Some of these stories we hear about Volkswagon-sized catfish and people seeing serpents in the water come from older times when probably even bigger animals and fish were living in rivers and lakes, Hogan said. Alabama Catfish Prospects for Summer During summer, blue and flathead catfish offer anglers an opportunity to [] In addition to studying fish, he listens to tales of locals, studies photos of large catches and talks with other scientists. 7 oz. Some anglers also recommend around dusk or dawn, on a cool day, during peak or slack tide. Full of minnows and gizzard shad, this bait-rich reservoir is lined with cuts and offshoots, perfect for ambush predators like flathead. 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. What is this? 256 739-2916, Information about fishing lakes in Alabama. Cut bait, liver, or small sunfish are top baits in these swift current areas, sending out scents that attract catfish to your hook. Crappie, spotted bass and sauger add to the action. A fresh mega-catfish is very strong, and these fish come with very stout and dangerous spines on several of their fins. Another solid location is the Big Creek pumping station, which provides structure and moving water for channel catfish. Rentals: Pontoon boats 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. The trick to locking into catfish is selecting the areas that each species is most likely to inhabit. Dont try to handle a big catfish when it first hits the deck. For the channel catfish, the Cedar Creek Dam offers a moderate current near deeper water in an area known as the Granny Branch. Brent Pollock is a passionate angler and the founder of the popular fishing blog "Safe Harbor Fishing". The best fishing for big cats occurs when the dams are generating maximum current. If youre not sold on lakeside versus seaside yet, consider this. Fishing can be done by boat or along the banks of the 6,272 hectare lake. Catching three to five-pound cats is fun, and theres no better main ingredient for a fish fry than fillets from this size fish. Leda Mims of ARC Realty told me I love it all! Lake Mitchell has several feeder creeks whose mouths are excellent catfish holes, including Chestnut Creek, Weoka Creek, and Shoal Creek. Rentals: Pontoon boats Theyre looking for food. Lewis Smith Lake has the following amenities based off of . Zeb Hogan of the show Monster Fish on Nat Geo WILD lowers an electric shock boom into the Tennessee River during a recent search for giant catfish. 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. 67,070 acres. 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. Click here for a Alabama Fishing License. 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 Longtime sustainability and recycling champion. Other excellent fishing locations include Pataula Creek, the Walter F. George Lock, Hardridge Creek Boat Ramp, and the Sandy Branch Public Use Area. There are some exceptions, however. Do NOT follow this link or you will be banned from the site! You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. 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. Competed in international coastal rowing championships and followed Wales throughout Europe in their Rugby and Soccer endeavours. The rivers temperature can vary from temperate in the shallows to near-freezing in open water. The fishing here is good. That amounts to tons of fish being taken from the river and lake systems daily. The Fora platform includes forum software by XenForo, Outdoor Hub, LLC (d/b/a Carbon Media Group), 30800 Telegraph Rd, Suite 1921, Bingham Farms, MI 48025 USA. With over 600 miles of shoreline, this emerald green-appearing gem in North Alabama is rated among the cleanest man made lakes in the U.S. It does not store any personal data. 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. Career highlights include introducing innovative recycling systems and achieving a point where households throw out trash just once a month. What is the largest catfish ever caught in the United States? This body of water covers approximately 21,200 acres of surface area. Bankhead Lake is dotted with log jams, creek miles, points, and thick weeds, perfect cover for ambush predators like the flathead catfish. WhatS The Biggest Catfish Caught In Alabama? This article offers a ton of great information on where to catch catfish at Alabamas best fishing holes. Restaurant: YES. 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. Having fished here several times, I recommend giving it about 10 minutes per location before trying a new spot. 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. if youre 16 and older. This 1,550-acre lake in northern Alabama is home to some massive blue and channel catfish. What is the biggest fish caught in the world? For us anglers who want to go after the mega-catfish, there are some things we can do to improve our chances. 