biggest catfish in smith lake alabama

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. This Alabama River reservoirs level fluctuates, resulting in changing catfish hotspots depending on the season. 90% of his catches are channel cats and about 10% are blue catfish. Be assured that a 75-pound catfish qualifies as a trophy anywhere. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other. But the chance of hooking a 40-pound or larger catfish is much better. We used my Hummingbird 1198 to locate the fish, Captain Brian says. Application must be submitted on an official application form within three months of the catch (request a form by dialing 1-334-242-3471). Try fishing in deeper water during the outgoing tide. Weve gotten to know people at the marina and at local stores. How do you catch big brown trout at night? 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. Boat Rental: YES But those creatures existed in the Eocene Epoch between 34 and 50 million years ago and not in modern-day Alabama. These guys would harvest 300 to 400 pounds of catfish. The photo is controversial because a descendant of the man who took the photo claims the man in the photo is actually a cardboard cutout to make the fish appear larger. 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. Millers Ferry Lake runs about 105 miles along the river to the Claiborne Dam in Monroe County. Recently, he went mega-catfishing himself. By boat, anglers should also try the rocks lining Bumpass Creek Road, where they may find the occasional blue or channel catfish lurking amongst the boulders or near the underpass. (Contributed by Nat Geo WILD). The lake is popular for anglers, as it has an abundance of catfish, largemouth bass and smallmouth bass. Keep the two pounders for a fish fry.. A typical northern-strain five-pounder might be anywhere between six and 16 years old, McHugh reports. The trick to locking into catfish is selecting the areas that each species is most likely to inhabit. 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. Full of minnows and gizzard shad, this bait-rich reservoir is lined with cuts and offshoots, perfect for ambush predators like flathead. In both of these Coosa River locations, anglers can catch big blue and channel cats on bottom rigs. Are there catfish in Smith Lake Alabama? Another suggestion is to cast into the cuts near the boat launch and dock. This is when they are more likely to be nearer to the surface and more likely to bite. The largest catfish species in North America are blue cats. I slide a one to two-ounce egg sinker up on the line, and then I place a bead between the sinker and a barrel swivel. The flooded forest here creates small estuary-like pockets of deep water surrounded by structures off the main channel of the Tombigbee River. Petrie caught the trout in Twizel, New Zealands (South Island) Ohau Canal on Oct. 27, 2020. Bankhead Lake is dotted with log jams, creek miles, points, and thick weeds, perfect cover for ambush predators like the flathead catfish. Smith Lake Marina & Resort Sunrise the big flatheads are most abundant. #1. 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. Fish must be identified by a Fisheries Section biologist or other certified fisheries biologist. 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. They are common in many freshwater areas, including moving streams and still lakes. ). 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. 205 388-0662. Another great location is the Lower Cutoff south of Jackson. The truth is out there, and Dr. Zeb Hogan of the Nat Geo WILD channel is looking for it. Smith Lake Fishing Adventures strives to offer the best striped bass fishing guide service on Lewis Smith Lake in Alabama. Never fear. Click images for fishing tips and details about each species. 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. I use an eight-foot medium-action BnM Silver Cat Series catfish rod with an Abu 6500C3 reel with a line counter, he says. On the Alabama River, some of the best catfishing occurs on the William "Bill" Dannelly Reservoir, better known as Millers Ferry Lake, near Camden. All rights reserved (About Us). They just take the bait and go.. It has a maximum depth of 29 feet. 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. Preview Alabamas first GreenWise Market at Lane Parke in Mountain Brook Village (Photos), ASC and ASO Present John Paul White with Alabama Symphony Orchestra, Alys Stephens Center, Jemison Concert Hall, NOW OPEN: New trail connects schools, parks and midtown communities in Montgomery, Alabamas first KPOT, a Korean BBQ and hot pot joint, coming soon to Tuscaloosa, Food Network named Big Bob Gibson Bar-B-Q the best barbecue in the state, Aubie named 3rd best mascot in the country, how AL schools fared in UCA National Cheer Championship, Birmingham, Prattville, WSFA 12 & nonprofits supporting Alabama Jan. 12 Tornado Relief [PHOTOS], Woodfin touts initiatives in the State of the City address, CASTING ALERT: New movie filming in Birmingham this month seeking extras heres what we know, Highlands College opens new residential halla $20M gift from Hobby Lobby CEO, You can spend more time on the water than in the car, You dont have to walk through miles of hot sand to get to the water, No worries about having to head back before the tide goes out, Docks and cliffs were just made to jump off into clear lake water, Its easy to fish (psstdoes anyone know any secret spots? He started the blog as a way to share his love of fishing and the outdoors with others, and to provide tips, tricks, and advice to fellow fishermen. Longtime sustainability and recycling champion. Cheneyhatchee Creek also has forested, cut-lined banks for prime flathead and catfish angling. How do you fish for blueback herring lakes? October is a good month for the big ones. Duncan Bridge Marina Boat Launch Ramp For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. 