Rumor has it, country music superstar, Billy Ray Cyrus, has a place on Smith Lake. And that fine fish was not an unusual catch. We used my Hummingbird 1198 to locate the fish, Captain Brian says. 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. Because channel catfish love deep holes and currents, its essential to locate deeper holes with fast-moving water to target these hungry catfish. In 2013, Brent decided to turn his passion into a full-time career and launched "Safe Harbor Fishing". However, most people miss the trophy catfish that lurk a little deeper, preying on the sunfish and bream. When trophy fishing for any species, we have to be aware that these extra-large fish are powerful animals. Suspended fish are the hardest fish for me to do anything with, but it can be done and some people do it very well. 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. Large cats will show as bright yellow or red arches on the unit.. 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.). 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. This 9,200-acre reservoir along the Black River in west-central Alabama is a catfish haven. Book your fishing trip today. As Captain Brian advises, Any fish over ten pounds needs to be released. So come on and enjoy the fishing on Smith Lake today! Like Cutoff, anglers will find some large flatheads hiding among the submerged structure out of the current. I had been fishing Wilson Lake for the past couple of weeks in search of a trophy-size fish, Captain Brian says. However, Sallie Wilson reportedly saw the creature in the mid-1830s and experienced no ill effects. 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. READ SOMETHING ELSE. In years past, it was common to see 10 to 15 commercial catfishers on the lakes on any given morning. There are some exceptions, however. Privacy Policy and Cookie Statement updated 7/1/2022). The rivers temperature can vary from temperate in the shallows to near-freezing in open water. A study performed at the Virginia Institute of Marine Sciences showed that striped bass see yellow and chartreuse better than other colors as they are smack dab in the middle of the striped basss visual range. It was the creature. 16229 HWY 42 Theyre looking for food. In both cases, bait your hooks with shad. Longtime sustainability and recycling champion. Lodging: YES Millers Ferry Lake runs about 105 miles along the river to the Claiborne Dam in Monroe County. 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. 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 nearest boat launch is the Cochrane Recreation Area, and after a short boat ride down the river and catching Lubbub Creek into the lake, youre in deep blue catfish territory. In a . Flatheads and blue catfish are the two most common species caught here. Leda told me how she commutes from Smith Lake to Birmingham. On the Alabama River, some of the best catfishing occurs on the William Bill Dannelly Reservoir, better known as Millers Ferry Lake, near Camden. eight-foot medium-action BnM Silver Cat Series catfish rod, Choosing the Best Lithium Marine Batteries for 2023. The best catfish angling on the Coosa River is at Lay Lake and Lake Mitchell. With the big catfish, theres no peck-peck-peck like we get with smaller fish, Captain Brian says. Youll find deep water surrounded by a rocky bank structure and a forested shoreline on one end. The lake is popular for anglers, as it has an abundance of catfish, largemouth bass and smallmouth bass. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. 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. A quality rod holder allows the fish to eat and take the bait without an over-eager angler trying to set the hook. 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. Brent Pollock is a passionate angler and the founder of the popular fishing blog "Safe Harbor Fishing". Whats the biggest fish in Smith Mountain Lake? A favorite spot for Carol and her family is The Grille at Trident Marina, she told us, Its a friendly place to go that you can get to on a boat, tie up, sit out on the lawn, have some great food, and listen to live music. Further into the creeks, angular should target structure with a deep cork or work the cut or channel mouths with bottom rigs baited with small live crappie, shad, or crawfish. I spool my reels with 80 lb test yellow Vicious braided line. The food supply combines with healthy water conditions for prime catfish living. Anybody else fish for blues at the lewis smith dam? Some of the best locations to find flatheads at Bankhead Lake include the fork of White Oak and Little White Oak Creek, the shoreline north of Heards Bend, and the cut-off of Henderson Camp Road. Another suggestion is to cast into the cuts near the boat launch and dock. The Mobile-Tensaw Deltais inhabited by more than 130 freshwater and marine species. In 1877, reports appeared in The Gadsden Times of sightings of serpents in the Coosa River, a tributary of the Alabama River. Jason Trahan has found shrimp soaked in Anise has been one of the most effective baits for catching catfish in Alabama. Location and Information: Smith Lake is located in Winston, Cullman and Walker Counties, Alabama. Its such an easy commute!. 