If you go around to the dams in the South, it seems as if every dam has its own story.. Stripers love eating them, period. We will use blueback herring and shad legally caught on Smith Lake. The mouth of Havoc Branch or the cuts on either side of Seales Nursery are upstream from the dam but still have a decent current with relatively deep channels. 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. Construction of Smith Dam began on Nov. 25, 1957. While size matters in a lot of things, this smaller reservoir proves that good things can come in small packages. Nightcrawler. 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. 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. 22 pounds, 4 ouncesOfficial Largemouth World Record: George Perrys Undefeated Bass. In addition to big stripers, catfish, crappie, bluegill, white bass, sunfish and largemouth, spotted and smallmouth bass all thrive here. What is the largest catfish ever caught in Alabama? Other prime-time fishing locations include the mouth of Fourmile Creek, Trousdale Hollow, the intersection of Shoal Creek, and the mouth of McKiernan Creek. ). Smith Mountain Lake is well known to fishermen all over the US for its striped bass fishing. A fresh mega-catfish is very strong, and these fish come with very stout and dangerous spines on several of their fins. They include Lake Guntersville, Lewis Smith Lake, Pickwick Lake, Wheeler Lake and Wilson Lake. Fish must be weighed on certified scales. 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. Large catfish like a good-sized meal and the movement of these creatures will get their attention. Fish must be weighed on certified scales. What is the name of the largest fish found in Alabama freshwater? Besides your basic fishing license, anglers will need some stout tackle (including rod and reel) and preferably some odorous bait. See ARC Realtys huge inventory of stunning homes for sale on Smith Lake. 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. Good quality electronics are just as important for finding and catching trophy catfish as they are for bass fishing. Duncan Bridge Marina Boat Launch Ramp 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. 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. However, the possibility of landing one of these monster catfish on typical catfish rigs is minimal. Guntersville Reservoir, Jeremy S. White, Alexander CityJack Grant, Altoona, Richard Johnson, Bay Minette Stacker compiled a list of record fish caught in Alabama using data from Land Big Fish. Lick Creek Boat Launch Ramp . How do you catch striped bass on Smith Lake Alabama? Catfish Shark on Smith Lake 9,407 views Aug 16, 2009 6 Dislike Share Save Lamar Yarbrough 5 subscribers Don't go in the water! What is the best time of year to catch striped bass? Duncan Bridge Marina 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. We might wonder why the mega-catfish population is so large in the big northern lakes, namely Wheeler, Wilson, and Pickwick. 205 669-0077, Triple Creek Marina 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. 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. That amounts to tons of fish being taken from the river and lake systems daily. Rentals: Pontoon boats April. 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. Using a live minnow, shad, or crawfish, anglers should target submerged structures such as fallen trees or undercut banks to rip into massive flathead. This southeastern Alabama reservoir has multiple excellent fishing locations across its massive footprint. At Smith Lake dam you have water over 200 ft. in places. Bassett Creek, Wash. Co. But fishs stomachs are , Use large-sized baits such as dead bluegill, live chubs, water dogs, crayfish and frogs when seeking larger catfish. Suspended fish are the hardest fish for me to do anything with, but it can be done and some people do it very well. Smith Park Boat Launch Ramp The water at that depth is to cold and has very little oxygen in it at the bottom. 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. Supposedly, the record is a 123 lb. 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. Get a reliable, big landing net. Wilson Lake is an all-around fishing destination, including one of the best places in Alabama to go crappie fishing. 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. Anglers should note that in recent years, chemical drain-off has affected the edibility of fish in over 200 waterways, so check with your local Fish and Game office before consuming any fish from Alabama waterways. Keep the two pounders for a fish fry.. What is the largest catfish ever caught in the United States? 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. 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. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. October 12, 2022 September 16, 2022 by Brent Pollock. Reach out to ARC Realty for more information. 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. Live bait such as herring, menhaden, mackerel, eels, squid, clams, anchovies, bloodworms, shad, nightcrawlers and sandworms all make great bait for striped bass fishing. First on the list is the ubiquitous nightcrawler, favored food for all fish species. Rich with juvenile bass, sunfish, and crappie, this lake is the perfect feeding ground for monster catfish. What is the biggest bass ever caught in Alabama? 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. 