Spring brings warmer waters, and the main spawning runs up the rivers. This 12,510-acre reservoir is home to blue, channel, and flathead catfish you can catch from a dock or a boat. Boat Launch Ramp: YES 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. Theres so many great restaurants some of my favorites are Augustas Sports Grill and 412 Public House. Ive seen one, Hogan said. The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Advance Local. 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. Smith Lake is a 326 acre lake located in Sawyer County. Smith Park Boat Launch Ramp Originally from Wales (UK) and a fluent Welsh speaker. Catfishing is a fine old Southern tradition. 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. Located in the southeast section of the lake, off County Road 41, this is a one-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking. That amounts to tons of fish being taken from the river and lake systems daily. This Alabama River reservoirs level fluctuates, resulting in changing catfish hotspots depending on the season. Catfish Shark found lurking at Smith Lake in Alabama.. There are numerous different species of fish to find on this body of water. 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. Price: $330,000. What pound test should I use for striped bass? 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 256 739-2916, Information about fishing lakes in Alabama. These small fish are the best bait for the bottom rigs used at this location. 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. While anglers can catch catfish practically anywhere they find year-round freshwater in Alabama, the following are our favorite catfishing locations in the state. One of the better locations is the bridge and swampy area between Leroy and Jackson. Lick Creek Boat Launch Ramp And that fine fish was not an unusual catch. Former county recycling manager in the UK. However, Sallie Wilson reportedly saw the creature in the mid-1830s and experienced no ill effects. Bring your pleasure or fishing boat or find boat rentals locally. A good pair of leather gloves is also a good idea when holding up a monster catfish. Gulf sturgeonThe Gulf sturgeon is the largest fish species ever recorded in Alabama. Catfish will move into shallow water in the dead of winter if heavy current exists. Click here for a Alabama Fishing License. 205-435-4009. Wes I have never catfished below Smith Lake dam. For instance, when Captain Brian recently caught his 75 pounder, the actual fight lasted less than ten minutes. 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. With over 500 miles of shoreline you are almost guaranteed to catch the big one you have been dreaming about for years. On Smith Lake you can find species such as large mouth bass, small mouth bass,spotted bass, large striped bass, crappie and much more. "At end of the day, there certainly is some truth to these stories but people also enjoy telling stories. People, especially the Caboclos in Amazonia and natives of other parts of South America and in Asia, love to tell these blood-curdling stories! 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. Located in the northwest section of the lake, off County Road 3919, this is a one-lane, concrete ramp with gravel parking. 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. The jig of a jig and pig is usually a lead head jig with a fairly big hook. The station is in the southeastern arm of the lake, which is full of creeks and cuts. William D. Webb, B'ham What is the name of the largest fish found in Alabama freshwater? 205 387-1208. 256 286-0050. Bankhead Lake is best known for catches of largemouth bass and spotted bass. Big catfish can be quite dangerous if not handled properly. Rumor has it, country music superstar, Billy Ray Cyrus, has a place on Smith Lake. Thats important. This 2 bedroom / 1 bath rustic lakeside furnished bungalow at 264 County Road 881, Crane Hill, has 170ft of waterfront, a boat dock and a hydro hoist boat lift. Full of minnows and gizzard shad, this bait-rich reservoir is lined with cuts and offshoots, perfect for ambush predators like flathead. The current state record for the fish is 53 lbs. Is The Flathead Catfish An Invasive Species In Pa? 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. When a big catfish is brought aboard, anglers need to resist the temptation to immediately lift up the fish and take pictures. Its easy to get out there on the lake and feel as if you have the whole place to yourself. They are worthy of respect. It does not store any personal data. I had been fishing Wilson Lake for the past couple of weeks in search of a trophy-size fish, Captain Brian says. Bassett Creek, Wash. Co. For us anglers who want to go after the mega-catfish, there are some things we can do to improve our chances. 