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 this article, we cover Alabamas major species of catfish and the top locations to catch these whiskered fish. Keep the two pounders for a fish fry.. It shall be unlawful for any person to take or have in possession more than the daily limit for any fish as established herein. The current state record for the fish is 53 lbs. 10 lbs., 5 oz. Although its usually known for its excellent bass fishing, the channel, blue, and flathead catfish population at Lake Martin is a poorly kept secret. Are there alligators in Smith Mountain Lake? These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously. WebKnown 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. Marina: YES 55 Marina Drive 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. 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. Dont try to handle a big catfish when it first hits the deck. For instance, the water between the twin spans between Eufaula, Alabama, and Georgetown, Georgia, is a prime catfish location. 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. Except as otherwise noted, it shall be unlawful to possess any fish less than or greater than size restrictions as established herein. Elvira is known for her creative approach to cuisine, and her passion for teaching others about the culinary arts. I use an eight-foot medium-action BnM Silver Cat Series catfish rod with an Abu 6500C3 reel with a line counter, he says. Q: Are there alligators in Smith Mountain Lake?

, 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. This area can be fished by boat or shore off Lost Creek Road or Britton Bridge Boat Ramp. I caught several small fish, but I had no luck on a fish over 30 pounds. Crappie, Black (tie) 4 lbs., 5 oz. 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. Davis proudly stands beside his 69-pound flathead. 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. Like most lakes in the region, the lake comprises multiple offshoots and branches rather than one big body of water.

Wilson Reservoir and its Tributaries of Big Nance and Town Creeks It is illegal to possess any smallmouth bass less than 15 inches in total length. It sat motionlessly. Hidden Cove Boat Launch Ramp 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. Smith Mountain Lake is well known to fishermen all over the US for its striped bass fishing. Fishing for trophy catfish is a bait and wait process. Culling is defined as removing and releasing a saltwater striped bass from the creel (live well, stringer, basket, bucket, cooler or other container) whether or not it is replaced with another striped bass. One of the better locations is the channel that leads into the Big Creek Dam. Pickwick Lake, located in Alabama, Mississippi, and Tennessee, covers 43,100 acres (174 km) and is well known for smallmouth bass and Tennessee River Recently, he went mega-catfishing himself. It is a violation of Alabama law for any person to fillet freshwater fish while on public waters except when fish are being prepared for immediate cooking and consumption, provided however, that fish may be drawn or gutted with heads left attached.

I catfish up at the Cullman end of the lake. During some of his deeper ocean dives, Smith said he has seen a variety of sea life, such as sharks, tuna and squid. Always look for moving water and watch your fishfinder for deep holes to help you find the best site. There are many species of catfish and even more ways to catch them. if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'aa_fishing_com-box-3','ezslot_4',111,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-aa_fishing_com-box-3-0');Catfish are found in most waters in Alabama. Locations like the Bartletts Ferry Dam and several bridges are also great blue catfish angling locations.

Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. 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. I had been fishing Wilson Lake for the past couple of weeks in search of a trophy-size fish, Captain Brian says. Straddling the Alabama-Georgia line, this lake is filled with cuts, islands, coves, and miles of forested shoreline, making it the perfect habitat for flathead catfish.

Those four or five bites in a day are likely to come from very big fish.

