February 1 marks the return of fishing season at most of Alabama’s 23 State Public Fishing Lakes. Commonly known as state lakes or county lakes, these waters are noted for their amenities and their quality fishing for bream, largemouth bass, channel catfish, and crappie (in some lakes). Because these smaller lakes warm more quickly than larger reservoirs, early spring fishing can be excellent. Before hitting the water make sure you've purchased your fishing license.
Spring is considered prime time for crappie fishing in Alabama and the state is home to eight of the top 50 crappie fishing lakes in the country. These lakes include: Weiss (4), Alabama River-Jones Bluff (7), Neely Henry (8), Logan Martin (10), Pickwick (11), Millers Ferry (27), Guntersville (29), and Eufaula (45).
Join the effort to fund aquatic wildlife management and protection by purchasing a Freshwater Fishing license plate for your vehicle. Available now at your your local probate office. For more information call, (334) 242-3471.
The Alabama Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries Division has partnered with the Town of Leesburg in Cherokee County to install a new boat ramp on Weiss Lake. When the project is complete, the ramp will improve access to the lake. The new boat ramp is expected to open sometime this summer.