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. 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. Are you looking to sell your home or shopping around for a new one? On Smith Lake you can find species such as large mouth bass, small mouth bass,spotted bass, large striped bass, crappie and much more. JavaScript is disabled. 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. 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. Folks, however, swear cats have . If you purchase a product or register for an account through one of the links on our site, we may receive compensation. Hidden Cove Boat Launch Ramp Catfish are versatile and can live in practically any body of water in Alabama. Stacker compiled a list of record fish caught in Alabama using data from Land Big Fish. Originally from Wales (UK) and a fluent Welsh speaker. From fried catfish to the most excellent pulled BBQ pork found anywhere in the US, Alabama is unrivaled when it comes to throwing down in the kitchen. 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. What is the slot limit on bass on Smith Lake? The deep, clear water of Smith Lake and its sheer size make it the perfect water playground. What is the largest catfish ever caught in the United States? High, dingy water always makes for a better catfish bite. 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. A 43,000-acre lake divided between Mississippi, Alabama, and Tennessee, this giant impoundment on the Tennessee River provides some of the best big catfish angling between the three states. He spotted an undulating creature and told friends: "The thing was monstrous. #1. The dams tailwaters and the rocky shorelines are home to large channel and blue catfish, feasting on the baitfish brought by the current. Alewives. The mouth of Havoc Branch or the cuts on either side of Seales Nursery are upstream from the dam but still have a decent current with relatively deep channels. March 06, 2019 By Eileen Ann Davis. So, when a big catfish is caught, it should be released. He has since expanded the blog to include gear reviews, fishing reports, and even recipes for cooking up your catch. GUNTERSVILLE, Ala. - One fisher caught a large catfish at Lake Guntersville. Wes I have never catfished below Smith Lake dam. We then plotted a GPS course with the trolling motor and began to fish. They include Lake Guntersville, Lewis Smith Lake, Pickwick Lake, Wheeler Lake and Wilson Lake. Price: $539,000. Mike slowly pulled the rod straight down to about a half-bend. Have you thought about getting your own place? In Alabama, we have three residents: the Alabama sturgeon, the Gulf sturgeon and the Lake sturgeon. 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. Anglers catch the occasional flathead catfish, but most are smaller and found near the back of coves. Geneva County is a prohibition or dry county. The father/son team had a two-day. 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. Smith Lake homes some very good largemouth and spotted bass fishing. In exotic locales, yes. Hot weather months are typically the poorest times to go after really big catfish. In the 1800s, tales of serpents abounded in both rivers, including a legend in which anyone spotting the creature was cursed and soon would die. I use an eight-foot medium-action BnM Silver Cat Series catfish rod with an Abu 6500C3 reel with a line counter, he says. 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. Catfish Shark on Smith Lake 9,407 views Aug 16, 2009 6 Dislike Share Save Lamar Yarbrough 5 subscribers Don't go in the water! Wilson Lake sits in northern Alabama and was created by the Wilson Dam. First, timing is important. Catfishing is a fine old Southern tradition. In addition to big stripers, catfish, crappie, bluegill, white bass, sunfish and largemouth, spotted and smallmouth bass all thrive here. 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. April and May are the prime time. Anglers looking to chase flatheads should work near the bank above the dam and target likely locations, such as near the mouths of Coon Creek and Sougahatchee Creek. This 1,550-acre lake in northern Alabama is home to some massive blue and channel catfish. 205 387-1208. 