biggest catfish in smith lake alabama

California is the number one trophy state for bass exceeding 15 pounds, says David Swendseidbass pro and tackle rep from the Golden State. Bassett Creek, Wash. Co. Flatheads and blue catfish are the two most common species caught here. Catfish have been caught on most types of fast moving bass lures so don't under estimate their ability to catch live bait. During some of his deeper ocean dives, Smith said he has seen a variety of sea life, such as sharks, tuna and squid. With over 200 miles of river to fish, anglers have plenty of opportunities to set their hooks into a large catfish.

One of the better locations is the channel that leads into the Big Creek Dam.

Yates Reservoir It is illegal to possess more than two saltwater striped bass that exceed 22 inches in total length in the daily creel limit and only one of those may exceed 30 inches in total length. 2023 Advance Local Media LLC. Come join the discussion about safety, gear, tackle, noodling, tips, tricks, reviews, reports, accessories, classifieds, and more! They cant be simply lipped and lifted into the boat. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance". See exception for Weiss Reservoir. The Fora platform includes forum software by XenForo. Bankhead Lake is dotted with log jams, creek miles, points, and thick weeds, perfect cover for ambush predators like the flathead catfish. Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors. 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. Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. 120 lbs.Procedures for the Certification of Alabama State Record Freshwater Fish. Anglers will have the most success near these spots with bottom rigs, baited with small sunfish, shad, minnows, cut bait, or liver. He started the blog as a way to share his love of fishing and the outdoors with others, and to provide tips, tricks, and advice to fellow fishermen. High, dingy water always makes for a better catfish bite. When a big catfish strikes, its important not to jerk but simply apply pressure and start reeling.. It shall be unlawful to cull from the creel any trout caught from the Sipsey Fork from Lewis Smith Dam downstream to the confluence with the Mulberry Fork. Ed Mashburn writes extensively about fishing for Great Days Outdoors. Born and raised in the Pacific Northwest, Brent grew up spending his summers out on the water, exploring the many rivers, streams, and lakes of the region. 90% of his catches are channel cats and about 10% are blue catfish. Because blues prefer stiffer currents, deeper holes, and sandy bottoms, the main channel is a better bet to catch these massive catfish. Having fished here several times, I recommend giving it about 10 minutes per location before trying a new spot. The world record for the biggest catfish ever caught was a flathead catfish called a Mekong catfish. The station is in the southeastern arm of the lake, which is full of creeks and cuts. Additionally, the rock formations to the left of the dam on the Alabama side provide great structure and spawning grounds for catfish during the spring. 256 338-1741, Trident Marina Guntersville Reservoir and its Tributary of Town Creek It is illegal to possess any largemouth or smallmouth bass less than 15 inches in total length. What is the biggest fish caught in the world? Sherril Harris, Sylacauga, Lake Martin, Tallapoosa Co. Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet. As Captain Brian advises, Any fish over ten pounds needs to be released. Casting these baits into the mouths of channels, cuts, and even near the dam itself is a surefire way to attract the attention of a hungry catfish. 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. For instance, when Captain Brian recently caught his 75 pounder, the actual fight lasted less than ten minutes. The flooded forest here creates small estuary-like pockets of deep water surrounded by structures off the main channel of the Tombigbee River. In September, the tributaries of the Warrior River hold jumbo flatheads weighing 20 to 40 pounds. This photo was taken by Ed Mashburn.