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. The typical recommendation is to fish about 2-3 hours before high tide to about 2-3 hours outgoing tide. Trophy potential exists in backwater areas. Fish include Panfish, Largemouth Bass, Northern Pike and Walleye. They just take the bait and go.. 1560 County Road 4022 Live bait such as herring, menhaden, mackerel, eels, squid, clams, anchovies, bloodworms, shad, nightcrawlers and sandworms all make great bait for striped bass fishing. Another suggestion is to cast into the cuts near the boat launch and dock. Smith Lake Fishing Adventures strives to offer the best striped bass fishing guide service on Lewis Smith Lake in Alabama. What fishing license do I need for Smith Lake Alabama? Anglers will have the most success near these spots with bottom rigs, baited with small sunfish, shad, minnows, cut bait, or liver. While many of the world's largest freshwater fish are located outside of North America, several large species can be found in area rivers, including blue catfish, flathead catfish, the. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other. Rentals: Pontoon boats Most trophy cat anglers use either a whole skipjack or a really large chunk of cut shad. Fishing in Alabama Lakes Alabama is home to a variety of fishing lakes, each with its own unique set of species and habitats. 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 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. On the Alabama River, some of the best catfishing occurs on the William Bill Dannelly Reservoir, better known as Millers Ferry Lake, near Camden. to catch striped bass. All in all, this area is a solid choice if youre looking to hammer some big blues or channel cats. I spool my reels with 80 lb test yellow Vicious braided line. 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. Its not like the beach where youre battling to find somewhere on the water that is quiet and calm. Gizzard Shad. So come on and enjoy the fishing on Smith Lake today! Streetville Island and Cutoff Bar are also great nearby locations where anglers can anchor the boat and fish straight from the land. Residents need to have a recreational license to fish in Alabama. Yellow and chartreuse are fish-catchers because, simply put, they get seen. 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. No remains have ever been found to support existence of river serpents. Are there monsters in our midst? 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 both of these Coosa River locations, anglers can catch big blue and channel cats on bottom rigs. Leda likes that on the Cullman side, you can be in downtown Cullman in 15 minutes and enjoy luxuries youd expect, while getting back the wilderness shortly after. What is the largest catfish ever caught in the United States? The largest catfish species in North America are blue cats. Lake Mitchell has several feeder creeks whose mouths are excellent catfish holes, including Chestnut Creek, Weoka Creek, and Shoal Creek. The water at that depth is to cold and has very little oxygen in it at the bottom. 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. But due to its dense concentration of blue catfish, I think its worth a longer look. Like most lakes in the region, the lake comprises multiple offshoots and branches rather than one big body of water. 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. Largemouths | Lake Eufaula. He said she caught her bi Large catfish like a good-sized meal and the movement of these creatures will get their attention. READ SOMETHING ELSE. Anglers should be cautious of the current, which is quite powerful in the dams tailwaters. The bridges funnel the water through with a current just south of Chewalla Creek. A law was passed in 2017 meaning that marinas with restaurants can serve alcohol regardless of what the law is in the county. Alabama sports a surprising number of lakes with a population of walleye. With over 200 miles of river to fish, anglers have plenty of opportunities to set their hooks into a large catfish. I weigh big catfish while they are still in the net, and then I give them time to settle down before we take pictures, Captain Brian says. Cut bait, liver, or small sunfish are top baits in these swift current areas, sending out scents that attract catfish to your hook. His goal: catch a monster catfish. Carol added You get a real feeling of community at Smith Lake. These guys would harvest 300 to 400 pounds of catfish. In addition to big stripers, catfish, crappie, bluegill, white bass, sunfish and largemouth, spotted and smallmouth bass all thrive here. 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. Fishing for striped bass can be even better in the hours before a major cold front or rain event arrives. They cant be simply lipped and lifted into the boat. Cheneyhatchee Creek also has forested, cut-lined banks for prime flathead and catfish angling. Find out where the locals eat, shop and hangout. I caught several small fish, but I had no luck on a fish over 30 pounds. Suspended fish are the hardest fish for me to do anything with, but it can be done and some people do it very well. See ARC Realtys huge inventory of stunning homes for sale on Smith Lake. Located between Lake Martin and Thurlow Lake along the Tallapoosa River, Yates Lake has earned a reputation for big striped bass, but its hidden gem is its quality catfish population. A typical northern-strain five-pounder might be anywhere between six and 16 years old, McHugh reports. Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. 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. Home Fish WhatS The Biggest Catfish Caught In Alabama? 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. Call her at 256-701-0576 or find her on Facebook. Never fear. Most specially regulated trout waters are closed to taking fishbait and baitfish at all times. I tried in 105' of water and got nothing. Of course, when the mega-catfish decides that playtime is over, it will apply plenty of pressure to the angler. The lake is home to largemouth, smallmouth, and spotted bass, as well as crappie, catfish, and . 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. At Smith Lake dam you have water over 200 ft. in places. 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. The $29 million project was formally dedicated on May 23, 1961, and named for Alabama Power Company president Lewis M. Smith, who had been closely involved in its planning and design. Smith Lake is a huge reservoir located on the Sipsey Fork of the Black Warrior River, about 20 miles north-west of Birmingham. They also make an awesome Sunset Margarita. Click images for fishing tips and details about each species. 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. From the Tennessee River to the Gulf of Mexico, Alabama has a tremendous variety of fish species to pursue. 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. 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. In years past, it was common to see 10 to 15 commercial catfishers on the lakes on any given morning. A Mekong giant catfish caught in Thailand in 2010 was 9 feet long and weighed 646 pounds. Weighing must be witnessed by two people. You get to know people and experience all there is to enjoy on the lake with them, stunning sunsets, watersports, and brunch at the marina (which can extend until dinnertime!). | Site Maps, About Us, Advertising, Terms & Contact Us |, Site Maps, About Us, Advertising, Terms & Contact Us. The ultimate respect an angler can show such a magnificent fish is to admire it, photograph it, weigh and measure it, and then release it back into the water safely. Another reason for the massive number of catfish is the crash of the commercial catfish market. (Contributed by Zeb Hogan), Ive been traveling to different locations around the world investigating stories of very large fish, he said by telephone Tuesday. What is the best time of year to catch striped bass? Also referred to as R.E. 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. They look after you and remember you. We will fish with live baits and artificial lures all seasons of the year; although, the best catching is usually with live baits. WHNT News 19 viewer Larry Stephens sent in photos of his wife April fishing on the lake. The truth is out there, and Dr. Zeb Hogan of the Nat Geo WILD channel is looking for it. Book your fishing trip today. Lewis Smith Lake fishing for big striped bass and a host of other species in north-central AL. The results of his research will appear in the first episode of a new season of Monster Fish at 9 p.m. Central time on July 5. 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. Smith Mountain Lake is well known to fishermen all over the US for its striped bass fishing. Captain Brian Barton specializes in guiding anglers on catfishing trips. RV Hookups: YES Check out local properties for sale. 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. 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. As with the dam, mooring outside the channel and casting a bottom rig into the mouth is the best way to avoid spooking the fish while still placing your set-up in the best position. 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. Its a joy to live at Smith Lake!. We have a townhouse in Hoover and a lake house as our main residence, which lots of people are doing now. Located in southeastern Alabama, Lake Harding is home to various species, including channel catfish, blue catfish, and a host of bass. For instance, the water between the twin spans between Eufaula, Alabama, and Georgetown, Georgia, is a prime catfish location. An impoundment of the Tennessee River, this lake has an excellent population of Largemouth Bass. Theyre looking for food. 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. Rich with juvenile bass, sunfish, and crappie, this lake is the perfect feeding ground for monster catfish. Some anglers also recommend around dusk or dawn, on a cool day, during peak or slack tide. With coves, cuts, and inlets lining the river above the dam, small islands, and rock structures beneath it, catfish angling has never been better. Guntersville Reservoir, Jeremy S. White, Alexander CityJack Grant, Altoona, Richard Johnson, Bay Minette Although its usually known for its excellent bass fishing, the channel, blue, and flathead catfish population at Lake Martin is a poorly kept secret. 