Flyfishing near Smith Lake Dam. Photographer Seabrook Media LLC
For basic lake information, check out our "LOCAL INFO" section for basic facts about the lake overall, and learn more about the area by visiting our local Chambers of Commerce: Cullman County Chamber of Commerce and The Walker County Chamber of Commerce.
Bass Fishing on Smith Lake
Impounding approximately 21,000 acres with 600-miles of shoreline that lie primarily in Cullman and Winston counties, with some in Walker County - you will find the lake to be very deep and clear with dozens of feeder streams, creeks, long winding narrow tracts of water as well as a few open bay areas, and plenty of sloughs to get lost in. High steep rock bluffs and the adjoining William B. Bankhead National Forest provide a very scenic area to explore. Water depths are as deep as 60-75 feet often dropping away from shallower entry points within only feet of the shoreline, steep drop-offs are familiar to locals but can be surprising to visitors.
Access to the lake is easy from Cullman at I-65 exits 299 and 304, and from Jasper off I-22 on several exits. Activities on the lake include all kinds of boating, watersports, hiking and much more, but the area is widely known as a sport fishing locale for Striped, Spotted, White and Largemouth Bass, Crappie, Bream, Channel Catfish, Flathead Catfish, and even Rainbow Trout.
Smith Lake is a fantastic fishery. Bass fishing is definitely king among most anglers who visit. Research reveals that there is about an equal catch percent of both Largemouth and Spotted Bass. But, again, as mentioned before, there are many types of fish in the reservoir. There is fantastic Trout fishing in the area below the dam on the Warrior River. We highly recommend you check out the local fly fishing hotspot Riverside Fly Shop for more fly fishing information. Also, check out our former articles on trout fishing in our digital issues.
Bass Fishing on Smith Lake
Impounding approximately 21,000 acres with 600-miles of shoreline that lie primarily in Cullman and Winston counties, with some in Walker County - you will find the lake to be very deep and clear with dozens of feeder streams, creeks, long winding narrow tracts of water as well as a few open bay areas, and plenty of sloughs to get lost in. High steep rock bluffs and the adjoining William B. Bankhead National Forest provide a very scenic area to explore. Water depths are as deep as 60-75 feet often dropping away from shallower entry points within only feet of the shoreline, steep drop-offs are familiar to locals but can be surprising to visitors.
Access to the lake is easy from Cullman at I-65 exits 299 and 304, and from Jasper off I-22 on several exits. Activities on the lake include all kinds of boating, watersports, hiking and much more, but the area is widely known as a sport fishing locale for Striped, Spotted, White and Largemouth Bass, Crappie, Bream, Channel Catfish, Flathead Catfish, and even Rainbow Trout.
Smith Lake is a fantastic fishery. Bass fishing is definitely king among most anglers who visit. Research reveals that there is about an equal catch percent of both Largemouth and Spotted Bass. But, again, as mentioned before, there are many types of fish in the reservoir. There is fantastic Trout fishing in the area below the dam on the Warrior River. We highly recommend you check out the local fly fishing hotspot Riverside Fly Shop for more fly fishing information. Also, check out our former articles on trout fishing in our digital issues.
Photo of MLF Pro Angler Matt Lee, provided by Matt Lee
Apparently there is still a substantial population of Black Bass in Smith Lake, an average of under 20% of those caught are near the 15lb range. Spotted Bass catches appear to be larger by observance of fish caught on average, and Largemouth Bass catches seem to be getting bigger at a slower rate.
At this time, to help facilitate a healthy population of reasonable sized Black Bass, a slot limit encouraged helps anglers keep only bass that are less than 13". The reason the guideline has been in place is to increase overall growth and size of retained bass in the reservoir. A designated creel limit at this time is 10 Black Bass per day in a combination of Largemouth Bass, Spotted Bass, etc., at slot limit of 13"-15". Fishermen must release all Black Bass in the slot at 13"-15", but may keep Black Bass over 15". Remember, harvesting bass under 13" is encouraged and recommended. A preferred and locally available bait is live Shad. There are several local stores to purchase excellent pro quality fishing gear as well, one we highly recommend is Pat's Archery & Outdoors .
Smith Lake proudly produces some relatively monster Striped Bass - if you can catch them. There are said to be plenty of fish in the lake in a 35+lb range, and there are some anglers who believe a 50+lb record could be set on Smith Lake in the future. Many fishermen in the reservoir have reported fighting numerous large fish that broke off line. It is rumored that one angler has even reported a hooked fish that "...had to go to at least 70 pounds." We're not sure if that is a classic "fish story" or not, but that would certainly be an exciting capture to imagine. Truly, anglers enjoy fish caught at any size, and it's always fun to dream big.
Keep in mind, regarding other fish types, in Alabama it remains illegal to possess in a daily creel limit more than 2 White Bass, Yellow Bass, Saltwater Striped Bass & hybrids or any combinations that are over 16" in total length. And, it is illegal to possess any Black Bass between 13"-15" inches in total length.
