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Fishing At Bankhead Lake In 2024

AKA: Bankhead Reservoir, Lake Bankhead

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By AA-Fishing Staff Writers

Fish species to fish for...

Guide to fishing for largemouth bass, spotted bass, channel catfish, flathead catfish, black crappie, white crappie, rainbow trout, bluegill, redear sunfish, striped bass and hybrid striped bass at Bankhead Lake in Alabama.

Bankhead Lake, AL

Offering a broad range of fish species to pursue, Bankhead Lake is a 9,000-acre fishing lake, 20 miles west of Birmingham, AL. Five public facility use areas and fourteen user fee areas are available for accessing these waters to fish from the bank and launch small watercraft like canoes and kayaks.

The purpose of this page is to deliver an overview of this lake, the fishing options, and area amenities. Our goal is to provide info to first time visitors, as well as beginner and novice anglers. We gathered details from personal experience, numerous trusted websites that each offer select bits of information, and videos of fishing activity on the lake. These websites include the Outdoor Alabama, marinas at the lake, campgrounds, boat rental agencies and others. By consolidating this information to one page it allows visitors to see the entire picture, all in one place.

Lake Video

Bankhead Lake, located in northwestern Alabama, offers anglers a picturesque setting for fishing, boating, and camping. Spanning over 9,000 acres, the lake provides a diverse range of fishing opportunities for both recreational and avid anglers.

One of the popular fish species found in Bankhead Lake is largemouth bass. The lake's structure, including submerged vegetation, fallen trees, and rocky areas, provides excellent habitat for bass. Anglers can target largemouth bass using a variety of techniques, including flipping jigs, crankbaits, and topwater lures. Spring and early summer are prime seasons for bass fishing when the fish are more active and likely to be found near the shallows.

Crappie fishing is also popular in Bankhead Lake, with both black crappie and white crappie present. Anglers can locate crappie around submerged structures such as brush piles, bridge pilings, and submerged trees. Live minnows, jigs, and small plastic baits are effective in enticing crappie to bite. The spring and fall seasons tend to yield the best crappie catches, particularly during the spawning periods.

Bankhead Lake offers opportunities for catfish anglers as well. Channel catfish and flathead catfish are commonly caught in the lake. Anglers can target catfish using a variety of baits such as chicken liver, nightcrawlers, or cut bait. The lake's deep channels and areas with structure are productive spots for catfish fishing. Night fishing can be particularly successful for catfish, as they are more active during this time.

Before fishing at Bankhead Lake, it's essential for anglers to familiarize themselves with Alabama fishing regulations and obtain the necessary licenses. This ensures compliance with size and bag limits, as well as any specific regulations for the targeted fish species.

Numerous boat launch ramps provide access for pleasure boats, pontoons and fishing boats. There are over 400 miles of shoreline, mostly brushy banks with scattered boat docks - all providing cover for baitfish and feeding fish. Multiple, annual stockings of rainbow trout keep a healthy supply available for trout fishing. The lake has quality stripers and hybrid striped bass which roam deep in summer and winter, migrating up river and shallower in Spring and fall. Healthy populations of crappie, bass, catfish, bluegill and sunfish also populate the lake creating many choices for anglers. Bass have been a long-standing favorite here and the lake is home to many bass tournaments annually.

Fishing Boats For Rent In Alabama

Primary fish species residing in Bankhead Lake

Click images for fishing tips and details about each species.

Largemouth bass Spotted bass Channel catfish Flathead catfish Black crappie White crappie Rainbow trout Bluegill Redear Sunfish Striped bass Hybrid Striped Bass

Bankhead Lake Amenities

Marina: YES
Boat Rental: YES
Boat Launch Ramp: YES
Campgrounds: YES
RV Hookups: YES
Lodging: NEARBY
Convenience Store: NEARBY
Bait & Tackle: NEARBY
Restaurant: NEARBY

Today's Weather & Forecast

Boating is a popular activity on Bankhead Lake, allowing anglers to explore different areas and access prime fishing spots. The lake provides ample space for boats, pontoons, and kayaks. There are several boat ramps available for launching, making it convenient for anglers to get on the water.

Public Boat Launch Ramps & Landings

Franklin Ferry Marina Boat Ramp
Located mid lake, west side, off Jenny Lane, this is a one-lane, concrete ramp with gravel parking.

Quinns Landing Boat Launch Ramp
Located mid lake, west side, off Quinns Landing Road, this is a one-lane, concrete ramp with gravel parking.

Smith Camp Boat Launch Ramp
Located mid lake, east side, off Carlie Minor Road, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with docks and gravel parking.

Click here for a Alabama Fishing License.

Bankhead Lake offers camping facilities, including both tent and RV camping sites, allowing anglers to extend their fishing trips and enjoy the natural surroundings.

Campgrounds & RV Parks Nearby

Burchfield Branch Park Campground - 205 497-9828

Clevenger's Marina Park & Rec Campground - 205 491-6684

Deerlick Creek Public Use Area Campground - 205 759-1591

Lake Bankhead AL Map - Fishing & Camping Areas

Contact Information

Bankhead Lake
Franklin Ferry Marina
520 Marina Rd
Adger, AL 35006
205 686-7601

 

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Bankhead Lake in Alabama.

Information about fishing lakes in Alabama

Bankhead Lake provides trout, striper, bass, catfish, crappie and other species for fishing in north-central AL.

Fishing on Bankhead Lake.