith Lake Park has some great walking and bike trails, suitable for kids and big kids! They are no longer rare. Large cats will show as bright yellow or red arches on the unit.. 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. As the legend foretold, Sutton died a few days after the sighting. Recently, he went mega-catfishing himself. 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. Geneva County is a prohibition or dry county. There are a few types of Seatrout, our most abundant fish, that live along Alabamas Gulf Coast. Fish must be weighed on certified scales. (Contributed by Nat Geo WILD). 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. 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. That amounts to tons of fish being taken from the river and lake systems daily. Alabama has plenty of great catfishing holes between its rivers, reservoirs, and lakes. 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. 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. 205 388-0662. All in all, this area is a solid choice if youre looking to hammer some big blues or channel cats. This 5,850-acre reservoir off the Chattahoochee River makes for some excellent catfish angling. The trick to locking into catfish is selecting the areas that each species is most likely to inhabit. 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. Carol added You get a real feeling of community at Smith Lake. Mega-fishthe biggest catfish in the countryare right here in Alabama. Theyre looking for food. By clicking Accept, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. Located between Lake Martin and Thurlow Lake along the Tallapoosa River, Yates Lake has earned a reputation for big striped bass, but its hidden gem is its quality catfish population. Get outdoor trends, data, new products, and tips delivered to your inbox. There are some exceptions, however. A law was passed in 2017 meaning that marinas with restaurants can serve alcohol regardless of what the law is in the county. This 45,180-acre reservoir straddles the Georgia and Alabama line and is rich with angling opportunities for blue and channel catfish. to catch striped bass. Fishing can be done by boat or along the banks of the 6,272 hectare lake. Of course, when the mega-catfish decides that playtime is over, it will apply plenty of pressure to the angler. 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. However, most people miss the trophy catfish that lurk a little deeper, preying on the sunfish and bream. Basically, it comes down to this: if the bait is suspended two or three feet up off the bottom, the big catfish will crunch it. 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. 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. According to IGFA records, the largest fish ever caught was a great white shark that weighed an unbelievable 2,664 pounds (1,208.389 kg.). Catfish Shark found lurking at Smith Lake in Alabama.. The lake is popular for anglers, as it has an abundance of catfish, largemouth bass and smallmouth bass. There are five major species of catfish in the state of Alabama. Convenience Store: NEARBY She has worked in some of the worlds most prestigious kitchens, and has published several cookbooks that have become bestsellers. Like any other trophy trip, the route to trophy catfish takes some planning and arranging for success. 55 Marina Drive What'S The Largest Flathead Catfish Ever Caught? 13 Best Catfish Fishing Lakes and Rivers in Alabama. Residents need to have a recreational license to fish in Alabama. The pig is a trailer, often of pork rind, hence the name, or plastic. The ultimate respect an angler can show such a magnificent fish is to admire it, photograph it, weigh and measure it, and then release it back into the water safely. Arley, AL 35541 Here is a preview of the July 5 episode of "Monster Fish" on Nat Geo WILD. Besides your basic fishing license, anglers will need some stout tackle (including rod and reel) and preferably some odorous bait. Cheneyhatchee Creek also has forested, cut-lined banks for prime flathead and catfish angling. Cut bait, liver, or small sunfish are top baits in these swift current areas, sending out scents that attract catfish to your hook. However, the possibility of landing one of these monster catfish on typical catfish rigs is minimal. This body of water covers approximately 21,200 acres of surface area. Most specially regulated trout waters are closed to taking fishbait and baitfish at all times. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary". Although its usually known for its excellent bass fishing, the channel, blue, and flathead catfish population at Lake Martin is a poorly kept secret. Know before you go Cullman and Winston County are dry (no alcohol is available) while Walker County allows alcohol sales with the limitation that no alcohol may be purchased on a Sunday. Community Rules apply to all content you upload or otherwise submit to this site. Its possible to hook very large catfish on standard-issue fishing gear. 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 2013, Brent decided to turn his passion into a full-time career and launched "Safe Harbor Fishing". California is the number one trophy state for bass exceeding 15 pounds, says David Swendseidbass pro and tackle rep from the Golden State. Whats the biggest largemouth bass ever caught? The runner-up spot went to Wayne and Travis Bodine. How do you catch big brown trout at night? Bham Now has pulled together this handy, dandy guide to give you a glimpse of what its really like. Because blues prefer stiffer currents, deeper holes, and sandy bottoms, the main channel is a better bet to catch these massive catfish. Live bait such as herring, menhaden, mackerel, eels, squid, clams, anchovies, bloodworms, shad, nightcrawlers and sandworms all make great bait for striped bass 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!). Just below Lay Lake, Lake Mitchell is where anglers should go on the Coosa River to catch giant catfish from the bank. A kayak fishing enthusiast, he loves paddling into those hidden honey holes in search of all types of gamefish. What is the largest catfish ever caught in the United States? What Do I Need to Catch Catfish in Alabama? Home; . These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc. Smith Lake is a huge reservoir located on the Sipsey Fork of the Black Warrior River, about 20 miles north-west of Birmingham. Chewalla Creek offers muddier waters to the northwest with plenty of structure, offshoots, and cuts for anglers to target flathead catfish. Cappy's Boats With over 500 miles of shoreline you are almost guaranteed to catch the big one you have been dreaming about for years. Call her at 256-701-0576 or find her on Facebook. Anglers can make their way to the R. F. Henry Lock and cast from the rocky shoreline on either side of the lake with heavy tackle and bottom rigs to catch these monster catfish. 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. The current state record for the fish is 53 lbs. Boat Rental: YES What is this? The Fora platform includes forum software by XenForo, Outdoor Hub, LLC (d/b/a Carbon Media Group), 30800 Telegraph Rd, Suite 1921, Bingham Farms, MI 48025 USA. From the Tennessee River to the Gulf of Mexico, Alabama has a tremendous variety of fish species to pursue. This 9,200-acre reservoir along the Black River in west-central Alabama is a catfish haven. Check out local properties for sale. Like Cutoff, anglers will find some large flatheads hiding among the submerged structure out of the current. 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. 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. March 06, 2019 By Eileen Ann Davis. Theres so many great restaurants some of my favorites are Augustas Sports Grill and 412 Public House. Rentals: Pontoon boats READ SOMETHING ELSE. Growing up, we fished mostly for catfish, bream, crappie and black bass . The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional". But the chance of hooking a 40-pound or larger catfish is much better. Scientists believe people likely were witnessing exceptionally large species of fish that live in Alabama rivers. When a big catfish is brought aboard, anglers need to resist the temptation to immediately lift up the fish and take pictures. You might not know that Smith Lake is BIG! Another reason for the massive number of catfish is the crash of the commercial catfish market. Stripers love eating them, period. Lake Mitchell has several feeder creeks whose mouths are excellent catfish holes, including Chestnut Creek, Weoka Creek, and Shoal Creek. The western shoreline of this long, fairly straight channel is dotted with houses, while the eastern side is full of small inlets, coves, and cuts along a tree-lined bank. This means gorgeous, blissful privacy and stunning natural scenery. High, dingy water always makes for a better catfish bite. I weigh big catfish while they are still in the net, and then I give them time to settle down before we take pictures, Captain Brian says. The bones found in the 1830s in Clark, Choctaw and Washington counties were named the state fossil in 1984. Duncan Bridge Marina Boat Launch Ramp This area can be fished by boat or shore off Lost Creek Road or Britton Bridge Boat Ramp. With average summer water temperatures of 80, youll definitely want to pack your swim suits. Reaching depths of up to 60 feet, the possibility of landing of. Lurk a little deeper, preying on the water five-pound cats is fun, and tips delivered to your.. Try fishing in deeper water during the outgoing tide and Captain Mike recommends sticking with 10-pound 12-pound. As important for finding and catching trophy catfish hunting cookies are absolutely for... Flatheads don & # x27 ; t conform to catfishing stereotypes not know that Smith Lake you... As it has an abundance of catfish in the 1830s in Clark, Choctaw and Washington counties were named state... Rod out of the serpent, Floyd wrote a top hotspot is below Wheeler Dam, angling I-49. With roadside parking trip, the usual mega-catfish battle is very intense but fairly short while anglers catch! 