At this time, to help facilitate a healthy population of reasonable sized Black Bass, a slot limit encouraged helps anglers keep only bass that are less than 13". The reason the guideline has been in place is to increase overall growth and size of retained bass in the reservoir. A designated creel limit at this time is 10 Black Bass per day in a combination of Largemouth Bass, Spotted Bass, etc., at slot limit of 13"-15". Fishermen must release all Black Bass in the slot at 13"-15", but may keep Black Bass over 15". Remember, harvesting bass under 13" is encouraged and recommended. A preferred and locally available bait is live Shad. There are several local stores to purchase excellent pro quality fishing gear as well, one we highly recommend is Pat's Archery & Outdoors .
Smith Lake proudly produces some relatively monster Striped Bass - if you can catch them. There are said to be plenty of fish in the lake in a 35+lb range, and there are some anglers who believe a 50+lb record could be set on Smith Lake in the future. Many fishermen in the reservoir have reported fighting numerous large fish that broke off line. It is rumored that one angler has even reported a hooked fish that "...had to go to at least 70 pounds." We're not sure if that is a classic "fish story" or not, but that would certainly be an exciting capture to imagine. Truly, anglers enjoy fish caught at any size, and it's always fun to dream big.
Keep in mind, regarding other fish types, in Alabama it remains illegal to possess in a daily creel limit more than 2 White Bass, Yellow Bass, Saltwater Striped Bass & hybrids or any combinations that are over 16" in total length. And, it is illegal to possess any Black Bass between 13"-15" inches in total length.
Auburn University Bass Fishing Team Boat, featuring Team President
Logan Parks, 2020-2021
Tournaments and Events
There are some fantastic tournaments and events by well known fishing groups like: Major League Fishing (MLF) and Bassmaster (Pro, Amateur, College and High School) who are hosting regular stops at the lake, attracting even more skilled anglers to the area. There are also some great local tourneys and annual charitable events becoming more popular. Check out the list below and contact event coordinators for more information.
Page - FLW Fishing
Page - Major League Fishing
Page - Bassmaster
Page - Alabama Bass Trail
Local Group - Smith Lake Bass Tournaments
Local Group - Fishing at Lewis Smith Lake
Our local counties have been excited to invite the country's best pro anglers and their families to our communities for many years. Economic impact of these events is widespread in the hosting counties. If you are interested in getting involved in these type of events in any way, or wish to start an annual tournament of your own, let us know and we'll connect you with the right folks!
There are some fantastic tournaments and events by well known fishing groups like: Major League Fishing (MLF) and Bassmaster (Pro, Amateur, College and High School) who are hosting regular stops at the lake, attracting even more skilled anglers to the area. There are also some great local tourneys and annual charitable events becoming more popular. Check out the list below and contact event coordinators for more information.
Page - FLW Fishing
Page - Major League Fishing
Page - Bassmaster
Page - Alabama Bass Trail
Local Group - Smith Lake Bass Tournaments
Local Group - Fishing at Lewis Smith Lake
Our local counties have been excited to invite the country's best pro anglers and their families to our communities for many years. Economic impact of these events is widespread in the hosting counties. If you are interested in getting involved in these type of events in any way, or wish to start an annual tournament of your own, let us know and we'll connect you with the right folks!
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Annual Charitable Tournaments
Angling for Autism Coordinator: Wesley Sams Facebook: @anglingforautismfishing more info on other events in the area coming soon... Pro Fishermen We have quite a few local Pro Angler celebrities that you ought to check out on social media, just click the links by their names below. There are others, and we'll be adding them soon... These pros not only attend many local functions, but they mentor high school and college anglers as well as offering guided fishing from time to time. Just follow them to find out what they're up to. Jordan Lee Facebook: @jleefishing Instagram: @jleefishing Matt Lee Facebook: @mattleefishing Instagram: @mattleefishing Gerald Swindle Facebook: @GeraldSwindle.GMAN Instagram: @geraldswindle Jesse Wiggins (& Jordan Wiggins) Facebook: @jessewigginsfishing Instagram: @jessewigginsfishing Be sure to check out our magazines for great articles about fishing on Smith Lake, and let us know if you have a fishing related article you'd like to pitch or a local fisherman you'd like to feature. |
"Angling for Autism 2019" pictured are Wesley Sams, center flanked by the 2019 event winners.
Fishing Guide Services
We will include more fishing guides here soon, let us know if you'd like to be included! Riverside Fly Shop Jasper, AL 35504 Specialty: Trout Fishing+ Phone: 256-287-9582 Website: riversideflyshop.com Reel Time Anglers Richard T. Anderson Jasper, AL 35504 Specialty: Bass Fishing+ Phone: 205-657-2844 Website: riversideflyshop.com |
More Local Fishing Info
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Alabama Bass Trail
AlabamaBassTrail.org The Alabama Bass Trail features
Duck River Reservoir
2074 Co Rd 1651 Cullman, AL 35058 duckriver.org Facebook: @duckriverreservoir Info:
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Lake Catoma
225 US Hwy 278 W Cullman, AL 35055
Smith Lake Park
416 Co. Rd. 385 Cullman, AL 35057 256-739-2916 cullmancountyparks.com Info: Open year round.
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