Gloves are necessary equipment for handling mega-catfish. In this article, we cover Alabamas major species of catfish and the top locations to catch these whiskered fish. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance". After the big fish is hooked, its largely a matter of holding on when the fish tries to run and then steadily applying pressure and taking in line when its possible. Located in the southwest section of the lake, at the east end of the State Route 41 Bridge, this is a three-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking. When a big catfish is brought aboard, anglers need to resist the temptation to immediately lift up the fish and take pictures. Rentals: Pontoon boats 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. Smith Lake is a huge reservoir located on the Sipsey Fork of the Black Warrior River, about 20 miles north-west of Birmingham. Smith Lake is a huge reservoir located on the Sipsey Fork of the Black Warrior River, about 20 miles north-west of Birmingham. The lake spans over 21,000 acres in Cullman . Other prime-time fishing locations include the mouth of Fourmile Creek, Trousdale Hollow, the intersection of Shoal Creek, and the mouth of McKiernan Creek. Additionally, the rock formations to the left of the dam on the Alabama side provide great structure and spawning grounds for catfish during the spring. Live bait such as herring, menhaden, mackerel, eels, squid, clams, anchovies, bloodworms, shad, nightcrawlers and sandworms all make great bait for striped bass fishing. He spotted an undulating creature and told friends: "The thing was monstrous. The Yates Dam makes for some incredible angling locations along the Tallapoosa Rivers heavily forested shorelines. The Western side of Smith Lake is crowned by the 180,000 acre Bankhead National Forest,and the Sipsey Wilderness home to Alabamas largest tree, the Big Tree. Always look for moving water and watch your fishfinder for deep holes to help you find the best site. Because blues prefer stiffer currents, deeper holes, and sandy bottoms, the main channel is a better bet to catch these massive catfish. Let it rest a couple of minutes.. 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. 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. The decision to stay in the hunt earned the family team the first place check of $10,000 from King Kat USA. This 5,850-acre reservoir off the Chattahoochee River makes for some excellent catfish angling. Because channel catfish love deep holes and currents, its essential to locate deeper holes with fast-moving water to target these hungry catfish. Those four or five bites in a day are likely to come from very big fish. 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. They are no longer rare. GUNTERSVILLE, Ala. - One fisher caught a large catfish at Lake Guntersville. Fish must be identified by an Alabama Fisheries Section biologist or other certified fisheries biologist. Whats the biggest fish in Smith Mountain Lake? The typical recommendation is to fish about 2-3 hours before high tide to about 2-3 hours outgoing tide. 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. 256 756-7946if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'aa_fishing_com-leader-1','ezslot_7',131,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-aa_fishing_com-leader-1-0'); Duskin Point Marina Boat Rentals The diverse ecosystem of the Coosa River features mussels, crawfish, fish, birds, and snails, offering a rich feeding environment for fish of all species. 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. We might wonder why the mega-catfish population is so large in the big northern lakes, namely Wheeler, Wilson, and Pickwick. 1560 County Road 4022 Hogan said a 140-pound fish would seem larger in the muddy depths of a river. Bham Now has pulled together this handy, dandy guide to give you a glimpse of what its really like. A top hotspot is below Wheeler Dam, where swift current and various structures make for prime-time catfish angling. Just below Lay Lake, Lake Mitchell is where anglers should go on the Coosa River to catch giant catfish from the bank. On the Alabama River, some of the best catfishing occurs on the William Bill Dannelly Reservoir, better known as Millers Ferry Lake, near Camden. This is a blue catfish that weighed 23 pounds and measured 36.5 inches in length. However, Sallie Wilson reportedly saw the creature in the mid-1830s and experienced no ill effects. At Smith Lake dam you have water over 200 ft. in places. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads. 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. 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. The deep, clear water of Smith Lake and its sheer size make it the perfect water playground. The Heart of Dixie is home to various species of freshwater game fish, and catfish are among the most popular Alabama game fish for anglers and chefs alike. 67,070 acres. Do NOT follow this link or you will be banned from the site! Hidden Cove Boat Launch Ramp Originally from Wales (UK) and a fluent Welsh speaker. However, the possibility of landing one of these monster catfish on typical catfish rigs is minimal. 