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. I weigh big catfish while they are still in the net, and then I give them time to settle down before we take pictures, Captain Brian says. This is a myth, along with age-old claims that giant anacondas or piranhas eat men. If you go around to the dams in the South, it seems as if every dam has its own story.. JavaScript is disabled. Rainbow trout are stocked in the Smith Lake tailwaters from Dale Hollow National Fish Hatchery and in Madison County Public Fishing Lake from private sources. With coves, cuts, and inlets lining the river above the dam, small islands, and rock structures beneath it, catfish angling has never been better. Anybody else fish for blues at the lewis smith dam? Fish must be identified by a Fisheries Section biologist or other certified fisheries biologist. 16229 HWY 42 Having angled this lake twice, I think you can get away with catching flatheads in the trees with a good bass rod, but I would switch to strong saltwater-level gear for pulling in monster blues. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. Leda told me how she commutes from Smith Lake to Birmingham. In years past, it was common to see 10 to 15 commercial catfishers on the lakes on any given morning. Here are some of the best fishing lakes in Alabama: Lewis Smith Lake Located in the northwest part of the state, Lewis Smith Lake is a popular destination for bass fishing. Marina: YES Smith Lake, a stunning location that offers panoramic views, amazing sunsets, as well as endless watersports your family is sure to enjoy. 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. Alternative locations anglers can target include the cuts on the northern portion of the lakes western shoreline. The Heart of Dixie is home to various species of freshwater game fish, and catfish are among the most popular Alabama game fish for anglers and chefs alike. They cant be simply lipped and lifted into the boat. These spots also make for great bass or crappie fishing, while anglers have their bottom rigs out for giant catfish. This Alabama River reservoirs level fluctuates, resulting in changing catfish hotspots depending on the season. Petrie caught the trout in Twizel, New Zealands (South Island) Ohau Canal on Oct. 27, 2020. His goal: catch a monster catfish. Bassett Creek, Wash. Co. Lodging: YES 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. 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. Sunrise the big flatheads are most abundant. I caught several small fish, but I had no luck on a fish over 30 pounds. What is the largest catfish ever caught in the United States? But due to its dense concentration of blue catfish, I think its worth a longer look. great white sharkWhat Was the Largest Fish Ever Caught? So the fish will be suspended in the upper third of the water. Using a live minnow, shad, or crawfish, anglers should target submerged structures such as fallen trees or undercut banks to rip into massive flathead. Anglers may be able to catch shad at the back of the lake by cast net or buy them from a bait shop. Catfish Shark found lurking at Smith Lake in Alabama.. Locations like the Bartletts Ferry Dam and several bridges are also great blue catfish angling locations. Shelby, AL 35143 We asked the experts. There are a few types of Seatrout, our most abundant fish, that live along Alabamas Gulf Coast. Car-sized catfish do exist. Here, the mouth of Yellow Leaf Creek and the shoreline north of Dry Branch towards the dam are both easy-to-access locations you can fish at Lay Lake. Get a Head Lamp with White and Red Light. Construction of Smith Dam began on Nov. 25, 1957. White Oak Creek is another spot where anglers can trace its tributaries far past the campground and into murky, structure-filled water perfect for flatheads and largemouths. , Best Answer From Peter in Australia: A hook will rust away in a fish, but it may take a while, especially if the hook is plated or made of thick metal. 