Public Fishing & Guides in Alabama’s Black Belt

Lake Eufaula, officially named Walter F. George Reservoir, has been proclaimed the “Bass Fishing Capital of the World.” The reservoir extends northward to Phenix City from the Walter F. George Dam at Fort Gaines, Ga. Since Alabama and Georgia share this lake, a fishing license from either state can be used when fishing Lake Eufaula. Bass, catfish, and crappie are the most abundant catches at Lake Eufaula. Contact the District IV Fisheries Office at 334-347-9467 with questions about the fish population at Lake Eufaula.

Millers Ferry Reservoir, officially known as William (Bill) Dannelly Reservoir, is located in Wilcox County near Camden. Numerous public access areas on the 17,200-acre reservoir were created as an impoundment by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in 1969. Both largemouth and spotted bass are considered excellent at Millers Ferry. The reservoir consistently produces bass of 3 pounds or larger. Local anglers frequently target channel and blue catfish, and blue catfish of more than 30 pounds are not uncommon.

Aliceville Public Fishing Reservoir is sometimes called Pickensville Lake by local anglers and is best known for its largemouth bass and crappie fishing. The 8,300-acre reservoir, approximately 12 miles northeast of Aliceville is formed by the Tom Bevill Lock and Dam, located a mile southwest of Pickensville just off Alabama Highway 14. There are two public access areas with bank and boat access and one user fee boating area. Since October 1993, there has been a 9-inch minimum length limit on crappie. Currently, 9- to 12-inch crappie are abundant in this reservoir.

Barbour County Public Fishing Lake is a 75-acre lake located 6 miles north of Clayton in Midway. Bass fishing is good year-round with the largest fish usually caught from February through April when they are near the bank. Bluegill and redear sunfish are caught by bank and boat anglers from late spring through summer. Catfish are caught year-round, but summer and late fall months are the best. Clean public restrooms and concessions are available, including a wide variety of fishing tackle, live and artificial baits, and other Alabama Black Belt fishing supplies.

Crenshaw County Public Fishing Lake, a 53-acre lake located 5 miles south of Luverne off U.S. Highway 331, has an accessible fishing pier that makes it easy to reach deeper water without using a boat. There are clean public restrooms, and concessions are available, including a wide variety of fishing tackle, live and artificial baits, and other fishing supplies, along with drinks and refreshments. Call 334-335-2572 for more information about this Alabama Black Belt fishing lake.

Lee County Public Fishing Lake is located 6 miles southeast of Opelika (9 miles east of Auburn). The 130-acre Alabama Black Belt fishing lake provides bass fishing year-round, with the largest usually harvested from February through April when they are near the bank. Bluegill and shellcracker (redear sunfish) are caught by bank and boat anglers from spring through summer. Catfish are caught year-round, but the best times are during the summer. Night fishing is offered one day per week from June through August. Crappie fishing is best from February through May and August through November.

Pike County Public Fishing Lake is a 45-acre lake located 5 miles south of Troy off County Road 39. The Alabama Black Belt fishing lake is populated with bass, crappie, and catfish. No daily permit is required, and private boats may be launched at no charge. A handicap-accessible fishing pier makes it easier to reach deeper waters without a boat. The lake, open daily from daylight until dark, also has a picnic area with grills. For more information, call 334-347-9467.

The Robert G. Wehle Nature Center, near Midway in Bullock County, is located on 25 acres of rolling hill country. It is designed to enhance the appreciation for conservation and an understanding of man’s relationship with the environment. A large pond provides opportunities for scheduled Alabama Black Belt fishing events. Get more information on nature programs and fishing opportunities by emailing the State Lands Division at DCNR.WLCCMidway@dcnr.alabama.gov.