The 8 Best Fishing Lakes in Alabama

Discover the best fishing spots in Alabama! From the Gulf Coast to the Tennessee River, read our guide to find the top fishing lakes in Alabama for both experienced and novice anglers. Learn where to catch largemouth bass, striped bass, crappie, catfish and more!

Smith Lake

Smith Lake is a large reservoir located in the northwest part of Alabama. It has a surface area of approximately 21,200 acres.

Types of Fish: Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Spotted Bass, Striped Bass Hybrid, Black Crappie, White Crappie, Bluegill, Redear Sunfish, Walleye and Catfish
Types of Fishing: Bank Fishing, Kayak Fishing, Ice Fishing and Boating
Fishing Equipment Rental: Available in the nearby towns of Jasper, Double Springs and Cullman
Fishing Guide Service: Available through local guides
Closest Hotels to this Lake: Hampton Inn Jasper, Comfort Suites Jasper, Holiday Inn Express & Suites Jasper, Sleep Inn & Suites Double Springs
Nearest Fishing Store and How Far Away It Is: J&G Grocery & Bait Shop – Approximately 8 miles away
Basic Regulations: All applicable state-wide rules and regulations apply
Amenities of the Lake: Boat Ramp, Picnic Area, Fish Cleaning Station and Restrooms
Nearest Gas Station and How Far Away It Is: Marathon – Approximately 2 miles away

Lewis Smith Lake

Lewis Smith Lake is located in the northwestern part of Alabama and has a surface area of 21,200 acres.

Types of Fish: Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Spotted Bass, Striped Bass Hybrid, Black Crappie, White Crappie, Bluegill, Redear Sunfish, Walleye and Catfish
Types of Fishing: Bank Fishing, Kayak Fishing, Ice Fishing and Boating
Fishing Equipment Rental: Available in the nearby towns of Jasper, Double Springs and Cullman
Fishing Guide Service: Available through local guides
Closest Hotels to this Lake: Hampton Inn Jasper, Comfort Suites Jasper, Holiday Inn Express & Suites Jasper, Sleep Inn & Suites Double Springs
Nearest Fishing Store and How Far Away It Is: J&G Grocery & Bait Shop – Approximately 8 miles away
Basic Regulations: All applicable state-wide rules and regulations apply
Amenities of the Lake: Boat Ramp, Picnic Area, Fish Cleaning Station and Restrooms
Nearest Gas Station and How Far Away It Is: Marathon – Approximately 2 miles away

Lay Lake

Lay Lake is located in central Alabama and has a surface area of 12,000 acres.

Types of Fish: Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Spotted Bass, Striped Bass Hybrid, Black Crappie, White Crappie, Bluegill, Redear Sunfish, Walleye and Catfish
Types of Fishing: Bank Fishing, Kayak Fishing, Ice Fishing and Boating
Fishing Equipment Rental: Available in the nearby towns of Sylacauga, Childersburg and Columbiana
Fishing Guide Service: Available through local guides
Closest Hotels to this Lake: Holiday Inn Express & Suites Sylacauga, Comfort Inn & Suites Sylacauga, Comfort Inn & Suites Childersburg
Nearest Fishing Store and How Far Away It Is: M & S Sporting Goods – Approximately 9 miles away
Basic Regulations: All applicable state-wide rules and regulations apply
Amenities of the Lake: Boat Ramps, Fishing Piers, Fish Cleaning Stations and Restrooms
Nearest Gas Station and How Far Away It Is: Shell – Approximately 4 miles away

Lake Guntersville

Lake Guntersville is located in north eastern Alabama and has a surface area of 69,100 acres.

Types of Fish: Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Spotted Bass, Striped Bass Hybrid, Black Crappie, White Crappie, Bluegill, Redear Sunfish, Walleye and Catfish
Types of Fishing: Bank Fishing, Kayak Fishing, Ice Fishing and Boating
Fishing Equipment Rental: Available in the nearby towns of Guntersville, Albertville and Arab
Fishing Guide Service: Available through local guides
Closest Hotels to this Lake: Hampton Inn Guntersville, Holiday Inn Express Guntersville, Comfort Inn & Suites Guntersville
Nearest Fishing Store and How Far Away It Is: Guntersville Bait & Tackle – Approximately 5 miles away
Basic Regulations: All applicable state-wide rules and regulations apply
Amenities of the Lake: Boat Ramps, Beach Areas, Fishing Piers, Fish Cleaning Stations and Restrooms
Nearest Gas Station and How Far Away It Is: Chevron – Approximately 2 miles away

Wheeler Lake

Wheeler Lake is found along the Tennessee River in the northern part of Alabama and has a surface area of 43,100 acres.

