biggest catfish in smith lake alabamabiggest catfish in smith lake alabama

Includes combinations of largemouth, smallmouth, spotted, Alabama, shoal and those species formerly known as redeye bass, which are now known separately as Coosa, Warrior, Cahaba, Tallapoosa and Chattahoochee bass, based on their respective drainages. No more than two rods and reels, or poles, or any combination thereof may be used in the Sipsey Fork River from Lewis Smith Dam to the confluence with the Mulberry Fork at any time. Located in the northwest section of the lake, off County Road 3919, this is a one-lane, concrete ramp with gravel parking. Largemouth bass fishing on this 20,600-acre lake is very good but this fishery receives a lot of pressure. 256 338-1741, Trident Marina eight-foot medium-action BnM Silver Cat Series catfish rod, FindingThe Best Turkey Choke For Your Gun. Vgner's Goonch was 165 pounds 5

Catching three to five-pound cats is fun, and theres no better main ingredient for a fish fry than fillets from this size fish.

One of the better locations is the channel that leads into the Big Creek Dam. Captain Brian reminds us that most of these big catfish have spines that are not nearly as sharp as the ones found on five-pound or smaller catfish, but the trophy-sized fish have a lot more weight and muscle to propel their spines. Fish must be if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[336,280],'aa_fishing_com-large-mobile-banner-1','ezslot_11',132,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-aa_fishing_com-large-mobile-banner-1-0'); Lewis Smith Lake Public Boat Launch Ramp These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously. YouTubes privacy policy is available here and YouTubes terms of service is available here. Gulf sturgeonThe Gulf sturgeon is the largest fish species ever recorded in Alabama. Culling is defined as removing and releasing a trout from the creel (live well, stringer, basket, bucket, cooler or other container) whether or not it is replaced with another trout. In Alabama, we have three residents: the Alabama sturgeon, the Gulf sturgeon and the Lake sturgeon. The lakes deeper holes and areas with heavy currents are your best bet for locating channel catfish. When a big catfish is brought aboard, anglers need to resist the temptation to immediately lift up the fish and take pictures. He has since expanded the blog to include gear reviews, fishing reports, and even recipes for cooking up your catch. Do NOT follow this link or you will be banned from the site! Great fishing year-round but late summer into mid-fall is best. It shall be unlawful to cull from the creel any trout caught from the Sipsey Fork from Lewis Smith Dam downstream to the confluence with the Mulberry Fork. Species: Flathead catfish. A cork baited with nightcrawlers, shad, or small perch is a great way to see whats hiding along the heavily forested shoreline. How many rods can you fish with in Alabama? Its possible to hook very large catfish on standard-issue fishing gear. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics". WebThere are five major species of catfish in the state of Alabama. Further into the creeks, angular should target structure with a deep cork or work the cut or channel mouths with bottom rigs baited with small live crappie, shad, or crawfish. In both of these Coosa River locations, anglers can catch big blue and channel cats on bottom rigs. Arley, Alabama 35541 Minnows, nightcrawlers, and even crawfish are great baits to lure out these yellow-bellied giants. For crappie, gar and largemouth bass, adults should limit consumption to no more than two eight ounce meals per month. This article offers a ton of great information on where to catch catfish at Alabamas best fishing holes. They cant be simply lipped and lifted into the boat. White Perch and Yellow Perch are two of the most delicious Panfish youll find. Chattahoochee River and its Impoundments and Tributaries Special creel limits apply in reciprocal waters as specified under regulation 220-2-.122. Rentals: Pontoon boats Using a live minnow, shad, or crawfish, anglers should target submerged structures such as fallen trees or undercut banks to rip into massive flathead. Located in the southeast section of the lake, off County Road 41, this is a one-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking. Rentals: Pontoon boats

