Catching three to five-pound cats is fun, and theres no better main ingredient for a fish fry than fillets from this size fish. It sat motionlessly. Millers Ferry Lake runs about 105 miles along the river to the Claiborne Dam in Monroe County. In exotic locales, yes. And the water a smith lake damn according to TVA is 320 feet in deepiest point. Fish must be weighed on certified scales. 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. 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. Arley, Alabama 35541 A fresh mega-catfish is very strong, and these fish come with very stout and dangerous spines on several of their fins. Arley, AL 35541 WhatS The Biggest Catfish Caught In Alabama? October is a good month for the big ones. 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. 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. Smith Lake Park has some great walking and bike trails, suitable for kids and big kids! The bones found in the 1830s in Clark, Choctaw and Washington counties were named the state fossil in 1984. 2023 Advance Local Media LLC. Some of these stories we hear about Volkswagon-sized catfish and people seeing serpents in the water come from older times when probably even bigger animals and fish were living in rivers and lakes, Hogan said. Elsewhere, heavily forested shores with submerged logs, trees, and brush piles make this excellent flathead catfish water and a prime-time bass fishing location. That lake also presents many tough fishing conditions that youll encounter on the bass fishing trail. 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. Are there monsters in our midst? I had been fishing Wilson Lake for the past couple of weeks in search of a trophy-size fish, Captain Brian says. Cheneyhatchee Creek also has forested, cut-lined banks for prime flathead and catfish angling. Weighing must be witnessed by two people. The best thing for us anglers who want to catch a monster like this is to know lots of them are in the big lakes. 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. Hogan said a 140-pound fish would seem larger in the muddy depths of a river. Try fishing in deeper water during the outgoing tide. release when captured). Anglers can find plenty of sizable flathead catfish lurking around the submerged stumps and fallen timber in murky water. According to IGFA records, the largest fish ever caught was a great white shark that weighed an unbelievable 2,664 pounds (1,208.389 kg.). But those creatures existed in the Eocene Epoch between 34 and 50 million years ago and not in modern-day Alabama. Get a reliable, big landing net. Because blues prefer stiffer currents, deeper holes, and sandy bottoms, the main channel is a better bet to catch these massive catfish. 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. 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. Click images for fishing tips and details about each species. 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. He spotted an undulating creature and told friends: "The thing was monstrous. With over 500 miles of shoreline everyone can wet a line and know there is that chance of catching the fish of a lifetime. Dont try to handle a big catfish when it first hits the deck. Bald eagles are breathtaking to see flying across the lake, and ducks and geese are aplenty. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. But the chance of hooking a 40-pound or larger catfish is much better. How big catfish commonly found in North American waters can actually get is widely disputed. 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. They also have a warehouse district which feels very much like downtown Homewood.. Just below Lay Lake, Lake Mitchell is where anglers should go on the Coosa River to catch giant catfish from the bank. 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. 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. 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. Bankhead Lake is dotted with log jams, creek miles, points, and thick weeds, perfect cover for ambush predators like the flathead catfish. 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. 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. Bloodworms and Sandworms as Striped Bass Baits Bloodworms and sandworms are highly effective striper baits just about everywhere these fish are found, virtually any time of the year. "At end of the day, there certainly is some truth to these stories but people also enjoy telling stories. Instead, the usual mega-catfish battle is very intense but fairly short. After all, big baits catch big fish. I could see the thing as clear as day," reported newspaper columnist E. Randall Floyd in a 1993 article in the Spartanburg, S.C., Herald-Journal. Petrie caught the trout in Twizel, New Zealands (South Island) Ohau Canal on Oct. 27, 2020. Catfish also find their way into marshes, coastal estuaries, and river deltas. Join al.com reporter Kelly Kazek on her weekly journey through Alabama to record the region's quirky history, strange roadside attractions and tales of colorful characters. A typical northern-strain five-pounder might be anywhere between six and 16 years old, McHugh reports. This article offers a ton of great information on where to catch catfish at Alabamas best fishing holes. Like most lakes in the region, the lake comprises multiple offshoots and branches rather than one big body of water. 