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    • Local Info Directory
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    • Churches
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      • Smith Lake Rentals
    • Map of Smith Lake
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Fishing on Smith Lake

PictureFlyfishing 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.

PicturePhoto 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.

PictureAuburn 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!  

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.  ​
Picture
"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

ALABAMA FISHING REGULATIONS
SMITH LAKE FISHING REPORTS
SMITH LAKE FISHING TIPS
Alabama Bass Trail
AlabamaBassTrail.org
The Alabama Bass Trail features
  • 13 of Alabama’s premier bass-fishing lakes and stretches from the mountains of North Alabama south to the Mobile Delta.
  • The Trail features Lewis Smith Lake in Cullman, as well as several other premier bass-fishing lakes.
Duck River Reservoir
2074 Co Rd 1651
Cullman, AL 35058
duckriver.org
‍Facebook:  @duckriverreservoir
Info:
  • Duck River Reservoir is a new reservoir located East of Cullman just off Highway 278 before Holly Pond, AL
  • Lake offers fishing and boating, but boats are limited to 25 horspower
  • Lake also features over 20 miles of trails along the shoreline for mountain biking and hiking
Lake Catoma
225 US Hwy 278 W
Cullman, AL 35055
  • Lake Catoma is a 536 acre lake located on Highway 278 in the Cullman city limits open for fising and boating
  • Boats are limited to 25 horsepower
  • Public boat launch available right off Highway 278 in Cullman
Smith Lake Park
416 Co. Rd. 385
Cullman, AL 35057

256-739-2916
cullmancountyparks.com
Info:  Open year round.
  • Access Smith Lake for sport fishing, skiing and boating from the park’s free boat launch
  • Features a swimming pool (in season), mini-golf, picnic areas, pavilions
  • 250 RV sites, tent camping, and cabins for rent
  • A few annual events:   Memorial Day Celebration; 4th of July Fireworks Show; Labor
    Day Events; Sweet Tater Festival and Bass Fest
If you know of any venues or services that are not listed – please contact us so we can update the listing.  Never hesitate to reach out to us via email 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.
DISCLAIMER:  Please be advised that our lists of services is informational only.  We are not recommending entities, nor are these entities advertising.  Entities are often provided by our readers, locals, or through random research by our team.  It is the responsibility of every consumer to make an informed, educated and personal preference decision about rentals and entities from whom they contact for a service or products.  We are not responsible for consumer product choices or resulting experiences with the entities/businesses listed.  Consumers must make determinations on their own and spend their resources wisely after weighing all the facts presented by each entity they contact for comparison or consideration.  Please work closely with the entity chosen to ensure a positive experience for all, and all communication should be between the consumer and business only so as not to interfere with any legal privacy issues.  Again, we are not responsible for consumer purchase choices or resulting experiences.  Thank you!
The Lakeside Life
767 County Road 437
Cullman, AL  35055
thelakesidelife@gmail.com
www.thelakesidelife.com

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