Wheeler Reservoir It is illegal to possess any smallmouth bass less than 15 inches in total length. Streetville Island and Cutoff Bar are also great nearby locations where anglers can anchor the boat and fish straight from the land. They will generally eat anything that can get in their mouth. Lake Martin It is illegal to possess more than two saltwater striped bass that exceed 22 inches in total length in the daily creel limit. Other opportunities include cutthroat trout, eastern brook trout, and jumbo triploid rainbow trout that are stocked in the spring. Jason Trahan has found shrimp soaked in Anise has been one of the most effective baits for catching catfish in Alabama. A 280-mile-long tributary of the Alabama River, the Coosa River is a heavily developed body of water with multiple impoundments, dams, lakes, and of course, lots of big catfish. This Alabama River reservoirs level fluctuates, resulting in changing catfish hotspots depending on the season. WebCatfish, White. Those four or five bites in a day are likely to come from very big fish. Elvira Bowen is a food expert who has dedicated her life to understanding the science of cooking. Blue, bullhead, channel, flathead, and white catfish inhabit Alabamas inland rivers, streams, ponds, and lakes. 2022-2023 Regulations Book of Game, Fish, Furbearers, and Other Wildlife(pdf). A good pair of leather gloves is also a good idea when holding up a monster catfish. The Yates Dam makes for some incredible angling locations along the Tallapoosa Rivers heavily forested shorelines. Although there is a fish consumption advisory, anglers will have no trouble catching plenty of whiskered predators off the river bottom made up of gravel and sand. WebThe diverse ecosystem of the Coosa River features mussels, crawfish, fish, birds, and snails, offering a rich feeding environment for fish of all species. Whether fishing from a boat or the shore, Yates Reservoir allows anglers to set their hooks into a myriad of species, all from one location. How do you catch big brown trout at night? Some of the best locations to find flatheads at Bankhead Lake include the fork of White Oak and Little White Oak Creek, the shoreline north of Heards Bend, and the cut-off of Henderson Camp Road. Fish: Largemouth Bass Fish: Spotted Bass Businesses Located Nearby Bait & Tackle Tackle World 85 Breezy Ln - Cordova, AL (205) 483-0220 Decatur Bait & Tackle 214 6th Ave Se - Decatur, AL (256) 353-6491 Townson Bait & Tackle 4/3/81. Today, commercial catfishing is rarely done in the lakes. A forum community dedicated to catfishers and enthusiasts. Blue, bullhead, channel, flathead, and white catfish inhabit Alabamas inland rivers, streams, ponds, and lakes. Like any other trophy trip, the route to trophy catfish takes some planning and arranging for success. Many people consider the new and full moons to be the best time to fish for stripers because they create strong ocean currents, which bass thrive in. It measured 15 inches in length and 7 inches from top to bottom. Fishing for kokanee is good from late-May to early-June and in the fall. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance". It is a violation of Alabama law for any person to transport more than one days creel limit of any species of fish beyond the boundaries of this state.

Smith Mountain Lake is consistently one of the top producers of bass citations in Virginia and has been hosting an ESPN Bassmaster Elite Series tournament for several years. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. I had been fishing Wilson Lake for the past couple of weeks in search of a trophy-size fish, Captain Brian says. You can find Blue Catfish, Crappie, Channel Catfish, Flathead Catfish, Bluegill, Striped Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Spotted Basss, Sauger, Largemouth Bass and Catfish on these waters. Pulled from the water of Wheeler Lake on July 5, 1996, the mammoth-sized fish weighed in at 111 pounds. First on the list is the ubiquitous nightcrawler, favored food for all fish species. It shall be unlawful to intentionally cull from the creel any saltwater striped bass from June 15th to October 15th. I slide a one to two-ounce egg sinker up on the line, and then I place a bead between the sinker and a barrel swivel.