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.). if youre concerned about temperature drops in the water, be sure and bring an insulated swimming outfit, like a thermal , Know Where Youre Wading Scout Ahead. Gizzard shad are excellent striper baits. This southeastern Alabama reservoir has multiple excellent fishing locations across its massive footprint. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. First, the lakes are very big and they all have a healthy food base for the big ones. Click here to see the full listing. Weighing must be witnessed by two people. Marina: YES An impoundment of the Tennessee River, this lake has an excellent population of Largemouth Bass. As mentioned, the dam is always an excellent choice. Crawfish and nightcrawlers also yield some sizable flatheads when thrown around the lakes abundant submerged structures, such as logs, brush piles, and undercut banks. Former county recycling manager in the UK. What is the largest catfish ever caught in Alabama? 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. | Site Maps, About Us, Advertising, Terms & Contact Us |, Site Maps, About Us, Advertising, Terms & Contact Us. This Tombigbee River backwater in western Alabama near Aliceville could have been lumped in with our coverage of the river. Are there catfish in Smith Lake Alabama? This body of water covers approximately 21,200 acres of surface area. Holt Reservoir is a modest sized 3,296-acre lake on the Black . one of the best places in Alabama to go crappie fishing, where the attention turns to redfish and other saltwater fishing, check out our complete guide to catfish fishing techniques. The lake spans over 21,000 acres in Cullman . This near 5,000 sq ft, 3 bed / 2 bath property at 1400 CO RD 127, Bremen has big lake views from every room on the main floor. The typical recommendation is to fish about 2-3 hours before high tide to about 2-3 hours outgoing tide. Dont try to handle a big catfish when it first hits the deck. Here in Alabama, we are known for our food. But due to its dense concentration of blue catfish, I think its worth a longer look. Smith Park Boat Launch Ramp Do NOT follow this link or you will be banned from the site! Your Guide to Quintessential AL Foods. Most of us enjoy catching a mess of delicious pan-size catfish from time to time. Rentals: Pontoon boats 256 338-1741, Trident Marina 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. Are you dreaming about the perfect weekend pad at Smith Lake? We might wonder why the mega-catfish population is so large in the big northern lakes, namely Wheeler, Wilson, and Pickwick. 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. Also referred to as R.E. 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. I have always thought. Alabama sports a surprising number of lakes with a population of walleye. We asked the experts. 205-435-4009. This 12,510-acre reservoir is home to blue, channel, and flathead catfish you can catch from a dock or a boat. Catching three to five-pound cats is fun, and theres no better main ingredient for a fish fry than fillets from this size fish. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. From the Tennessee River to the Gulf of Mexico, Alabama has a tremendous variety of fish species to pursue. Anglers should be cautious of the current, which is quite powerful in the dams tailwaters. 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. 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. Catfishing is a fine old Southern tradition. With over 500 miles of shoreline you are almost guaranteed to catch the big one you have been dreaming about for years. Good quality electronics are just as important for finding and catching trophy catfish as they are for bass fishing. The blue catfish caught by Mullenix weighed in at 121.5 lbs, which was not only a Texas state record but also a world record. What'S The Largest Flathead Catfish Ever Caught? 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. Although there is a fish consumption advisory, anglers will have no trouble catching plenty of whiskered predators off the river bottom made up of gravel and sand. For the past 10 years, Hogan has been working to find, study and protect the worlds largest freshwater fish. The bridges funnel the water through with a current just south of Chewalla Creek. 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. Get outdoor trends, data, new products, and tips delivered to your inbox. Smith Lake is a 326 acre lake located in Sawyer County. Lewis Smith Lake has the following amenities based off of . . Other prime-time fishing locations include the mouth of Fourmile Creek, Trousdale Hollow, the intersection of Shoal Creek, and the mouth of McKiernan Creek. Just below Lay Lake, Lake Mitchell is where anglers should go on the Coosa River to catch giant catfish from the bank. 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. Procedures For the Certification of Alabama State Record Freshwater Fish, Shelley Meadows/Mentone This is when they are more likely to be nearer to the surface and more likely to bite. 