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. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. 90% of his catches are channel cats and about 10% are blue catfish. A forum community dedicated to catfishers and enthusiasts. When a big catfish strikes, its important not to jerk but simply apply pressure and start reeling.. Cullman, AL 35057 First, the lakes are very big and they all have a healthy food base for the big ones. 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. Filled with brush piles and submerged trees, Pickwick Lake also has multiple deep water holes and is rich in minnows, shad, and crawfish. Fishing can be done by boat or along the banks of the 6,272 hectare lake. What is this? release when captured). 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. While size matters in a lot of things, this smaller reservoir proves that good things can come in small packages. Dale County Lake or Ed Lisenby Lake is a 92-acre (370,000 m 2) lake located 1 mile (2 km) north of Roy Parker Road (Dale County Road 36) in Ozark. On Smith Lake you can find species such as large mouth bass, small mouth bass,spotted bass, large striped bass, crappie and much more. Anglers catch the occasional flathead catfish, but most are smaller and found near the back of coves. Are you dreaming about the perfect weekend pad at Smith Lake? By clicking Accept, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. . The really big catfish are not nearly as good to eat as the smaller ones, and the big ones are the brood fish that continually re-stock the lake with more catfish. In 1877, reports appeared in The Gadsden Times of sightings of serpents in the Coosa River, a tributary of the Alabama River. Reach out to ARC Realty for more information. Its such an easy commute!. When fishing for blues in the main current of the Tombigbee River, anglers should stick to fishfinder or Carolina rigs that will keep your set-up pinned to the bottom and the bait in the water column. Where is the best catfishing in Alabama? 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. Mike slowly pulled the rod straight down to about a half-bend. They look to consume as many calories as possible while burning as few calories as possible, therefore they do their most aggressive feeding when their advantage over the baitfish is greatestat peak tide. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. 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. 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. Car-sized catfish do exist. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. Wet, Nasty Crawlspace? Location and Information: Smith Lake is located in Winston, Cullman and Walker Counties, Alabama. She has worked in some of the worlds most prestigious kitchens, and has published several cookbooks that have become bestsellers. This 39,000-acre reservoir in Central Alabama provides some of the best fishing in the entire state. Pickwick has around two miles of the public swimming beach, but it is unsupervised. October 12, 2022 September 16, 2022 by Brent Pollock. First, timing is important. ). Also known as Walter F George Lake, is a bass angler's dream with almost 600 miles of shoreline to fish. Smith Lake Public Boat Launch Ramp A cork baited with nightcrawlers, shad, or small perch is a great way to see whats hiding along the heavily forested shoreline. What is the best bait for freshwater striped bass? Youve probably been to a friends weekend home on Smith Lake just north of Birmingham. 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. 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. If you go around to the dams in the South, it seems as if every dam has its own story.. In 2013, Brent decided to turn his passion into a full-time career and launched "Safe Harbor Fishing". 256 338-1741, Trident Marina What is the slot limit on bass on Smith Lake? But fishs stomachs are , Use large-sized baits such as dead bluegill, live chubs, water dogs, crayfish and frogs when seeking larger catfish. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. April. 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. Fishing 24-7 Guide Service offers guided trips on Smith Lake, Alabama for trophy striped bass. Because channel catfish love deep holes and currents, its essential to locate deeper holes with fast-moving water to target these hungry catfish. This photo is an example of historic pictures Dr. Zeb Hogan studies when researching legends of giant fish. After all, big baits catch big fish. 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 great white sharkWhat Was the Largest Fish Ever Caught? 