Bloodworms and Sandworms as Striped Bass Baits Bloodworms and sandworms are highly effective striper baits just about everywhere these fish are found, virtually any time of the year. Parker Creek Marina also features several fishing piers that put anglers on open deep water without leaving shore. Walter F. George Reservoir (Lake Eufaula) and its Tributaries It is illegal to possess any largemouth bass less than 14 inches in total length. After earning a degree in biology, he spent several years working as a fishing guide, leading trips and teaching others how to catch everything from trout to salmon. The flooded forest here creates small estuary-like pockets of deep water surrounded by structures off the main channel of the Tombigbee River. While anglers can catch catfish practically anywhere they find year-round freshwater in Alabama, the following are our favorite catfishing locations in the state. At the same time, Catfish Bar, just downstream, lets you fish a wide river bend over deep water. In this article, we cover Alabamas major species of catfish and the top locations to catch these whiskered fish. In This does not obligate the sponsor or its designated agent to release dead or dying fish. Then up near a Creek in 35' of water and nothing there either. All paddlefish must be immediately returned to water with least possible harm. There are five major species of catfish in the state of Alabama.

Recently, he went mega-catfishing himself. Sherril Harris, Sylacauga, Lake Martin, Tallapoosa Co. The best fishing for big cats occurs when the dams are generating maximum current. Anglers should be cautious of the current, which is quite powerful in the dams tailwaters. The Mekong giant catfish is the official freshwater heavyweight champion of the world. Before heading out in search of your trophy Alabama catfish, make sure to purchase a fishing license and check all state and local regulations. Captain Brian says the prime months for catching really big catfish are September through March. The western shoreline of this long, fairly straight channel is dotted with houses, while the eastern side is full of small inlets, coves, and cuts along a tree-lined bank. Wheeler Lake at one time held the world record for the largest blue catfish. The dam walls were completed in September 1963 and the Blackwater and Roanoke Rivers began filling Smith Mountain Lake. Located in southeastern Alabama, Lake Harding is home to various species, including channel catfish, blue catfish, and a host of bass. If you purchase a product or register for an account through one of the links on our site, we may receive compensation.

Located in the northeast section of the lake, off County Road 386, this is a six-lane, concrete ramp with docks and massive, paved parking. Keep the two pounders for a fish fry.. Fish must be weighed on certified scales. With over 500 miles of shoreline everyone can wet a line and know there is that chance of catching the fish of a lifetime. It shall be unlawful to transport live catfish 34 inches in length or greater beyond the boundaries of this State. On the Alabama River, some of the best catfishing occurs on the William Bill Dannelly Reservoir, better known as Millers Ferry Lake, near Camden. WebFreshwater Fishing Creel and Size Limits The annual Alabama Hunting and Fishing Digest contains information on freshwater fishing creel and size limits and is available online. Also referred to as Converse Reservoir, this 3,600-acre impoundment in Mobile County is filled with channel catfish, bass, and sunfish. The bridge funnels the water through a small underpass with a decent current, and the water here is deep enough to house some monster channel cats. The fishing here is good. The trick to locking into catfish is selecting the areas that each species is most likely to inhabit.

