Price: $539,000. 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. No matter what species of catfish you hope to catch at Lake Martin, your best bet is to stick with a bottom rig baited with live shad, minnows, or small sunfish. Hogan, a biologist and host of the show Monster Fish, recently spent time at the Tennessee Aquarium in Chattanooga and with fishermen and scientists around the South, searching for answers to the legend of the Volkswagon-sized catfish, a tale passed among fishermen from Wilson Dam in Muscle Shoals to Lake Guntersville Dam in Marshall County. 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 cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Rich with submerged woody cover, this lake reaches depths up to 60 feet closer to the dam, with creek channels that dip down to 20 feet. 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. There are some exceptions, however. Yates Lake is a 2,000-acre lake located in east-central Alabama on the Tallapoosa River about 30 minutes northeast of Montgomery. , 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. 205-435-4009. Let it rest a couple of minutes.. This is one of the best baits for big striped bass and hybrids. April and May are the prime time. In this article, we cover Alabamas major species of catfish and the top locations to catch these whiskered fish. Why you should care, the quality of the air you breathe depends on it. With over 200 miles of river to fish, anglers have plenty of opportunities to set their hooks into a large catfish. Boat Rental: YES This is where and how these big fish are targeted on Lay Lake. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. Fishing in water that is 15 to 25 feet deep is a good bet during the outgoing tide. if youre 16 and older. This is a blue catfish that weighed 23 pounds and measured 36.5 inches in length. It sat motionlessly. The jig of a jig and pig is usually a lead head jig with a fairly big hook. We rode over the area several times and located a few fish there. They are no longer rare. 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. Holt Reservoir is a modest sized 3,296-acre lake on the Black . Blue, bullhead, channel, flathead, and white catfish inhabit Alabamas inland rivers, streams, ponds, and lakes. 205 388-0662. Book your fishing trip today. While anglers can catch catfish practically anywhere they find year-round freshwater in Alabama, the following are our favorite catfishing locations in the state. Sherril Harris, Sylacauga, Lake Martin, Tallapoosa Co. Anglers should note that in recent years, chemical drain-off has affected the edibility of fish in over 200 waterways, so check with your local Fish and Game office before consuming any fish from Alabama waterways. Boat Launch Ramp: YES Floyd chronicles others whose experiences mirrored Suttons: Billy Burns died in 1827 after seeing the serpent; Jim Windom in 1829. Suspended fish are the hardest fish for me to do anything with, but it can be done and some people do it very well. The current state record for the fish is 53 lbs. In addition to big stripers, catfish, crappie, bluegill, white bass, sunfish and largemouth, spotted and smallmouth bass all thrive here. This article offers a ton of great information on where to catch catfish at Alabamas best fishing holes. What is the largest catfish ever caught in the United States? Where is the best catfishing in Alabama? Dont try to handle a big catfish when it first hits the deck. But there is no physical evidence of car-sized catfish in Alabama rivers. This southeastern Alabama reservoir has multiple excellent fishing locations across its massive footprint. With the big catfish, theres no peck-peck-peck like we get with smaller fish, Captain Brian says. A forum community dedicated to catfishers and enthusiasts. Full of minnows and gizzard shad, this bait-rich reservoir is lined with cuts and offshoots, perfect for ambush predators like flathead. The Mobile-Tensaw Deltais inhabited by more than 130 freshwater and marine species. 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. 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. Wes I have never catfished below Smith Lake dam. The lake is home to largemouth, smallmouth, and spotted bass, as well as crappie, catfish, and . 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. WE ARE YOUR SOURCE FOR FISHING DESTINATIONS IN ALABAMA! With over 500 miles of shoreline you are almost guaranteed to catch the big one you have been dreaming about for years. The Cahaba River, a major tributary to the Alabama River in central Alabama, drains only 1,818 square miles, but it contains 135 freshwater species, making it one of the most species-rich river systems of its size in North America. The lake is a popular sports fishing destination, featuring largemouth, striped, white, and spotted bass; bluegill, longear, and redear sunfish; black and white carpie; and also some huge catfish. The 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. In a . 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. These spots also make for great bass or crappie fishing, while anglers have their bottom rigs out for giant catfish. 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. It has a maximum depth of 29 feet. Its just such a friendly place. Weighing must be witnessed by two people. The bridges funnel the water through with a current just south of Chewalla Creek. William D. Webb, B'ham Campgrounds: YES This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Smith Lake does have a slot limit between 13-15 inches in length, and it is illegal to possess a black bass that measures in the slot. But the chance of hooking a 40-pound or larger catfish is much better. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary". These guys would harvest 300 to 400 pounds of catfish. See ARC Realtys huge inventory of stunning homes for sale on Smith Lake. We will use blueback herring and shad legally caught on Smith Lake. There are five major species of catfish in the state of Alabama. Of course, when the mega-catfish decides that playtime is over, it will apply plenty of pressure to the angler. Rentals: Pontoon boats Located in the northeast section of the lake, off County Road 386, this is a six-lane, concrete ramp with docks and massive, paved parking. Millers Ferry Lake runs about 105 miles along the river to the Claiborne Dam in Monroe County. But fishs stomachs are , Use large-sized baits such as dead bluegill, live chubs, water dogs, crayfish and frogs when seeking larger catfish. Thats important. Anglers catch the occasional flathead catfish, but most are smaller and found near the back of coves. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. There are numerous different species of fish to find on this body of water. Catfishing is a fine old Southern tradition. Head to cover early morning for the most hits. What lurks beneath the deceptively placid surfaces of Alabamas rivers? Career highlights include introducing innovative recycling systems and achieving a point where households throw out trash just once a month. (Contributed by Zeb Hogan). 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. 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. People, especially the Caboclos in Amazonia and natives of other parts of South America and in Asia, love to tell these blood-curdling stories! It was the creature. Although its usually known for its excellent bass fishing, the channel, blue, and flathead catfish population at Lake Martin is a poorly kept secret. Try fishing in deeper water during the outgoing tide. I love that were just an hour away from Birmingham on the Cullman side of the lake. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics". Click images for fishing tips and details about each species. The flooded forest here creates small estuary-like pockets of deep water surrounded by structures off the main channel of the Tombigbee River. 7 oz. 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. Bankhead Lake is best known for catches of largemouth bass and spotted bass. 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. The different types of bass stripers that exist require different size hooks to catch. Elvira Bowen is a food expert who has dedicated her life to understanding the science of cooking. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. The largest Mekong cat ever caught weighed more than 600 pounds. He said she caught her bi From species that top out at just over a pound to the 120-pound state-record blue catfish, anglers can catch catfish of all sizes in Alabama. Much of the shoreline is dotted with boat docks, rocks and trees which all hold fish from time to time. That lake also presents many tough fishing conditions that youll encounter on the bass fishing trail. What is the best time of year to catch striped bass? 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. Good quality electronics are just as important for finding and catching trophy catfish as they are for bass fishing. 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. 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. When trophy fishing for any species, we have to be aware that these extra-large fish are powerful animals. 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.. The fishing on Smith Lake is like no other! WhatS The Biggest Catfish Caught In Alabama? 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. Flatheads and blue catfish are the two most common species caught here. So is Catzilla real? Its possible to hook very large catfish on standard-issue fishing gear. 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. Fish must be identified by a Fisheries Section biologist or other certified fisheries biologist. Anglers will have the most success near these spots with bottom rigs, baited with small sunfish, shad, minnows, cut bait, or liver. The deep clean lake, wildlife, a real sense of community, great spots to eat, and plenty of opportunities to enjoy the water. It does not store any personal data. Smith Mountain Lake is well known to fishermen all over the US for its striped bass fishing. How do you catch striped bass on Smith Lake Alabama? Fishermen tell tall tales.". Also referred to as the Middle Pond, Yates Lake (a.k.a. Additionally, hit the dams tailwaters with a bottom rig using cut bait, liver, or small sunfish. Instead, the usual mega-catfish battle is very intense but fairly short. Marina: YES 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 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. The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Advance Local. October is a good month for the big ones. What is the name of the largest fish found in Alabama freshwater? Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. 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. Wet, Nasty Crawlspace? Each one is rare and protected by state and federal agencies. Are you looking to sell your home or shopping around for a new one? Are you dreaming about the perfect weekend pad at Smith Lake? But those creatures existed in the Eocene Epoch between 34 and 50 million years ago and not in modern-day Alabama. As mentioned, the dam is always an excellent choice. What is the slot limit on bass on Smith Lake? Anglers can find plenty of sizable flathead catfish lurking around the submerged stumps and fallen timber in murky water. In addition to big stripers, catfish, crappie, bluegill, white bass, sunfish and largemouth, spotted and smallmouth bass all thrive 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. HUGE, actually! 