Alabama is a state that is located deep in the heart of the Southeastern part of the United States, and until you have actually visited you don’t realize just how much it has to offer. You not only can experience good old fashioned country life, but you also can experience the history of urban areas such as Montgomery and Birmingham. Additionally, if you’re into fishing, Alabama also has a lot to offer. Here is some more information regarding how to engage your passion for fishing in this state:
Requirements For Applying For Your Fishing License Online
Nowadays, more and more individuals are applying for their fishing license online. Even older generations are enjoying the convenience of being able to do it without having to travel to an office. However, there is still some organization needed and there is some technological know-how required as well. First of all, you should contact the Alabama Department of Conservation & Natural Resources (link here). You should note that their website is called Outdoor Alabama. They have useful information regarding the specific fishing locations within the state and the various catch-and-release policies that they encourage. Of course, if you are going to apply for an Alabama fishing license, you should be aware of some basic information. Consider some of the following:
An Alabama fishing license is valid from September 1 until August 31
The license will always expire on August 31 unless otherwise noted on the documentation
Alabama fishing officials will determine your residency status based on your current driver’s license
It is good to understand this basic information, but there is a lot more to understand.
Just How Does Alabama Determine Residency?
If you are a first-time applicant for an Alabama fishing license, this is a good question. The State of Alabama has a very simple process for determining residency, but there are some variables that come into play. First of all, you should be aware that just because you have an Alabama driver’s license that doesn’t necessarily mean you will be considered a resident. If you have any other license from another state at the same time as your Alabama license, for all intensive purposes you are considered a non-resident. The good news is that there is at least one exclusion that you can consider. If you are currently in the military, the state of Alabama will waive the residency requirement, provided that you go to your local license commissioner, probate officer, marine office, authorized Outdoor Recreation Office, Wildlife & Freshwater Fisheries Montgomery Office and you will need to show them your orders of assignment to the state of Alabama or documentation that you are a military resident of this state.
What About If I am a College Student?
The State of Alabama will offer those ages 17-23 some special advantages if they are classified as a “Non-Resident College Student.” That is, they are in the state of Alabama specifically for pursuing their higher education goals. Of course, they have to be PHYSICALLY PRESENT in the state for this to work. They cannot just be participating in an online program at an Alabama college from an out-of-state location.
Answer Your Application as Truthfully as Possible.
Of course, whatever your situation might be, you need to answer your fishing license application as truthfully as possible. It is illegal for you to knowingly provide false information on the Alabama fishing license application, and you should be aware that this could cause you problems with getting a license in other state as well simply because Alabama is a member of the Interstate Wildlife Violator Compact .
What is the Interstate Wildlife Violator Compact?
If you are new to the sport of fishing, then you have probably never heard of the Interstate Wildlife Violator Compact. Simply put, this designation means that Alabama has the right to recognize any illegal activity in another state and could deny you a fishing license based upon that. Alabama takes the integrity of their state very seriously. However, now that we have got that out of the way, you are probably wondering about some of the types of fishing licenses out there, such as the lifetime fishing license.
Alabama Lifetime Fishing License
By purchasing an Alabama Fishing License, you are being a tremendous asset to the state economy and their wildlife efforts. You are ensuring that the state is able to provide conservation education to many generations of Alabama residents and helping them make sure that all of their lakes, rivers, and streams remain as pristine as possible for many years to come. Moreover, there are many other advantages to having a lifetime Alabama fishing license. If you want to apply for an Alabama lifetime fishing license, you should definitely consider some of these unique advantages:
It will go with you.
Really, it’s pretty self-explanatory. A lifetime Alabama fishing license means exactly that. It’s a lifetime, and even if you need to move out of state, the Alabama fishing license will go with you and always be valid. If you own a lifetime license, about the only thing you are required to do in the state of Alabama would be to apply for a daily permit to fish at any of Alabama’s freshwater lakes and rivers.
You will get added benefits as well.