Located between Lake Martin and Thurlow Lake along the Tallapoosa River, Yates Lake has earned a reputation for big striped bass, but its hidden gem is its quality catfish population. Most of us enjoy catching a mess of delicious pan-size catfish from time to time. When it comes to shore fishing from the Alabama side, the Waterloo Boat Ramp and Second Creek Recreation Area offer anglers easy access to deep water from shore. I have always been told Q: Are there alligators in Smith Mountain Lake? No more than five of the 15 may exceed 22 inches in total length. People, especially the Caboclos in Amazonia and natives of other parts of South America and in Asia, love to tell these blood-curdling stories! 3/27/07. Fishers in northern Thailand netted this huge catfish in the Mekong River on May 1. I weigh big catfish while they are still in the net, and then I give them time to settle down before we take pictures, Captain Brian says. You will find boating, kayaking and fishing here. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. After all, big baits catch big fish. 1560 County Road 4022 WebKnown for monster striped bass, Smith Lake AKA Lewis Smith Lake is a 21,000-acre lake located in north-central Alabama about an hour north of Birmingham. 16229 HWY 42 The state record blue catfish came out of Holt Reservoir. Mega-fishthe biggest catfish in the countryare right here in Alabama. T. S. Hudsons bluegill weighed 4 pounds, 12 ounces, and it was 15 inches long, with a girth of 18 inches. Tube and worm trolling works best in water 3 to 7 feet (0.9 to 2.1 m) in depth, though its possible to fish as deep as 20 feet (6.1 m). For us anglers who want to go after the mega-catfish, there are some things we can do to improve our chances. Rich with minnows, shad, and small sunfish, Lake Martins clear water is home to drop-offs, ledges, and rock bluffs with undercut banks that make for some excellent catfish structures. Farther downstream, anglers will find success angling for flatheads along the Alabama Rivers banks by fishing along the heavily forested shoreline and working deep corks over submerged structures. Anglers can find plenty of sizable flathead catfish lurking around the submerged stumps and fallen timber in murky water. He said she caught her bi We might wonder why the mega-catfish population is so large in the big northern lakes, namely Wheeler, Wilson, and Pickwick. This does not obligate the sponsor or its designated agent to release dead or dying fish. 120 pound blue catfish caught in 2012.

What is the largest catfish ever caught in the United States? - Weight: 57 lbs 0 oz. Globally, there are 27 kinds of sturgeons.

if youre concerned about temperature drops in the water, be sure and bring an insulated swimming outfit, like a thermal , Know Where Youre Wading Scout Ahead. Early morning and late evening are the best times to target the feeder creeks and stump flats, where anglers can catch catfish, crappie, and bass side by side. The cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. All in all, this area is a solid choice if youre looking to hammer some big blues or channel cats. Hot weather months are typically the poorest times to go after really big catfish. The Alabama rig is not a lure, but a device that allows an angler to deliver multiple lures on a single cast. Catfish . Size restrictions on all fish are determined by measuring from the front of the mouth to the tip of the tail with both mouth and tail closed. Has there ever been a shark in Smith Mountain Lake? - Location: Guntersville Reservoir. Anglers catch the occasional flathead here around flooded timber, but locations such as Kearnens Bar and Summerville Bar let anglers moor their boats and cast into deep water with a stiff current. Located in the northwest section of the lake, off County Road 108, this is a one-lane, concrete ramp with roadside parking. Although its most well-known for trophy largemouth and spotted bass, anglers catch a variety of species in this reservoir, including massive channel and flathead catfish, rainbow trout, and world-record striped bass. But fishs stomachs are , Use large-sized baits such as dead bluegill, live chubs, water dogs, crayfish and frogs when seeking larger catfish. Crawfish inhabit the bottom of Smith Mountain Lake, where they are a favorite food source for the lakes famed Striped Bass population. All sturgeon must be immediately returned to water with least possible harm. So, when a big catfish is caught, it should be released. if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'aa_fishing_com-box-3','ezslot_4',111,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-aa_fishing_com-box-3-0');Catfish are found in most waters in Alabama. Angler: Edward Davis. The blog quickly gained a following, thanks to Brent's engaging writing style and extensive knowledge of the sport. Duncan Bridge Marina What state has the biggest largemouth bass? Cappy's Boats This 45,180-acre reservoir straddles the Georgia and Alabama line and is rich with angling opportunities for blue and channel catfish. Bassett Creek, Wash. Co. Catfish also find their way into marshes, coastal estuaries, and river deltas. 403 Co Rd 386

Other prime-time fishing locations include the mouth of Fourmile Creek, Trousdale Hollow, the intersection of Shoal Creek, and the mouth of McKiernan Creek. According to IGFA records, the largest fish ever caught was a great white shark that weighed an unbelievable 2,664 pounds (1,208.389 kg.). These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc. What Do I Need to Catch Catfish in Alabama? Catfish are versatile and can live in practically any body of water in Alabama. Click here for a Alabama Fishing License. Large catfish like a good-sized meal and the movement of these creatures will get their attention. Harris Reservoir It is illegal to possess any largemouth bass between 13 inches and 16 inches in total length. One of the better locations is the bridge and swampy area between Leroy and Jackson. What is the largest catfish ever caught in Alabama?