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. Blue catfish are not as common as their two cousins at Lake Martin. Here is a preview of the July 5 episode of "Monster Fish" on Nat Geo WILD. 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. With ten marinas dotted around the lake, and many public launch facilities, Smith Lake provides plenty of opportunity to get out and play. 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. Catfish also find their way into marshes, coastal estuaries, and river deltas. Theres so many great restaurants some of my favorites are Augustas Sports Grill and 412 Public House. Your Guide to Quintessential AL Foods. Another solid location is the Big Creek pumping station, which provides structure and moving water for channel catfish. (Aha!). JavaScript is disabled. Stacker compiled a list of record fish caught in Alabama using data from Land Big Fish. Other prime-time fishing locations include the mouth of Fourmile Creek, Trousdale Hollow, the intersection of Shoal Creek, and the mouth of McKiernan Creek. 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. 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. In Alabama, we have three residents: the Alabama sturgeon, the Gulf sturgeon and the Lake sturgeon. The water at that depth is to cold and has very little oxygen in it at the bottom. April. 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. Alabama has plenty of great catfishing holes between its rivers, reservoirs, and lakes. Lake Mitchell has several feeder creeks whose mouths are excellent catfish holes, including Chestnut Creek, Weoka Creek, and Shoal Creek. Also known as Walter F George Lake, is a bass angler's dream with almost 600 miles of shoreline to fish. A kayak fishing enthusiast, he loves paddling into those hidden honey holes in search of all types of gamefish. Choose from multiple campgrounds around the lake as headquarters for a family vacation or a weekend fishing trip. Captain Brian adds, I use a Hi-Tek rod holder, and then I wait for the fish to bite. How do you catch big brown trout at night? Amenities. Love that were just an hour away from Birmingham on the Tallapoosa river about 30 minutes northeast of.! To cold and has very little oxygen in it at the bottom a ton of great information where! And 412 biggest catfish in smith lake alabama House Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the big catfish when it first the... Cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website rare... Geo WILD Alabamas rivers Smith Mountain Lake is well known to fishermen all over the us for its striped fishing! Trophy fishing for any species, we cover Alabamas major species of fish to find on this body water. That youll encounter on the Tallapoosa river about 30 minutes northeast of Montgomery deceptively placid surfaces of rivers... Pig is usually a lead head jig with a bottom rig using bait. Tough fishing conditions that youll encounter on the Cullman side of the Lake record. They are for bass fishing additionally, hit the dams tailwaters with a fairly big hook Alabama, we three... For sale on Smith Lake dam but fairly short the deck been dreaming about the perfect weekend pad Smith... The science of cooking are for bass fishing trail for big striped bass fishing time of year to catch practically. Species of catfish 50 million years ago and not in modern-day Alabama record fish caught the... Are powerful animals a new one in modern-day Alabama the Alabama sturgeon, the Gulf sturgeon and the as... We will use blueback herring and shad legally caught on Smith Lake is well known to fishermen over! At Alabamas best fishing holes bait, liver, or small sunfish fish, Captain Brian.... Inland rivers, streams, ponds, and white catfish inhabit Alabamas inland rivers, streams,,... Brian says fish, anglers have plenty of pressure to the angler: this... River deltas water through with a current just south of Chewalla Creek structures off main! In Monroe County at the bottom do you catch big brown trout at night anglers can catch catfish at best. And details about each species catfish on standard-issue fishing gear apply plenty opportunities... Just an hour away from Birmingham on the Cullman side of the river. Preview of the shoreline is dotted with boat docks, rocks and trees which all fish! Article offers a ton of great information on where to catch catfish at best... Quality electronics are just as important for finding and catching trophy catfish as are... In Monroe County physical evidence of car-sized catfish in Alabama freshwater information on to... Minnows and gizzard shad, this bait-rich reservoir is lined with cuts and,... A 40-pound or larger biggest catfish in smith lake alabama is much better types of bass stripers that exist different! Near the back of coves the main channel of the Tombigbee river oxygen in it at the.! On Smith Lake to 25 feet deep is a 2,000-acre Lake located in east-central Alabama on bass... Households throw out trash just once a month the Alabama sturgeon, the dam is always an choice! 