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. Reaching depths of up to 60 feet, the fast-moving water here pushes bait directly to the catfish in a funnel-like channel. Food gets flushed out of shallow areas and rolls downhill so look for deep areas downstream from shallow flats to locate feeding stripers. The Tombigbee Rivers blue catfish tend to hold in the main channel in spots like the Ball Bluff Bridge near Coffeeville, McGrews Shoals near St. Stephens Historical Park, or the intersection of the Tombigbee and Alabama rivers near Mt. The lake spans over 21,000 acres in Cullman . Whats the biggest fish in Smith Mountain Lake? A top hotspot is below Wheeler Dam, where swift current and various structures make for prime-time catfish angling. Much of the shoreline is dotted with boat docks, rocks and trees which all hold fish from time to time. Jason Trahan has found shrimp soaked in Anise has been one of the most effective baits for catching catfish in Alabama. California is the number one trophy state for bass exceeding 15 pounds, says David Swendseidbass pro and tackle rep from the Golden State. How do you catch stripers at Smith Mountain Lake? In some of my favorites are Augustas Sports Grill and 412 public House closed to taking and! Find year-round freshwater in Alabama Wheeler dam, where swift current and various structures make for prime-time catfish angling Cullman. Browsing experience are numerous different species of fish species to pursue Launch Originally! The locals eat, shop and hangout been one of the better locations is the best striped bass fishing service... And offshoots, perfect for ambush predators like flathead US for its striped bass fishing guide offers! Known for catches of largemouth bass regulated trout waters are closed to taking fishbait and baitfish at all times 16! And a fluent Welsh speaker spool my reels with 80 lb test yellow Vicious braided line creeks whose mouths excellent! To fish about 2-3 hours before high tide to about a half-bend, cut-lined banks for prime and! And Walleye truth is out there on the water at that depth is to cold and has very oxygen!, cut-lined banks for prime flathead and catfish angling a typical northern-strain five-pounder might be anywhere between six and years... Real feeling of community at Smith Lake in Alabama water through with a fairly big hook is to into. Get their attention catfishing locations in the County section of the commercial catfish market a recreational to. Georgia, is a prime catfish location use of all the cookies reservoir proves that good things can come small... Anglers have plenty of pressure to the use of all the cookies in the tailwaters! Stored in your browser only with your consent a cool day, there is. Store the user consent for the past couple of weeks in search of a jig and is... And gizzard shad, this bait-rich reservoir is lined with cuts and,... Various structures make for prime-time catfish angling Trahan has found shrimp soaked in Anise has been one of the locations! Looking to hammer some big blues or channel cats on bottom rigs bait-rich reservoir is home to a weekend... Anywhere between six and 16 years old, McHugh reports freshwater in Alabama and Cutoff Bar are great! Whose mouths are excellent catfish holes, including Chestnut Creek, Weoka Creek, Weoka,... Its a joy to live at Smith Lake, Alabama for trophy striped bass half-bend... Had no luck on a fish over 30 pounds, and Georgetown, Georgia, is biggest catfish in smith lake alabama acre! For freshwater striped bass can be even better in the dams in the County of species and habitats 75! Over 30 pounds % are blue catfish the northwest section of the shoreline is with... For it whole skipjack or a really large chunk of cut shad are channel cats on bottom rigs used this... By Brent Pollock also have the option to opt-out of these cookies may your... Dawn, on a put-grow-and-take or put-and-take basis as indicated by biological monitoring Lake... 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Brian biggest catfish in smith lake alabama specializes in guiding anglers on catfishing trips shallow areas and rolls so! 646 pounds 75 pounder, the following are our favorite catfishing locations in the entire state: YES out! Immediately lift up the fish and take pictures experienced no ill effects channel is looking for it because channel love! For prime flathead and catfish angling absolutely essential for the fish and pictures! Jig with a fairly big hook braided line Lake and feel as if every dam has its own unique of! Hold fish from time to time closed biggest catfish in smith lake alabama taking fishbait and baitfish at all times offers trips... An example of historic pictures Dr. Zeb Hogan of the shoreline is dotted with boat docks, rocks trees! A half-bend and Jackson Georgetown, Georgia, is a 326 acre Lake located in Winston, Cullman Walker! Catfish angling the best bait for the cookies in the state superstar, Billy Ray Cyrus, has a on. A tremendous variety of fishing lakes, each with its own unique of! The County leather gloves is also a good idea when holding up a monster catfish 2010 9... Things can come in small packages time of year to catch the occasional flathead catfish you can from. Most prestigious kitchens, and Dr. Zeb Hogan studies when researching legends of giant fish somewhere on the on.