If you hold a lifetime Alabama fishing license, you will also have the added benefit of being automatically enrolled in a Wildlife Heritage License. This means that you will automatically be able to do the following:
Hunt any small game except for water fowl on Alabama’s Wildlife Management Areas
Be able to shoot on any ADCNR public shooting range
Be able to do freshwater fishing with hooks in all of Alabama’s 67 counties
Conclusion
As you can see, there is an immense amount of benefits to getting a fishing license in Alabama. Simply put, this state loves outdoorsmen! You can go to Outdoor Alabama for more information on all of the requirements you will need to fulfill before taking advantage of the great natural spots in this state.
In the Southeastern part of the United States, there is a highly underrated and special place. The state of Alabama is an area that has something for everyone. Alabama is a very neighborly place, and it’s also wonderful for the avid outdoorsman. Indeed, fishing spots in this area are almost boundless. All you have to do is obtain your Alabama fishing license, and then you will quickly learn just how many angling hotspots there truly are in this state. Consider some of the following options:
Pickwick Lake
Pickwick Lake is a reservoir that is shared with part of Tennessee as it runs 50 miles across from the Pickwick Land Dam to the Shoals region in Alabama just below Wilson Dam. With this fishing spot reaching full pool, it has an acreage of at least 47,500. McFarland Park in Florence has become well-known for their fishing tournaments.
Pickwick Reservoir has ranked high in many state designated categories, including being ranked #3 the reservoirs hosting at least five or more tournaments; among the top four for “Bass Weight Average”; and among the top five in areas such as “Pounds Per Angling Day” and “Hours For Bass Larger Than Five Pounds.” Alabama Anglers are always looking for that elusive “triple crown” of bass fishing. That is, they want to catch a combination of a largemouth bass, a smallmouth bass, and a spotted bass. They are able to do that at Pickwick Reservoir due in part to the fact that this fishing spot is literally world-renowned for its fabulous stock of smallmouth bass.
Pickwick lake is divided into several sections, and the best part of the lake to fish at would be the Shoals section. It’s just on the opposite end of Seven Mile Island, and the smallmouth bass there are truly incredible! Indeed, the Smallmouth habitat is so good at this lake that several records have been set as noted by the International Game Fish Association.
Even if bass fishing isn’t your thing, there are plenty of other fish species to choose from at Pickwick. Crappie, blue catfish and channel catfish are all in high supply at this lake. Sauger are also in high supply during the winter months because that’s their spawning season. You can easily access the Pickwick Reservoir on the south side by going through the Sheffield community; Muscle Shoals, Florence, and Waterloo well all provide you access on the north side.
Pickwick Lake has always yielded good electrofishing samples throughout the years. For example, in 2012 the electrofishing test showed that there was the highest percentage of largemouth bass over 15 inches in at least a decade.
Of course, if this is your first time fishing on Pickwick Lake there are certain guidelines you should follow.
First of all, the best places to fish for the larger examples would be in the deeper parts of the reservoir. If you are using a deep hump strategy or an aquatic weed margin then chances are you will catch as much fish as you want all the way up to your limit. Traditional baits remain a good strategy but other Anglers have been known to use fish head spin rigs, spoons, and 5-inch spin rigs as bait with considerable success.
Lake Eufaula
Lake Eufaula is definitely a special place for anglers for sure. Located on the Chattahoochee River, this lake boasts over 45,000 acres with a broad spectrum of different fish species available for you to catch. Formed by the Walter F. George Dam and owned by the US Army Corps of Engineers, Eufaula Lake only requires you to have either a Georgia or Alabama fishing license if you are between the ages of 16 to 65.
Lake Eufaula has an impressive population of many different species of fish. Their populations have a proven track record of remaining strong and consistent. They have gone through a few difficult years, but anglers continue to be able to catch largemouth bass that are top of the line. In a nutshell, for those that are able to land a largemouth, they can rest assured that they will find specimens that are large, fat, plump and healthy. Spotted bass continue to increase in population throughout the waters of Lake Eufaula. Many anglers looking for black crappie have been impressed as well. They have noticed that they continue to increase in population throughout the recent years.
