Fishing At William Dannelly Reservoir

AKA: Millers Ferry Reservoir

What to fish for...

Guide to fishing for largemouth bass, channel catfish, blue catfish, black crappie, white crappie, bluegill, redear sunfish, white bass, hybrid striped bass and striped bass at Millers Ferry Reservoir in Alabama.

Bass and crappie are the favorite targets at William Bill Dannelly Reservoir, also known as Millers Ferry Reservoir. With over 500 miles of shoreline, this 35,000-acre body of water provides plenty of fishing action.

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

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

William Dannelly Reservoir, also known as Lake Dannelly or Millers Ferry Lake, is a renowned fishing destination in Alabama. Situated on the Alabama River, the reservoir covers approximately 27,000 acres, offering anglers a variety of fishing opportunities.

One of the popular fish species found in William Dannelly Reservoir is largemouth bass. The lake's structure, including submerged vegetation, creek channels, and points, provides excellent habitat for bass. Anglers can target largemouth bass using various techniques such as topwater lures, spinnerbaits, and plastic worms. Spring and fall are typically the best seasons for bass fishing, as the fish are more active and feeding actively during these times.

Crappie fishing is also prevalent in William Dannelly Reservoir, attracting anglers throughout the year. 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, tend to be the most productive for crappie fishing.

Catfish anglers will find opportunities in William Dannelly Reservoir as well. Channel catfish and blue catfish are commonly caught in the lake. Anglers can target catfish using a variety of baits such as cut bait, chicken liver, or stinkbaits. The lake's deep channels, drop-offs, and areas with structure are prime spots for catfish fishing. Night fishing can be particularly productive for catfish, as they are more active during this time.

Before fishing at William Dannelly Reservoir, 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.

Bass over three pounds are common, big stringers of crappie are common, and the lake also has populations of white bass, bluegill, sunfish, striped bass, hybrid stripers and catfish (often over 30 pounds). The lake is created behind the Millers Ferry Lock & Dam on the Alabama River in Central Alabama. Crappie hang around the brush in Spring while the bass tend to locate near creel channels, points and any structure allowing an ambush point for baitfish. Numerous boat ramps, campgrounds, beaches and picnic areas are available around the lake for fishing from the bank or launching kayaks or canoes.

Primary fish species residing in William Dannelly Reservoir

Click images for fishing tips and details about each species.

Millers Ferry Reservoir Amenities

Marina: YES
Boat Rental: NO
Boat Launch Ramp: YES
Campgrounds: YES
RV Hookups: YES
Lodging: YES
Convenience Store: NO
Bait & Tackle: NEARBY
Restaurant: YES

Today's Weather & Forecast

Boating is a popular activity on William Dannelly Reservoir, providing anglers with the opportunity to explore different areas and access prime fishing spots. The reservoir offers several boat ramps for easy launching, accommodating various watercraft such as boats, pontoons, and kayaks.

Public Boat Launch Ramps & Landings

Millers Ferry Campground Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the southwest section of the lake, east side, off E Bank Park Road, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.

Shell Creek Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the southwest section of the lake, at the east end of the State Route 28 Bridge, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.

Click here for a Alabama Fishing License.

Numerous camping facilities and RV parks are available around the reservoir, allowing anglers to extend their fishing trips and immerse themselves in the natural surroundings.