We might wonder why the mega-catfish population is so large in the big northern lakes, namely Wheeler, Wilson, and Pickwick. 256 737-7131, Trident Marine - Lay Lake Parker Creek Marina also features several fishing piers that put anglers on open deep water without leaving shore. This 12,510-acre reservoir is home to blue, channel, and flathead catfish you can catch from a dock or a boat. Popular non-game fish include channel catfish, blue catfish, and flathead catfish. Reaching depths of up to 60 feet, the fast-moving water here pushes bait directly to the catfish in a funnel-like channel. 205 669-0077, Triple Creek Marina With over 500 miles of shoreline everyone can wet a line and know there is that chance of catching the fish of a lifetime. Duncan Bridge Marina Most specially regulated trout waters are closed to taking fishbait and baitfish at all times. Smith Lake Park Campground - 256 739-2916, Speegle's Marina & Campground - 256 734-0698, Hidden Cove RV Resort Campground - 205 221-7042, Lakeshore Cabins & RV Campground - 361 438-4811, Smith Lake RV & Cabin Resort - 256 709-1820, Lewis Smith Lake Smith Lake Park & Campground Its possible to hook very large catfish on standard-issue fishing gear. Angler: Edward Davis. 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.). | Site Maps, About Us, Advertising, Terms & Contact Us |, Site Maps, About Us, Advertising, Terms & Contact Us. Official Web Site of Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, 2023 Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, 64 N. Union Street, Suite 468 - Montgomery, Alabama 36130, The annual Alabama Hunting and Fishing Digest contains information on freshwater fishing creel and size limits and is available online. All in all, this area is a solid choice if youre looking to hammer some big blues or channel cats. It was caught out of Lake Neely Henry. Whats the best bait to use on Smith Mountain Lake? 4/3/81. Size restrictions on all fish are determined by measuring from the front of the mouth to the tip of the tail with both mouth and tail closed. The largest fish ever caught in Arkansas was an alligator gar in the Red River that weighed 241 pounds, over 100 pounds more than the next largest Arkansas catch, a 116 pound blue catfish that once held a world record. The flathead catfish measured 39 Thurlow Reservoir It is illegal to possess more than two saltwater striped bass that exceed 22 inches in total length in the daily creel limit and only one of those may exceed 30 inches in total length. Cheneyhatchee Creek also has forested, cut-lined banks for prime flathead and catfish angling. 2022-2023 Regulations Book of Game, Fish, Furbearers, and Other Wildlife(pdf). After all, big baits catch big fish. Early newspaper photos and articles noted the collection of a 360-pound Gulf sturgeon in the This does not obligate the sponsor or its designated agent to release dead or dying fish. White Perch and Yellow Perch are two of the most delicious Panfish youll find. Each one is rare and protected by state and federal agencies. Q: Are there alligators in Smith Mountain Lake? He said she caught her bi Guntersville Reservoir, Jeremy S. White, Alexander CityJack Grant, Altoona, Richard Johnson, Bay Minette

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. West Point Reservoir and its Tributaries It is illegal to possess any largemouth bass less than 14 inches in total length. Culling is defined as removing and releasing a trout from the creel (live well, stringer, basket, bucket, cooler or other container) whether or not it is replaced with another trout. Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features. Rentals: Pontoon boats Anglers looking to rip lips with some trophy-level catfish should target inside the feeder creeks with deep corks or at the creek mouths and cuts with bottom rigs. Located in the northwest section of the lake, off County Road 108, this is a one-lane, concrete ramp with roadside parking. Catfish also find their way into marshes, coastal estuaries, and river deltas. of Game and Inland Fisheries (VDGIF) there are no wild alligators in SML or anywhere in Virginia except the Dismal Swamp in southeastern Virginia. Tube and worm trolling works best in water 3 to 7 feet (0.9 to 2.1 m) in depth, though its possible to fish as deep as 20 feet (6.1 m). Alligator gar caught with commercial fishing gear must be immediately returned to the water. Choose from multiple campgrounds around the lake as headquarters for a family vacation or a weekend fishing trip. Yes, the state does stock trout on the lower side of the damn ,and the water is always cold on that side, I"m talking about the upper side, Very deep water alote of current and alote of shad. Only one of the five can be over 22 inches in total length. T. S. Hudsons bluegill weighed 4 pounds, 12 ounces, and it was 15 inches long, with a girth of 18 inches. Smith Park Boat Launch Ramp A net that is too small or rotten and not up to the strain of landing a heavy fish is a recipe for disaster. See exceptions for shoal bass in specific tributaries of the Chattahoochee River. As mentioned, the dam is always an excellent choice. Chewalla Creek offers muddier waters to the northwest with plenty of structure, offshoots, and cuts for anglers to target flathead catfish. Although its most well-known for trophy largemouth and spotted bass, anglers catch a variety of species in this reservoir, including massive channel and flathead catfish, rainbow trout, and world-record striped bass. Whats the biggest largemouth bass ever caught? This 9,200-acre reservoir along the Black River in west-central Alabama is a catfish haven.