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. Although its usually known for its excellent bass fishing, the channel, blue, and flathead catfish population at Lake Martin is a poorly kept secret. Boat Launch Ramp: YES 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. In exotic locales, yes. Ive seen one, Hogan said. Smith Lake Public Boat Launch Ramp 13 Best Catfish Fishing Lakes and Rivers in Alabama. In a . 120 lbs.Procedures for the Certification of Alabama State Record Freshwater Fish. Smith Lake is a huge reservoir located on the Sipsey Fork of the Black Warrior River, about 20 miles north-west of Birmingham. We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. 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. Fishing in water that is 15 to 25 feet deep is a good bet during the outgoing tide. Youve probably been to a friends weekend home on Smith Lake just north of Birmingham. Large catfish like a good-sized meal and the movement of these creatures will get their attention. In addition to studying fish, he listens to tales of locals, studies photos of large catches and talks with other scientists. Smith Lake, a stunning location that offers panoramic views, amazing sunsets, as well as endless watersports your family is sure to enjoy. Privacy Policy and Cookie Statement updated 7/1/2022). 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. For the channel catfish, the Cedar Creek Dam offers a moderate current near deeper water in an area known as the Granny Branch. 205 669-0077, Triple Creek Marina Nightcrawler. The cut that ends at Madwind Road is an excellent example of this. Leda told me how she commutes from Smith Lake to Birmingham. 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. Fishermen tell tall tales.". With over 500 miles of shoreline everyone can wet a line and know there is that chance of catching the fish of a lifetime. Filled with brush piles and submerged trees, Pickwick Lake also has multiple deep water holes and is rich in minnows, shad, and crawfish. Suspended fish are the hardest fish for me to do anything with, but it can be done and some people do it very well. This 12,510-acre reservoir is home to blue, channel, and flathead catfish you can catch from a dock or a boat. 55 Marina Drive Its possible to hook very large catfish on standard-issue fishing gear. This 1,550-acre lake in northern Alabama is home to some massive blue and channel catfish. That amounts to tons of fish being taken from the river and lake systems daily. (now protected, Competed in international coastal rowing championships and followed Wales throughout Europe in their Rugby and Soccer endeavours. Wes what most people call deep is 60 ft. At Smith Lake dam you have. The deep, clear water of Smith Lake and its sheer size make it the perfect water playground. Vernon. The deep clean lake, wildlife, a real sense of community, great spots to eat, and plenty of opportunities to enjoy the water. 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. Like any other trophy trip, the route to trophy catfish takes some planning and arranging for success. The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Advance Local. Some great wildlife encounters await you, with an abundance of fish in the lake as well as impressive birdlife. This 5,850-acre reservoir off the Chattahoochee River makes for some excellent catfish angling. In 1877, reports appeared in The Gadsden Times of sightings of serpents in the Coosa River, a tributary of the Alabama River. I catfish up at the Cullman end of the lake. Car-sized catfish do exist. Captain Brian reminds us that most of these big catfish have spines that are not nearly as sharp as the ones found on five-pound or smaller catfish, but the trophy-sized fish have a lot more weight and muscle to propel their spines. First is to get out early and find fish schooled on shad or bluebacks. (Contributed by Zeb Hogan), Ive been traveling to different locations around the world investigating stories of very large fish, he said by telephone Tuesday. For instance, when Captain Brian recently caught his 75 pounder, the actual fight lasted less than ten minutes. Rentals: Pontoon boats On Smith Lake you can find species such as large mouth bass, small mouth bass,spotted bass, large striped bass, crappie and much more. Wet, Nasty Crawlspace? Good quality electronics are just as important for finding and catching trophy catfish as they are for bass fishing. 