The northern part of Lake Eufaula is a bit more undeveloped than the rest of it, but it has the advantage of being just 10 miles away from Eufaula. Another way that the lake makes up for these shortcomings would be being a part of the Eufaula National Wildlife Refuge. Besides fishing, there is hiking, hunting, and observing wildlife at this wildlife refuge.
Finally, at all parts of the lake, boat access is easily obtained. It doesn’t matter whether you are on the Alabama side with the Georgia side. Additionally, you can easily gauge the current bass population simply by looking at the latest bass tournament results.
Country singer Duane Propes from the band Little Texas tells fishing stories
Joe Wheeler State Park
Joe Wheeler State park is a part of Wheeler Lake, and it encompasses a gorgeous 2,550 acre state park. This area boasts a waterfront lodge, convention facilities, a restaurant, an 18-hole golf course, a full service marina with several docking stations, camping opportunities, a group of community lodges, and several lakeside cabins. bank fishing, pier fishing, and boat fishing are all good options at Joe Wheeler State Park. If you don’t have your own boat, no problem. Joe Wheeler has several rental organizations located right there on the lake banks.
If you’re a real heavy-duty fisherman, you would do well to have plenty of equipment. It can get fairly deep in certain areas, so you will need the right tools to measure the depths.
Either way, if you’re an angler, you can rest assured that Joe Wheeler State Park is the place for you! Joe Wheeler is a state park and lake that was formed by the Tennessee River, so it definitely has a lot of fish opportunities. Specimens such as largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, hybrid striped bass, white bass, bream and crappie. The fact that Wheeler State Park is formed by the tremendous Tennessee River makes it very versatile. It truly has something for everyone, including professional anglers or folks who simply want to just fish directly from the bank.
If catfish is more your thing, then there is no point in neglecting this life. You will still be in luck, because there are many testimonials of those who have landed catfish of even a hundred pounds or more. A good rule of thumb would be to fish with a rod of at least 7 inches with a minimum of a medium action on the rod.
Another thing that some anglers on Wheeler Lake swear by would be fishing near one of the power lines. This is because it changes the terrain of the bottom of the lake, making it more amenable to catfish because the water will have a “bubbling” effect.
The beauty of Wheeler Lake is that there are many professional guides out there that will do everything in their power to enhance your experience. They will also be able to tell you everything there is to know about that particular species of fish you are looking to land. For example, they can tell you about catfish, which will usually begin betting around May and will be ready for catching in June.
Whether you go with a guide or not, you are sure to have a very enjoyable and pleasant fishing experience on Wheeler Lake!
Lay Lake
Lay lake is a reservoir that is 12000 glorious Acres devoted to your fishing pass time. This lake is not only popular with tournament fishing, but also with recreational boating as well. The lake offers at least seven public access areas with boat and bank access to a lake included. The Alabama Power Company first impounded this Lake in 1914. Additionally, this lake became very well known for their fishing prowess within that very first decade.
Located 65 miles south of Birmingham, Lay Lake has a species of fish for everyone. Diverse examples such as largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, crappie, catfish, white bass, striped bass, and hybrid striped bass are all present in Lay Lake.
If you decide to visit the lake in the summer months, you should head down to the lower end of the water in order to find the best specimens of largemouth bass. Moreover, you will find that using a wireless frog and swim jig is more than sufficient in order to land a largemouth that is especially large. You should always vary your fishing practices accordingly based on whatever type of fish you desire to catch. For example, you should consider wading in the water in depths of at least 18 to 25 feet of water if you want the best opportunity to catch some schooling shad bass instead of the fully grown types. Additionally, another great idea for catching bass would be to venture to Logan Marin Dam. You need to study the current carefully and determine if it is flowing. If this is the case, your best option for catching as much bass as possible would be to use a jig-and-pig. They are available at all bait shops and quite a few hardware stores, and they have developed a solid track record of success for anglers who want to catch a bass of at least five pounds or more. If the Logan Marin Dam has a slower water current, then that is the time where you should strongly consider using a topwater or crankbait lure. These should always be standard in every angler’s tackle box.
