Guide To Walleye & Sauger Fishing In Alabama

Walleye & Sauger

Alabama offers a unique opportunity for walleye fishing, with both walleye and sauger species found in select lakes and rivers throughout the state. While not as abundant as in some northern states, walleye and sauger populations provide a thrilling challenge for dedicated anglers.

Some lakes and reservoirs in Alabama are known for their walleye and sauger fisheries. Wilson Lake on the Tennessee River is a popular destination for targeting these species. Additionally, the tailwaters below Wilson Dam offer excellent opportunities for anglers to catch walleye and sauger. Other notable water bodies where walleye and sauger can be found include Pickwick Lake and Lake Guntersville.

Walleye and sauger are often sought after for their delicious flavor and elusive nature. They tend to be more active during low-light conditions, such as dawn and dusk, making these prime times for fishing. Anglers commonly use techniques such as trolling with crankbaits, jigging with live bait or soft plastic lures, or casting and retrieving lures to entice strikes from walleye and sauger.

When it comes to state records, Alabama has notable catches for both walleye and sauger. The state record for walleye stands at over 10 pounds, caught in Weiss Reservoir. The record for sauger is over 5 pounds, caught in the Wilson Dam tailwater. These records showcase the potential for anglers to reel in impressive fish and highlight the quality of Alabama's walleye and sauger populations.

It's important for anglers targeting walleye and sauger in Alabama to familiarize themselves with fishing regulations, including size and bag limits, to ensure the conservation of these species. Additionally, obtaining the appropriate fishing licenses is necessary to comply with state regulations.

While walleye and sauger fishing in Alabama may require more specialized knowledge and techniques compared to other popular fish species in the state, the challenge and reward of landing these prized fish make it a worthwhile endeavor. Alabama's lakes and rivers offer anglers a chance to experience the excitement and satisfaction of walleye and sauger fishing in a scenic and diverse fishing landscape.

Walley & Sauger Fishing Lakes in Alabama

Alabama sports a surprising number of lakes with a population of walleye. They include Lake Guntersville, Lewis Smith Lake, Pickwick Lake, Wheeler Lake and Wilson Lake. The walleye like it cold, so seek out the coldest sections of the Alabama lakes.

Click the images and links above for species details.

Top lures for walleye in Alabama

Jigs work well in virtually any depth water. When walleyes are shallow, spinnerbaits, small crankbaits and rip baits are the often very productive. As they move deeper, spoons are ideal for active walleye. Understanding the seasonal movements of walleyes can enhance your chances of selecting the right lures for conditions on local waters.

Alabama State Walleye, Sauger & Saugeye Records

The state record walleye was caught out of Weiss Reservoir.

The state record sauger came from the Wilson Dam tailwater.

Fishing For Walleye

This toothy fish will eat virtually anything it can catch and get in its mouth. They prefer small fish and will eat crustaceans, worms and insects. They tend to be somewhat wary and prefer the safety of deeper darker water. Trolling for walleye with deep diving crankbaits, jerkbaits, spinners and live bait provides a way to cover vast areas and locate concentrations of fish. Use of planer boards allows anglers to cover water out both sides of the boat while trolling. Try fishing for walleye from sundown to midnight, particularly during the heat of summer.

Walleye spawn in spring and when they have the option will choose to migrate from the lake up into feeder streams to spawn. If this option is not available they seek out shallow bars or shoals with clean bottom surfaces near deep water.

Fishing For Sauger

Closely related to the walleye and similar in appearance, sauger are generally smaller than walleye, reaching 4 to 5 pounds (or more) and up to about 20 inches. Often found in muddier rivers, it thrives in larger, silty lakes. They spawn in the shallows at night, without creating or guarding specific nests.

Walleye prefer moderately deep lakes with gravel, rock or sandy bottoms. It is found primarily in cold water lakes but has proven to survive in warmer impoundments. It is prized for its great tasting filets. Click here to learn all about walleye fishing.

Alabama walleye spawn in spring and when they have the option will choose to migrate from the lake up into feeder streams to spawn. If this option is not available they seek out shallow bars or shoals with clean bottom surfaces near deep water.

Watch this video for walleye tips and tactics.

Walleye Resources

In-Fisherman - Walleye
U.S. Fish & Wildlife - Walleye
The National Wildlife Federation - Walleye

Also find information about walleye, sauger or saugeye fishing in these states.