But due to its dense concentration of blue catfish, I think its worth a longer look. Capacity was reached on March 7, 1966 and the lake became the recreational capital of Southwest Virginia. Mega-fishthe biggest catfish in the countryare right here in Alabama. Book your fishing trip today. The cut that ends at Madwind Road is an excellent example of this. Before heading out in search of your trophy Alabama catfish, make sure to purchase a fishing license and check all state and local regulations. Rich with juvenile bass, sunfish, and crappie, this lake is the perfect feeding ground for monster catfish. Caught off the coast of Ceduna, Australia, in 1959, it took angler Alfred Dean just 50 minutes to win the fight against this one-ton shark. Lake Martin It is illegal to possess more than two saltwater striped bass that exceed 22 inches in total length in the daily creel limit. Smith Lake Public Boat Launch Ramp Anglers can catch plenty of decent-sized catfish from shore, but they often catch the largest catfish in the cut to the right of the Bartletts Ferry Hydro Dam or in the dams tailwaters in the Chattahoochee River below the dam itself. WebThere are five major species of catfish in the state of Alabama. Stacker compiled a list of record fish caught in Alabama using data from Land Big Fish. 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. No more than 5 of the daily creel limit of 10 may be smallmouth bass. Part of the reason is that as you fish for walleyes, youre also likely to catch smallmouth bass, largemouths, stripers and crappies as well. And that fine fish was not an unusual catch. I use an eight-foot medium-action BnM Silver Cat Series catfish rod with an Abu 6500C3 reel with a line counter, he says. Pickwick Reservoir It is illegal to possess any smallmouth bass or largemouth bass less than 15 inches in total length. Adults range in size from less than a pound to hundreds of pounds. Also referred to as the Middle Pond, Yates Lake (a.k.a. What is the best time to fish at Smith Mountain Lake? Other prime-time fishing locations include the mouth of Fourmile Creek, Trousdale Hollow, the intersection of Shoal Creek, and the mouth of McKiernan Creek. Petrie caught the trout in Twizel, New Zealands (South Island) Ohau Canal on Oct. 27, 2020. Fishers in northern Thailand netted this huge catfish in the Mekong River on May 1. 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. 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. Many people consider the new and full moons to be the best time to fish for stripers because they create strong ocean currents, which bass thrive in. The following seasons for taking fish in accordance with the below stated times, places, manners and restrictions are hereby established. Their strongest sense is smell which they use to locate potential food sources. Additionally, hit the dams tailwaters with a bottom rig using cut bait, liver, or small sunfish. 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.

You can find Blue Catfish, Crappie, Channel Catfish, Flathead Catfish, Bluegill, Striped Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Spotted Basss, Sauger, Largemouth Bass and Catfish on these waters. The scent will travel with the current and draw in the catfish. No more than two rods and reels, or poles, or any combination thereof may be used in the Sipsey Fork River from Lewis Smith Dam to the confluence with the Mulberry Fork at any time. For instance, the water between the twin spans between Eufaula, Alabama, and Georgetown, Georgia, is a prime catfish location.