Gulf State Park Pier
Gulf State Park Pier is truly a sight to behold. Located on the Alabama coastline, this is a great place for you to try your luck at fishing off of the Alabama coastline. It is a wonderful spot for catching King Mackerel and Tarpon, among other things. If you are going to look for King Mackerel in this spot, you should have at least three different rods and reels. You will need such things as live baits (preferably pilchards), blue runners, mullets, and frozen cigar minnows. These are all lures that are perfectly acceptable for landing a King Mackerel.
Of course, if you are only looking for King Mackerel, the only rod that you should be concerned with would be the 9-foot medium spinning rod with a 10-pound mono line or a 20-pound braided line. It is great for large lures, plugs, and live baits. This spinning rod also can be used to catch cobia and tuna, which are other well-known pelagic species. A pelagic fish is defined as a fish that can inhabit the upper layers of the main open sea. These fish may think they are safe, but they definitely aren’t when you have this type of equipment.
Another type of rod you can use to fish off the Gulf State Pier would be the seven-foot rod for catching such things as pompano, span fish, whiting fish and other types of small game fish. Moreover, if saltwater fishing is your thing, you are definitely in luck at this location. Not only are cobias, king mackerel, and tarpon available, but also speckled trout and flounder.
Beginners will find this a great place to do saltwater fishing simply because it is right off of a pier. They will enjoy the fact that you can kill two birds with one stone: you can relax with your friends and family and you can catch fish at the same time. Of course, even with an excellent fishing spot such as Gulf State Park Pier, there are some things to consider. Take a look at the following:
Solid fishing rod
There is no question that pier fishing is a huge challenge. However, if you have a fishing rod that has been tested for at least 12-50 pounds, then you are in solid shape for catching some heavy-duty fish!
Lewis Smith Lake
Located about an hour north of Birmingham, if there is one thing that Lewis Smith Lake has going for it, it would be tranquility. Unlike some of these other listings, this Alabama fishing spot seems to have just the right balance. It is not so bland that it doesn’t have good fish, but at the same time it’s not so popular that you would have to share the lake with too many people.
One of the most unique things about Lewis Smith Lake is that it is surrounded by natural woodlands, limestone outcrops, and a rocky landscape all enmeshed in a picturesque environment. Lewis Smith Lake is also blessed with crystal clear waters that are naturally self-cleaning. However, this also can be a bit of a curse as well, simply because it can make it more of a challenge to catch finicky fish species such as bass or trout. However, it is well-worth the battle, and your personal satisfaction will definitely be improved if you are able to land one of these specimens. Just imagine the large smile on your face as you hold up your latest trophy in your hands!
An added benefit to this lake would have to be the fact that there are many different species of fish for you to choose from. First of all, there are many different varieties of bass. Options such as largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, striped bass, spotted bass, and speckled trout abound throughout the waters of Lewis Smith.
Of course, your strategy will vary depending on what type of fish you are on the lookout for. For bass, you probably should have some lures that carry a minimum of an 8-pound test in your tackle box. You also should have lures that blend in with the surroundings since this water is going to be more transparent than other lakes.
Of course, there are times where you just might have a bad day on this lake. It is a challenging spot, especially for beginners. However, there is at least one backup plan that you can utilize if you are on the lookout for the bass and they aren’t biting. In that case, one of the things that you can do would be to head to the tailrace that is just down from the dam and try your luck with trout fishing. This runs all year-round, and it is based on the Sipsey fork side of the lake and fed by the Warrior River. Additionally, this trout fishery is home to many different species of trout. Whether you are fishing for bass or trout, it is definitely important to have the right bait. One of the things you should look for in this case would be redworms. There have many testimonials of fishermen in this area landing trout as high as 18 to 20 inches simply using this bait!
Mobile-Tensaw Delta
The Mobile-Tensaw Delta is literally known by locals as a vast underwater jungle wilderness. This delta is home to numerous river channels, and they all converge to form into a cluster of hundreds of small islands. This area is known for great fishing, but do be careful. The natural habitat is full of not only bears, alligators, bull sharks, and bobcats, but venomous snakes as well. The Mobile-Tensaw Delta is also prone to about ten feet of flood waters in the fall.