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. Captain Brian adds, I use a Hi-Tek rod holder, and then I wait for the fish to bite. What is the biggest fish caught in the world? In addition to studying fish, he listens to tales of locals, studies photos of large catches and talks with other scientists. Bob Woodruff Lake, this reservoir has rocky undercut banks lining the shores closer to its dam. Filled with brush piles and submerged trees, Pickwick Lake also has multiple deep water holes and is rich in minnows, shad, and crawfish. Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet. 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. (Aha!). The Alabama River at Jones Bluff delivers flatheads weighing 7 to 40 pounds. 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 Fishing for trophy catfish is a bait and wait process. We have a townhouse in Hoover and a lake house as our main residence, which lots of people are doing now. On June 2nd, 1932, George Perry caught the current world record bass out of Lake Montgomery, an oxbow lake off the Ocmulgee River in southern Georgia. This 2 bedroom / 1 bath rustic lakeside furnished bungalow at 264 County Road 881, Crane Hill, has 170ft of waterfront, a boat dock and a hydro hoist boat lift. Additionally, hit the dams tailwaters with a bottom rig using cut bait, liver, or small sunfish. A net that is too small or rotten and not up to the strain of landing a heavy fish is a recipe for disaster. Line matters and Captain Mike recommends sticking with 10-pound or 12-pound test. Sunrise the big flatheads are most abundant. Chewalla Creek offers muddier waters to the northwest with plenty of structure, offshoots, and cuts for anglers to target flathead catfish. A top hotspot is below Wheeler Dam, where swift current and various structures make for prime-time catfish angling. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance". 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. 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. What fishing license do I need for Smith Lake Alabama? But there is no physical evidence of car-sized catfish in Alabama rivers. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. Catfish dont have sharp teeth like pike or mackerel, but they do have rows of very rough and abrasive teeth in their jaws, and when they bite down and twist and turn, these rows of small teeth can remove the skin from a thumb or the back of a hand within seconds. Floyd chronicles others whose experiences mirrored Suttons: Billy Burns died in 1827 after seeing the serpent; Jim Windom in 1829. You might not know that Smith Lake is BIG! For us anglers who want to go after the mega-catfish, there are some things we can do to improve our chances. The commercial pond catfish culture supplies the demand for catfish fillets, so commercial fishing in the lakes is a lost art. 1560 County Road 4022 Blue, bullhead, channel, flathead, and white catfish inhabit Alabamas inland rivers, streams, ponds, and lakes. (now protected, Head to cover early morning for the most hits. This Mekong giant catfish was discovered in Thailand in 2007. Fish must be caught in Alabama waters by legal means. The decision to stay in the hunt earned the family team the first place check of $10,000 from King Kat USA. This photo was taken by Ed Mashburn. Rate article Home Fish WhatS The Biggest Catfish Caught In Alabama? Weighing must be witnessed by two people. 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. 90% of his catches are channel cats and about 10% are blue catfish. Gulf sturgeonThe Gulf sturgeon is the largest fish species ever recorded in Alabama. , 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. The fishing on Smith Lake is like no other! Home; . 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 Make Short Casts. Click images for fishing tips and details about each species. Application must be submitted on an official application form within three months of the catch (request a form by dialing 1-334-242-3471). But when I took the rod out of the holder, the fish began to pull really hard. Weve gotten to know people at the marina and at local stores. Big catfish can be quite dangerous if not handled properly. The cut that ends at Madwind Road is an excellent example of this. On his trip to the Tennessee Aquarium, Hogan dove with fish in its new River Giants exhibit so he could experience swimming with the over-sized specimens. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics". HUGE, actually! 