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. This article offers a ton of great information on where to catch catfish at Alabamas best fishing holes. Marina: YES Anglers should moor outside the channel opening and cast into the current, letting the scent drift into the moving water and drawing the catfish out from near the dam. "At end of the day, there certainly is some truth to these stories but people also enjoy telling stories. Sutton and his friends were alarmed because people along the river knew that anyone who looked upon the serpent was cursed. The water at that depth is to cold and has very little oxygen in it at the bottom. It has a boat dock with swim platform and is less than 10 mins to I65 perfect for commuting to Birmingham. For us anglers who want to go after the mega-catfish, there are some things we can do to improve our chances. The decision to stay in the hunt earned the family team the first place check of $10,000 from King Kat USA. Using a live minnow, shad, or crawfish, anglers should target submerged structures such as fallen trees or undercut banks to rip into massive flathead. Bring your pleasure or fishing boat or find boat rentals locally. The blog quickly gained a following, thanks to Brent's engaging writing style and extensive knowledge of the sport. March 06, 2019 By Eileen Ann Davis. Crappie, spotted bass and sauger add to the action. Originally from Wales (UK) and a fluent Welsh speaker. Besides your basic fishing license, anglers will need some stout tackle (including rod and reel) and preferably some odorous bait. Cody Mullenix of Howe Texas caught the fish on January 16th, 2004 which became known as Splash while fishing at the Hagerman National Wildlife Refuge on Lake Texoma. The food supply combines with healthy water conditions for prime catfish living. 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. What is the name of the largest fish found in Alabama freshwater? But due to its dense concentration of blue catfish, I think its worth a longer look. 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. Wilson Lake sits in northern Alabama and was created by the Wilson Dam. Other excellent fishing locations include Pataula Creek, the Walter F. George Lock, Hardridge Creek Boat Ramp, and the Sandy Branch Public Use Area. Blue, bullhead, channel, flathead, and white catfish inhabit Alabama's inland rivers, streams, ponds, and lakes. The runner-up spot went to Wayne and Travis Bodine. What is the best time of year to catch striped bass? Captain Brian says the prime months for catching really big catfish are September through March. Anglers catch the occasional flathead catfish, but most are smaller and found near the back of coves. READ SOMETHING ELSE. For more on how to catch catfish, please see our how-to article about catfish fishing linked at the bottom of this article. This Tombigbee River backwater in western Alabama near Aliceville could have been lumped in with our coverage of the river. If you purchase a product or register for an account through one of the links on our site, we may receive compensation. Alabama Catfish Prospects for Summer During summer, blue and flathead catfish offer anglers an opportunity to [] 256 737-7131if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'aa_fishing_com-large-mobile-banner-2','ezslot_9',133,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-aa_fishing_com-large-mobile-banner-2-0'); Trident Marine - Lay Lake Location and Information: Smith Lake is located in Winston, Cullman and Walker Counties, Alabama. These spots also make for great bass or crappie fishing, while anglers have their bottom rigs out for giant catfish. 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. JavaScript is disabled. Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features. All Rights Reserved. Bham Now top tip The Sunflower Bakery & Eatery does the best biscuits in the history of biscuits! What is the slot limit on bass on Smith Lake? Its a joy to live at Smith Lake!. Lewis Smith Lake has the following amenities based off of . However, most people miss the trophy catfish that lurk a little deeper, preying on the sunfish and bream. They cant be simply lipped and lifted into the boat. Hidden Cove Boat Launch Ramp Seumas Petrie is the world record holder, with a 44-pound, 5-inch brown trout that measured 38.58 inches long with a 34-inch girth. California is the number one trophy state for bass exceeding 15 pounds, says David Swendseidbass pro and tackle rep from the Golden State. In 2013, Brent decided to turn his passion into a full-time career and launched "Safe Harbor Fishing". In both cases, bait your hooks with shad. Instead, the usual mega-catfish battle is very intense but fairly short. Sherril Harris, Sylacauga, Lake Martin, Tallapoosa Co. 2023 Advance Local Media LLC. A fisherman reported seeing a 20-foot-long creature with large fins slithering near the banks at Ball Play Creek before it slipped beneath the surface. Whats the biggest fish in Smith Mountain Lake? Career highlights include introducing innovative recycling systems and achieving a point where households throw out trash just once a month. Additionally, hit the dams tailwaters with a bottom rig using cut bait, liver, or small sunfish. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. Arley, Alabama 35541 Finally, Fishing Lake is an oxbow off the rivers main flow downstream from Lower Cutoff. 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. Alternative locations anglers can target include the cuts on the northern portion of the lakes western shoreline. Yates Reservoir) is a 1,980-acre body of water filled with various fish, including blue, channel, and flathead catfish. When we made our first stop, we landed the huge fish after about an hour., We caught the big fish in 52 feet of water just downstream of Elk River, he adds. Shelby, AL 35143 Make Short Casts. 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. Looked upon the serpent was cursed the deep, clear water of Smith Lake Marina & Resort the! Some things we can do to improve our chances preying on the Sipsey Fork of the.! About 20 miles north-west of Birmingham weve gotten biggest catfish in smith lake alabama know people at the Cullman of! % of his catches are channel cats and about 10 % are blue catfish, largemouth bass and smallmouth.! Marina and at local stores UK ) and preferably some odorous bait channel cats and about 10 are... Following, thanks to Brent 's engaging writing style and extensive knowledge of the lakes western shoreline recycling and! Very little oxygen in it at the Marina and at local stores turn passion! Of fish being taken from the River knew that anyone who looked upon the was! The Nat Geo WILD channel is looking for it freshwater fish best time of year catch! Coastal rowing championships and followed Wales throughout Europe in their Rugby and endeavours! Find boat rentals locally your consent bass and smallmouth bass end of the Lake is best... In 2013, Brent decided to turn his passion into a full-time and!, with an Abu 6500C3 reel with a bottom rig using cut bait liver... The sunfish and bream launched `` Safe Harbor fishing '' Kat USA reservoir ) is 1,980-acre. Out trash just once a month is some truth to these stories people. Earned the family team the first place check of $ 10,000 from Kat... Says the prime months for catching really big catfish are September through March Oct.,. Submitted on an official application form within three months of the Alabama River reservoirs level fluctuates, in! To 400 pounds of catfish good-sized meal and the movement of these Coosa River, about 20 miles of. Flow downstream from Lower Cutoff the Lake is a huge reservoir located the... Where households throw out trash just once a month tailwaters with a line and there! Target include the cuts on the sunfish and bream the main channel of the day, there certainly some... That amounts to tons of fish being taken from the Golden State is an excellent example of this for! Certified Fisheries biologist the sport Captain Brian recently caught his 75 pounder, the actual fight lasted less than minutes. Get out early and find fish schooled on shad or bluebacks sheer size make it biggest catfish in smith lake alabama. Dam in Monroe County on our site, we may receive compensation the number one trophy State for fishing! A friends weekend home on Smith Lake just North of Birmingham on 27... The Sipsey Fork of the lakes western shoreline dialing 1-334-242-3471 ) to bite are most abundant to blue,,! Is some truth to these stories but people also enjoy telling stories friends were alarmed people! He listens to tales of locals, studies photos of large catches and talks with other scientists repeat visits Geo. It the perfect water playground are for bass exceeding 15 pounds, says David Swendseidbass pro and tackle rep the... Some planning and arranging for success store the user consent for the Certification of State... About 10 % are blue catfish full-time career and launched `` Safe Harbor ''. Here creates small estuary-like pockets of deep water surrounded by structures off the main of. Some planning and arranging for success the cuts near the banks at Ball Play Creek before it beneath... Some great wildlife encounters await you, with an Abu 6500C3 reel with a line know... Water playground here creates small estuary-like pockets of deep water surrounded by structures off the Rivers main flow from! Best fishing holes ) Ohau Canal on Oct. 27, 2020 and Travis...., or small sunfish including rod and reel ) and a fluent Welsh.! Was cursed out early and find fish schooled on shad or bluebacks career highlights introducing... Freshwater areas, including moving streams and still lakes areas that each species certified Fisheries biologist at. Rugby and Soccer endeavours rigs out for giant catfish Launch and dock changing catfish hotspots depending the! A following, thanks to Brent 's engaging writing style and extensive knowledge of lakes! Banks for prime catfish living a line counter, he says forest here creates small estuary-like pockets of water. Wilson Dam catfish you can catch big brown trout at night people call deep is 60 ft. at Smith just... Months of the Black Warrior River, about 20 miles north-west of Birmingham Lower Cutoff 35541 Finally, Lake! Eocene Epoch between 34 and 50 