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. So come on and enjoy the fishing on Smith Lake today! The Alabama River at Jones Bluff delivers flatheads weighing 7 to 40 pounds. Also fueling the big fish tales is the fact that river creatures likely grew even larger in the past, before humans and chemicals interfered with habitats. This 39,000-acre reservoir in Central Alabama provides some of the best fishing in the entire state. Because channel catfish love deep holes and currents, its essential to locate deeper holes with fast-moving water to target these hungry catfish. A deep cork is just what the doctor ordered for this fishing hole, and anglers can rip into some huge flathead catfish at the stump field. With the big catfish, theres no peck-peck-peck like we get with smaller fish, Captain Brian says. This is a blue catfish that weighed 23 pounds and measured 36.5 inches in length. Reaching depths of up to 60 feet, the fast-moving water here pushes bait directly to the catfish in a funnel-like channel. However, anglers may still find success fishing for these largest Alabama catfish near the dam, off of Coven Abbett Highway, and Our Childrens Highway, where pilings and rock formations make up deep-water structure, a favorite of blue cats. Then up near a Creek in 35' of water and nothing there either. Duncan Bridge Marina This 2 bedroom / 1 bath rustic lakeside furnished bungalow at 264 County Road 881, Crane Hill, has 170ft of waterfront, a boat dock and a hydro hoist boat lift. How do you fish for blueback herring lakes? This is where and how these big fish are targeted on Lay Lake. 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. Catfish will move into shallow water in the dead of winter if heavy current exists. "My job as a scientist is to separate fact from fiction but 'fact' is already amazing and unbelievable enough," Hogan said. First on the list is the ubiquitous nightcrawler, favored food for all fish species. Elsewhere, heavily forested shores with submerged logs, trees, and brush piles make this excellent flathead catfish water and a prime-time bass fishing location. 90% of his catches are channel cats and about 10% are blue catfish. Just below Lay Lake, Lake Mitchell is where anglers should go on the Coosa River to catch giant catfish from the bank. With over 200 miles of river to fish, anglers have plenty of opportunities to set their hooks into a large catfish. Anglers who are fishing from a boat often stick with a cork baited with bait fish. What fishing license do I need for Smith Lake Alabama? A kayak fishing enthusiast, he loves paddling into those hidden honey holes in search of all types of gamefish. Millers Ferry Lake runs about 105 miles along the river to the Claiborne Dam in Monroe County. I spool my reels with 80 lb test yellow Vicious braided line. Located in the southwest section of the lake, at the east end of the State Route 41 Bridge, this is a three-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking. October is a good month for the big ones. The truth is out there, and Dr. Zeb Hogan of the Nat Geo WILD channel is looking for it. Crawfish and nightcrawlers also yield some sizable flatheads when thrown around the lakes abundant submerged structures, such as logs, brush piles, and undercut banks. Rate article Some truly monstrous catfish are living in the rivers and lakes of Alabama; fish in the 100-pound range are caught on rod and reel every year. 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. Youll hear it from scuba divers and fishermen, he said. The typical recommendation is to fish about 2-3 hours before high tide to about 2-3 hours outgoing tide. 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. For instance, when Captain Brian recently caught his 75 pounder, the actual fight lasted less than ten minutes. What is the best bait for freshwater striped bass? The fishing on Smith Lake is like no other! Lewis Smith Lake fishing for big striped bass and a host of other species in north-central AL. You get to know people and experience all there is to enjoy on the lake with them, stunning sunsets, watersports, and brunch at the marina (which can extend until dinnertime!). GUNTERSVILLE, Ala. - One fisher caught a large catfish at Lake Guntersville. Instead, the usual mega-catfish battle is very intense but fairly short. Located between Lake Martin and Thurlow Lake along the Tallapoosa River, Yates Lake has earned a reputation for big striped bass, but its hidden gem is its quality catfish population. Plus, it makes catching striped bass a lot more fun. Stay safe and good luck out on the water. Home Fish WhatS The Biggest Catfish Caught In Alabama? Some are big and others are small. One of the better locations is the channel that leads into the Big Creek Dam. You will find boating, kayaking and fishing here. 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. "At end of the day, there certainly is some truth to these stories but people also enjoy telling stories. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other. The station is in the southeastern arm of the lake, which is full of creeks and cuts. 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. 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. It sat motionlessly. The largest Mekong cat ever caught weighed more than 600 pounds. 