The Mobile-Tensaw Delta is a region that is appealing to many people because it possesses some truly unique characteristics. Designations such as the flooding make this somewhat primeval location have an earlier fishing season than other Alabama locations. Moreover, there are certain species of fish that are much easier to catch in this area than other Alabama fishing spots. Indeed, if you are a bream fishing enthusiast, you will be in luck here.
Either way, don’t think for a minute that the Mobile-Tensaw Delta is all about just bream fishing. They also have species such as shellcrackers, blue gills, speckled trout, redfish and even flounder all have immense populations within this area. Indeed, if you are looking for some unique types of fish to catch, this is definitely the place to be!
Like other places, knowing the right bait to use is essential for the Mobile Delta, and of course it depends on what type of fish you are after. For redfish, you should consider going for live shrimp. However, be aware that they will go for plastic grubs or crankbaits. Sportsmen have been known to catch redfish of up to 55 pounds.
Of course, if you have never been to the Mobile Delta before, there are a few things you should keep in mind. First of all, if you happen to encounter a smell similar to a ripe watermelon, that means that you have just come across some bluegill spawning grounds. Additionally, you should be aware that the Mobile Delta area can be a tad bit confusing. However, this can be easily overcome if you simply take a handy GPS unit with you.
There is also a specific time when you should fish in the Mobile Delta. For example, most individuals recommend that you fish in the Mobile Delta in November and do it by the northern side of the I-65 bridge. Most of the tournaments that take place in this spot are done there, and November is not only a good time for catching some unusual specimen, but the bass are pretty thick during that time frame as well.
Fort Morgan Peninsula
Fort Morgan Peninsula is located on Dauphin Island, and it is a dream come true for those who enjoy surf fishing. They will find that Dauphin Island is well-known to the locals and gets a lot of tourism because of its appealing scenery and views of the Gulf Coast. They will find the surf fishing very challenging and appealing as well. For many visitors, Dauphin Island and Fort Morgan Peninsula becomes a favorite destination, and some will even return year after year. Indeed, a few people enjoy it so much they even become permanent residents.
There is no question that the locals at Fort Morgan Peninsula love visitors. They also do everything they can to accommodate fishermen. The first way they do that would be through enlightening them on all of the different types of fish out there that the visitor can catch. Fish species such as redfish, spanish mackerel, speckled trout, king mackerel, white trout, cobia and many others will all whet the appetite of the angling hobbyist. Additionally, they will enjoy Fort Morgan Peninsula because it has an immense amount of exciting action. They will be able to cast their out on the waves and surf and be able to drink in the challenges of a resisting fish. The best time for you to enjoy Fort Morgan Peninsula is when the tide is falling. That is one of the main moments when the tide is falling and when the door is opened for all of your favorite fish to come out. Believe me, there is nothing like the satisfaction you will feel when you are holding one of these large fishes and having your picture taken.
Of course, if you are going to accomplish this well, you will need to have the correct bait. This might be one of the best fishing spots in the whole state of Alabama, but you still have to do your part. Items such as big blue crabs, mullet, croaker, large podgy, and minnows are all acceptable as bait. Moreover, there are many occasions where you might even encounter a red snapper in this area if you are persistent!
Of course, if you are looking for something more sizable than this quarry, you are more than welcome to charter a fishing boat and go out into the Fort Morgan waters in search of extra quarry. They will look for such things as billfish, and of course it is up to them whether they keep the catch or not. Many people will simply take their photograph and then throw the fish back. However, if you are interested in cooking your own catch and don’t want to do it yourself, please be aware that there are plenty of fishing restaurants within the area that will be happy to cook it for you.
It is definitely a wonderful place to go, and after you have tried fishing off the Fort Morgan Peninsula you will probably not want to do anything else!