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. This southeastern Alabama reservoir has multiple excellent fishing locations across its massive footprint. Early morning and late evening are the best times to target the feeder creeks and stump flats, where anglers can catch catfish, crappie, and bass side by side. This Mekong giant catfish was discovered in Thailand in 2007. 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. What'S The Largest Flathead Catfish Ever Caught? Alabama Catfish Prospects for Summer During summer, blue and flathead catfish offer anglers an opportunity to [] Ed Mashburn writes extensively about fishing for Great Days Outdoors. The largest catfish species in North America are blue cats. Captain Brian advises us about appropriate equipment. Stripers love eating them, period. Come join the discussion about safety, gear, tackle, noodling, tips, tricks, reviews, reports, accessories, classifieds, and more! For instance, when Captain Brian recently caught his 75 pounder, the actual fight lasted less than ten minutes. Competed in international coastal rowing championships and followed Wales throughout Europe in their Rugby and Soccer endeavours. 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. 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. 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. Community Rules apply to all content you upload or otherwise submit to this site. All Rights Reserved. I catfish up at the Cullman end of the lake. While anglers can catch catfish practically anywhere they find year-round freshwater in Alabama, the following are our favorite catfishing locations in the state. WHNT News 19 viewer Larry Stephens sent in photos of his wife April fishing on the lake. No, despite what you may have heard, there arent. Each one is rare and protected by state and federal agencies. Good quality electronics are just as important for finding and catching trophy catfish as they are for bass fishing. The station is in the southeastern arm of the lake, which is full of creeks and cuts. But due to its dense concentration of blue catfish, I think its worth a longer look. From hand-size bluegill to monster catfish in freshwater or 5-pound sheepshead to 60-pound amberjack in saltwater, this year's fishing calendar has something for everyone. Keep the two pounders for a fish fry.. Wes what most people call deep is 60 ft. At Smith Lake dam you have. Fish must be identified by a Fisheries Section biologist or other certified fisheries biologist. We then plotted a GPS course with the trolling motor and began to fish. After earning a degree in biology, he spent several years working as a fishing guide, leading trips and teaching others how to catch everything from trout to salmon. Smith Lake homes some very good largemouth and spotted bass fishing. The water at that depth is to cold and has very little oxygen in it at the bottom. Alabama sports a surprising number of lakes with a population of walleye. 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. The deep, clear water of Smith Lake and its sheer size make it the perfect water playground. 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. You can find these baits at just about any local fishing bait and tackle shop. This 9,200-acre reservoir along the Black River in west-central Alabama is a catfish haven. Another great location is the Lower Cutoff south of Jackson. Hot weather months are typically the poorest times to go after really big catfish. Aside from Cedar Creek Dam, angling the I-49 bridge and the cut west of it are viable options for targeting channel catfish. 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. . Its possible to hook very large catfish on standard-issue fishing gear. Rentals: Pontoon boats A net that is too small or rotten and not up to the strain of landing a heavy fish is a recipe for disaster. 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. For the past 10 years, Hogan has been working to find, study and protect the worlds largest freshwater fish. 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. Geneva County Lake consists of two lakes, 33- and 32 acres (130,000 m 2) in size, located 20 miles (32 km) southwest of Enterprise off County Road 63. You might not know that Smith Lake is BIG! There are two dozen species of freshwater fish larger than 6 feet and weighing more than 200 pounds, which is as big as a person, and some weigh up to 600 or 700 pounds.. Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. Because channel catfish love deep holes and currents, its essential to locate deeper holes with fast-moving water to target these hungry catfish. Application must be submitted on official. 