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. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc. What lurks beneath the deceptively placid surfaces of Alabamas rivers? Wes what most people call deep is 60 ft. At Smith Lake dam you have. 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. 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. Application must be submitted on official. They are worthy of respect. Click here to see the full listing. If you purchase a product or register for an account through one of the links on our site, we may receive compensation. In exotic locales, yes. Is The Flathead Catfish An Invasive Species In Pa? A kayak fishing enthusiast, he loves paddling into those hidden honey holes in search of all types of gamefish. 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. Fish must be identified by a Fisheries Section biologist or other certified fisheries biologist. HUGE, actually! However, anglers may still find success fishing for these largest Alabama catfish near the dam, off of Coven Abbett Highway, and Our Childrens Highway, where pilings and rock formations make up deep-water structure, a favorite of blue cats. Fishing 24-7 Guide Service offers guided trips on Smith Lake, Alabama for trophy striped bass. I catfish up at the Cullman end of the lake. If the bait is on the bottom, the fish will lift it and relieve the pressure fairly gently. Catfishing is a fine old Southern tradition. What is the largest catfish ever caught in the United States? Floyd chronicles others whose experiences mirrored Suttons: Billy Burns died in 1827 after seeing the serpent; Jim Windom in 1829. Like Cutoff, anglers will find some large flatheads hiding among the submerged structure out of the current. Much of the shoreline is dotted with boat docks, rocks and trees which all hold fish from time to time. This has led to more and larger fish in the entire Tennessee River system. Visitors have access to the lake from a public boat landing. This bluegill weighed in at a whopping 4 pounds 12 ounces and came in at 15 inches long with an astounding girth of 18- inches. Dont be stingy with the bait. Bluegills | Duck River Lake 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. When in Doubt, Fish Streamers (And Dont be Afraid to Go Big) Add a Stinger Hook. Carol added You get a real feeling of community at Smith Lake. Catfish will move into shallow water in the dead of winter if heavy current exists. 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. What is the biggest fish caught in the world? Cappy's Boats Besides your basic fishing license, anglers will need some stout tackle (including rod and reel) and preferably some odorous bait. Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors. However, certain times of the year can provide the opportunity for exciting top water action with artificial lures. This 9,200-acre reservoir along the Black River in west-central Alabama is a catfish haven. Petrie caught the trout in Twizel, New Zealands (South Island) Ohau Canal on Oct. 27, 2020. 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. Captain Brian advises us about appropriate equipment. All rights reserved (About Us). Bait & Tackle: NEARBY 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. Other excellent fishing locations include Pataula Creek, the Walter F. George Lock, Hardridge Creek Boat Ramp, and the Sandy Branch Public Use Area. This article offers a ton of great information on where to catch catfish at Alabamas best fishing holes. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously. Make Short Casts. 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. Hers was the last authenticated account of the serpent, Floyd wrote. Most trophy cat anglers use either a whole skipjack or a really large chunk of cut shad. On Smith Lake you can find species such as large mouth bass, small mouth bass,spotted bass, large striped bass, crappie and much more. Multiple boat ramps and marinas serve the public with gas, launching, fishing tackle, sundries, ice, food and a host of other items to enhance boating, fishing and camping trips at the lake. 16229 HWY 42 I do catch blues at the damn, I was wondering if anybody else did, there is two primary spots , one on the west side of damn , its like a washout channel cut out several hundred feet out to main body of water , and the opposite side has a bottleneck with two points that are also a good spot, You are correct fishing directly over the damn would be difficult , but catching blues can be done there, I have caught them. But the chance of hooking a 40-pound or larger catfish is much better. Alabama Catfish Prospects for Summer During summer, blue and flathead catfish offer anglers an opportunity to [] Lodging: YES With five significant species in Alabama, catfish are one of the most sought-after fish in the state. 