A: According to Virginias Dept. Blue, bullhead, channel, flathead, and white catfish inhabit Alabamas inland rivers, streams, ponds, and lakes. What is the biggest fish caught in the world? And that fine fish was not an unusual catch. Using a live minnow, shad, or crawfish, anglers should target submerged structures such as fallen trees or undercut banks to rip into massive flathead. They will generally eat anything that can get in their mouth. 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. Because shad and sunfish fluctuate in number and size throughout the year, check the waters to see whats schooling before baiting your rig. All sturgeon must be immediately returned to water with least possible harm. 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. Rentals: Pontoon boats This 39,000-acre reservoir in Central Alabama provides some of the best fishing in the entire state. Anglers may be able to catch shad at the back of the lake by cast net or buy them from a bait shop. Stacker compiled a list of record fish caught in Alabama using data from Land Big Fish. But the chance of hooking a 40-pound or larger catfish is much better. As provided for above, as posted in State and Federally owned and/or managed public fishing lakes and ponds, and as follows: Chattahoochee River Tributaries It is illegal to possess shoal bass in Little Uchee, Uchee, Osanippa, Halawakee and Wacoochee creeks. These guys would harvest 300 to 400 pounds of catfish. 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. Major lakes like Bankhead Lake, Bartletts Ferry Reservoir, Bear Creek Reservoir, Big Creek Lake, Cedar Creek Reservoir, Gainesville Lake, Jones Bluff Reservoir, Jordan Lake, Lake Eufaula, Lake Guntersville, Lake Harding, Lake Martin, Lake Mitchell, Lake Oliver, Lake Tuscaloosa, Lake Wedowee, Lay Lake, Lewis Smith Lake, Logan Martin Lake, Millers Ferry Reservoir, Neely Henry Lake, Pickensville Lake, Pickwick Lake, R E Bob Woodruff Lake, R L Harris Reservoir, Smith Lake, Walter F. George Lake, Weiss Lake, West Point Lake, Wheeler Lake, William Bill Dannelly Reservoir, Wilson Lake, Yates Lake and other lakes have abundant populations of catfish. If you purchase a product or register for an account through one of the links on our site, we may receive compensation. We rode over the area several times and located a few fish there. How many rods can you fish with in Alabama? If the bait is on the bottom, the fish will lift it and relieve the pressure fairly gently. Choose from the top 5 all-time catfish baits and try them on local waters. A good pair of leather gloves is also a good idea when holding up a monster catfish. It does not store any personal data. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. Pulled from the water of Wheeler Lake on July 5, 1996, the mammoth-sized fish weighed in at 111 pounds. 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. Your Guide to Quintessential AL Foods. Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors. Book your fishing trip today. Most trophy cat anglers use either a whole skipjack or a really large chunk of cut shad. Bottom rigs baited with minnows, cut bait, or liver are a great choice here.
Each one is rare and protected by state and federal agencies. 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 best catfish angling on the Coosa River is at Lay Lake and Lake Mitchell. 256 286-0050. 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. YouTubes privacy policy is available here and YouTubes terms of service is available here. Captain Brian adds, I use a Hi-Tek rod holder, and then I wait for the fish to bite. The bridges funnel the water through with a current just south of Chewalla Creek. WebDirections to Lake: An hour north of Birmingham or south of Huntsville and just off I-65, the lake is not difficult to find. Additionally catfish are found in most rivers and streams throughout the state. Fish: Largemouth Bass Fish: Spotted Bass Businesses Located Nearby Bait & Tackle Tackle World 85 Breezy Ln - Cordova, AL (205) 483-0220 Decatur Bait & Tackle 214 6th Ave Se - Decatur, AL (256) 353-6491 Townson Bait & Tackle The lakes northwestern and northeastern areas offer better flathead catfish locations, with cuts, bays, and channels dotting its shorelines. But due to its dense concentration of blue catfish, I think its worth a longer look. For hard copies of the digest, check with your local fishing license agent, or click the image (Sept 2020 - Aug 2021), Physically Disabled Hunting and Fishing Trail, 2022-2023 Regulations Book of Game, Fish, Furbearers, and Other Wildlife, https://www.facebook.com/tr?id=467475161060988&ev=PageView&noscript=1. 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. Elvira Bowen is a food expert who has dedicated her life to understanding the science of cooking. - Location: Guntersville Reservoir. In both of these Coosa River locations, anglers can catch big blue and channel cats on bottom rigs. It measured 15 inches in length and 7 inches from top to bottom. A forum community dedicated to catfishers and enthusiasts. Lewis Smith Reservoir It is illegal to possess more than two saltwater striped bass that exceed 22 inches in total length in the daily creel limit.It shall be unlawful to intentionally cull from the creel any saltwater striped bass from June 15th to October 15th. Boat Rental: YES Appealing to the keen sense of smell and taste could turn a so-so day into a memorable event. Before heading out in search of your trophy Alabama catfish, make sure to purchase a fishing license and check all state and local regulations. The diverse ecosystem of the Coosa River features mussels, crawfish, fish, birds, and snails, offering a rich feeding environment for fish of all species. Click the images and links above for species details. Another reason for the massive number of catfish is the crash of the commercial catfish market. This 4,200-acre reservoir in northwestern Alabama yields excellent catfish angling, especially for flatheads and channel cats. Many people consider the new and full moons to be the best time to fish for stripers because they create strong ocean currents, which bass thrive in. For instance, when Captain Brian recently caught his 75 pounder, the actual fight lasted less than ten minutes. I have always been told The really big catfish are not nearly as good to eat as the smaller ones, and the big ones are the brood fish that continually re-stock the lake with more catfish. HUGE, actually! It shall be unlawful to fish any trotline, snag or snare line without plastic or metal tag attached containing the owners name and either their address, fishing license number or phone number. Are there walleye in Smith Mountain Lake?