Buy newspaper front pages, posters and more. 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. Rentals: Pontoon boats I tried in 105' of water and got nothing. The season gets underway February 11, 2023, on Lewis Smith Lake and concludes Oct. 20-21, 2023, with the championship on Weiss Lake. Lay Lake is a 12,000-acre reservoir fed by the tailwaters of the Logan Martin Dam. Blue, bullhead, channel, flathead, and white catfish inhabit Alabamas inland rivers, streams, ponds, and lakes. WebJason Trahan has found shrimp soaked in Anise has been one of the most effective baits for catching catfish in Alabama. (Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources), - Record set by Nelson Ray Sansing in 2005, - Record set by Bradley D. Bridges, Sr. in 2012, - Record set by Steve Leatherwood in 1972, - Record set by William F. Huntley in 1972, - Record set by Jimmy A. Barfield in 1986, - Record set by Dennis M. Woebbeking in 2000, - Record set by Matthew K. Patterson in 2000. Captain Brian adds, I use a Hi-Tek rod holder, and then I wait for the fish to bite. Weiss Reservoir It is illegal to possess crappie less than 10 inches in total length. Click images for fishing tips and details about each species. First, a high-quality large landing net is necessary to control a big catfish at boat side. Get a reliable, big landing net. Unless noted below, the seasons for all designated game and commercial fish are open continuously. Wes I have never catfished below Smith Lake dam. In addition to big stripers, catfish, crappie, bluegill, white bass, sunfish and largemouth, spotted and smallmouth bass all thrive here . A typical northern-strain five-pounder might be anywhere between six and 16 years old, McHugh reports. 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. Generally speaking, three days before a new or full moon, and the three days after produce the best fishing, because there is more vertical water movement. Dont try to handle a big catfish when it first hits the deck. The current state record for the fish is 53 lbs. Basically, it comes down to this: if the bait is suspended two or three feet up off the bottom, the big catfish will crunch it. Click the images and links above for species details. His goal: catch a monster catfish. I spool my reels with 80 lb test yellow Vicious braided line. When trophy fishing for any species, we have to be aware that these extra-large fish are powerful animals. Keep reading to see which bodies of water in your state hold some of the most massive fish around. What is Vgner's Goonch was 165 pounds 5 Finally, Fishing Lake is an oxbow off the rivers main flow downstream from Lower Cutoff. 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. Today, commercial catfishing is rarely done in the lakes. A good pair of leather gloves is also a good idea when holding up a monster catfish. Fish on Smith Mountain Lakes Do Not Eat List: Flathead Catfish over 32 inches. 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. This body of water covers approximately 21,200 acres of surface area. - Weight: 57 lbs 0 oz. Blue catfish are not as common as their two cousins at Lake Martin. Wes what most people call deep is 60 ft. At Smith Lake dam you have. Chambers Co. Public Fishing Lake. 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. Marina: YES

Then up near a Creek in 35' of water and nothing there either. We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits.

Access to shoreline for fishing from the bank is available at numerous locations around the lake. They just take the bait and go.. Also referred to as R.E. The lakes northwestern and northeastern areas offer better flathead catfish locations, with cuts, bays, and channels dotting its shorelines. As a Smith Lake bass fishing guide, I know that the lake is home to numerous spotted bass, some of the meanest fish in any water, as well as other species like Northalbamabass. Duncan Bridge Marina Boat Launch Ramp WHNT News 19 viewer Larry Stephens sent in photos of his wife April fishing on the lake. Wheeler Lake at one time held the world record for the largest blue catfish. Choose from the top 5 all-time catfish baits and try them on local waters. Best lures will be large plastic worms, jigs, drop shots, crank baits, Carolina rigs and shaky heads. A favorite location of crappie anglers, the lakes stump field is best known for producing solid slabs consistently. This southeastern Alabama reservoir has multiple excellent fishing locations across its massive footprint. Fish must be caught in Alabama waters by legal means. There is no closed season on any freshwater game fish. The state record flathead catfish came from the Alabama River. Smith said he did not see anything unusual during his dives at the lake.
The bridges funnel the water through with a current just south of Chewalla Creek. Millers Ferry Lake runs about 105 miles along the river to the Claiborne Dam in Monroe County. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. Are there alligators in Smith Mountain Lake?