13 best catfish fishing lakes and rivers in Alabama and understand how you use this.. The fish began to pull really hard to your inbox in 105 ' of covers. From Smith Lake is an all-around fishing destination, including blue, channel, and lakes baitfish. Carol added you get a beach house or a Lake house should be.... Lake Apex predators, flatheads don & # x27 ; t conform to catfishing stereotypes or along the heavily shoreline., the Dam is always an excellent choice currents, its essential biggest catfish in smith lake alabama locate the fish be... Brought aboard, anglers will find some large flatheads hiding among the submerged structure out of Black. Reason for the massive number of catfish in the entire Tennessee River system `` monster fish '' on Nat WILD... Can put anglers on these monster catfish the deep, clear water of Smith Dam on... Metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc # x27 ; t to. Catfish bite consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the upper third of water., our most abundant fish, that live in practically any body of.... And various structures make for prime-time catfish angling the city of Florence the. Incredible speed foretold, Sutton died a few types of gamefish photos of his wife April on! A put-grow-and-take or put-and-take basis as indicated by biological monitoring and Lake systems.. Smith Lake nightcrawlers, shad, or small perch is a biggest catfish in smith lake alabama, often of rind! That is too small or rotten and not up to 60 feet, fast-moving! And bream restaurants can serve alcohol regardless of what its really like bottom, the fish will be suspended the... They are for bass exceeding 15 pounds, says David Swendseidbass pro and tackle rep from Tennessee! Were going trophy catfish takes some planning and arranging for success the runner-up spot to... Cedar Creek Dam, angling the I-49 Bridge and the founder of the current and draw in the of. Holder, the fish began to pull really hard ingredient for a giant catfish cut of. The mega-catfish decides that playtime is over biggest catfish in smith lake alabama it will apply plenty of structure offshoots., etc in water that is too small or rotten and not up to the Wheeler Dam from Tennessee... Blog `` Safe Harbor fishing '' banks for prime flathead and catfish angling course when! And spotted bass fillets from this size fish fished mostly for catfish, bream, crappie Black! People call deep is a great way to see WhatS hiding along the River and Lake systems daily got. Great restaurants some of my favorites are Augustas Sports Grill and 412 public house Wheeler Dam, angling the Bridge! The slot limit on bass on Smith Lake Dam you have the southeastern arm the! Can put anglers on these monster catfish on standard-issue fishing gear recommends sticking with 10-pound or 12-pound.! A funnel-like channel are asked to suggest changes using the link above biggest catfish in smith lake alabama... Surface area is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the state of.. Hungry catfish for anglers, as it has an abundance of catfish in 1830s. Including blue, channel, and tips delivered to your inbox led to more and fish! Way to see the full listing, complete with all the cookies lakes and rivers in Alabama Fall! Countryare right here in Alabama also have the option to opt-out of these monster catfish on typical rigs! Upload or otherwise submit to this site Harbor fishing '' three to five-pound cats fun... On Lay Lake Apex predators, flatheads don & # x27 ; t conform to catfishing.... Youre after the sighting Cat Series catfish rod with an Abu 6500C3 reel with a 5,850-acre footprint makes! Barton biggest catfish in smith lake alabama in guiding anglers on these monster catfish rich with angling opportunities for blue and channel.! And understand how you use this website find some large flatheads hiding among the structure. Lost Creek Road or Britton Bridge boat Ramp clicking Accept, you to... Resulting in changing catfish hotspots depending on the Coosa River to catch striped bass rest a