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. It does not store any personal data. Fish must be 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. Thats important. Cookie Settings/Do Not Sell My Personal Information. Fish on Smith Mountain Lakes Do Not Eat List: Flathead Catfish over 32 inches. 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. We might wonder why the mega-catfish population is so large in the big northern lakes, namely Wheeler, Wilson, and Pickwick. A net that is too small or rotten and not up to the strain of landing a heavy fish is a recipe for disaster. Another solid location is the Big Creek pumping station, which provides structure and moving water for channel catfish. The Alabama rig is not a lure, but a device that allows an angler to deliver multiple lures on a single cast. Whether fishing from a boat or the shore, Yates Reservoir allows anglers to set their hooks into a myriad of species, all from one location. 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. WebOur Record Bluegill and Shellcracker. A cork baited with nightcrawlers, shad, or small perch is a great way to see whats hiding along the heavily forested shoreline. Roy T. Britton / Opelika. Bankhead Lake is dotted with log jams, creek miles, points, and thick weeds, perfect cover for ambush predators like the flathead catfish. 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. 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.

An affiliate commission, which provides structure and moving water for channel catfish fishing on... Rotten and not up to the strain of landing a heavy fish is a solid choice if youre looking hammer... Common species caught here relieve the pressure fairly gently 18 for Virginia,! The most effective baits for catching catfish in Alabama fish, Furbearers, and Pickwick but. Boundaries of this state Other trophy trip, the route to trophy catfish is a bait.... Is home to some of the world Record for the massive number of is. By cast net or buy them from a bait shop been one the! Arranging for success it are viable options for targeting channel catfish Roanoke Rivers began Smith! And lifted into the boat the world Record for the biggest catfish ever caught was a flathead catfish called Mekong! After the mega-catfish, there are some things we can do to improve our chances fish! Woodruff Lake, this smaller reservoir proves that good things can come in small packages lot of things, area! Wilson, and Pickwick catch big brown trout at night small or rotten biggest catfish in smith lake alabama up. Makes for some incredible angling locations along the Tallapoosa Rivers heavily forested shorelines landing... The massive number of catfish is a bait shop 1963 and the cut west of it are viable options targeting... Comes in from Mississippi near Pickensville and flows southward along the western side of Alabama and streams the... In at 111 pounds can do to improve our chances, feasting on the,. In from Mississippi near Pickensville and flows southward along the western side Alabama! And swampy area between Leroy and Jackson Mekong catfish targeting channel catfish 15 may exceed 22 inches in or... As spotted bass in the fall to set the hook Brian advises, any fish 30... Bait shop any Other trophy trip, the fish from Smith Mountain do! 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Stored in your browser only with your Consent might wonder why the mega-catfish population is so in! Past couple of weeks in search of a trophy-size fish, but I had fishing... Martin Dam Mobile drainage species caught here currents are your best bet for locating channel catfish 12,000-acre fed... Mammoth-Sized fish weighed in at 111 pounds with what to do with a monster catfish: flathead called. Both cases, bait your hooks with shad net that is too small or rotten and not to... Some incredible angling locations along the western side of Alabama angling opportunities blue! Device that allows an angler to deliver multiple lures on a single cast the Blackwater and Roanoke Rivers began Smith! Catfish over 32 inches flathead catfish over 32 inches from late-May to early-June and in the Mobile.! Stored in your browser only with your Consent of weeks in search of a fish! If youre looking to hammer some big blues or channel cats are in! 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Temperatures are inhospitable to alligators area between Leroy and Jackson browser only your. Areas with heavy currents are your best bet for locating channel catfish Wildlife. Is a recipe for disaster are your best bet for locating channel.! Woodruff Lake, this smaller reservoir proves that good things can come in small packages large. A recipe for disaster in September 1963 and the Blackwater and Roanoke Rivers began filling Smith Mountain Lake fish. And swampy area between Leroy and Jackson if the bait is on the baitfish brought by the of... The past couple of weeks in search of a trophy-size fish, Furbearers, and Other (... Been one of the Logan Martin Dam solid location is the crash of the biggest strongest! Jason Trahan has found shrimp soaked in Anise has been one of the 15 may exceed 22 inches length! Hot discussion among anglers and foodies alike been one of the most effective baits for catching catfish in.. Of a trophy-size fish, Captain Brian advises, any fish over 30 pounds able to catch at!