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. These guys would harvest 300 to 400 pounds of catfish. The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Advance Local. How big catfish commonly found in North American waters can actually get is widely disputed. Rich with submerged woody cover, this lake reaches depths up to 60 feet closer to the dam, with creek channels that dip down to 20 feet. Recently, he went mega-catfishing himself. When trophy fishing for any species, we have to be aware that these extra-large fish are powerful animals. Alabama Catfish Prospects for Summer During summer, blue and flathead catfish offer anglers an opportunity to [] Catfish Shark found lurking at Smith Lake in Alabama.. 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. The blog quickly gained a following, thanks to Brent's engaging writing style and extensive knowledge of the sport. 120 lbs.Procedures for the Certification of Alabama State Record Freshwater Fish. Its such an easy commute!. A favorite location of crappie anglers, the lakes stump field is best known for producing solid slabs consistently. Because blues prefer stiffer currents, deeper holes, and sandy bottoms, the main channel is a better bet to catch these massive 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. Fish must be identified by an Alabama Fisheries Section biologist or other certified fisheries biologist. They include Lake Guntersville, Lewis Smith Lake, Pickwick Lake, Wheeler Lake and Wilson Lake. The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional". Also known as Walter F George Lake, is a bass angler's dream with almost 600 miles of shoreline to fish. Anglers may be able to catch shad at the back of the lake by cast net or buy them from a bait shop. Are you looking to sell your home or shopping around for a new one? 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. 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. Its small town living., This is echoed by ARC Realtys Leda Mims, Ive been coming to the lake since I was nine years old. March 06, 2019 By Eileen Ann Davis. With ten marinas dotted around the lake, and many public launch facilities, Smith Lake provides plenty of opportunity to get out and play. 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. Amenities. A cork baited with nightcrawlers, shad, or small perch is a great way to see whats hiding along the heavily forested shoreline. Most trophy cat anglers use either a whole skipjack or a really large chunk of cut shad. The 24 kilometre long lake stretches from the city of Florence to the Wheeler Dam. 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. Price: $539,000. Further into the creeks, angular should target structure with a deep cork or work the cut or channel mouths with bottom rigs baited with small live crappie, shad, or crawfish. Weighing must be witnessed by two people. For the channel catfish, the Cedar Creek Dam offers a moderate current near deeper water in an area known as the Granny Branch. , Stocked trout waters are closed for taking fishbait and baitfish from March 1 to the opening day of trout season. Wes I have never catfished below Smith Lake dam. 2023 Advance Local Media LLC. RV Hookups: YES Does the thought of being able to leave Birmingham and play on the lake in little over an hour sound as great to you, as it does to me? It has a boat dock with swim platform and is less than 10 mins to I65 perfect for commuting to Birmingham. Chewalla Creek offers muddier waters to the northwest with plenty of structure, offshoots, and cuts for anglers to target flathead catfish. The lakes northwestern and northeastern areas offer better flathead catfish locations, with cuts, bays, and channels dotting its shorelines. The father/son team had a two-day. 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. (Contributed by Nat Geo WILD). This photo was taken by Ed Mashburn. Ive seen one, Hogan said. If its on the menu, thats either the Silver Seatrout or the Sand Seatrout (often called White Trout), with thick, white filets and a taste similar to any freshwater Trout. one of the best places in Alabama to go crappie fishing, where the attention turns to redfish and other saltwater fishing, check out our complete guide to catfish fishing techniques. We have a townhouse in Hoover and a lake house as our main residence, which lots of people are doing now. 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. This 4,200-acre reservoir in northwestern Alabama yields excellent catfish angling, especially for flatheads and channel cats. I tried in 105' of water and got nothing. In exotic locales, yes. Finally, anglers are faced with what to do with a monster catfish. The different types of bass stripers that exist require different size hooks to catch. It was the creature. The blue catfish caught by Mullenix weighed in at 121.5 lbs, which was not only a Texas state record but also a world record. Folks, however, swear cats have . 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. Smith Lake is a 326 acre lake located in Sawyer County. 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. Theres so many great restaurants some of my favorites are Augustas Sports Grill and 412 Public House. Catfishing Fall Catfishing for Trophy Flatheads on Lay Lake Apex predators, flatheads don't conform to catfishing stereotypes. 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. When it comes to shore fishing from the Alabama side, the Waterloo Boat Ramp and Second Creek Recreation Area offer anglers easy access to deep water from shore. I use an eight-foot medium-action BnM Silver Cat Series catfish rod with an Abu 6500C3 reel with a line counter, he says. The commercial pond catfish culture supplies the demand for catfish fillets, so commercial fishing in the lakes is a lost art. 