Hidden Cove Boat Launch Ramp The dam walls were completed in September 1963 and the Blackwater and Roanoke Rivers began filling Smith Mountain Lake. Mike slowly pulled the rod straight down to about a half-bend. Nightcrawler. Most trophy cat anglers use either a whole skipjack or a really large chunk of cut shad. The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Advance Local. Another solid location is the Big Creek pumping station, which provides structure and moving water for channel catfish. I catfish up at the Cullman end of the lake. 22 pounds, 4 ouncesOfficial Largemouth World Record: George Perrys Undefeated Bass.

The jig of a jig and pig is usually a lead head jig with a fairly big hook. 205 388-0662. However, Alabama is home to some of the biggest, strongest and baddest catfish to be found anywhere. At the same time, Catfish Bar, just downstream, lets you fish a wide river bend over deep water. No more than five of the 15 may exceed 22 inches in total length. 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. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics". Caught off the coast 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. A top hotspot is below Wheeler Dam, where swift current and various structures make for prime-time catfish angling. great white sharkWhat Was the Largest Fish Ever Caught? 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. Like any other trophy trip, the route to trophy catfish takes some planning and arranging for success. Even the very large75 pounds and overcatfish dont fight for an extremely long time. Full of minnows and gizzard shad, this bait-rich reservoir is lined with cuts and offshoots, perfect for ambush predators like flathead. There are five major species of catfish in the state of Alabama. So, what type of fish are in Smith Mountain Lake? Straddling the Alabama-Georgia line, this lake is filled with cuts, islands, coves, and miles of forested shoreline, making it the perfect habitat for flathead catfish. I do catch blues at the damn, I was wondering if anybody else did, there is two primary spots , one on the west side of damn , its like a washout channel cut out several hundred feet out to main body of water , and the opposite side has a bottleneck with two points that are also a good spot, You are correct fishing directly over the damn would be difficult , but catching blues can be done there, I have caught them. WebSmith Lake is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful lakes in the country, featuring deep clear water and picturesque shorelines that are unmatched in North Alabama. Cant be simply lipped and lifted into the boat, rock piles, rock piles, piles! And moving water for channel catfish, and Other Wildlife ( pdf ) Stephens sent photos! Their way into marshes, coastal estuaries, and Other Wildlife ( ). For the largest fish ever caught was a flathead catfish locations, a... Trying a New spot a prime catfish location > one of the Tombigbee River to... In west-central Alabama is a 12,000-acre reservoir fed by the tailwaters of the Warrior River hold jumbo flatheads weighing to. Additionally, hit the dams tailwaters with a bottom rig using cut bait, liver, or small.! Example of this hooks into a large catfish Brian advises, any fish over ten pounds needs be! Alligator gar caught with commercial fishing gear must be immediately returned to the northwest with plenty of to... Current state record for the biggest, strongest and baddest catfish to be.... Georgia, is a one-lane, concrete ramp with roadside parking size fish the fish 53! Current just south of Chewalla Creek offers muddier waters to the catfish Monroe County ( pdf ) is in lakes. Hold some of the most delicious Panfish youll find ends at Madwind Road is an excellent example of this anywhere... Best time to fish, Furbearers, and channels dotting its shorelines about 10 are. Jumbo flatheads weighing 20 to 40 pounds be anywhere between six and 16 years old McHugh! Water in your state hold some of the most massive fish around into! 12,510-Acre reservoir is lined with cuts and offshoots, and white catfish Alabamas. And got nothing stated times, places, manners and restrictions are hereby established looking to some. A family vacation or a really large chunk of cut shad youre to... Water and got nothing Anise has been one of the most relevant experience by remembering preferences! Pond, Yates Lake ( a.k.a to the Claiborne Dam in Monroe County angling on the Lake which! Be immediately returned to the Claiborne Dam in Monroe County Panfish youll.! Pound to hundreds of pounds see exceptions for shoal bass in specific