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. All in all, this area is a solid choice if youre looking to hammer some big blues or channel cats. In years past, it was common to see 10 to 15 commercial catfishers on the lakes on any given morning. Head to cover early morning for the most hits. Some anglers also recommend around dusk or dawn, on a cool day, during peak or slack tide. Procedures For the Certification of Alabama State Record Freshwater Fish Fish must be caught in Alabama waters by legal means. 205-435-4009. Your Guide to Quintessential AL Foods. Book your fishing trip today. Smith Lake, a stunning location that offers panoramic views, amazing sunsets, as well as endless watersports your family is sure to enjoy. 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. Wet, Nasty Crawlspace? The pig is a trailer, often of pork rind, hence the name, or plastic. Then up near a Creek in 35' of water and nothing there either. WHNT News 19 viewer Larry Stephens sent in photos of his wife April fishing on the lake. Brent Pollock is a passionate angler and the founder of the popular fishing blog "Safe Harbor Fishing". (Contributed by Zeb Hogan), Ive been traveling to different locations around the world investigating stories of very large fish, he said by telephone Tuesday. eight-foot medium-action BnM Silver Cat Series catfish rod, Choosing the Best Lithium Marine Batteries for 2023. April and May are the prime time. October is a good month for the big ones. The current state record for the fish is 53 lbs. So is Catzilla real? Holt Reservoir is a modest sized 3,296-acre lake on the Black . A Mekong giant catfish caught in Thailand in 2010 was 9 feet long and weighed 646 pounds. The commercial pond catfish culture supplies the demand for catfish fillets, so commercial fishing in the lakes is a lost art. Nightcrawler. 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. If you go around to the dams in the South, it seems as if every dam has its own story.. Click images for fishing tips and details about each species. Alabama sports a surprising number of lakes with a population of walleye. Procedures For the Certification of Alabama State Record Freshwater Fish, Shelley Meadows/Mentone The lake is home to largemouth, smallmouth, and spotted bass, as well as crappie, catfish, and . Gizzard shad are excellent striper baits. Smith Park Boat Launch Ramp Armstrong Creek, Wash. Co. Henry Merritt, Deer Park Fishing in water that is 15 to 25 feet deep is a good bet during the outgoing tide. 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. Choose from multiple campgrounds around the lake as headquarters for a family vacation or a weekend fishing trip. Marina: YES There are five major species of catfish in the state of Alabama. Lewis Smith Lake has the following amenities based off of . Also referred to as the Middle Pond, Yates Lake (a.k.a. The 24 kilometre long lake stretches from the city of Florence to the Wheeler Dam. She has worked in some of the worlds most prestigious kitchens, and has published several cookbooks that have become bestsellers. This 4,200-acre reservoir in northwestern Alabama yields excellent catfish angling, especially for flatheads and channel cats. But due to its dense concentration of blue catfish, I think its worth a longer look. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary". As Captain Brian advises, Any fish over ten pounds needs to be released. Campgrounds: YES Fish must be caught in Alabama waters by legal means. This photo was taken by Ed Mashburn. Weighing must be witnessed by two people. Crappie, spotted bass and sauger add to the action. 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. , Stocked trout waters are closed for taking fishbait and baitfish from March 1 to the opening day of trout season. Home to striped bass and catfish, this area is rich with shad and features a stiff current over plenty of deep holes where anglers can hook into some truly impressive fish. The Sacramento River system starts to fill up with stripers as they migrate up to Knights Landing and Colusa to start the spawn. Residents need to have a recreational license to fish in Alabama. 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. caught in 2000 from below the SML dam in Leesville Lake. 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. Be assured that a 75-pound catfish qualifies as a trophy anywhere. Basically, it comes down to this: if the bait is suspended two or three feet up off the bottom, the big catfish will crunch it. Smith Lake is a 326 acre lake located in Sawyer County. 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. With the big catfish, theres no peck-peck-peck like we get with smaller fish, Captain Brian says. And the water a smith lake damn according to TVA is 320 feet in deepiest point. Using a live minnow, shad, or crawfish, anglers should target submerged structures such as fallen trees or undercut banks to rip into massive flathead. Each one is rare and protected by state and federal agencies. However, most people miss the trophy catfish that lurk a little deeper, preying on the sunfish and bream. 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. 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. What is this? 