Types of Fish: Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Spotted Bass, Striped Bass Hybrid, Black Crappie, White Crappie, Bluegill, Redear Sunfish, Walleye and Catfish
Types of Fishing: Bank Fishing, Kayak Fishing, Ice Fishing and Boating
Fishing Equipment Rental: Available in the nearby towns of Decatur, Huntsville and Madison
Fishing Guide Service: Available through local guides
Closest Hotels to this Lake: Hampton Inn Decatur, Holiday Inn Express & Suites Decatur, Super 8 Decatur, Sleep Inn & Suites Huntsville
Nearest Fishing Store and How Far Away It Is: Joe Wheeler State Park Store & Bait Shop – Approximately 6 miles away
Basic Regulations: All applicable state-wide rules and regulations apply
Amenities of the Lake: Boat Ramps, Beach Areas, Fishing Piers, Fish Cleaning Stations and Restrooms
Nearest Gas Station and How Far Away It Is: Chevron – Approximately 2 miles away

Lake Martin

Lake Martin is located in central Alabama and has a surface area of 44,000 acres.

Types of Fish: Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Spotted Bass, Striped Bass Hybrid, Black Crappie, White Crappie, Bluegill, Redear Sunfish, Walleye and Catfish
Types of Fishing: Bank Fishing, Kayak Fishing, Ice Fishing and Boating
Fishing Equipment Rental: Available in the nearby towns of Alexander City, Dadeville and Eclectic
Fishing Guide Service: Available through local guides
Closest Hotels to this Lake: Hampton Inn Alexander City, Holiday Inn Express & Suites Alexander City, Comfort Inn & Suites Alexander City
Nearest Fishing Store and How Far Away It Is: Langley Bait & Tackle Shop – Approximately 11 miles away
Basic Regulations: All applicable state-wide rules and regulations apply
Amenities of the Lake: Boat Ramps, Beach Areas, Fishing Piers, Fish Cleaning Stations and Restrooms
Nearest Gas Station and How Far Away It Is: BP – Approximately 3 miles away

Weiss Lake

Weiss Lake is located in the northeastern part of Alabama and has a surface area of 29,200 acres.

Types of Fish: Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Spotted Bass, Striped Bass Hybrid, Black Crappie, White Crappie, Bluegill, Redear Sunfish, Walleye and Catfish
Types of Fishing: Bank Fishing, Kayak Fishing, Ice Fishing and Boating
Fishing Equipment Rental: Available in the nearby towns of Leesburg, Centre and Cedar Bluff
Fishing Guide Service: Available through local guides
Closest Hotels to this Lake: Holiday Inn Express Centre-Cedar Bluff, Comfort Suites Centre, Super 8 Cedar Bluff
Nearest Fishing Store and How Far Away It Is: Weiss Lake Bait & Tackle – Approximately 5 miles away
Basic Regulations: All applicable state-wide rules and regulations apply
Amenities of the Lake: Boat Ramps, Beach Areas, Fishing Piers, Fish Cleaning Stations and Restrooms
Nearest Gas Station and How Far Away It Is: Exxon – Approximately 4 miles away

Wilson Lake

Wilson Lake is located in north central Alabama and has a surface area of 43,000 acres.

Types of Fish: Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Spotted Bass, Striped Bass Hybrid, Black Crappie, White Crappie, Bluegill, Redear Sunfish, Walleye and Catfish
Types of Fishing: Bank Fishing, Kayak Fishing, Ice Fishing and Boating
Fishing Equipment Rental: Available in the nearby towns of Florence, Muscle Shoals and Sheffield
Fishing Guide Service: Available through local guides
Closest Hotels to this Lake: Holiday Inn Express Florence, Hampton Inn Florence, Comfort Suites Florence, Super 8 Muscle Shoals
Nearest Fishing Store and How Far Away It Is: Russellville Bait & Tackle Shop – Approximately 8 miles away
Basic Regulations: All applicable state-wide rules and regulations apply
Amenities of the Lake: Boat Ramps, Beach Areas, Fishing Piers, Fish Cleaning Stations and Restrooms
Nearest Gas Station and How Far Away It Is: Kwik Stop – Approximately 3 miles away

Find Good Fishing Spots in Alabama and Other Nearby Lakes on The Map

If you are looking for a great fishing spot in Alabama, the Google Map below can help you find the perfect spot! Whether you are a beginner or a seasoned fisherman, you can explore other lakes and great fishing locations in Alabama. With the help of this Google Map, you can easily search for the best fishing spots and plan your next fishing adventure. So don’t wait, use this Google Map now to discover some of the best fishing areas in Alabama.

Check the Weather Forecast for Your Next Fishing Trip to Alabama

The weather in Alabama is ideal for sport fishing throughout the year. In the spring, temperatures are mild and the days are long, allowing for plenty of time spent out on the water. During the summer months, the temperatures can reach the mid to high 80s, but the humidity is usually not too oppressive. The fall and winter months are mild, with temperatures dropping into the mid-50s. Rainfall is abundant in Alabama, making it an ideal destination for anglers looking to take advantage of the wet weather.