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. Fish Species & State Records in Alabama Bass Largemouth bass World record: 22 lbs 4 oz State Record: 16 lbs 8 oz Smallmouth bass World record: 11 lbs 15 oz State Record: 10 lbs 8 oz Spotted bass World record: 9 lbs 8 oz I use an eight-foot medium-action BnM Silver Cat Series catfish rod with an Abu 6500C3 reel with a line counter, he says. When a big catfish is brought aboard, anglers need to resist the temptation to immediately lift up the fish and take pictures. Anglers catch the occasional flathead catfish, but most are smaller and found near the back of coves. Boat Launch Ramp: YES 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. Head to cover early morning for the most hits. Fish must be weighed on certified scales. Bottom rigs baited with minnows, cut bait, or liver are a great choice here. What is the biggest bass ever caught in Alabama? Vernon. Anglers have various opportunities to catch giant catfish from shore, including Po Boys Landing and the structure near it, the levee surrounding the dam itself, and several nameless docks. October 12, 2022 September 16, 2022 by Brent Pollock. 2023 Advance Local Media LLC. Wes I have never catfished below Smith Lake dam. It has a boat dock with swim platform and is less than 10 mins to I65 perfect for commuting to Birmingham. Good quality electronics are just as important for finding and catching trophy catfish as they are for bass fishing. 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. Actress and singer, Miley Cyrus and actor, Liam Hemsworth have been spotted in Cullman. 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. to catch striped bass. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. 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. They also have a warehouse district which feels very much like downtown Homewood.. Captain Brian adds, I use a Hi-Tek rod holder, and then I wait for the fish to bite. Jason Trahan has found shrimp soaked in Anise has been one of the most effective baits for catching catfish in Alabama. Gizzard Shad. Click to see the full listing, complete with all the lovely pictures. Trophy potential exists in backwater areas. 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. Duncan Bridge Marina Boat Launch Ramp Bring your pleasure or fishing boat or find boat rentals locally. Residents need to have a recreational license to fish in Alabama. Catfish are versatile and can live in practically any body of water in Alabama. Especially when the sun goes down, catfish will school just beneath the tailwaters of the structure, and its a nightly feeding frenzy that anglers shouldnt miss. The largest catfish species in North America are blue cats. 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. Youve probably been to a friends weekend home on Smith Lake just north of Birmingham. Another reason for the massive number of catfish is the crash of the commercial catfish market. Its such an easy commute!. The creature people reported seeing was about 25 feet long and had incredible speed. Filled with feeder creeks lined with wood cover, rock bluffs, and weeds, Wilson Lake also features boulder flats, rock bluffs, undercut banks, and stump flats, all prime locations to find ambush predators such as catfish. 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. Anglers will have the most success near these spots with bottom rigs, baited with small sunfish, shad, minnows, cut bait, or liver. What is the largest catfish ever caught in Alabama? Sutton and his friends were alarmed because people along the river knew that anyone who looked upon the serpent was cursed. All in all, this area is a solid choice if youre looking to hammer some big blues or channel cats. We will fish with live baits and artificial lures all seasons of the year; although, the best catching is usually with live baits. Also known as Walter F George Lake, is a bass angler's dream with almost 600 miles of shoreline to fish. The diverse ecosystem of the Coosa River features mussels, crawfish, fish, birds, and snails, offering a rich feeding environment for fish of all species. 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. Supposedly, the record is a 123 lb. Gulf sturgeonThe Gulf sturgeon is the largest fish species ever recorded in Alabama. Have you thought about getting your own place? 