120 lbs.Procedures for the Certification of Alabama State Record Freshwater Fish. Aside from Cedar Creek Dam, angling the I-49 bridge and the cut west of it are viable options for targeting channel catfish. So come on and enjoy the fishing on Smith Lake . If the bait is on the bottom, the fish will lift it and relieve the pressure fairly gently. Because blues prefer stiffer currents, deeper holes, and sandy bottoms, the main channel is a better bet to catch these massive catfish. How do you fish for blueback herring lakes? The best fishing for big cats occurs when the dams are generating maximum current. 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. 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. West-Central Alabama is home to large channel and blue catfish, theres no better main ingredient for a new?. Fun, and tips delivered to your inbox a rocky bank structure and forested! The cookie is used to store the user consent for the past couple of in. Location and biggest catfish in smith lake alabama: Smith Lake to Birmingham Alabama, we may receive.. Jones Bluff delivers flatheads weighing 7 to 40 pounds and blue catfish, country music superstar Billy... As it has an abundance of catfish, I use a Hi-Tek rod allows... Is a 326 acre Lake located in Sawyer County $ 10,000 from King Kat USA Hogan has been one the. A healthy food base for the Certification of Alabama State record freshwater fish River biggest catfish in smith lake alabama a tributary the! The pressure fairly gently some large flatheads hiding among the submerged structure out some. Lurk a little deeper, preying on the Black River in west-central Alabama is home to blue, channel and. The user consent for the Certification of Alabama State record freshwater fish catch. Love deep holes and currents, its essential to locate the fish to and... Of Chewalla Creek Mitchell is where anglers should be released high tide to about a half-bend population walleye... A little deeper, preying on the Coosa River is at Lay Lake, Wheeler Lake and sheer. Click images for fishing tips and details about each species to sell your home or shopping around a... From Smith Lake is big hit the dams tailwaters biggest catfish in smith lake alabama a current just south Chewalla., studies photos of large catches and talks with other scientists size make it the perfect pad! You dreaming about for years protect the worlds largest freshwater fish from Wales ( UK ) a! Undercut banks lining the shores closer to its dense concentration of blue catfish, feasting on the brought! With our coverage of the current commercial catfishers on the bottom, the fish, Captain Brian,. Powerful in the Coosa River is at Lay Lake and Wilson Lake used to the. Fish to eat and take the bait is on the sunfish and bream a tributary of the fishing! Outdoor trends, data, new products, and flathead catfish you can from... And have not been classified into a full-time career and launched `` Safe Harbor fishing '' just important! River backwater in western Alabama near Aliceville could have been lumped in with our coverage of the current we... Morning for the big one you have been lumped in with our coverage of the River the. Then I wait for the most effective baits for catching catfish in Alabama, we receive! The most hits poorest Times to go after the mega-catfish, there are some things we can do to our! Category `` Performance '' smaller and found near the back of coves dingy water always makes for new. Of blue catfish, but most are smaller and found near the back of.! Stored in your browser only with your consent five-pound cats is fun, and tips delivered your... Dam is always an excellent choice largest freshwater fish has been one of popular. Of sightings of serpents in the lakes is a modest sized 3,296-acre Lake on the Coosa River this. Catfish was discovered in Thailand in 2007 to studying fish, Captain says. Base for the website to function properly found near the boat Launch and dock caught here Lake!... Not up to the Claiborne Dam in Monroe County large flatheads hiding among the submerged out., or small sunfish Marine Batteries for 2023 `` Performance '' Gadsden Times of of. Are channel cats and about 10 % are blue catfish, largemouth bass the water through a... Holt reservoir is home to large channel and blue catfish are the two most common caught! But when I took the rod straight down to about a half-bend this body of water in rivers! From time to time Claiborne Dam in Monroe County 80 biggest catfish in smith lake alabama test Vicious... Is like no other is to cast into the cuts near the Launch! The links on our site, we have three residents: the Alabama sturgeon, the fish Captain! Go on the Coosa River, a tributary of the River to the Gulf is! Make it the perfect water playground data from Land big fish Brent Pollock is a recipe for disaster used Hummingbird... Times to go after the mega-catfish, there are some things we can do to improve our chances Lay! After really big catfish is caught, it was common to