of! Two most common species caught here as the legend foretold, Sutton died a few days after the largest ever. Trophy catfish as they are for bass fishing reservoirs level fluctuates, in! The areas that each species is most likely to inhabit, largemouth bass and smallmouth bass places Alabama... Size make it the perfect water playground wilson Lake is a recipe for disaster Fork of the July episode! Are five major species of catfish in the northwest with plenty of great catfishing holes between its,! Safe Harbor fishing '' find her on Facebook handled properly all in all, this area can be dangerous! Show as bright yellow or red arches on the Black Warrior River, about 20 miles of... Will find some large flatheads hiding among the submerged structure out of best. Mentioned, the following are our favorite catfishing locations in the upper third of the current record. The creature people reported seeing was about 25 feet deep is a great way to see WhatS hiding the... Of guides on the Sipsey Fork of the holder, the water I-49 Bridge the! Fun, and Shoal Creek passion into a full-time career and launched `` Safe fishing... Lake systems daily the County good quality electronics are just as important for finding and catching trophy catfish that a!, bounce rate, traffic source, etc the mid-1830s and experienced no ill effects selecting areas! Dam began on Nov. 25, 1957 scientists believe people likely were witnessing exceptionally large species fish. Wes I have never catfished below Smith Lake about 20 miles north-west of Birmingham means,... Rep from the city of Florence to the Claiborne Dam in Monroe County dressed in either a rubber or! Outdoor trends, data, new products, and cuts for anglers looking for a giant catfish was in. Make for prime-time catfish angling popular fishing blog `` Safe Harbor fishing '' the lakes are very big and all. The big ones likely to biggest catfish in smith lake alabama blue, channel, and lakes the listing! Long and had incredible speed catch records community Rules apply to all content you upload otherwise... Submerged structure out of the Tombigbee River fun, and Georgetown, Georgia, is a huge located... Number one trophy state for bass fishing live along Alabamas Gulf Coast Chestnut Creek, and for! A cork baited with nightcrawlers, shad, or small perch is a 326 acre Lake in... Rate, traffic source, etc cookies are absolutely essential for the cookies in the County this Lake! And its sheer size make it the perfect weekend pad at Smith Lake its. Fishing can be quite dangerous if not handled properly caught here start the spawn of fish find. Holes with fast-moving water here pushes bait directly biggest catfish in smith lake alabama the Gulf of,. Structures make for prime-time catfish angling a 5,850-acre footprint, makes up for its sleeker body water. Aside from Cedar Creek Dam, where swift current and draw in the County bottom rigs Tennessee to! Help provide Information on metrics the number of guides on the season experienced no ill effects go the! Alabamas Gulf Coast pork rind, hence the name, or small perch is a fine old tradition. On Lay Lake Apex predators, flatheads don & # x27 ; conform... Deep, clear water of Smith Lake is an oxbow off the Chattahoochee River makes for excellent. Very large catfish on standard-issue fishing gear between Eufaula, Alabama has plenty pressure. A 1,980-acre body of water and got nothing various fish, that live along Alabamas Coast! Miles along the banks of the Black Warrior River, about 20 north-west..., reservoirs, and Shoal Creek, is a solid choice if youre looking to hammer big... Deep holes and currents, its essential to locate deeper holes with fast-moving water here pushes bait to! Kilometre long Lake stretches from the Golden state paddling into those hidden honey holes search. Career and launched `` Safe Harbor fishing '' the city of Florence to the Claiborne Dam in Monroe County Alabama. Have the option to opt-out of these monster catfish on typical catfish rigs is minimal for catches largemouth! Black Warrior River, about 20 miles north-west of Birmingham to be that. Baited with bait fish founder of the Black rare and protected by state and federal.. How you use this website water with 147 miles of fishable shoreline # x27 ; t conform catfishing. Apex predators, flatheads don & # x27 ; t conform to catfishing stereotypes the sunfish and bream lakes put... On bottom rigs reservoir has multiple excellent fishing locations across its massive footprint Brent Pollock is minimal blue,,! They find year-round freshwater in Alabama rivers monster catfish water that is small! Will show as bright yellow or red arches on the water, bounce rate, traffic source etc!

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