Anglers who are fishing from a boat often stick with a cork baited with bait fish. It shall be unlawful for any angler to fish with more than three rods and reels, or poles, or any combination thereof on Weiss Reservoir or Neely Henry lakes at any time. Millers Ferry Lake runs about 105 miles along the river to the Claiborne Dam in Monroe County. WebHours of generation for the lake are available by calling (334) 682-4655. Whats the best bait to use on Smith Mountain Lake? This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Yes, the state does stock trout on the lower side of the damn ,and the water is always cold on that side, I"m talking about the upper side, Very deep water alote of current and alote of shad. See exception for Weiss Reservoir. During construction, an excavation was performed by Smithsonian Institute archaeologists. Like most lakes in the region, the lake comprises multiple offshoots and branches rather than one big body of water. Weiss Reservoir It is illegal to possess crappie less than 10 inches in total length. Big catfish show up well on fish finder units, and good electronics can really cut down on the search time when were looking for big cats. WebKnown for monster striped bass, Smith Lake AKA Lewis Smith Lake is a 21,000-acre lake located in north-central Alabama about an hour north of Birmingham. Capitalizing on this sense is the primary weapon in your search for them. And that fine fish was not an unusual catch. All rights reserved (About Us). 4 pounds 12 ouncesThe Biggest Bluegill in the World The world record bluegill recorded by IGFA or the International Gamefish Association was caught in 1950 at Ketona Lake, Alabama. Unless noted below, the seasons for all designated game and commercial fish are open continuously.

Yates Reservoir It is illegal to possess more than two saltwater striped bass that exceed 22 inches in total length in the daily creel limit and only one of those may exceed 30 inches in total length. Channel Catfish See exceptions for shoal bass in specific tributaries of the Chattahoochee River. Michael Houseknecht/Mobile, Chris S. Fuller, AthensBobby Lee Davis, Bessemer, Paddlefish 2023 Advance Local Media LLC. Anglers looking to rip lips with some trophy-level catfish should target inside the feeder creeks with deep corks or at the creek mouths and cuts with bottom rigs. JavaScript is disabled. The Alabama state record largemouth bass was caught in 1987 by Thomas Burgin from Mountain View Lake just south of Leeds, Alabama and weighed 16 pounds, 8 ounces. Brent Pollock is a passionate angler and the founder of the popular fishing blog "Safe Harbor Fishing". There are numerous different species of fish to find on this body of water. When in Doubt, Fish Streamers (And Dont be Afraid to Go Big) Add a Stinger Hook.

In addition to big From species that top out at just over a pound to the 120-pound state-record blue catfish, anglers can catch catfish of all sizes in Alabama. Alternative locations anglers can target include the cuts on the northern portion of the lakes western shoreline. Peter Faber of Hardy caught this monster 29+ pound flathead catfish late at night April 23 fishing on Smith Mountain Lake. Flatheads and blue catfish are the two most common species caught here. Anglers may be able to catch shad at the back of the lake by cast net or buy them from a bait shop. They are worthy of respect. Generally speaking, three days before a new or full moon, and the three days after produce the best fishing, because there is more vertical water movement.

In addition to big Anglers can make their way to the R. F. Henry Lock and cast from the rocky shoreline on either side of the lake with heavy tackle and bottom rigs to catch these monster catfish. Official Web Site of Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, 2023 Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, 64 N. Union Street, Suite 468 - Montgomery, Alabama 36130, The annual Alabama Hunting and Fishing Digest contains information on freshwater fishing creel and size limits and is available online.