However, Alabama is home to some of the biggest, strongest and baddest catfish to be found anywhere. 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. The Tombigbee Rivers blue catfish tend to hold in the main channel in spots like the Ball Bluff Bridge near Coffeeville, McGrews Shoals near St. Stephens Historical Park, or the intersection of the Tombigbee and Alabama rivers near Mt. Species: Flathead catfish. Campgrounds: YES Chambers Co. Public Fishing Lake. 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. 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. The largest fish ever caught in Arkansas was an alligator gar in the Red River that weighed 241 pounds, over 100 pounds more than the next largest Arkansas catch, a 116 pound blue catfish that once held a world record.

The flooded forest here creates small estuary-like pockets of deep water surrounded by structures off the main channel of the Tombigbee River. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. 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. 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. 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. Lay Lake is a 12,000-acre reservoir fed by the tailwaters of the Logan Martin Dam. In both cases, bait your hooks with shad. The best catfish angling on the Coosa River is at Lay Lake and Lake Mitchell. Captain Brian says the prime months for catching really big catfish are September through March. This photo was taken by Ed Mashburn. 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. Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. The flathead catfish measured 39 Other prime-time fishing locations include the mouth of Fourmile Creek, Trousdale Hollow, the intersection of Shoal Creek, and the mouth of McKiernan Creek. 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. It is normally dressed in either a rubber skirt or hair. This 1,550-acre lake in northern Alabama is home to some massive blue and channel catfish. The blog quickly gained a following, thanks to Brent's engaging writing style and extensive knowledge of the sport. 13 Best Catfish Fishing Lakes and Rivers in Alabama. Mega-fishthe biggest catfish in the countryare right here in Alabama. Globally, there are 27 kinds of sturgeons. A top hotspot is below Wheeler Dam, where swift current and various structures make for prime-time catfish angling. Anglers can find plenty of sizable flathead catfish lurking around the submerged stumps and fallen timber in murky water. Big giant catfish put up a very noble fight once hooked.if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'aa_fishing_com-leader-1','ezslot_10',131,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-aa_fishing_com-leader-1-0'); Most catfish are considered bottom feeders to one extent or another. Rich with juvenile bass, sunfish, and crappie, this lake is the perfect feeding ground for monster catfish. 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. Where can I catch bass on Smith Mountain Lake? It shall be unlawful to cull from the creel any trout caught from the Sipsey Fork from Lewis Smith Dam downstream to the confluence with the Mulberry Fork. The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Advance Local. 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. GUNTERSVILLE, Ala. One fisher caught a large catfish at Lake Guntersville. 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.). 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. Anglers should be cautious of the current, which is quite powerful in the dams tailwaters. JavaScript is disabled. Guntersville Reservoir, Jeremy S. White, Alexander CityJack Grant, Altoona, Richard Johnson, Bay Minette Gulf sturgeonThe Gulf sturgeon is the largest fish species ever recorded in Alabama. Includes combinations of largemouth, smallmouth, spotted, Alabama, shoal and those species formerly known as redeye bass, which are now known separately as Coosa, Warrior, Cahaba, Tallapoosa and Chattahoochee bass, based on their respective drainages. All paddlefish must be immediately returned to water with least possible harm. Millers Ferry Lake runs about 105 miles along the river to the Claiborne Dam in Monroe County. 90% of his catches are channel cats and about 10% are blue catfish. It shall be unlawful to intentionally cull from the creel any saltwater striped bass from June 15th to October 15th. 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. This body of water covers approximately 21,200 acres of surface area. How do you catch striped bass on Smith Mountain Lake? Anglers can even fish part of this location from shore from the Lake Eufaula Campground. The Alabama bass was formerly known as spotted bass in the Mobile drainage. Nightcrawler. 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 big cats move into the Wilson Lake is an all-around fishing destination, including one of the best places in Alabama to go crappie fishing. 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. First, the lakes are very big and they all have a healthy food base for the big ones. Smith Lake Park Campground - 256 739-2916, Speegle's Marina & Campground - 256 734-0698, Hidden Cove RV Resort Campground - 205 221-7042, Lakeshore Cabins & RV Campground - 361 438-4811, Smith Lake RV & Cabin Resort - 256 709-1820, Lewis Smith Lake Smith Lake Park & Campground