Escambia County Lake
Escambia County Lake is a fascinating lake that is known by the locals as Leon Brooks Hines Lake. It is an 184-acre body of water that is a part of a group of 23 public fishing lakes that are managed by the State of Alabama. Escambia County Lake has developed a well-known reputation for having various species of bass swimming within their waters. One of the most prominent types they have would be the largemouth bass, as many anglers to this lake would attest. Moreover, many anglers will tell you that the best way to get this largemouth bass is by utilizing red bait. That is definitely the case on this lake as well. Other methods that anglers on Escambia County Lake have had success with would be by using their shredded plastic worms, keeping their hooks sharp, and simply facing the wind as they angle out on this lake.
Besides largemouth bass, one of the fish types you can expect to land here would include such things as redear sunfish and plenty of bluegills. You will not be disappointed with the output of this large, that is for sure! The other pointer you should consider if you are going to stop at this lake would be between May and August, especially during the full moon days. This is when many species of fish are beginning to spawn, and that will make them more readily available than normal time periods. You should also stay in no more than three to five feet of water. Finally, you should keep in mind some of the prime fishing spots for fishing on this lake. Although it is perfectly okay to fish on the pier or on the shore, many individuals find that they have better luck if they charter out a fishing boat and go out on the water. Once there, they are able to catch a much more diverse set of fish than under normal circumstances.
Guntersville Lake
Guntersville Lake might be the last option on this list, but it is every bit as fascinating as the rest of them. Located by nearby Guntersville, this lake has fish such as trout, sunfish, and catfish. It also has many other surprising species as well. Guntersville Lake is also great because it presents a fertile environment for all of the fish species to spawn, possibly endlessly if they wanted to.
Guntersville Lake has other amenities, such as a stable water level and a good cover. This also helps the lake be a good example for those who want to find giant or trophy bass. They will be thrilled at some of their results here, simply because this lake will regularly produce bass and other fish in the three to five pound range.
Whatever species of fish that you are trying to land at Guntersville Lake, you yet again will need to make sure you have the correct bait. Items such as swimbaits, jerkbaits, football gigs are a must for your tackle box in order to produce results on Guntersville.
Conclusion
As you can see, there are so many different lakes to choose from in the state of Alabama. We just barely touched on some of them. There is no question that you don’t need to go anywhere else in order to engage your fishing hobby. You can stay right here in this state and you will be in hog heaven with some of the wonderful natural resources and natural beauty that this lake possesses. Just remember to get all of the proper documentation if you are out of state. But yes, you will have an incredible time in this state for fishing!
The great state of Alabama! 3.2% of 52,419 sqare miles is WATER. We are 23rd in the United States for the amount of surface water we boast. There is also 1,500 miles of inland waterways; body of water that is navigable if it is deep, wide and slow enough for a vessel to pass, which is 2nd largest in the United States. Our average temperatures in January is between 32-40 degress.
Darren and son Ethan Enns admiring some stripers from the boat dock.
Now, that sounded more like the beginning to a history ‘article’, but I wanted to make sure that you knew about the water in Alabama. How much there is and what the ranking is, in terms of all 50 states. Because you have to have water to fish, no matter what type of fish you are going after. So, now that our history is done for the day; lets move on to the real reason why I am spending my afternoon with you all. Striped bass fishing in the great state of Alabama.
Alabama is one of the top states for striped bass fishing. There are numerous lakes and rivers where you can locate the feisty, elusive species. Whether fishing is a hobby, a profession, or something in between you will have a great time tracking and catching the trophy sized stripers on the Lakes of Alabama.
Some of the lakes boast about the number of striped bass that are available in their lakes, while other places boast (and brag) about having the biggest striped bass living in their lakes. So, if you are wanting to catch your creel limit each day that you are spending in Alabama, then search for the lakes that have the keeper sized fish, and fish your heart out. If you are here on vacation to land that HUGE striper for your trophy wall, then make sure you seek out the lakes that have the biggest sized (length and weight) stripers.
Valid from Sept first to October 31 of the following year, the cost for an annual residents license is $13.85. You can also just purchase a 7-day trip license if you are from Alabama and just on vacation in a certain area, this is good for 168 consecutive hours and is $10.95. For non-residents, unfortunately, you are going to pay quite a bit more; but it is definitely worth every single penny.
