Fishing At Lake Martin

AKA: Martin Reservoir

What to fish for...

Guide to fishing for largemouth bass, spotted bass, shoal bass, channel catfish, black crappie, white crappie, bluegill, redear sunfish, white bass, yellow bass and striped bass at Lake Martin in Alabama.

The most popular boating and fishing lake in Alabama, Lake Martin is an angling paradise with 40,000 surface acres. Located directly south of Alexander City in Central Alabama on the Talapoosa River, there is both public and private access for boat launching and marina facilities.

Available Fish Species
Amenities
Today's Weather & Forecast
Rental Boats
Marinas
Boat Launch Ramps
Campgrounds & RV Parks
Map
Lake Video
Contact Info

Lake Martin, located in central Alabama, is a premier fishing destination known for its pristine waters and abundant fish populations. Spanning over 44,000 acres, the lake offers anglers a wide range of fishing opportunities.

One of the popular fish species found in Lake Martin is largemouth bass. Smallmouth bass and spotted bass also reside here. The lake's structure, including submerged vegetation, boat docks, and rocky areas, provides excellent habitat for bass. Anglers can target bass using various techniques such as topwater lures, plastic worms, and crankbaits. Spring and fall are typically the best seasons to fish for bass, as the fish are more active and feeding aggressively.

Crappie fishing is also highly regarded in Lake Martin, attracting anglers year-round. Both black crappie and white crappie can be found in the lake. Anglers often have success targeting crappie around submerged brush piles, fallen trees, and bridge pilings. Live minnows, jigs, and small plastic baits are effective in enticing crappie bites. The spring and fall seasons, especially during the spawning periods, are particularly productive for crappie fishing.

Lake Martin is also known for its striped bass fishery. The lake boasts a healthy population of striped bass, providing exciting fishing opportunities. Anglers target striped bass using live bait such as shad or artificial lures. Striped bass can be found in the deeper parts of the lake, particularly near points, ledges, and channels.

Boating is a popular activity on Lake Martin, with its expansive waters and numerous coves to explore. The lake offers several boat ramps for easy launching, accommodating various watercraft such as boats, pontoons, and jet skis. Additionally, camping facilities and lakefront resorts are available, allowing anglers to extend their fishing trips and enjoy the natural beauty of the area.

Before fishing at Lake Martin, anglers should 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.

Lake Martin in Alabama offers anglers a rewarding fishing experience with its diverse fish species, ample boating opportunities, and camping facilities. Whether you're targeting bass, crappie, sunfish or striped bass, Lake Martin provides a scenic and serene setting for anglers to enjoy their fishing adventures and create lasting memories.

Over 750 miles of shoreline with bluffs and tree-lined banks provide untold amounts of targets for casting. The lake has healthy populations of bass, catfish, crappie, sunfish and stripers. Due to the relatively clear water, fish can be spooked easily. Long casts and lighter lines are a good approach here. The lake is used for watersport activities as well as fishing so boat traffic may include pleasure boats, canoes, sailboats, kayaks, pontoons and a wide variety of fishing boats. Spring and fall are the best times for fishing here, but winter also produces some really nice stringers of spotted bass. Area campgrounds provide close-by access to fishing areas.

Primary fish species residing in Lake Martin

Click images for fishing tips and details about each species.

Lake Martin Amenities

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

Today's Weather & Forecast

Fishing Boat Rentals

Harbor Pointe Marina
Rentals: Pontoon boats
256 825-0600

Lakeside Marina
Rentals: Pontoon boats
256 825-9286

Russell Marine
Rentals: Pontoon boats
256 257-8635

Southern Boat Rentals Lake Martin
Rentals: Pontoon boats
678-744-7449

Public Boat Launch Ramps & Landings

Alex City Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the northwest section of the lake, off Stowe Ferry Road, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.

Elkahatchee Creek Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the northwest section of the lake, off Colley Road, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.

Highway 34 Boat Launch Ramp
Located mid lake, on the north side of the lake, off Ramp Road, this is a one-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.

Lake Martin Public Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the southwest arm of the lake, north side, at the north end of the Our Children's Highway Bridge, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.

New Hope Baptist Church Public Boat Ramp
Located in the northwest section of the lake, off New Hope Church Road, this is a one-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and gravel parking.

Wind Creek State Park Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the northwest section of the lake, off Marina Road, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.