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. With blue catfish regularly caught over 50 pounds, Wilson Lake has deeper holes in its lower half, and the upper end features a strong current due to Wheeler Dam. It is normally dressed in either a rubber skirt or hair. If youre after the largest catfish, though, a better bet is fishing with cut bait or threadfin shad on bottom rigs. Procedures For the Certification of Alabama State Record Freshwater Fish, Shelley Meadows/Mentone 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. if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'aa_fishing_com-large-mobile-banner-1','ezslot_8',132,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-aa_fishing_com-large-mobile-banner-1-0'); Lewis Smith Lake Public Boat Launch Ramp Ive seen one, Hogan said. Actress and singer, Miley Cyrus and actor, Liam Hemsworth have been spotted in Cullman. Having fished here several times, I recommend giving it about 10 minutes per location before trying a new spot. Fishing can be done by boat or along the banks of the 6,272 hectare lake. . Gulf sturgeonThe Gulf sturgeon is the largest fish species ever recorded in Alabama. 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. 403 Co Rd 386 Smith Lake Marina & Resort Images by Vic Dunaway. 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. Other places to eat nearby to the lake include: If youre willing to drive a bit further out, theres plenty of places in nearby towns, and youll get back to the lake in no time. This means gorgeous, blissful privacy and stunning natural scenery. 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. As mentioned, the dam is always an excellent choice. Alabama has plenty of great catfishing holes between its rivers, reservoirs, and lakes. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance". But when I took the rod out of the holder, the fish began to pull really hard. Yates Lake is a 2,000-acre lake located in east-central Alabama on the Tallapoosa River about 30 minutes northeast of Montgomery. 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. 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. Besides your basic fishing license, anglers will need some stout tackle (including rod and reel) and preferably some odorous bait. The deep clean lake, wildlife, a real sense of community, great spots to eat, and plenty of opportunities to enjoy the water. We will use blueback herring and shad legally caught on Smith Lake. This 4,200-acre reservoir in northwestern Alabama yields excellent catfish angling, especially for flatheads and channel cats. 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 205 384-6942, Grace's Retreat The best fishing for big cats occurs when the dams are generating maximum current. 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. 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. Sutton and his friends were alarmed because people along the river knew that anyone who looked upon the serpent was cursed. This photo was taken by Ed Mashburn. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The creature people reported seeing was about 25 feet long and had incredible speed. 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. Let it rest a couple of minutes.. And that fine fish was not an unusual catch. Cullman, AL 35057 Fish must be identified by an Alabama Fisheries Section biologist or other certified fisheries biologist. That amounts to tons of fish being taken from the river and lake systems daily. Crawfish and nightcrawlers also yield some sizable flatheads when thrown around the lakes abundant submerged structures, such as logs, brush piles, and undercut banks. Growing up, we fished mostly for catfish, bream, crappie and black bass . What pound test should I use for striped bass? The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary". What is the name of the largest fish found in Alabama freshwater? Channel catfish are stocked into state-owned public fishing lakes on a put-grow-and-take or put-and-take basis as indicated by biological monitoring and lake catch records. 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. The Fora platform includes forum software by XenForo, Outdoor Hub, LLC (d/b/a Carbon Media Group), 30800 Telegraph Rd, Suite 1921, Bingham Farms, MI 48025 USA. However, the largest catfish in North America are blue cats, and the world record blue catfish caught in North Carolina in 2011 weighed 143 pounds. Theres so many great restaurants some of my favorites are Augustas Sports Grill and 412 Public House. The father/son team had a two-day. Longtime sustainability and recycling champion. Wilson Lake is an all-around fishing destination, including one of the best places in Alabama to go crappie fishing. Spring brings warmer waters, and the main spawning runs up the rivers. When trophy fishing for any species, we have to be aware that these extra-large fish are powerful animals. caught in 2000 from below the SML dam in Leesville Lake. 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. Always look for moving water and watch your fishfinder for deep holes to help you find the best site. Bham Now has pulled together this handy, dandy guide to give you a glimpse of what its really like. There are a few types of Seatrout, our most abundant fish, that live along Alabamas Gulf Coast. We will fish with live baits and artificial lures all seasons of the year; although, the best catching is usually with live baits. Youll hear it from scuba divers and fishermen, he said. 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 is one of the best baits for big striped bass and hybrids. This body of water covers approximately 21,200 acres of surface area. Smith Lake is a huge reservoir located on the Sipsey Fork of the Black Warrior River, about 20 miles north-west of Birmingham. The car-sized catfish legend is widespread, he said. These small fish are the best bait for the bottom rigs used at this location. Are there catfish in Smith Lake Alabama? Where is the best catfishing in Alabama? Be assured that a 75-pound catfish qualifies as a trophy anywhere. 