Flyfishing near Smith Lake Dam. Photographer Seabrook Media LLC
For basic lake information, check out our "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
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, there are many types of fish in the fishery. Along with the Largemouth & Spotted Bass, there are Smallmouth Bass, Striped Bass, as well as Bream, Crappie and many others. By the way, there is fantastic Trout fishing in the area below the dam. Check out our articles on Trout fishing in our digital issues.
Bass Fishing on Smith Lake
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, there are many types of fish in the fishery. Along with the Largemouth & Spotted Bass, there are Smallmouth Bass, Striped Bass, as well as Bream, Crappie and many others. By the way, there is fantastic Trout fishing in the area below the dam. Check out our articles on Trout fishing in our digital issues.
Photo of MLF Pro Angler Matt Lee, provided by Matt Lee
Research reveals there is still a positive substantial population of Black Bass in Smith Lake, 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 caught seem to be getting bigger at a slower rate.
At this time, to help facilitate a healthy population of reasonable sized Black Bass, the slot limit encouraged asks anglers to keep only the 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 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. 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 near 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.
Keep in mind, regarding other fish types, in Alabama it remains illegal to possess in a daily creel limit of 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, the slot limit encouraged asks anglers to keep only the 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 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. 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 near 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.
Keep in mind, regarding other fish types, in Alabama it remains illegal to possess in a daily creel limit of 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 2019-2020 VP Logan Parks
Tournaments and Events
There are some fantastic tournaments and events by well known fishing groups like: MLF, FLW and Bassmaster who are hosting regular stops at the lake, attracting even more skilled anglers to the area. There are also some great local as well as annual charitable tournaments 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: MLF, FLW and Bassmaster who are hosting regular stops at the lake, attracting even more skilled anglers to the area. There are also some great local as well as annual charitable tournaments 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!
"Angling for Autism 2019" pictured are Wesley Sams, center flanked by the 2019 event winners.
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 facebook, just click the links by their names below. There are others, and we'll be adding them soon...
Jordan Lee - @jleefishing
Matt Lee - @mattleefishing
Gerald Swindle - @GeraldSwindle.GMAN
Jesse Wiggins - @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 as well.
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 facebook, just click the links by their names below. There are others, and we'll be adding them soon...
Jordan Lee - @jleefishing
Matt Lee - @mattleefishing
Gerald Swindle - @GeraldSwindle.GMAN
Jesse Wiggins - @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 as well.
Fishing Guides on Smith Lake Alabama
We will soon include some fishing guides here soon, Let us know if you'd like to be included!
We will soon include some fishing guides here soon, Let us know if you'd like to be included!
If you know of any venues that are not listed – please contact us so we can update the listing. Never hesitate to reach out to us at thelakesidelife@gmail.com for additional information, revisions, questions or comments. Businesses, if you would like to join our listing or advertise in our magazine, please contact us here - our rates are VERY affordable for what we offer and quite competitive.
Fishing Info
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