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. Big catfish can be quite dangerous if not handled properly. 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. Stay safe and good luck out on the water. Boat Launch Ramp: YES I use an eight-foot medium-action BnM Silver Cat Series catfish rod with an Abu 6500C3 reel with a line counter, he says. Blue, bullhead, channel, flathead, and white catfish inhabit Alabamas inland rivers, streams, ponds, and lakes. Have you thought about getting your own place? Fish must be weighed on certified scales. Flatheads and blue catfish are the two most common species caught here. Leda told me how she commutes from Smith Lake to Birmingham. Jason Trahan has found shrimp soaked in Anise has been one of the most effective baits for catching catfish in Alabama. Rich with minnows, shad, and small sunfish, Lake Martins clear water is home to drop-offs, ledges, and rock bluffs with undercut banks that make for some excellent catfish structures. Good quality electronics are just as important for finding and catching trophy catfish as they are for bass fishing. Located mid lake, on the south side of the lake, off Smith Lake Dam Road, this is a four-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking. It sat motionlessly. Smith Lake Fishing Adventures strives to offer the best striped bass fishing guide service on Lewis Smith Lake in Alabama. We thought a lot about whether to get a beach house or a lake house. Actress and singer, Miley Cyrus and actor, Liam Hemsworth have been spotted in Cullman. 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. 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. It does not store any personal data. Anglers may be able to catch shad at the back of the lake by cast net or buy them from a bait shop. These spots also make for great bass or crappie fishing, while anglers have their bottom rigs out for giant catfish. Located in southeastern Alabama, Lake Harding is home to various species, including channel catfish, blue catfish, and a host of bass. Alabama has plenty of great catfishing holes between its rivers, reservoirs, and lakes. Straddling the Alabama-Georgia line, this lake is filled with cuts, islands, coves, and miles of forested shoreline, making it the perfect habitat for flathead catfish. One of the better locations is the bridge and swampy area between Leroy and Jackson. I tried in 105' of water and got nothing. Anglers can find plenty of sizable flathead catfish lurking around the submerged stumps and fallen timber in murky water. 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. (Contributed by Zeb Hogan). The Alabama River at Jones Bluff delivers flatheads weighing 7 to 40 pounds. 7 oz. Rentals: Pontoon boats You will find boating, kayaking and fishing here. 175 County Road 312 Casting these baits into the mouths of channels, cuts, and even near the dam itself is a surefire way to attract the attention of a hungry catfish. Also fueling the big fish tales is the fact that river creatures likely grew even larger in the past, before humans and chemicals interfered with habitats. 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. Former county recycling manager in the UK. Alabama sports a surprising number of lakes with a population of walleye. They also make an awesome Sunset Margarita. Fishing for trophy catfish is a bait and wait process. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. The dams tailwaters and the rocky shorelines are home to large channel and blue catfish, feasting on the baitfish brought by the current. | Site Maps, About Us, Advertising, Terms & Contact Us |, Site Maps, About Us, Advertising, Terms & Contact Us. The best time of day to catch striped bass is early morning from dawn until about 2 hours after sunrise and late afternoon from 2 hours before sunset until dusk. (Aha!). We used my Hummingbird 1198 to locate the fish, Captain Brian says. Most specially regulated trout waters are closed to taking fishbait and baitfish at all times. A forum community dedicated to catfishers and enthusiasts. The runner-up spot went to Wayne and Travis Bodine. Spring brings warmer waters, and the main spawning runs up the rivers. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. Fish must be weighed on certified scales. 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.). 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. Wilson Lake is an all-around fishing destination, including one of the best places in Alabama to go crappie fishing. Some are big and others are small. Here in Alabama, we are known for our food. Reaching depths of up to 60 feet, the fast-moving water here pushes bait directly to the catfish in a funnel-like channel. In addition to big stripers, catfish, crappie, bluegill, white bass, sunfish and largemouth, spotted and smallmouth bass all thrive here. This southeastern Alabama reservoir has multiple excellent fishing locations across its massive footprint. It was caught out of Lake Neely Henry. Elsewhere, heavily forested shores with submerged logs, trees, and brush piles make this excellent flathead catfish water and a prime-time bass fishing location. They include Lake Guntersville, Lewis Smith Lake, Pickwick Lake, Wheeler Lake and Wilson Lake. Weve gotten to know people at the marina and at local stores. Competed in international coastal rowing championships and followed Wales throughout Europe in their Rugby and Soccer endeavours. No remains have ever been found to support existence of river serpents. So come on and enjoy the fishing on Smith Lake today! 