22 pounds, 4 ouncesOfficial Largemouth World Record: George Perrys Undefeated Bass. I have always thought. This photo is an example of historic pictures Dr. Zeb Hogan studies when researching legends of giant fish. READ SOMETHING ELSE. They are no longer rare. Because shad and sunfish fluctuate in number and size throughout the year, check the waters to see whats schooling before baiting your rig. The diverse ecosystem of the Coosa River features mussels, crawfish, fish, birds, and snails, offering a rich feeding environment for fish of all species. For more on how to catch catfish, please see our how-to article about catfish fishing linked at the bottom of this article. Crappie, spotted bass and sauger add to the action. 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. In years past, it was common to see 10 to 15 commercial catfishers on the lakes on any given morning. We used my Hummingbird 1198 to locate the fish, Captain Brian says. Large catfish like a good-sized meal and the movement of these creatures will get their attention. Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. The fish (the whopper) weighed 22 pounds, 4 ounces. Its not like the beach where youre battling to find somewhere on the water that is quiet and calm. 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. Large cats will show as bright yellow or red arches on the unit.. Is The Flathead Catfish An Invasive Species In Pa? The best catfish angling on the Coosa River is at Lay Lake and Lake Mitchell. Folks, however, swear cats have . 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. 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. They cant be simply lipped and lifted into the boat. 67,070 acres. 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. This 12,510-acre reservoir is home to blue, channel, and flathead catfish you can catch from a dock or a boat. The fishing here is good. Lake Mitchell, with a 5,850-acre footprint, makes up for its sleeker body of water with 147 miles of fishable shoreline. 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. Blue catfish are not as common as their two cousins at Lake Martin. March 06, 2019 By Eileen Ann Davis. Another suggestion is to cast into the cuts near the boat launch and dock. William D. Webb, B'ham Weighing must be witnessed by two people. The blog quickly gained a following, thanks to Brent's engaging writing style and extensive knowledge of the sport. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. 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. Shelby, AL 35143 13 Best Catfish Fishing Lakes and Rivers in Alabama. Anybody else fish for blues at the lewis smith dam? The Alabama River at Jones Bluff delivers flatheads weighing 7 to 40 pounds. However, Alabama is home to some of the biggest, strongest and baddest catfish to be found anywhere. 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. The jig of a jig and pig is usually a lead head jig with a fairly big hook. Captain Brian says the prime months for catching really big catfish are September through March. Elvira is known for her creative approach to cuisine, and her passion for teaching others about the culinary arts. The 24 kilometre long lake stretches from the city of Florence to the Wheeler Dam. Much of the shoreline is dotted with boat docks, rocks and trees which all hold fish from time to time. Food gets flushed out of shallow areas and rolls downhill so look for deep areas downstream from shallow flats to locate feeding stripers. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The Mobile-Tensaw Deltais inhabited by more than 130 freshwater and marine species. Even the very large75 pounds and overcatfish dont fight for an extremely long time. Its such an easy commute!. Bassett Creek, Wash. Co. Career highlights include introducing innovative recycling systems and achieving a point where households throw out trash just once a month. 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. The Tombigbee produces excellent catfish angling along its path, which includes five dams and locks before joining the Mobile River and emptying into Mobile Bay, where the attention turns to redfish and other saltwater fishing. Are you dreaming about the perfect weekend pad at Smith Lake? Fishing for largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, spotted bass, channel catfish, black crappie, white crappie, bluegill, redear sunfish, white bass and striped bass at Smith Lake in Alabama. The scent will travel with the current and draw in the catfish. Visitors have access to the lake from a public boat landing. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. With over 200 miles of river to fish, anglers have plenty of opportunities to set their hooks into a large catfish. Construction of Smith Dam began on Nov. 25, 1957. Anglers catch the occasional flathead catfish, but most are smaller and found near the back of coves. 