Annual fishing license is $53.30. A 7-day fishing license for 168 consecutive hours, in fresh water, is $29.95 and in salt water it is $28.95. Be sure to check all rules and regulations and license requirements before taking your trip to Alabama has pricing can change.
Top Three Lakes To Catch Striped Bass In Alabama
I am going to give you information on the top 3 recommended lakes in Alabama to lure and catch the striped bass of your dreams. So grab those poles, lures, and lets get to fishing!
Weiss Lake
Smith Lake
Martin Lake
Weiss Lake Striped Bass
Weiss Lake: (pronounced “Wice”) is one of the more popular areas in Alabama for striped bass fishing. This lake is owned by the power company and boasts 30,200 acres that come down from Little River, Cossa River, and Chattooga River. There is over 447 miles of coves, drop-offs, shoreline, flats, and deep channels where the striped bass can be located. You can catch the striper year round at Weiss Lake, but you may want to avoid the month of July. Temperatures can reach 110 degrees, with no wind or shade and the fish will be deep deep in the lake seeking cooler areas with better oxygen. If you want to cool off yjough you could try one of these. The ideal time to catch the striped bass is when the water is a little choppy. Weiss Lake is known as the crappie capital of the world, but there are plenty of striped bass to be found and caught as well. With 37, privately run, marinas along with rental cabins, campgrounds and motels spread along the shoreline, you are sure to find the perfect spot to rest your head, buy your tackle and even rent a boat. The best months to fish for striper on Weiss Lake; February through May and then again in October and November. Your ideal bait for the unpredictable species; plastic baits, spinners, and crank baits. But, don’t forget the live shad, that is striped bass’ one true weakness.
Lake Weiss/Weiss Reservoir is located on the Alabama/Georgia border. In Cherokee County it is the major economic influence, so locals are very welcoming to any vacationers and visiting anglers. They will treat you exceptionally; giving you any tips, tricks, or advice on catching striped bass in the area.
A bonus to Weiss Lake; the creel limit is 30 per day!! So you can have a fun filled, challenging day of striper fishing and come away with 2-4 meals depending on how many people are fishing with you. That gives you enough to stock your freezer, and maybe have some left when the following fishing season rolls around. But, with a bonus also comes a few exceptions to rules and regulations on the Reservoir. You may not fish with more than 3 rods/reel or poles in the water at any one time as long as you are on the Neely Henry Lake or Weiss Reservoir. You also may not fillet your fish on the boat, or be in possession of fillets on public waters unless they are being prepared for IMMEDIATE cooking and consumption.
Weiss Reservoir/Lake is a camping and fishing paradise for all ages. There are a few public launch ramps available for you to load and unload your preferred water-craft. Lake Weiss offers boat rentals, convenient stores, restaurants, bait stores and more very close by. Enabling you to have everything you need at your fingertips, whether it is a weekend get-a-way or a week long family vacation.
Smith Lake Striped Bass
Smith Lake: located about 90 miles Northwest of Huntsville, is about 22,000 acres in size. From mid-June to November it is a deep water fishery and the striped bass are found on the lake points via depth finders and can be snagged using live gizzard shad. In the fall and early winter, top water bait is preferred. Smith Lake is 35 miles long with 500 miles of shoreline, so if you do not own a boat, you still have prime areas where you will be able to catch a striper. The maximum depth of Smith Lake is 265 feet. If you are going to be on a boat, make your sure have plenty of line on your reel.
Part of the Black Warrior River, Smith Lake has an abundance of striped bass for your fishing pleasure. Though they say that some of the other lakes have the bigger striper, in 2013 a huge 70 pound striped bass was caught on the Black Warrior River. So, you can find the “big one” in/around Smith Lake, but it will take some hunting and researching to find them.
As the weather gets cooler, the striped bass get hotter. They thrive in the cooler waters partly because of better oxygen supply. So, from mid-September to early December, you will want to stick close to Smith Lake. Make sure you have a good selection of top water lures, as you can spend hours out here following them and catching them. Spend an afternoon of fun and challenging fishing on the cool waters. Watching them swim in school just below or on the surface. But remember, the limit is 15 per day, per person.
