Fishing Weiss Lake

AKA: Weiss Reservoir

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

Weiss Lake, AL

Popular Fish Species Weiss Lake, AL

Crappie Fishing

Long considered "The Crappie Fishing Capital of the World", Weiss Lake continues to impress crappie enthusiasts this year. Light line and small hooks are key when fishing live bait. Crappie jigs are also productive her in a wide variety of colors. 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.

Weiss Lake Popular Fish - Largemouth Bass

Largemouth Bass Fishing

Weiss Lake is now considered a great bass fishing lake. Anglers are catching bass in good numbers with largemouth bass in the 4 to 6-pound range showing up with some regularity. A history of careful fisheries management by the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources has helped to maintain a thriving bass fishery. Anglers can also catch smallmouth bass, which reside here in decent numbers. Recent results by bass fishing tournament participants, attest to the fact that fishing for largemouth bass has been quite rewarding, with an occasional bass over 6 pounds being weighed in. In Weiss Lake, bass often move shallow and become fairly aggressive when they are in a feeding mood. If they seem disinterested in your presentations, try slowing down and use smaller, lighter baits. 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.

Striped Bass Fishing

Due to their large size, striped bass are fast becoming a favorite of many locals and fishing guides at Weiss Lake. They are plentiful, run in schools and can grow to bragging size. In Spring and Fall work the upper end of the lake where water is flowing into the lake. Look for deeper water in the river channel, as a holding place for stripers. In Summer and Winter, stripers hang out in deeper water during the day Morning often draws the stripers to much shallower water, look for them from the surface down to around the 20-foot range as they feed on shallow-running schools of bait. The lake is filled with plenty of baitfish and sunfish to to keep the fishery thriving. Being successful at fishing for stripers is a matter of locating schools of bait, and the wolf packs of stripers which are likely to be nearby. Fish finders, and forward facing sonar, are a big help in locating these roaming schools. Live bait is very effective here, and stripers can be caught year round.

Fish species to fish for...

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

Weiss Lake Fishing Video

Famous for crappie, stripers and bass fishing, Weiss Lake is a 30,000-acre reservoir created by the Coosa River, Chattooga River and Little River. Located in northeast Alabama on the Alabama and Georgia border with almost 450 miles of shoreline, Weiss Reservoir is a camping and fishing paradise.

Weiss Lake, located in northeastern Alabama, is a renowned fishing destination. Spanning over 30,200 acres, the lake offers anglers a wide variety of fish species to target.

Bass fishing is a major draw at Weiss Lake, with both largemouth bass and spotted bass being popular targets. 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, jigs, and crankbaits. Spring and fall are typically the best seasons for bass fishing, as the fish are more active and feeding aggressively.

Catfish are another sought-after species in Weiss Lake, with channel catfish and flathead catfish being the primary catches. Anglers can target catfish using a variety of baits such as live bait, stinkbaits, or cut bait. 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.

Crappie fishing is also popular in Weiss Lake, 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, tend to be the most productive for crappie fishing.

Sunfish, including bluegill and redear sunfish (shellcracker), are abundant in Weiss Lake. These panfish provide excellent opportunities for both adults and children to enjoy fishing. Anglers can target sunfish using small hooks and live bait, such as worms or crickets. Sunfish are often found near shallow areas, submerged vegetation, or around structure.

Weiss Lake is also known for its populations of white bass, striped bass, and hybrid stripers. Anglers can experience exciting action targeting these game fish, especially during their seasonal migrations and feeding frenzies. Casting or trolling with artificial lures such as spoons, jigs, or crankbaits can yield great results.

Before fishing at Weiss Lake, 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.

While fishing can be reasonably good all year, Spring is the peak season. Catfish, bluegill, sunfish and hybrid striped bass also roam these water in healthy schools. Bring your pleasure, pontoon or fishing boat and launch at one of the public launch ramps. Or, rent a boat here at the lake. Marinas, bait stores, convenience stores, restaurants and other amenities are nearby to enhance a weekend fishing trip or a longer-stay, family vacation.

Primary fish species residing in Weiss Lake

Click images for fishing tips and details about each species.

Weiss Lake 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

Boating is a popular activity on Weiss 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.

Fishing Boat Rentals

Little River Marina
Rentals: Pontoon boats
256 779-6461

Weiss Watersports
Rentals: Pontoon boats
256 484-9999

Yellow Creek Falls Fish Camp
Rentals: Kayaks and canoes
256 526-8427

Public Boat Launch Ramps & Landings

Cobia Bridge Boat Launch Ramp
Located mid lake, on the north side of the lake, off State Route 68, this is a one-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.

Leesburg Landing Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the southwest section of the lake, off Riverside Street, this is a four-lane, concrete ramp with docks and paved parking.

Mud Creek Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the northeast section of the lake, north side, off Cherokee County Road 556, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.

Riverside Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the northeast section of the lake, north side, off County Road 131, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.

Weiss Mart Marina Boat Launch Ramp
Located mid lake, on the north side of the lake, off State Route 9, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with docks and paved parking.

Weiss Lake Boat Launch Ramp
Located mid lake, off State Route 9, this is a one-lane, concrete ramp with docks and paved parking.

Marinas

Bay Springs Country Inn & Marina
130 County Road 112
Centre, AL 35960
256 927-3618

Fishing Guides On Weiss Lake

Weiss Lake Crappie Guides - crappie

Mark Collins Guide Service - crappie, stripers, bass

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.

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

Campgrounds & RV Parks Nearby

Joyland RV Park - 502 775-6565

Weiss Lake RV Park - 678 571-1796

Driftwood Family Campground - 256 526-8069

Big Oak Campground - 256 526-8723

Curley's Cove RV Park - 706 859-1622

Cherokee Camper Park Campground - 256 779-6142

Riverside Campground & Motel - 256 779-2683

Borders Landing Campground - 256 475-5667

Pruett's Lakeside Campground - 256 927-2975

B. Forrest Camp and RV at Weiss Lake Campground - 256 609-4892

Bay Springs Country Inn & Campground - 256 927-3618