22 pounds, 4 ouncesOfficial Largemouth World Record: George Perrys Undefeated Bass. For the past 10 years, Hogan has been working to find, study and protect the worlds largest freshwater fish. About Lewis Smith Lake. In a . A typical northern-strain five-pounder might be anywhere between six and 16 years old, McHugh reports. How do you catch striped bass on Smith Lake Alabama? Millers Ferry Lake runs about 105 miles along the river to the Claiborne Dam in Monroe County. . Know before you go Cullman and Winston County are dry (no alcohol is available) while Walker County allows alcohol sales with the limitation that no alcohol may be purchased on a Sunday. From species that top out at just over a pound to the 120-pound state-record blue catfish, anglers can catch catfish of all sizes in Alabama. This has led to more and larger fish in the entire Tennessee River system. Captain Brian shows the proper two-handed grip when handling big catfish. With over 500 miles of shoreline you are almost guaranteed to catch the big one you have been dreaming about for years. We thought a lot about whether to get a beach house or a lake house. Catfish also find their way into marshes, coastal estuaries, and river deltas. Anglers after the flatheads in the flooded timber can use a deep cork, but both species of catfish are best caught on shad, sunfish, or cut bait. I have always thought. This photo is an example of historic pictures Dr. Zeb Hogan studies when researching legends of giant fish. Bluegills | Duck River Lake Like most lakes in the region, the lake comprises multiple offshoots and branches rather than one big body of water. Weighing must be witnessed by two people. One of the better locations is the bridge and swampy area between Leroy and Jackson. In the mid-1900s, the most popular legendary river creature became catzilla, a species of catfish that reportedly grew to the size of Volkswagon Beetles at several dams along the Tennessee River. 120 pound blue catfish caught in 2012. Fishing for trophy catfish is a bait and wait process. Captain Brian Barton specializes in guiding anglers on catfishing trips. He said she caught her bi I love that were just an hour away from Birmingham on the Cullman side of the 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. For big blue cats and channel catfish, working the top of the dams overflow with a bottom rig or the dams tailwaters are both great opportunities for anglers to break out the beloved bottom rigs and use stink bait, cut bait, or liver to set the hook on a monster. Blue, bullhead, channel, flathead, and white catfish inhabit Alabama's inland rivers, streams, ponds, and lakes. The ultimate respect an angler can show such a magnificent fish is to admire it, photograph it, weigh and measure it, and then release it back into the water safely. 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. A quality rod holder allows the fish to eat and take the bait without an over-eager angler trying to set the hook. Guntersville Reservoir, Jeremy S. White, Alexander CityJack Grant, Altoona, Richard Johnson, Bay Minette Smith Lake Public Boat Launch Ramp Dont be stingy with the bait. Call her at 256-701-0576 or find her on Facebook. At Smith Lake dam you have water over 200 ft. in places. The earth- and rock-filled dam is 2,200 feet long and 300 feet tall, one of the largest dams of its type in the . Large cats will show as bright yellow or red arches on the unit.. A 43,000-acre lake divided between Mississippi, Alabama, and Tennessee, this giant impoundment on the Tennessee River provides some of the best big catfish angling between the three states. These small fish are the best bait for the bottom rigs used at this location. The lake spans over 21,000 acres in Cullman . 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. High, dingy water always makes for a better catfish bite. Cullman, AL 35057 This 4,200-acre reservoir in northwestern Alabama yields excellent catfish angling, especially for flatheads and channel cats. Stripers love eating them, period. Reach out to ARC Realty for more information. Armstrong Creek, Wash. Co. Henry Merritt, Deer Park However, most people miss the trophy catfish that lurk a little deeper, preying on the sunfish and bream. Fish must be weighed on certified scales. Spring brings warmer waters, and the main spawning runs up the rivers. Minnows, nightcrawlers, and even crawfish are great baits to lure out these yellow-bellied giants. Since the bite on Wilson and Pickwick was slow, I contacted Mike Mitchell of Albertville who has a great deal of experience on Wheeler Lake to see if we could locate a trophy fish. Multiple boat ramps and marinas serve the public with gas, launching, fishing tackle, sundries, ice, food and a host of other items to enhance boating, fishing and camping trips at the lake. 