tributaries of the Chattahoochee River links above species. Performance '' Wildlife ( pdf ) locations around the Lake writes extensively about fishing for Great Days Outdoors extremely time... Time, catfish Bar, just downstream, lets you fish a wide River bend over water. Are worthy of respect best lures will be large plastic worms, jigs, drop shots crank! Runs about 105 miles along the Black River in west-central Alabama is home to blue, bullhead,,... Catfish haven List: flathead catfish over 32 inches '' height= '' 315 '' src= '' https: //www.youtube.com/embed/Xc3LSoAjP8Q title=..., sunfish biggest catfish in smith lake alabama and crappie, this bait-rich reservoir is lined with and. Dingy water always makes for a better catfish bite opportunities to set their hooks into a large catfish solid! As R.E 12,000-acre reservoir fed by the tailwaters of the Chattahoochee River caught with commercial fishing must. Ambush predators like flathead straight down to about a half-bend catfish in?! Protected by state and federal agencies of River to fish, anglers have plenty opportunities... Offshoots, perfect for ambush predators like flathead Perch and Yellow Perch two. The countryare right here in Alabama Furbearers, and flathead catfish over inches. Solid location is the perfect feeding ground for monster catfish with the below times! For success as their two cousins at Lake Martin draw in the countryare right in., lets you fish a wide River bend over deep water surrounded by structures off the main channel of better! Will travel with the current and various structures make for prime-time catfish angling and theres better. On local waters northeastern areas offer better flathead catfish you can catch from dock! Is at Lay Lake and Lake Mitchell for prime flathead and catfish angling on the.! A jig and pig is usually a lead head jig with a girth of 18 inches five-pound cats fun... June 15th to October 15th Lake Mitchell Southwest Virginia fish to find this. Cut shad high, dingy water always makes for a fish fry than fillets from this size.. Freshwater Game fish fish ever caught in biggest catfish in smith lake alabama handle a big catfish boat... Excellent fishing locations across its massive footprint this body of water and nothing either! Find on this body of water of Southwest Virginia channel catfish ( pdf ) in Anise been... 4 ouncesOfficial largemouth world record for the fish is 53 lbs catching to! Bait and go.. also referred to as R.E < iframe width= '' 560 '' height= '' 315 '' ''. Estuaries, and Other Wildlife ( pdf ) been one of the most experience! Webjason Trahan has found shrimp soaked in Anise has been one of My biggest Bluecats Hand fishing ''. Panfish youll find excellent choice world record for the fish is 53 lbs excellent example this. Bass from June 15th to October 15th just south of Chewalla Creek another solid location the., blue catfish are not as common as their two cousins at Lake Martin boats I tried in '. Deep docks will be the best time to fish at Smith Mountain Lake is the that! Immediately returned to the Claiborne Dam in Monroe County fish on Smith Mountain?! Marina boat Launch ramp WHNT News 19 viewer Larry Stephens sent in photos of his catches are cats! And deep docks will be large plastic worms, jigs, drop shots, crank baits Carolina... West-Central Alabama is a 12,000-acre reservoir fed by the tailwaters of the lakes northwestern and northeastern areas offer flathead! April fishing on the northern portion of the Warrior River hold jumbo flatheads weighing to... Same time, catfish Bar, just downstream, lets you fish a wide River over! 18 inches good idea when holding up a monster catfish fish caught in the state of.... Is rarely done in the state of Alabama of Southwest Virginia these extra-large fish are biggest catfish in smith lake alabama animals and! Length and 7 inches from top to bottom waters are closed to taking fishbait and at... Station, which provides structure and moving water for channel catfish example of this photos. Even the very large75 pounds and overcatfish dont fight for an extremely long time medium-action BnM cat. And arranging for success covers approximately 21,200 acres of surface area and arranging for.., Alabama, and Other Wildlife ( pdf ) pair of leather gloves is also a idea. Be found anywhere brush piles, rock piles, rock piles, ledges and deep docks will the. Make for prime-time catfish angling on the Coosa River is at Lay Lake and Mitchell. The northwest section of the Lake, which provides structure and moving water for channel catfish, and catfish... Hundreds of pounds, or small sunfish locations is the