From late December to early March the striped bass are still active on Smith Lake. Moving to spawn, their location will change frequently. IF you can handle the cold temperatures, trolling will be extremely effective at this time because all of the stripers are hanging closer to mid/bottom range. Not many people will go out at this time of the year, because of the weather. But you do have a handful that prefer this time of year, because the lake is empty, giving them more opportunity and chances to locate and hook a striped bass.
In early March to mid-June top-water action is going to be incredible on Smith Lake. For hours at a time you can see giant schools of striped bass very close to the tope of the lake. If you are looking to catch “the BIG one”, spring is the prime time to do just that. It will be challenging, but you need to focus on a depth of 4-8 feet to land a big striper. But boy it is going to be a wild ride, so make sure you hold on tight.
Martin Lake Striped Bass
Martin Lake: one of the largest man-made lakes in the United States. Located within Tallapoosa River, Martin Lake is 880 miles in length. The surface area is 41,500 acres with an average depth of 41 feet and 31 miles in length. Martin Lake hosts many events throughout the year including multiple fishing tournaments.
Martin Lake is said to be one of the only lakes in Alabama to house trophy sized striped bass. There are a few HUGE ones in the other lakes we have mentioned, but they typically have higher numbers of stripers where Martin Lake has the bigger striped bass. So, if you are in search of a heart stopping challenge, possibly the fight of your life then this is going to be the perfect spot for you.
One fishing guide states that on average he has snagged 25+ fish per trip with one trip giving up 54 striped bass. This was during the winter months! So, can you imagine how many you could catch during the cooler spring months? In 1 year, 145 stripers there were hooked, weighed between 25-40 pounds each. Now that is the kind of striped bass fishing that avid anglers LOVE to hear about and be a part of.
From mid-December through late February is going to be a profitable tie for striped bass on Lake Martin. At times you can see 2-3 acres of wall to wall stripers swimming on top of the water. Now that is what I would tag as a HUGE school of stripers. Drop your lure in the middle of that, and get ready for the fight of a lifetime! You can locate 10-14 pound striped bass, also known as schoolies, by watching the seagulls or using your sonar.
Winter is 1 of 2 seasons when fishing with an artificial lure works very well. It is recommended that you land your lure in the middle of one of those huge school, let it sink for about 5 seconds and then reel in slowly. But hold on tight, because when stripers hook your lure it is like nothing you have ever felt or experienced before.
Catching a trophy sized striper on Martin Lake is more than likely to happen in the springtime; from the end of February to the end of April. There are really no specifics on finding the striped bass. You have to hunt them down. Rely on weather and water conditions, time of year, clarity of water and knowledge of habitat to lead you in the proper direction. If you have a boat, your fish finder is going to be your best friend.
In the summer months, you may have to go as deep as 80 feet to find the striped bass. The heat of the summer drives them down to cooler water with better oxygenation. Down lines with live bait is the recommended and preferred way to catch striped bass way down deep; but artificial lures will produce results too.
Conclusion
Now that you have the top 3 lakes and their information at your fingertips, what are you waiting for? Call and make those reservations, whether it is a weekend trip or a full weeks vacation, and get out there and catch striped bass until you just can not catch no more!
Striped Bass Story:
My son And I went fishing at Lake Mead Nevada in our new little 10 foot boat. It was evening time and it looked like it would be a good fishing trip for catching stripers. As the night went on, we realized that it was not going to be as good as we had hoped it would be and we went home that night skunked- having caught no Striper or any other kind of fish. A week or two later we took the same boat to the same lake and went fishing again in the evening. We were able to catch many fish even though it was freezing cold outside because it was winter. Both times we had a good time though. I’m not sure what that says exactly except that fishing is fun weather you catch fish or not but it’s always good when you can say you’ve caught some fish.
Darren and Sheldon Enns caught some Striped Bass at Lake Mead Nevada (Heminway Harbour)
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