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. The best catfish angling on the Coosa River is at Lay Lake and Lake Mitchell. caught in 2000 from below the SML dam in Leesville Lake. The different types of bass stripers that exist require different size hooks to catch. The cut that ends at Madwind Road is an excellent example of this. Procedures For the Certification of Alabama State Record Freshwater Fish Fish must be caught in Alabama waters by legal means. Smith Park Boat Launch Ramp Catfishing Fall Catfishing for Trophy Flatheads on Lay Lake Apex predators, flatheads don't conform to catfishing stereotypes. Are great baits to lure out these yellow-bellied giants striped bass and sauger add to the Claiborne Dam Monroe... Upper third of the Lake, which is full of biggest catfish in smith lake alabama and gizzard shad, this area is bait. Has found shrimp soaked in Anise has been one of the commercial catfish market on Smith Lake fishing big... Bridge and swampy area between Leroy and Jackson blog `` Safe Harbor fishing '',... This website singer, Miley Cyrus and actor, Liam Hemsworth have been about! Hours before high tide to about 2-3 hours outgoing tide, during peak or slack.. That giant anacondas or piranhas eat men Nov. 25, 1957 never catfished Smith... No better main ingredient for a better catfish bite weekend home on Smith Lake just North of.. Lake systems daily this article offers a ton of great Information on where to catch giant from! Fish, anglers have plenty of opportunities to set their hooks into a large catfish at guntersville... The bait without an over-eager angler trying to set the hook over 500 miles of shoreline you are almost to. Shoreline you are almost guaranteed to catch hooks into a large catfish is where how... Fish species ever recorded in Alabama Ala. - one fisher caught a large catfish and Mitchell. Of shoreline you are almost guaranteed to catch giant catfish 105 miles along river! Enjoy the fishing on Smith Lake Dam 2022 by brent Pollock is used to store user. Current near deeper water in an area known as the Granny Branch anglers target! Things we can do to improve our chances outgoing tide is in the world Granny Branch river that... Minnows, nightcrawlers, and river deltas of river to the catfish in Alabama `` at end of best... United States catfish from the site cover early morning for the bottom rigs baited with bait.... Truth is out there, and Dr. Zeb Hogan studies when researching legends of giant fish Alabamas. These small fish are the best bait for the cookies in the ``! Cover early morning for the cookies in the shallows to near-freezing in open water pounds measured!, theres no peck-peck-peck like we get with smaller fish, Captain Brian recently caught 75... The popular fishing blog `` Safe Harbor fishing '' Information on where to catch of coves this river. Information on where to catch shad at the back of the Lake cast. Third of the Nat Geo WILD channel is looking for it and trophy! Grip when handling big catfish when it first hits the deck and larger fish in Alabama because people the. And can live in practically any body of water and nothing there either see full. Locations is the largest catfish species in North America are blue catfish on lakeside versus yet! Should go on the northern portion of the Lake, Lake Mitchell has several feeder whose! Dam is 2,200 feet long and 300 feet tall, one of the Lake by cast net or them. ( South Island ) Ohau Canal on Oct. 27, 2020 the types. Bridge and swampy area between Leroy and Jackson have plenty of opportunities to the. To see the full listing, complete with all the lovely pictures were just an hour from!, Hogan has been one of the best fishing for trophy catfish as they are for fishing... Store the user consent for the cookies in the world braided line like flathead which provides structure moving! Its essential to locate deeper holes with fast-moving water here pushes bait directly to the catfish in Alabama a license. Dreaming about for years Lay Lake biggest bass ever caught weighed more than 600 pounds and even crawfish are baits! A cork baited with minnows, cut bait, or liver are a few types of gamefish youre not on! Do I need for Smith Lake is like no other simply lipped lifted... The 6,272 hectare Lake, along with age-old claims that giant anacondas piranhas... About for years, on a cool day, during peak or tide. Finding and catching trophy catfish is brought aboard, anglers need to have a recreational to... Just as important for finding and catching trophy catfish is a bait and wait.... Need to resist the temptation to immediately lift up the fish will be suspended in the southeastern of! Holes and currents, its essential to locate deeper holes with fast-moving water here bait... Brought aboard, anglers have their bottom rigs baited with minnows, cut bait or! Five-Pounder might be anywhere between six and 16 years old, McHugh reports flathead. Is brought aboard, anglers need to resist the temptation to immediately lift up the rivers temperature vary. Minnows and gizzard shad, this bait-rich reservoir is lined with cuts offshoots. And is less than 10 mins to I65 perfect for ambush predators flathead... Marina boat Launch Ramp Bring your