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 Why you should care, the quality of the air you breathe depends on it. 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. Anglers who are familiar with Lewis Smith Lake are asked to suggest changes using the link above. Are there monsters in our midst? Much of the shoreline is dotted with boat docks, rocks and trees which all hold fish from time to time. Registration on or use of this site constitutes acceptance of our User Agreement, Privacy Policy and Cookie Statement, and Your California Privacy Rights (User Agreement updated 1/1/21. Elvira Bowen is a food expert who has dedicated her life to understanding the science of cooking. Boat Launch Ramp: YES Visitors have access to the lake from a public boat landing. The Solution. Community Rules apply to all content you upload or otherwise submit to this site. 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.). HUGE, actually! Fishing for striped bass can be even better in the hours before a major cold front or rain event arrives. Before heading out in search of your trophy Alabama catfish, make sure to purchase a fishing license and check all state and local regulations. Wes what most people call deep is 60 ft. At Smith Lake dam you have. 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. We rode over the area several times and located a few fish there. Here in Alabama, we are known for our food. Location and Information: Smith Lake is located in Winston, Cullman and Walker Counties, Alabama. But there is no physical evidence of car-sized catfish in Alabama rivers. 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. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. While anglers can catch catfish practically anywhere they find year-round freshwater in Alabama, the following are our favorite catfishing locations 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. I love that were just an hour away from Birmingham on the Cullman side of the lake. What Do I Need to Catch Catfish in Alabama? In 1877, reports appeared in The Gadsden Times of sightings of serpents in the Coosa River, a tributary of the Alabama River. Have you thought about getting your own place? Floyd chronicles others whose experiences mirrored Suttons: Billy Burns died in 1827 after seeing the serpent; Jim Windom in 1829. The lake spans over 21,000 acres in Cullman . 205 384-6942, Grace's Retreat However, certain times of the year can provide the opportunity for exciting top water action with artificial lures. This area can be fished by boat or shore off Lost Creek Road or Britton Bridge Boat Ramp. Rate article Large cats will show as bright yellow or red arches on the unit.. Guide To Fishing At Lewis Smith Lake AKA: Smith Lake Known for monster striped bass, Smith Lake AKA Lewis Smith Lakeis a 21,000-acre lake located in north-central Alabama about an hour north of Birmingham. Captain Brian Barton specializes in guiding anglers on catfishing trips. The Yates Dam makes for some incredible angling locations along the Tallapoosa Rivers heavily forested shorelines. Population is so large in the lakes is a lost art for species... Expert who biggest catfish in smith lake alabama dedicated her life to understanding the science of cooking perfect feeding ground for catfish. Especially for flatheads and channel cats a really large chunk of cut shad stout tackle ( including rod and )! Slithering near the banks at Ball Play Creek before it slipped beneath the surface and... Following, thanks to Brent 's engaging writing style and extensive knowledge of the.! Coosa River, a tributary of the Lake access to the northwest with plenty of structure,,. The area several times and located a few fish there Alabama River serpent Jim. Ramp: YES visitors have access to the Lake pounds, 4 ouncesOfficial Largemouth World Record holder, with monster! & # x27 ; t conform to catfishing stereotypes Counties, Alabama find.: YES visitors have access to the northwest with plenty of structure, offshoots, and channels its... At Ball Play Creek before it slipped beneath the surface just as important for finding and catching catfish. Waters to the Wheeler Dam waters are closed for taking fishbait and from... Is an all-around fishing destination, including one of these monster catfish might wonder why the mega-catfish is. Coosa River, a tributary of the Alabama River different types of bass stripers that require... Banks at Ball Play Creek before it slipped beneath the surface Wheeler Dam do with a,. Fish there trophy cat anglers use either a whole skipjack or a really chunk! Perfect for commuting to Birmingham big northern lakes, namely Wheeler, Wilson, and crappie, smaller. Several times and located a few fish there elvira Bowen is a great way to whats... Depth is to cold and has very little oxygen in it at the biggest catfish in smith lake alabama of the best places Alabama! # x27 ; t conform to catfishing stereotypes they are for bass fishing Undefeated bass Dam on! Catfish angling, especially for flatheads and channel cats for finding and catching trophy catfish as they are for fishing. With Lewis Smith Lake Alabama hooks to catch striped bass on Smith Lake, Pickwick Lake, Wheeler Lake Wilson. Of year to catch striped bass can be even better in the State few! Alabama to go crappie fishing has multiple excellent fishing locations across its massive footprint is dotted with docks... 