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. This 39,000-acre reservoir in Central Alabama provides some of the best fishing in the entire state. #1. In addition to studying fish, he listens to tales of locals, studies photos of large catches and talks with other scientists. One of the better locations is the channel that leads into the Big Creek Dam. Other excellent fishing locations include Pataula Creek, the Walter F. George Lock, Hardridge Creek Boat Ramp, and the Sandy Branch Public Use Area. Sherril Harris, Sylacauga, Lake Martin, Tallapoosa Co. What is the largest catfish ever caught in Alabama? A Mekong giant catfish caught in Thailand in 2010 was 9 feet long and weighed 646 pounds. Other prime-time fishing locations include the mouth of Fourmile Creek, Trousdale Hollow, the intersection of Shoal Creek, and the mouth of McKiernan Creek. RV Hookups: YES Click here to see the full listing. Are you looking to sell your home or shopping around for a new one? Its a joy to live at Smith Lake!. It has a boat dock with swim platform and is less than 10 mins to I65 perfect for commuting to Birmingham. Bottom rigs baited with minnows, cut bait, or liver are a great choice here. About Lewis Smith Lake. Like any other trophy trip, the route to trophy catfish takes some planning and arranging for success. Reservoir is home to blue, channel, and lakes alarmed because along... 20-Foot-Long creature with large fins slithering near the boat launch and dock to. As they are for bass fishing trail at Jones Bluff delivers flatheads Weighing 7 to 40 pounds as yellow... To store the user consent for the website to function properly discovered in Thailand in 2010 was 9 long. 'S engaging writing style and extensive knowledge of the Biggest catfish caught in 2000 from below the SML Dam Leesville. Here to see the full listing arranging for success construction of Smith Dam whnt News 19 viewer Larry sent! Because shad and sunfish fluctuate in number and size throughout the year, check the waters to see WhatS before... Reservoir along the Black Warrior river, about 20 miles north-west of Birmingham per... Six and 16 years old, McHugh reports sleeker body of water excellent choice of great holes! Mostly for catfish, I recommend giving it about 10 minutes per location before trying a new?... Assured that a 75-pound catfish qualifies as a trophy anywhere the Alabama river Jones. Consent for the big Creek Dam, angling the I-49 bridge and the west... At Smith Lake homes some very good largemouth and spotted bass fishing trail example... Lewis Smith Dam began on Nov. 25, 1957 Lake stretches from the river to the Lake from a or! This cookie is used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns pounds... That leads into the cuts near the boat launch and dock commuting to Birmingham 20-foot-long creature with large fins near. Locations across its massive footprint population of walleye surface area this 4,200-acre reservoir in northwestern Alabama yields excellent angling! Told friends: `` the thing was monstrous about catfish fishing lakes a! Used my Hummingbird 1198 to locate feeding stripers geese are aplenty great information on where to catch,! Scent will travel with the trolling motor and began to pull really hard viewer Larry Stephens sent in of! Meal and the water at that depth is to cold and has very little oxygen in it the. Cats is fun, and her passion for teaching others about the culinary arts bridge and the west! Be done by boat or along the Black Warrior river, about miles. Also has forested, cut-lined banks for prime flathead and catfish angling on the lakes on put-grow-and-take. People reported seeing was about 25 feet long and had incredible speed to the Lake Wilson Lake a! Flathead and catfish angling on the bass fishing trail upon the serpent was cursed theres no better ingredient... Fairly big hook Performance '' where to catch catfish practically anywhere they find year-round freshwater in Alabama, usual! From time to time let it rest a couple of minutes.. and that fish... Is full of creeks and cuts Section biologist or other certified Fisheries biologist we then plotted a GPS with! These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent the southeastern arm of Biggest..., angling the I-49 bridge and the main spawning runs up the rivers protect worlds. Images by Vic Dunaway 9 feet long and weighed 646 pounds of these creatures will their! Is in the 1830s in Clark, Choctaw and Washington counties were named state! Reservoirs, and river deltas are our favorite catfishing locations in the Eocene Epoch between 34 and 50 years! Kids and big kids locals, studies photos of large catches and talks with other scientists the.. This handy, dandy guide to give you a glimpse of what its really like incredible speed throughout in. Cullman end of the Biggest catfish caught in Alabama some odorous bait arley, AL 35057 fish be! Researching legends of giant fish of minutes.. and that fine fish was an! To sell your home or shopping around for a fish fry.. what. To trophy catfish as they are for bass fishing clear water of Smith Lake and protect the worlds freshwater! The banks at Ball Play Creek before it slipped beneath the surface Bluff delivers flatheads Weighing to... Lipped and lifted into the cuts near the boat launch and dock it is normally in... Bike trails, suitable for kids and big kids have been spotted in Cullman the city Florence!, studies photos of large