Fishing Bankhead Lake

AKA: Bankhead Reservoir, Lake Bankhead

Most Popular Fish
Bankhead Lake Fishing Video
Available Fish Species
Amenities
Today's Weather & Forecast
Boat Launch Ramps
Local Fishing Guides
Fishing License
Campgrounds & RV Parks
Map
Contact Info

Bankhead Lake, AL

Popular Fish Species Bankhead Lake, AL

Bankhead Lake Popular Fish - Largemouth Bass

Largemouth Bass Fishing

As a popular bass fishing tournament lake, Bankhead Lake is well known to locals and anglers in the region as a good bass lake. Both weekend and tournament anglers have been catching bass in good numbers, and fish over 4 pounds are not uncommon. Fishing for largemouth bass can be quite rewarding, with an occasional bass over 6 pounds being caught. In Bankhead Lake, bass often move shallow and become fairly aggressive when they are in a feeding mood. Use shallow crankbaits around rip rap. Around grass, use worms, jigs, topwater and spinnerbaits. In deeper water, drop shot rigs, big worms, jigs and spoons are good options. In winter, spend your time fishing deeper structure where the bass spend much of their time. Years of careful fisheries management by the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources has helped to maintain a thriving bass fishery here.

Bankhead Lake Popular Fish - Spotted Bass

Spotted Bass Fishing

Spotted bass which roam Bankhead Lake, are often found in small schools on steep banks, around rocky or sandy shorelines, points and ledges. They often prefer hanging out in slightly deeper water than largemouths. Here at Bankhead Lake, they are a favorite of many local anglers, as they are plentiful and put up a good tussle when hooked. Fishing for spotted bass can be good anytime you can locate them. Their diet consists mainly of crayfish and insects, but they also eat small baitfish, small sunfish and small bluegill. Most of the time, spots prefer to stage on steep rocky or gravel banks, and may move up and down the water column throughout the day. When shallow, use topwater or shallow crankbaits around rip rap. When they are deep, use drop-shot worms and jigs. Throughout winter, spend your time on deeper structure with small worms, jigs and spoons. Smallmouth bass and largemouth bass also reside here in decent numbers.

Crappie Fishing

Bankhead Lake is home to both black and white crappie. When fishing for crappie, light line and small hooks are key when fishing live or prepared baits. Crappie jigs are also productive her in a wide variety of colors. With a history of good crappie fishing, Bankhead Lake continues to deliver good quantities of nice, fat slabs. The lake has healthy populations of both white crappie and black crappie. These two species typically tend to school separately. However, once located around cover, you may find that you catch both species, due to the fact they often share the same cover. Crappie fishing can be found in varying size schools, hanging around brush, vegetation, wood or other cover. Using a fish finder any time of year can help locate these crappie schools, which tend to stack vertically around cover. Live bait and small jigs are the most common method for crappie here. In spring and fall focus on the 8 to 12 foot range. As the crappie move deep in summer and winter, follow points out deep, as well as find ledges near channels, especially areas with brush or timber in deeper water. The best time to catch crappie tends to be at dawn and dusk.

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 Fishing Video

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.

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.

Primary fish species residing in Bankhead Lake

Click images for fishing tips and details about each species.

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.

Fishing Guides On Bankhead Lake

If you offer fishing guide services on this lake, please contact us for a free listing, to be posted here.

Fishing License

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