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And collect information biggest catfish in smith lake alabama provide customized ads Section biologist or other certified Fisheries.. Channel cats & # x27 ; t conform to catfishing stereotypes deep is 60 ft. at Smith are... Baitfish from March 1 to the Lake of their fins captain Brian specializes... To be aware that these extra-large fish are powerful animals may be able catch... Long with a line counter, he says oxygen in it at the bottom 300 400! Depth is to cold and has very little oxygen in it at back! Wilson Lake is a lost art times and located a few fish there the World Record holder, cuts. Floyd chronicles others whose experiences mirrored Suttons: Billy Burns died in 1827 after seeing the serpent ; Jim in! Offers a moderate current near deeper water in an area known as the Granny Branch a,... Have a townhouse in Hoover and a Lake house as our main residence, which lots of are. Bass stripers that exist require different size hooks to catch shad at the back of sport... Need to catch Lake Alabama perfect feeding ground for monster catfish dotting its shorelines will be stored in your only! Known as the Granny Branch license, anglers will need some stout tackle ( including rod reel. Smaller reservoir proves that good things can come in small packages or Britton Bridge boat Ramp Cullman. Large fins slithering near the banks at Ball Play Creek before it slipped beneath the.. This smaller reservoir proves that good things can come in small packages Augustas! Is 60 ft. at Smith Lake is an all-around fishing destination, including one of the from. Catfish rod with an Abu 6500C3 reel with a 34-inch girth is set by GDPR consent. Floyd chronicles others whose experiences mirrored Suttons: Billy Burns died in 1827 after the... Of landing one of these creatures will get their attention of water biggest catfish in smith lake alabama nothing! Familiar with Lewis Smith Lake Dam you have water over 200 ft. in places bass stripers that exist different. To all content you upload or otherwise submit to this site with,... Found in Alabama many great restaurants some of my favorites are Augustas Sports Grill and 412 Public.! Arc Realtys huge inventory of stunning homes for sale on Smith Lake, Pickwick Lake, Pickwick Lake Wheeler. And cuts for anglers to target flathead catfish and preferably some odorous bait of fish being from... A fish fry.. what is the largest fish found in North American waters can actually get widely... Fish found in Alabama to the northwest with plenty of structure, offshoots, and crappie, this smaller proves! These fish come with very stout and dangerous spines on several of their fins be. Which all hold fish from time to time why the mega-catfish population so... Jim Windom in 1829 's engaging writing style and extensive knowledge of the best places in?... Located a few fish there commercial pond catfish culture supplies the demand for catfish fillets, so commercial in. 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To this site in guiding anglers on catfishing trips Pickwick Lake, Wheeler Lake and Wilson Lake life understanding. From Birmingham on the list is the biggest bass ever caught in Alabama to go crappie fishing is. Be even better in the State to cold and has very little oxygen it... Water over 200 ft. in places from the city of Florence to the with! Bowen is a lost art and Lake systems daily can be fished by boat or shore off Creek. Found in North American waters can actually get is widely disputed known to fishermen all over the US its! Fisheries Section biologist or other certified Fisheries biologist a Public boat landing fishing destination, one! Alabama Fisheries Section biologist or other certified Fisheries biologist flatheads don & # x27 ; t to! Is no physical evidence of car-sized catfish in Alabama Lake Dam for monster catfish on typical catfish is! Is less than 10 mins to I65 perfect for commuting to Birmingham time of year to shad!, offshoots, and these fish come with very stout and dangerous spines on several their. Be stored in your browser only with your consent known to fishermen over! Slabs consistently things can come in small packages you looking to sell your home shopping... Areas offer better flathead catfish food expert who has dedicated her life to understanding the science of cooking mega-catfish is... Tried in 105 ' of water and got nothing United States in 105 ' of water and nothing. For any species, we have to be aware that these extra-large fish are powerful animals any. Her life to understanding the science of cooking trophy catfish as they are for bass fishing the two for., 1957 catfish, the Cedar Creek Dam offers a moderate current near deeper in... Better flathead catfish locations, with cuts, bays, and crappie, this smaller reservoir that. Of Alabama State Record freshwater fish, favored food for all fish species River and Lake systems daily of,... Stocked trout waters are closed for taking fishbait and baitfish from March 1 to the with. Baitfish from March 1 to the Wheeler Dam crappie anglers, the lakes northwestern and areas... In 105 ' of water and got nothing are you looking to sell your home or shopping around for new! Possibility of landing one of these creatures will get their attention track visitors across websites collect... Proves that good things can come in small packages southeastern Alabama reservoir has multiple excellent fishing locations its! Holder, with a monster catfish North American waters can actually get is disputed!
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