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. Some truly monstrous catfish are living in the rivers and lakes of Alabama; fish in the 100-pound range are caught on rod and reel every year. Whats the biggest largemouth bass ever caught? You can find these baits at just about any local fishing bait and tackle shop. Another solid location is the Big Creek pumping station, which provides structure and moving water for channel catfish. This photo is an example of historic pictures Dr. Zeb Hogan studies when researching legends of giant fish. Captain Brian Barton specializes in guiding anglers on catfishing trips. In 2013, Brent decided to turn his passion into a full-time career and launched "Safe Harbor Fishing". Big catfish show up well on fish finder units, and good electronics can really cut down on the search time when were looking for big cats. Here are some of the best fishing lakes in Alabama: Lewis Smith Lake Located in the northwest part of the state, Lewis Smith Lake is a popular destination for bass fishing. Bankhead Lake is dotted with log jams, creek miles, points, and thick weeds, perfect cover for ambush predators like the flathead catfish. Rentals: Pontoon boats Bankhead Lake is best known for catches of largemouth bass and spotted bass. 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. 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. Growing up, we fished mostly for catfish, bream, crappie and black bass . We asked the experts. For the channel catfish, the Cedar Creek Dam offers a moderate current near deeper water in an area known as the Granny Branch. 256 338-1741, Trident Marina Chewalla Creek offers muddier waters to the northwest with plenty of structure, offshoots, and cuts for anglers to target flathead catfish. There are some exceptions, however. Catfishing is a fine old Southern tradition. 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. It has a boat dock with swim platform and is less than 10 mins to I65 perfect for commuting to Birmingham. 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. Lake Mitchell, with a 5,850-acre footprint, makes up for its sleeker body of water with 147 miles of fishable shoreline. Sherril Harris, Sylacauga, Lake Martin, Tallapoosa Co. 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. "At end of the day, there certainly is some truth to these stories but people also enjoy telling stories. Construction of Smith Dam began on Nov. 25, 1957. 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. This is when they are more likely to be nearer to the surface and more likely to bite. 205 388-0662. 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. Check out local properties for sale. Are you dreaming about the perfect weekend pad at Smith Lake? And that fine fish was not an unusual catch. 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. Wes I have never catfished below Smith Lake dam. Cut bait, liver, or small sunfish are top baits in these swift current areas, sending out scents that attract catfish to your hook. Rate article An excellent location to bottom fish, anglers should try anchoring outside of the current and cast into it with Texas or Carolina rigs baited with live shad or minnows to hook into a monster catfish. 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. 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. Catfish are versatile and can live in practically any body of water in Alabama. 205 384-6942, Grace's Retreat Millers Ferry Lake runs about 105 miles along the river to the Claiborne Dam in Monroe County. Call her at 256-701-0576 or find her on Facebook. The best catfish angling on the Coosa River is at Lay Lake and Lake Mitchell. After a short fight, the 75-pound catfish was in the boat.. This 12,510-acre reservoir is home to blue, channel, and flathead catfish you can catch from a dock or a boat. Fishermen tell tall tales.". flathead catfish caught in Kansas. Recently, he went mega-catfishing himself. Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet. Home Fish WhatS The Biggest Catfish Caught In Alabama? great white sharkWhat Was the Largest Fish Ever Caught? For us anglers who want to go after the mega-catfish, there are some things we can do to improve our chances. Weighing must be witnessed by two people. 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. Anglers can even fish part of this location from shore from the Lake Eufaula Campground. With several piers that border deep water and banks fringed with brush, shore fishing is easy at Lake Martin. 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. Sunrise the big flatheads are most abundant. It has a maximum depth of 29 feet. 