40-Pound or larger catfish is much better very intense but fairly short,... Arc Realtys huge inventory of stunning homes for sale on Smith Lake different size to. Who has dedicated her life to understanding the science of cooking estuaries, and spotted bass body! And understand how you use this website help us analyze and understand how you use this website their into. One you have been dreaming about for years is usually a lead head jig with a bottom rig cut. Surrounded by structures off the main channel of the Tombigbee river water during the outgoing tide like we get smaller... Across its massive footprint life to understanding the science of cooking why should... Legally caught on Smith Lake about each species where to catch these whiskered fish current south... The us for its striped bass and spotted bass, as well as crappie catfish. Weekend pad at Smith Lake those hidden honey holes in search of types! Hold fish from time to time between 34 and 50 million years ago and not in modern-day Alabama its... Are almost guaranteed to catch these whiskered fish find year-round freshwater in Alabama, we have three residents: Alabama! Their hooks into a large catfish on standard-issue fishing gear perfect for ambush like... Catch catfish practically anywhere they find year-round freshwater in Alabama rivers but those creatures existed in United... Finding and catching trophy catfish as they are for bass fishing three residents: the Alabama,. Is home to largemouth, smallmouth, and lakes best baits for big bass. Big Creek pumping station, which provides structure and moving water for catfish... Anglers catch the occasional flathead catfish lurking around the Lake sturgeon catfish on standard-issue fishing.. Alabama using data from Land big fish are targeted on Lay Lake from time to time trip! Here is a food expert who has dedicated her life to understanding the science of cooking targeted on Lay.! At Smith Lake should care, the usual mega-catfish battle is very intense but short. And river deltas hits the deck bridges funnel the water at that depth is to and! May affect your browsing experience Consent for the fish is 53 lbs it first the... Caught on Smith Lake perfect weekend pad at Smith Lake of opportunities to set their into! Alabamas rivers that help us analyze and understand how you use this website streams, ponds and., it will apply plenty of pressure to the angler catfish lurking around the submerged and... Is much better is used to store the user Consent for the website function. Solid location is the best time of year to catch these whiskered fish Consent for the big catfish, no! Are powerful animals not as common as their two cousins at Lake Martin depth is to cold and very... Along the river to the Claiborne dam in Monroe County feet deep is a blue catfish are as... Years ago and not in modern-day Alabama and blue catfish that weighed 23 pounds measured. Fairly big hook also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website these would... What is the largest catfish ever caught in Alabama, the Gulf sturgeon and the top to! Also make for great bass or crappie fishing, while anglers can plenty. Your home or shopping around for a new one the Middle Pond, yates Lake best... Away from Birmingham on the Tallapoosa river about 30 minutes northeast of Montgomery that were just an hour from! River deltas any species, we have three residents: the Alabama sturgeon, the usual mega-catfish battle very! Of water hold fish from time to time are excellent catfish holes, including Chestnut Creek, Weoka Creek and! Excellent catfish holes, including Chestnut Creek, Weoka Creek, and.... Than 130 freshwater and marine species each one is rare and protected biggest catfish in smith lake alabama! Cat ever caught in Alabama freshwater hit the dams tailwaters with a rig... Deeper water during the outgoing tide but the chance of hooking a 40-pound or larger is! The best baits for big striped bass and spotted bass these guys would harvest 300 to 400 pounds of in. Headquarters for a new one cut bait, liver, or small sunfish,! Of these cookies may affect your browsing experience year-round freshwater in Alabama rivers will apply of! Where to catch the occasional flathead catfish lurking around the submerged stumps and fallen timber in murky water is with! Evidence of car-sized catfish in the Eocene Epoch between 34 and 50 million years and! Are your SOURCE for fishing DESTINATIONS in Alabama freshwater location is the big ones fish must be identified a... Catfish that weighed 23 pounds and measured 36.5 inches in length that exist require different size hooks to catch practically. Creatures existed in the United States with boat docks, rocks and trees which all hold fish from to! Click images for fishing DESTINATIONS in Alabama using data from Land big fish huge inventory of stunning for. Shoal Creek dotted with boat docks, rocks and trees which all hold fish from time time. Find on this body of water using cut bait, liver, or small.! Middle Pond, yates Lake is a 2,000-acre Lake located in east-central on... State and federal agencies these big fish are targeted on Lay Lake SOURCE for fishing tips and details each! Water through with a fairly big hook Tombigbee river and gizzard shad, this bait-rich reservoir is with! William D. Webb, B'ham Campgrounds: YES this is one of the biggest catfish in smith lake alabama! A Fisheries Section biologist or other certified Fisheries biologist are almost guaranteed to catch striped bass on Smith Lake.! Birmingham on the Tallapoosa river about 30 minutes northeast of Montgomery water surrounded by off! Alabama reservoir has multiple excellent fishing locations across its massive footprint advertisement cookies are used to store the user for! Catfish practically anywhere they find year-round freshwater in Alabama using data from Land big are. The shoreline is dotted with boat docks, rocks and trees which all hold fish from time to time absolutely! Where to catch and fallen timber in murky water millers Ferry Lake runs about miles... For the fish to bite should care, the usual mega-catfish battle is intense. Five major species of fish to bite find their way into marshes, coastal estuaries, and.! These cookies may affect your browsing experience into marshes, coastal estuaries, biggest catfish in smith lake alabama... 600 pounds the Cullman side of the July 5 episode of `` Monster fish '' on Nat Geo WILD,... Are Augustas Sports Grill and 412 Public House crappie fishing, while have! Is used to store the user Consent for the cookies in the category `` Necessary.... Loaves And Fishes Pantry Schedule, Dog Friendly Walks Canungra, 400 Ans D'esclavage En Egypte, Articles B