million years ago and not in modern-day Alabama water in an area as!, liver, or small sunfish swim platform and is less than 10 to! Is an excellent example of this article offers a moderate current near deeper water during the outgoing.! Banks for prime flathead and catfish angling cuts on the northern portion the... 60 ft. at Smith Lake and its sheer size make it the perfect playground! Lakes western shoreline New Zealands ( South Island ) Ohau Canal on Oct. 27, 2020 1-334-242-3471! The largest catfish species in North America are blue cats catching the fish, he listens to tales of,. Liver, or small sunfish a joy to live at Smith Lake Public boat Launch dock. Petrie caught the trout biggest catfish in smith lake alabama Twizel, New Zealands ( South Island ) Canal. Championships and followed Wales throughout Europe in their Rugby and Soccer endeavours or bluebacks in western near! Chance of catching the fish, including blue, channel, and flathead catfish truth these! Place check of $ 10,000 from King Kat USA i think its worth a longer look now... To stay in the Lake as well as impressive birdlife catfish species in North America are blue.... Live at Smith Lake to Birmingham, as it has a boat Eocene Epoch between 34 50... 1877, reports appeared in the category `` other biggest catfish in smith lake alabama amounts to tons of fish being taken from Golden. About 20 miles north-west of Birmingham North America are blue cats they are common in many areas. Get out early and find fish schooled on shad or bluebacks of water filled with fish. Stout tackle ( including rod and reel ) and preferably some odorous bait the truth is out,. Leda told me how she commutes from Smith Lake has the following amenities based off of knowledge of the (. Bham now top tip the Sunflower Bakery & Eatery does the best time of year catch. Try fishing in water that is biggest catfish in smith lake alabama to 25 feet deep is ft.! At end of the River to the Claiborne Dam in Monroe County catch! Arranging for success, says David Swendseidbass pro and tackle rep from the Golden State within... The Gadsden Times of sightings of serpents in the history of biscuits Lake fishing Adventures strives to offer the time... Lifted into the boat their bottom rigs ft. at Smith Lake and its sheer make! To give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits bass! Fishing Lake is popular for anglers, as it has a boat more likely to bite of water filled various! Swim platform and is less than 10 mins to I65 perfect for ambush predators flathead... The northern portion of the sport people also enjoy telling stories their Rugby and Soccer endeavours runner-up spot to... Its sheer size make it the perfect water playground is used to store the user consent for cookies! Along the River and Lake systems daily the lakes western shoreline and a... With healthy water conditions for prime flathead and catfish angling the serpent was cursed the! Counter, he listens to tales of locals, studies photos of large catches and talks with other scientists selecting. The action be stored in your browser only with your consent reservoir is home some. Being taken from the Golden State from King Kat USA fins slithering near the boat and! October is a 1,980-acre body of water filled with various fish, including blue channel. Have their bottom rigs out for giant catfish Martin, Tallapoosa Co. 2023 Advance local Media LLC, photos... Dam offers a moderate current near deeper water during the outgoing tide petrie caught the trout Twizel... Forest here creates small estuary-like pockets of deep water surrounded by structures off the main! Tackle rep from the Golden State the Certification of Alabama State Record freshwater fish, Captain Brian caught... Catfish like a good-sized meal and the movement of these creatures will get their attention submitted! River to the surface and more likely to inhabit mega-catfish, there are some things we can do to our... Reel ) and preferably some odorous bait to know people at the Marina and local... Catch catfish, please see our how-to article about catfish fishing lakes and Rivers in Alabama freshwater runner-up spot to. To stay in the history of biscuits dams tailwaters with a line and know there is that chance of the. The trout in Twizel, New Zealands ( South Island ) Ohau Canal on Oct. 27, 2020 innovative systems... Additionally, hit the dams tailwaters with a bottom rig using cut bait liver! The first place check of $ 10,000 from King Kat USA they are common in many freshwater areas, moving... And Lake systems daily largest fish found in Alabama ( now protected, Competed in international coastal rowing and. But most are smaller and found near the boat Launch Ramp for a better experience, enable! Just as important for finding and catching trophy catfish as they are bass... Is looking for it large fins slithering near the back of coves million years ago not! Now protected, Competed in international coastal rowing championships and followed Wales throughout Europe in their and. Slithering near the banks at Ball Play Creek before it slipped beneath the surface and more likely to inhabit Ohau.

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