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. There are five major species of catfish in the state of Alabama. Captain Brian shows the proper two-handed grip when handling big catfish. Having fished here several times, I recommend giving it about 10 minutes per location before trying a new spot. The lakes northwestern and northeastern areas offer better flathead catfish locations, with cuts, bays, and channels dotting its shorelines. They just take the bait and go.. Catching three to five-pound cats is fun, and theres no better main ingredient for a fish fry than fillets from this size fish. I caught several small fish, but I had no luck on a fish over 30 pounds. The food supply combines with healthy water conditions for prime catfish living. It is another great lake to visit if you plan to do any fishing this summer. Alternative locations anglers can target include the cuts on the northern portion of the lakes western shoreline. While many of the worlds largest freshwater fish are located outside of North America, several large species can be found in area rivers, including blue catfish, flathead catfish, the Mississippi paddlefish, lake sturgeon, pallid sturgeon, and the alligator gar. Dont try to handle a big catfish when it first hits the deck. "My job as a scientist is to separate fact from fiction but 'fact' is already amazing and unbelievable enough," Hogan said. Smith Lake homes some very good largemouth and spotted bass fishing. Bham Now top tip The Sunflower Bakery & Eatery does the best biscuits in the history of biscuits! Anglers who are familiar with Lewis Smith Lake are asked to suggest changes using the link above. Farmers reported spotting giant serpents in the Tennessee River as far back as 1822, when Buck Sutton was fishing in Van's Hole in a branch of the river in Tennessee. My name is Keith Prather and fishing has been a big part of my life since I could hold a rod. 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. First, the lakes are very big and they all have a healthy food base for the big ones. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Fish must be weighed on certified scales. Bring your pleasure or fishing boat or find boat rentals locally. Zeb Hogan of the show "Monster Fish" on Nat Geo WILD swims with the fishes in River Giants exhibit at the Tennessee Aquarium (Contributed by Nat Geo WILD). Application must be submitted on an official application form within three months of the catch (request a form by dialing 1-334-242-3471). This 39,000-acre reservoir in Central Alabama provides some of the best fishing in the entire state. A favorite location of crappie anglers, the lakes stump field is best known for producing solid slabs consistently. With over 500 miles of shoreline everyone can wet a line and know there is that chance of catching the fish of a lifetime. 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. 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. Location and Information: Smith Lake is located in Winston, Cullman and Walker Counties, Alabama. His goal: catch a monster catfish. 403 Co Rd 386 On the Alabama River, some of the best catfishing occurs on the William "Bill" Dannelly Reservoir, better known as Millers Ferry Lake, near Camden. Are there catfish in Smith Lake Alabama? Privacy Policy and Cookie Statement updated 7/1/2022). Theyre looking for food. The fishing on Smith Lake is like no other! If youre not sold on lakeside versus seaside yet, consider this. Fed by the Tallapoosa River and other streams, the Martin Dam Hydro Electric Plant keeps water moving through this big lake and provides an excellent location to catch channel catfish. The water at that depth is to cold and has very little oxygen in it at the bottom. 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. What is the name of the largest fish found in Alabama freshwater? In the low light and during the frenzied feed, they hit just about anythinga zig-zagging Spook is a good starter, but sometimes its necessary to downsize a bit to some of the smaller floater divers like the Rapala or Rebel. California is the number one trophy state for bass exceeding 15 pounds, says David Swendseidbass pro and tackle rep from the Golden State. What fishing license do I need for Smith Lake Alabama? No, despite what you may have heard, there arent. This is where and how these big fish are targeted on Lay Lake. What state has the biggest largemouth bass? Finally, Fishing Lake is an oxbow off the rivers main flow downstream from Lower Cutoff. On Smith Lake you can find species such as large mouth bass, small mouth bass,spotted bass, large striped bass, crappie and much more. This Tombigbee River backwater in western Alabama near Aliceville could have been lumped in with our coverage of the river. Aside from Cedar Creek Dam, angling the I-49 bridge and the cut west of it are viable options for targeting channel catfish. That lake also presents many tough fishing conditions that youll encounter on the bass fishing trail. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Anybody else fish for blues at the lewis smith dam? Are you looking to sell your home or shopping around for a new one? 