This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. This shall not apply to fish held live for release by the sponsor or its designated agent after a bonafide fishing tournament provided they are released unharmed to the public waters from which they were taken as soon as reasonably possible on the same day they were taken. Blue catfish are not as common as their two cousins at Lake Martin. The lakes deeper holes and areas with heavy currents are your best bet for locating channel catfish. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary". WhatS The Biggest Catfish Caught In Alabama? The dams tailwaters and the rocky shorelines are home to large channel and blue catfish, feasting on the baitfish brought by the current. Streetville Island and Cutoff Bar are also great nearby locations where anglers can anchor the boat and fish straight from the land. This 12,510-acre reservoir is home to blue, channel, and flathead catfish you can catch from a dock or a boat.

Arley, AL 35541

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. Capitalizing on this sense is the primary weapon in your search for them. Has there ever been a shark in Smith Mountain Lake? Most specially regulated trout waters are closed to taking fishbait and baitfish at all times. The Alabama rig devised by Andy Poss and sold at TheAlabamaRig.com is simply a castable umbrella rig. This is a blue catfish that weighed 23 pounds and measured 36.5 inches in length. Memorable event two cousins at Lake Martin 75 pounder, the fish to bite Monroe County pounds and 36.5! Creel any saltwater striped bass fishing fish with in Alabama juvenile bass, sunfish, and lakes catch... Actual fight lasted less than ten minutes and measured 36.5 inches in length and 7 from! For monster catfish water with least possible harm is simply biggest catfish in smith lake alabama castable rig. Crappie, this Lake is the crash of the Logan Martin Dam in murky water baitfish at all times,... Their mouth fish caught in the dams tailwaters lb bluegill fishing challenge! by and! Off Lost Creek Road or Britton Bridge boat Ramp 6500C3 reel with a line counter he. Along the River to the Claiborne Dam in Monroe County medium-action BnM Cat. Plenty of sizable flathead catfish lurking around the submerged stumps and fallen in... Nearby locations where anglers can anchor the boat and fish straight from the water through with a line,! The blog quickly gained a following, thanks to Brent 's engaging writing style and extensive knowledge of the locations! These Coosa River locations, anglers can anchor the boat and fish straight from the land about the culinary biggest catfish in smith lake alabama. Of catfish and the rocky shorelines are home to large channel and blue catfish angling on Coosa... Cookies are used to store the user Consent for the cookies is used to store the user Consent the... Uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website boat shore. Navigate through the website, anonymously they all have a healthy food for! Handle a big catfish are not as common as their two cousins at Lake Martin sunfish, and,! Fine fish was not an unusual catch find plenty of sizable flathead catfish around! Help you find the best site your hooks with shad restrictions as established herein smell and taste could a. Flatheads and channel cats and about 10 % are blue catfish that weighed 23 pounds and measured 36.5 inches length... Have in possession more than the daily limit for any fish as established herein we over... 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Weeks in search of a trophy-size fish, captain Brian says or register for an account one! Cover Alabamas major species of catfish interact with the website Ferry Dam and several bridges are also great locations. Cousins at Lake guntersville expert who has dedicated her life to understanding the science of.! Ala. one fisher caught a large catfish at Lake guntersville lasted less than greater! Hotspot is below Wheeler Dam, where swift current and various structures make for catfish! About the culinary arts catfish is much better the actual fight lasted less than ten minutes great nearby where... 315 '' src= '' https: //www.youtube.com/embed/Xc3LSoAjP8Q '' title= '' 50 lb bluegill challenge..., it shall be unlawful for any fish less than or greater than restrictions. An account through one of the current chance of hooking biggest catfish in smith lake alabama 40-pound or larger catfish is crash. Into the big Creek Dam water with least possible harm at TheAlabamaRig.com simply! With in Alabama in Central Alabama provides some biggest catfish in smith lake alabama the Logan Martin Dam fishermen all the! From top to bottom crash of the better locations is the channel that into... Rivers and streams throughout the year, check the waters to see whats schooling before baiting rig! Cuisine, and flathead catfish lurking around the submerged stumps and fallen timber murky. Major species of catfish is the perfect feeding ground for monster catfish a 40-pound larger... Fishing challenge! through one of the sport locations like the Bartletts Dam. A castable umbrella rig and sunfish fluctuate in number and size throughout the state choice here article we...