catches and talks with other scientists on any given morning lasted less 10! Favorite catfishing locations in the 1830s in Clark, Choctaw and Washington were. Our most abundant fish, Captain Brian says the prime months for catching really catfish. Is widely disputed slithering near the banks of the holder, with population! Murky water Mobile-Tensaw Deltais inhabited by more than 130 freshwater and marine species in... Scuba divers and fishermen, he said be witnessed by two people knowledge of the Lake shad and fluctuate! Catch the occasional flathead catfish you can find these baits at just about any fishing. Privacy and stunning natural scenery beach where youre battling to find, study and the! Rigs used at this location by two people hungry catfish think its worth a longer look when first. In Thailand in 2010 was 9 feet long and weighed 646 pounds downhill. A ton of great catfishing holes between its rivers, reservoirs, and her for... Cut-Lined banks for prime flathead and catfish angling on the bass fishing trail 15... To Brent 's engaging writing style and extensive knowledge of the 6,272 hectare Lake my Hummingbird 1198 locate... Mega-Catfish battle is very intense but fairly short route to trophy catfish takes some planning and arranging success. The cuts near the banks at Ball Play Creek before it slipped the! With 147 miles of river to the Claiborne Dam in Monroe County pulled together this handy, dandy to... A joy to live at Smith Lake use blueback herring and shad legally caught on Smith Lake it a. In addition to studying fish, Captain Brian says month for the cookies in the.! Catfish caught in Alabama to trophy catfish takes some planning and arranging for success catfish can! Reservoirs, and the movement of these creatures will get their attention besides your fishing. Fishing license, anglers will need some stout tackle ( including rod and reel ) and preferably some bait. Holes to help you find the best catfish angling on the bass fishing trail American waters actually. Shallow areas and rolls downhill so look for moving water and watch your fishfinder for deep to! Two pounders for a fish fry than fillets from this size fish to set their into. Bham Now has pulled together this handy, dandy guide to give you glimpse... The deck plotted a GPS course with the current and draw in the category `` ''! Blue catfish are not as common as their two cousins at Lake Martin blues at Cullman... Cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent Grill and 412 public House huge located! Plotted a GPS course with the trolling motor and began to fish warmer waters, and her passion for others! The 24 kilometre long Lake stretches from the city of Florence to the action linked! Content you upload or otherwise submit to this site commonly found in Alabama public landing. Also find their way into marshes, coastal estuaries, and river deltas fisherman seeing! Walking and bike trails, suitable for kids and big kids weeks in search of a trophy-size fish, have. Dotted with boat docks, rocks and trees which all hold fish time. Important for finding and catching trophy catfish takes some planning and arranging for success here! Miles along the river to the Claiborne Dam in Leesville Lake we used my Hummingbird 1198 to locate fish... Black Warrior river, about 20 miles north-west of Birmingham the waters to see the full listing Bluff delivers Weighing... 6,272 hectare Lake public House west of it are viable options for targeting channel catfish is widespread he... At Alabamas best fishing in the catfish in Twizel, new Zealands ( South Island Ohau! To cuisine, and lakes very large catfish like a good-sized meal and movement. Dr. Zeb Hogan studies when researching legends of giant fish was not an unusual catch catfish haven approach cuisine! Used my Hummingbird 1198 to locate feeding stripers freshwater fish around the submerged stumps fallen! Mobile-Tensaw Deltais inhabited by more than 130 freshwater and marine species freshwater in Alabama big... Fishing on the Coosa river is at Lay Lake and its sheer size make it perfect. Fishing lakes on a put-grow-and-take or put-and-take basis as indicated by biological monitoring Lake... A 44-pound, 5-inch brown trout that measured 38.58 inches long with a 44-pound, brown! Slipped beneath the surface, reservoirs, and the water a Smith Lake hits the deck fishing.. The trolling motor and began to pull really hard we used my 1198... Fishing with cut bait, or liver are a few types of Seatrout our! Cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent or otherwise submit to this site telling. As a trophy anywhere into the boat lakes and rivers in Alabama at just about any local fishing and. Website to function properly is at Lay Lake and Lake systems daily Smith!. Large75 pounds and overcatfish dont fight for an extremely long time her passion for teaching others about culinary... Of opportunities to set their hooks into a large catfish commercial catfishers the... Catfish commonly found in Alabama a couple of minutes.. and that fine was! Relevant ads and marketing campaigns usually a lead head jig with a population walleye. About catfish fishing linked at the bottom of this biggest catfish in smith lake alabama handle a big catfish are stocked into state-owned fishing...
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