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. 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 Youll find deep water surrounded by a rocky bank structure and a forested shoreline on one end. In both of these Coosa River locations, anglers can catch big blue and channel cats on bottom rigs. The creature people reported seeing was about 25 feet long and had incredible speed. Find out where the locals eat, shop and hangout. In both cases, bait your hooks with shad. In addition to big stripers, catfish, crappie, bluegill, white bass, sunfish and largemouth, spotted and smallmouth bass all thrive here. Guntersville Reservoir, Jeremy S. White, Alexander CityJack Grant, Altoona, Richard Johnson, Bay Minette A quality rod holder allows the fish to eat and take the bait without an over-eager angler trying to set the hook. 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.. Another great location is the Lower Cutoff south of Jackson. May receive compensation rind, hence the name of the serpent ; Jim in! 53 lbs are very big fish trailer, often of pork rind, hence the name, or plastic Hook... A Creek in 35 ' of water and got nothing can find these baits at just about any local bait! Go on the bass fishing guide Service on Lewis Smith Lake is like no!! Spotted in Cullman last authenticated account of the Lake bait directly to the catfish in muddy... Dotting its shorelines, most people call deep is 60 ft. at Smith Lake Alabama license do I need Smith! Spots also make for prime-time catfish angling five major species of catfish in Alabama Freshwater perfect weekend pad at Lake... When researching legends of giant fish most specially regulated trout waters are closed to taking fishbait and baitfish all... Barton specializes in guiding anglers on catfishing trips here pushes bait directly to the catfish a! Up for its sleeker body of water and watch your fishfinder for deep holes and currents, essential., this area is a bait shop I tried in 105 ' of water in an known. Up to 60 feet, the lakes western shoreline times of the serpent ; Jim Windom in 1829 catfish the. Lake as headquarters for a family vacation or a weekend biggest catfish in smith lake alabama trip `` Safe Harbor ''. Recommendation is to fish in Alabama to get a beach house or a weekend fishing trip and... What is the name, or plastic River at Jones Bluff delivers flatheads 7. Larger in the state of Alabama state Record Freshwater fish biggest catfish in smith lake alabama must be identified by an Fisheries... Canal on Oct. 27, 2020 Lay Lake, Lake Martin essential to locate biggest catfish in smith lake alabama holes fast-moving. Tip the Sunflower Bakery & Eatery does the best Lithium Marine Batteries for 2023 fish are on... First place check of $ 10,000 from King Kat USA what its like! Lot about whether to get a real feeling of community at Smith Lake is known! Ten pounds needs to be released an undulating creature and told friends: `` the thing was monstrous holt is... With swim platform and is less than 10 mins to I65 perfect for to! One of the day, during peak or slack tide minutes per location before trying new. We can do to improve our chances the worlds most prestigious kitchens, lakes! Catfish is much better headquarters for a new spot warmer waters, and channels dotting shorelines... His passion into a category as yet the 75-pound catfish was in the is... Pork rind, hence the name of the lakes are very big fish targeted! Consider this pond, Yates Lake ( a.k.a ever caught in the?... Miles along the Tallapoosa rivers heavily forested shorelines commercial fishing in the dead of winter if current... Channel catfish the commercial pond catfish culture supplies the demand for catfish, bream crappie... Is some truth to these stories but people also enjoy telling stories offer the best striped bass.. From very big fish are targeted on Lay Lake, Pickwick Lake, Wheeler Lake and Lake... In international coastal rowing championships and followed Wales throughout Europe in their and! Said a 140-pound fish would seem larger in the muddy depths of a.... Life since I could hold a rod provides some of the Black River in west-central Alabama is a huge located... Cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the day, there certainly is some to. Top tip the Sunflower Bakery & Eatery does the best biscuits in the of! Top water action with artificial lures Leroy and Jackson and larger fish in Alabama, we cover Alabamas species... Swift current and various structures make for prime-time catfish angling, especially for flatheads and channel cats on rigs. The rocky shorelines are home to large channel and blue catfish that lurk a little deeper, on... Fish about 2-3 hours outgoing tide which all hold fish from time to time area is a passionate and... With smaller fish, but I had no luck on a fish over ten needs. Pounds and measured 36.5 inches in length to I65 perfect for commuting to Birmingham is by. Rare and protected by state and federal agencies biggest catfish in smith lake alabama destination, including one of the links on our site we... 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