The Best Fishing Lakes In Alabama

Guide to top places to fish for bass, catfish, crappie and more in AL.

Aliceville Lake, Jordan Lake, Lake Guntersville, Lake Martin, Lake Wedowee, Lewis Smith Lake, Logan Martin Lake, Neely Henry Lake, Pickwick Lake, Smith Lake, Weiss Lake, Wheeler Lake and Wilson Lake are some of the most popular places for fishing in Alabama, offering anglers the chance to pursue a variety of fish species. The Boat Rental Page lists options for fishing boat rentals at some of these lakes.

Bass Lakes
Catfish Lakes
Crappie Lakes
Sunfish & Perch Lakes
Walleye Lakes
Striped Bass Lakes

Alabama is blessed with numerous lakes that offer excellent fishing for both warm water and cold water species. Whether you're targeting bass, catfish, crappie, or trout, there are lakes throughout the state that cater to various fishing preferences. The purpose of this page is to share basic information about the best fishing lakes in the state, and the species found in each lake.

When it comes to warm water lakes, some notable options include Guntersville Lake, Wheeler Lake, and Lake Eufaula. These lakes provide prime habitat for largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, and other warm water species. Anglers flock to these lakes to experience world-class bass fishing, as well as to catch catfish, crappie, sunfish, and other popular warm water fish species.

For cold water fishing, Alabama boasts several reservoirs that provide ideal conditions for trout, including the Sipsey Fork of the Black Warrior River and the Tallapoosa River. These cold water fisheries are stocked with rainbow trout and brown trout, offering anglers a chance to test their skills in pursuing these elusive and prized fish. Trout fishing in Alabama is especially popular during the cooler months, as trout thrive in colder water temperatures.

In addition to the warm water and cold water lakes, Alabama is also home to a variety of smaller ponds and impoundments that offer excellent fishing opportunities. These smaller bodies of water are often stocked with various fish species, including bass, catfish, and sunfish. Ponds and impoundments can provide an intimate fishing experience, making them popular among anglers seeking a more peaceful and secluded setting.

It's worth noting that some lakes in Alabama can support both warm water and cold water fish species, depending on the depth, water temperature, and other ecological factors. This makes them even more diverse and appealing to anglers who enjoy targeting different fish species throughout the year.

Regardless of whether you prefer warm water or cold water fishing, Alabama's lakes offer a wide range of species and fishing experiences. From chasing bass and catfish in the warm waters to pursuing trout in the cooler rivers, anglers of all skill levels can find their favorite fishing spot in Alabama's diverse lake systems.

Fishing Lakes in Alabama

Trout Lakes

Bankhead Lake is the only major lake stocked with rainbow trout. More...

Striped Bass Lakes

Aliceville Lake, Jordan Lake, Lake Eufaula, Lake Harding, Lake Marti, Pickwick Lake, Smith Lake, Walter F. George Lake, Weiss Lake and Wheeler Lake are the best options for striped bass and hybrid striped bass. More...

Visit the Alabama fishing page for links to information covering a wide variety of fish species and destinations in the state. Visit the Alabama map to identify your best route to these top fishing locations. Look to our sister site for additional information about boating in AL at many of the most popular destinations in the state.