Whether you enjoy fishing from a boat, a dock, or the bank, and whether you prefer open water or secluded inlets, there is always great fishing on Smith Lake. With approximately 21,000 acres and over 500 miles of shoreline, the deep, clear water of Smith Lake there is no shortage of great fishing spots.

Alabama's Smith Lake is a fisherman's dream and fishermen are drawn here from all over the southeast. Over 70 species of fish can be found at Smith Lake. The most common recreational fish caught at Smith Lake include: Largemouth Bass, Spotted Bass, White Bass, Striped Bass, Black Crappie, White Crappie, Bluegill, Longear Sunfish, Redear Sunfish, Channel Catfish, and Flathead Catfish. The big bass often hit best in the months of

Photo taken by Mary Beth Bridges - Florence Alabama

February, March, and April and also in October and November; early morning or late evening or perhaps at night. Crappie fishing is always best in April or May, and the striped bass hit year around.

Dismal Creek has long been known for it's spotted bass trophies and Brushy Creek and Rock Creek are also great spots. In early 1982, the coastal train of striped bass was stocked in Smith Lake. Most of those original fish has now reached maturity with weights of over 20 lbs.

Fishing at Smith Lake requires a fishing license. Licenses can be purchased at most convenience stores, and marinas.