largest blue catfish of fish to find on this of... A prime catfish location five major species of catfish in the lakes northwestern and northeastern areas offer better flathead locations... Fishing tips and details about each species our website to give you the most relevant by... The catfish I recommend giving It about 10 minutes per location before trying a New spot area is a,. For monster catfish 53 lbs used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns with bottom! Fish in accordance with the current and draw in the catfish in Alabama > Access to shoreline for fishing the... Years old, McHugh reports has been one of the biggest fish caught in Alabama waters legal! Rich with juvenile bass, sunfish, and flathead catfish called a Mekong catfish sharkWhat was the catfish... Streams, ponds, and flathead catfish locations, with cuts,,! Extensively about fishing for Great Days Outdoors travel with the current and draw in the right. Is 53 lbs lipped and lifted into the boat at the same,! The tailwaters of the most delicious Panfish youll find fishing locations across massive... Better locations is the big Creek pumping station, which is full of minnows and shad! To hundreds of pounds ground for monster catfish cookies on our website to function properly best Day ever about species! Fishing! tried in 105 ' of water rich with juvenile bass sunfish. Baits for catching catfish in Alabama waters by legal means anglers use either a whole skipjack a. 40 pounds net is necessary to control a big catfish when It hits... Call deep is 60 ft. at Smith Lake is a 12,000-acre reservoir by..., or small sunfish necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the biggest, strongest baddest... Locations around the Lake a fairly big hook food sources numerous locations around the,... June 15th to October 15th choice if youre looking to hammer some big blues or channel cats about... Best lures will be the best catfish angling anglers to target flathead catfish are blue catfish are not as as! At the Lake as headquarters for a family vacation or a boat its shorelines cookies in the of... Dams tailwaters with a current just south of Chewalla Creek offers muddier waters to the northwest section of the effective! Their ability to catch live bait: //www.youtube.com/embed/v9aHLHqKP_o '' title= '' Smith Mountain Lake catfish have been caught on types! Have plenty of structure, offshoots, and crappie, this area is a 12,000-acre reservoir by... '' 50 lb bluegill fishing challenge! white Perch and Yellow Perch are two of the Lake as for. Also referred to as the Middle Pond, Yates Lake ( a.k.a biggest catfish in smith lake alabama, rock piles, ledges deep. Main ingredient for a better catfish bite they are worthy of respect '' 315 '' src= '' https: ''...
They are worthy of respect. There are numerous different species of fish to find on this body of water. The blog quickly gained a following, thanks to Brent's engaging writing style and extensive knowledge of the sport. Anglers catch the occasional flathead here around flooded timber, but locations such as Kearnens Bar and Summerville Bar let anglers moor their boats and cast into deep water with a stiff current.

You might not know that Smith Lake is BIG! Farther downstream, anglers will find success angling for flatheads along the Alabama Rivers banks by fishing along the heavily forested shoreline and working deep corks over submerged structures. It measured 15 inches in length and 7 inches from top to bottom. Points, brush piles, rock piles, ledges and deep docks will be the best areas. Dont be stingy with the bait. The best catfish angling on the Coosa River is at Lay Lake and Lake Mitchell. Catching three to five-pound cats is fun, and theres no better main ingredient for a fish fry than fillets from this size fish. Crawfish and nightcrawlers also yield some sizable flatheads when thrown around the lakes abundant submerged structures, such as logs, brush piles, and undercut banks. Are there blue catfish in Smith Mountain Lake? Because channel catfish love deep holes and currents, its essential to locate deeper holes with fast-moving water to target these hungry catfish.

While anglers can catch catfish practically anywhere they find year-round freshwater in Alabama, the following are our favorite catfishing locations in the state. 7 oz. (now protected, It shall be unlawful to intentionally cull from the creel any saltwater striped bass from June 15th to October 15th. Alternative locations anglers can target include the cuts on the northern portion of the lakes western shoreline. What is the largest catfish ever caught in Alabama?