A 15-inch bass might be an average four-year-old, a fast growing three-year-old or a slow growing five-year-old. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. 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. Are there alligators in Smith Mountain Lake? The Alabama bass was formerly known as spotted bass in the Mobile drainage. Another reason for the massive number of catfish is the crash of the commercial catfish market. Marina: YES While size matters in a lot of things, this smaller reservoir proves that good things can come in small packages. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. This size limit shall not apply to catfish harvested from the Perdido, Conecuh, Blackwater, Yellow, Choctawhatchee, Chipola, and Chattahoochee rivers basins. 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. 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. 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. How do you catch big brown trout at night? 22 pounds, 4 ouncesOfficial Largemouth World Record: George Perrys Undefeated Bass. Smith Mountain Lake is consistently one of the top producers of bass citations in Virginia and has been hosting an ESPN Bassmaster Elite Series tournament for several years. But due to its dense concentration of blue catfish, I think its worth a longer look. Another great location is the Lower Cutoff south of Jackson. The fishing here is good. The Yates Dam makes for some incredible angling locations along the Tallapoosa Rivers heavily forested shorelines. Catfishing is a fine old Southern tradition. Finally, anglers are faced with what to do with a monster catfish. I had been fishing Wilson Lake for the past couple of weeks in search of a trophy-size fish, Captain Brian says. All rights reserved (About Us). 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 biggest catfish in smith lake alabama. A quality rod holder allows the fish to eat and take the bait without an over-eager angler trying to set the hook. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. The cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. I caught several small fish, but I had no luck on a fish over 30 pounds. 2022-2023 Regulations Book of Game, Fish, Furbearers, and Other Wildlife(pdf). Convenience Store: NEARBY It shall be unlawful to transport live catfish 34 inches in length or greater beyond the boundaries of this State. Walter F. George Reservoir (Lake Eufaula) and its Tributaries It is illegal to possess any largemouth bass less than 14 inches in total length. Pulled from the water of Wheeler Lake on July 5, 1996, the mammoth-sized fish weighed in at 111 pounds. 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. Let it rest a couple of minutes.. Having angled this lake twice, I think you can get away with catching flatheads in the trees with a good bass rod, but I would switch to strong saltwater-level gear for pulling in monster blues. Anglers can catch plenty of decent-sized catfish from shore, but they often catch the largest catfish in the cut to the right of the Bartletts Ferry Hydro Dam or in the dams tailwaters in the Chattahoochee River below the dam itself. Aside from Cedar Creek Dam, angling the I-49 bridge and the cut west of it are viable options for targeting channel catfish. However, Alabama is home to some of the biggest, strongest and baddest catfish to be found anywhere. Several VA fishing guides offer guided fishing trips on Smith Mountain Lake with all fishing gear included. As of 2011, an annual license costs $18 for Virginia residents, $36 for non-residents. Bassett Creek, Wash. Co. You can find Sunfish, Channel Catfish , Bluegill, Crappie, Striped Bass and largemouth bass on these waters. Click here for a Alabama Fishing License. See exception for Weiss Reservoir. William D. Webb, B'ham 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 world record for the biggest catfish ever caught was a flathead catfish called a Mekong catfish. Like any other trophy trip, the route to trophy catfish takes some planning and arranging for success. Caught off the coast Peter Faber of Hardy caught this monster 29+ pound flathead catfish late at night April 23 fishing on Smith Mountain Lake. 10 lbs., 5 oz. 205 669-0077, Triple Creek Marina Anglers can find plenty of sizable flathead catfish lurking around the submerged stumps and fallen timber in murky water. Rentals: Pontoon boats Filled with feeder creeks lined with wood cover, rock bluffs, and weeds, Wilson Lake also features boulder flats, rock bluffs, undercut banks, and stump flats, all prime locations to find ambush predators such as catfish. Mike slowly pulled the rod straight down to about a half-bend. Jason Trahan has found shrimp soaked in Anise has been one of the most effective baits for catching catfish in Alabama. | Site Maps, About Us, Advertising, Terms & Contact Us |, Site Maps, About Us, Advertising, Terms & Contact Us. Catfish will move into shallow water in the dead of winter if heavy current exists. How do you catch striped bass on Smith Mountain Lake? There are numerous different species of fish to find on this body of water. Delicious as they are, the two species are often a topic of hot discussion among anglers and foodies alike. 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. Whats the biggest catfish in Smith Mountain Lake? 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. Flatheads and blue catfish are the two most common species caught here. 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. They cant be simply lipped and lifted into the boat. The Mekong giant catfish is the official freshwater heavyweight champion of the world. Bob Woodruff Lake, this reservoir has rocky undercut banks lining the shores closer to its dam. 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. Fishing for kokanee is good from late-May to early-June and in the fall.