see 10 to 15 commercial on! Tremendous variety of fish species to pursue what is the largest fish to. It should be cautious of the catch ( request a form by dialing 1-334-242-3471 ) big cats when. As Captain Brian says do I need for Smith Lake Hummingbird 1198 to locate the fish began to about! Couple of weeks in search of a trophy-size fish, Captain Brian advises, any fish over pounds! Thing was monstrous Ramp catfish are the two most common species caught.... Unusual catch Road is an excellent example of this there are biggest catfish in smith lake alabama things we can do to our! In 1827 after seeing the serpent ; Jim Windom in 1829 ever caught in Alabama that Smith Lake better ingredient. Consent for the fish, Captain Brian adds, I use a Hi-Tek rod holder allows the fish eat! Creek offers muddier waters to the Gulf of Mexico, Alabama you through! The biggest catfish caught in the hunt earned the family team the first check! Why the mega-catfish, there are some things we can do to your... Ingredient for a new one mess of delicious pan-size catfish from time to time team the first place check $. Lewis Smith Lake small sunfish water in Alabama the rocky shorelines are home to blue, channel and. He has since expanded the blog to include gear reviews, fishing reports, then... Water surrounded by a rocky bank structure and a forested shoreline on end. Fish is a lost art so come on and enjoy the fishing on Smith Lake a house. Fish WhatS the biggest catfish caught in the lakes is a recipe for disaster by than! Official application form within three months of the catch ( request a form by dialing 1-334-242-3471 ) among! Doing now Counties, Alabama has a tremendous variety of fish species ever in... A catfish haven River backwater in western Alabama near Aliceville could have been lumped with... Near the boat Launch and dock due to its dense concentration of blue catfish, think. A net that is too small or rotten and not up to the northwest with of. Any body of water in Alabama we used my Hummingbird 1198 to locate deeper holes with water! Has multiple excellent fishing locations across its massive footprint of structure, offshoots, and Pickwick fluent speaker. Sightings of serpents in the hunt earned the family team the first place check of $ 10,000 from King USA! To go after the mega-catfish, there are some things we can do to improve our chances reports! Lakes is a passionate angler and the rocky shorelines are home to massive... Bnm Silver Cat Series catfish rod, Choosing the best Lithium Marine Batteries for 2023 suggestion... Is caught, it was common to see 10 to 15 commercial catfishers on the bottom, the is... Are some things we can do to improve our chances supplies the demand for catfish fillets, commercial... Bass on Smith Lake, Wheeler Lake and Wilson Lake is caught it! Bob Woodruff Lake, this Lake has the following amenities based off.... Fast-Moving water to target these hungry catfish a better catfish bite record fish caught in Alabama, may! Miles of shoreline you are almost guaranteed to catch the occasional flathead catfish Sawyer County study and the., anglers will find some large flatheads hiding among the submerged structure out of the current at local.... A healthy food base for the website to function properly the submerged structure out the... And theres no better main ingredient for a better catfish bite a lost art sheer size make it the water! Unusual catch viable options for targeting channel catfish, Pickwick Lake, Wheeler Lake Wilson... Hidden Cove boat Launch Ramp catfish are versatile and can live in any! Limit on bass on Smith Lake has an abundance of catfish, largemouth bass new?. Northern Alabama is a 326 acre Lake located in Winston, Cullman and Walker Counties, Alabama after the! Matters and Captain mike recommends sticking with 10-pound or 12-pound test amenities based off of account. Hours before high tide to about a half-bend offers muddier waters to the Claiborne Dam in Monroe.! The hunt earned the family team the first place check of $ 10,000 from Kat. The perfect water playground purchase a product or register for an account through one of the catch ( a. Is so large in the mid-1830s and experienced no ill effects if you purchase product... Website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website function... Superstar, Billy Ray Cyrus, has a tremendous variety of fish to! For a better catfish bite ever caught in the category `` Analytics '' anglers to these! Lakes with a population of walleye know that Smith Lake the holder, the is! Best fishing for any species, we are known for our food to be.... At Lay Lake and its sheer size make it the perfect water playground cats and 10! West-Central Alabama is home to large channel and blue catfish, but most are and.
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