Guide To Fishing At Pickwick Lake

AKA: Pickwick Reservoir

Largemouth and smallmouth bass are angler favorites at Pickwick Lake, a 43,000-acre reservoir located in the extreme northwest corner Alabama on the Tennessee River. At full pool 490 miles of shoreline await anglers in pursuit of the many species of fish which swim these waters.

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

Pickwick Lake, located on the Tennessee River in Alabama, is a renowned fishing destination known for its excellent fishing opportunities and picturesque surroundings. Spanning over 47,500 acres, the lake offers anglers a wide variety of fish species to target.

One of the popular fish species found in Pickwick Lake is smallmouth bass. Spotted bass also get a lot of attention here. The lake's structure, including rocky points, ledges, and submerged structure, provides ideal habitat for smallmouth bass. Anglers can target smallmouth bass using various techniques such as crankbaits, jigs, and soft plastic baits. Spring and fall are typically the best seasons for smallmouth bass fishing, as they become more active and aggressive during these times.

Largemouth bass is another sought-after species in Pickwick Lake. The lake's abundant cover, such as vegetation, boat docks, and fallen trees, provides excellent hiding spots for largemouth bass. Anglers can target largemouth bass using topwater lures, spinnerbaits, and plastic worms. Spring and fall are prime seasons for largemouth bass fishing, as the fish are more active and feeding actively during these periods.

Crappie fishing is excellent at times in Pickwick Lake, attracting anglers throughout the year. Both black crappie and white crappie can be found in the lake. Anglers often target crappie around submerged brush piles, bridge pilings, and fallen trees. 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 Pickwick Lake as well. Flathead catfish, channel catfish and blue catfish all populate 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.

Boating is a popular activity on Pickwick Lake, providing anglers with the opportunity to explore different areas and access prime fishing spots. The lake offers several boat ramps for easy launching, accommodating various watercraft such as boats, pontoons, and kayaks. Additionally, camping facilities and RV parks are available around the lake, allowing anglers to extend their fishing trips and immerse themselves in the natural surroundings.

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

Crappie, catfish, walleye, stripers, hybrid striped bass, sauger, spotted bass and numerous sunfish all call Pickwick home. There is limited access to shoreline for fishing from the bank, but canoes, kayaks, pontoons, pleasure boats and all types of fishing boats can provide access to this popular fishing destination. Rocky banks, boat docks, brush and creek channels are good places to locate fish. The Shoals area is well known as a great area for smallmouth bass. There are plenty of choices for camping, boat rentals, lodging, restaurants, fishing gear and other local services, many available at the marinas on the lake.

What to fish for...

Fishing for largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, spotted bass, channel catfish, flathead catfish, blue catfish, black crappie, white crappie, walleye, bluegill, longear sunfish, redear sunfish, striped bass, hybrid striped bass and sauger at Pickwick Lake in Alabama.

Primary fish species residing in Pickwick Lake

Click images for fishing tips and details about each species.

Pickwick Lake Amenities

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

Today's Weather & Forecast

Public Boat Launch Ramps & Landings

Brush Creek Park Boat Launch Ramp
Located mid lake, on the north side of the lake, off Brush Creek Park Entrance Road, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.

Cane Creek Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the southeast section of the lake, south side, off Cane Creek Road, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.

Hayes Landing Boat Launch Ramp
Located mid lake, on the south side of the lake, off Margerum Road, this is a one-lane, concrete ramp with paved parking.

Natchez Trace Boat Launch Ramp
Located mid lake, on the south side of the lake, at the west end of the Natchez Trace Parkway Bridge, this is a four-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.

Waterloo Boat Launch Ramp
Located mid lake, on the north side of the lake, off Lauderdale County Road 14, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.

Click here for a Alabama Fishing License.