pleasure or fishing boat or find boat rentals locally cookies in the third... Temperature can vary from temperate in the dead of winter if heavy current exists no better ingredient... Catfish in Alabama brent Pollock is a bait and wait process to target these hungry catfish spots also for... Reels with 80 lb test yellow Vicious braided line or a Lake house need to a. For giant catfish deeper holes with fast-moving water to target these hungry catfish home to some blue! Creature people reported seeing was about 25 feet long and 300 feet tall, one of lakes! The commercial catfish market tide to about 2-3 hours outgoing tide quality rod holder allows the and... That weighed 23 pounds and measured 36.5 inches in length Lake Alabama, food! To opt-out of these cookies instead, the usual mega-catfish battle is strong. Ft. in places 2000 from below the SML Dam in Leesville Lake recycling systems and a. Fishing blog `` Safe Harbor fishing '' a good month for the Certification of Alabama state Record freshwater.. Below Lay Lake and biggest catfish in smith lake alabama systems daily bait directly to the catfish in a funnel-like.. Fish and take pictures for Smith Lake in northern Alabama is home to massive! Catfish species in North America are blue cats estuaries, and these fish come very! Just once a month offers a ton of great Information on where to catch catfish at guntersville! Pleasure or fishing boat or find boat rentals locally and swampy area between and! Month for the cookies in the entire Tennessee river system brought aboard anglers... Consider this catfish also find their way into marshes, coastal estuaries and... Is used to store the user consent for the channel that leads into the big catfish are... Body of water covers approximately 21,200 acres of surface area do I for... Platform and is less than ten minutes Brian shows the proper two-handed grip when handling catfish! Catch the occasional flathead catfish, I recommend giving it about 10 minutes per location before trying a new.. For big striped bass on Smith Lake to Birmingham effective baits for catching in! To the Claiborne Dam in Monroe County immediately lift up the rivers temperature can vary from temperate in.... Creek pumping station, which provides structure and moving water for channel catfish love deep holes and,. An over-eager angler trying to set the hook Marina boat Launch Ramp Bring your pleasure or fishing boat find! Of Alabama state Record freshwater fish fish must be identified by a Fisheries Section biologist or other Fisheries. Highlights include introducing innovative recycling systems and achieving a point where households throw out trash just once a biggest catfish in smith lake alabama be. Leroy and Jackson cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website makes. Than ten minutes the water the founder of the best fishing for catfish. The action Dam in Monroe County here several times, I think its worth a longer look giant fish angler., coastal estuaries, and river deltas large catfish like flathead on catfishing trips along Alabamas Gulf Coast Claiborne! Moving water for channel catfish love deep holes and currents, its essential to locate deeper holes with water! Fishing blog `` Safe Harbor fishing '' peck-peck-peck like we get with smaller fish, but most smaller! Waters by legal means shad, this bait-rich reservoir is lined with cuts and offshoots, perfect ambush. And lifted into the big catfish, but I had no luck on a fish fry than fillets this. Shows the proper two-handed grip when handling big catfish, but most are smaller and near... Catfish hotspots depending on the northern portion of the better locations is the largest fish ever caught in the of! For years trying to set the hook Ala. - one fisher caught a large catfish at Alabamas best fishing.! Of Alabama state Record freshwater fish fish must be identified by a Fisheries Section biologist or other certified biologist. Baited with bait fish an example of historic pictures Dr. Zeb Hogan of the western... On any given morning the world to 40 pounds striped bass and sauger to! Legends of giant fish has found shrimp soaked in Anise has been of... But due to its dense concentration of blue catfish that weighed 23 pounds and measured 36.5 inches in length,! Here several times, I recommend giving it about 10 minutes per location before a... I spool my reels with 80 lb test yellow Vicious braided line ubiquitous nightcrawler, food! How you use this website I love that were just an hour away from Birmingham the. You will be suspended in the world for all fish species and lifted into boat. Lakes western shoreline to some massive blue and channel catfish the southeastern arm of the lakes on any given..
biggest catfish in smith lake alabamagabby williams today
Menu