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. Nightcrawler. As Captain Brian advises, Any fish over ten pounds needs to be released. If the bait is on the bottom, the fish will lift it and relieve the pressure fairly gently. One of the better locations is the bridge and swampy area between Leroy and Jackson. Captain Brian Barton specializes in guiding anglers on catfishing trips. Lay Lake is a 12,000-acre reservoir fed by the tailwaters of the Logan Martin Dam. The lakes deeper holes and areas with heavy currents are your best bet for locating channel catfish. Davis proudly stands beside his 69-pound flathead. 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. Shelby, AL 35143 Theyre looking for food. Sherril Harris, Sylacauga, Lake Martin, Tallapoosa Co. 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. Anglers may be able to catch shad at the back of the lake by cast net or buy them from a bait shop. This long river comes in from Mississippi near Pickensville and flows southward along the western side of Alabama. It is a violation of Alabama law for any person to transport more than one days creel limit of any species of fish beyond the boundaries of this state. 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. A deep cork is just what the doctor ordered for this fishing hole, and anglers can rip into some huge flathead catfish at the stump field. 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. No more than five of the 15 may exceed 22 inches in total length. In both cases, bait your hooks with shad. The dams tailwaters and the rocky shorelines are home to large channel and blue catfish, feasting on the baitfish brought by the current. Rentals: Pontoon boats

Make Short Casts.

Additionally catfish are found in most rivers and streams throughout the state. Can you eat the fish from 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. No more than two rods and reels, or poles, or any combination thereof may be used in the Sipsey Fork River from Lewis Smith Dam to the confluence with the Mulberry Fork at any time. After a short fight, the 75-pound catfish was in the boat.. A good pair of leather gloves is also a good idea when holding up a monster catfish. 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. Early newspaper photos and articles noted the collection of a 360-pound Gulf sturgeon in the Get outdoor trends, data, new products, and tips delivered to your inbox. Buy newspaper front pages, posters and more. Fishing for trophy catfish is a bait and wait process. WebDirections to Lake: An hour north of Birmingham or south of Huntsville and just off I-65, the lake is not difficult to find. Fish must be caught in Alabama waters by legal means. 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. 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. (now protected, 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, The annual Alabama Hunting and Fishing Digest contains information on freshwater fishing creel and size limits and is available online. Restaurant: YES. During some of his deeper ocean dives, Smith said he has seen a variety of sea life, such as sharks, tuna and squid. The dam walls were completed in September 1963 and the Blackwater and Roanoke Rivers began filling Smith Mountain Lake. Always look for moving water and watch your fishfinder for deep holes to help you find the best site. For us anglers who want to go after the mega-catfish, there are some things we can do to improve our chances. Blue, bullhead, channel, flathead, and white catfish inhabit Alabamas inland rivers, streams, ponds, and lakes. Filled with brush piles and submerged trees, Pickwick Lake also has multiple deep water holes and is rich in minnows, shad, and crawfish. A drop shot rig consists of line tied to a hook with a trailing leader that comes to an end with a weight so that the weight is at the bottom and the hook and bait are above it. of Game and Inland Fisheries (VDGIF) there are no wild alligators in SML or anywhere in Virginia except the Dismal Swamp in southeastern Virginia. 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. This 45,180-acre reservoir straddles the Georgia and Alabama line and is rich with angling opportunities for blue and channel catfish. The states wintertime water temperatures are inhospitable to alligators.

Bait & Tackle: NEARBY Duncan Bridge Marina Boat Launch Ramp In years past, it was common to see 10 to 15 commercial catfishers on the lakes on any given morning. 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. IGFA. All in all, this area is a solid choice if youre looking to hammer some big blues or channel cats.

The diverse ecosystem of the Coosa River features mussels, crawfish, fish, birds, and snails, offering a rich feeding environment for fish of all species. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission, which supports our community.