Hidden Gem Fishing Lakes in Alabama

Why fish the smaller lakes

Guntersville, Lake Martin and Eufaula draw the tournament trails and the crowds. The lakes below sit in their shadow. They are not secret, and we make no claim that they hold more or bigger fish — but they are smaller or quieter water, and on a weekday you can often have a cove to yourself.

What we list for each lake comes from its Atlas lake page. Check the lake page for ramps, rules and seasonal patterns before you go.

Lake Catoma — Cullman

A 536-acre City of Cullman water-supply lake on Eightmile Creek, impounded in 1966. A 25-HP motor limit set by city ordinance keeps big bass boats off it, which makes it a small-boat and kayak lake. One public boat ramp. Species on the Atlas lake page: largemouth bass, crappie, bluegill and catfish.

• Lake Catoma fishing guide →

Inland Lake — Blount County

A 1,557-acre Birmingham Water Works reservoir on the Blackburn Fork of the Little Warrior River, impounded in 1939, with about 32 miles of shoreline. It is clear and deep, and is reached by two public ramps off Highway 75; a launch fee applies. Species on the Atlas lake page: largemouth bass, spotted bass, crappie, bluegill and catfish.

• Inland Lake fishing guide →

Lake Mitchell — Coosa River

A 5,850-acre Alabama Power lake impounded in 1923, running about 14 miles from Lay Dam to Mitchell Dam in Chilton and Coosa counties. It sits between Lay Lake and Lake Jordan and gets far less attention than either. Species on the Atlas lake page: spotted bass, largemouth, crappie, striped bass, catfish, bluegill and redear, with public access at Higgins Ferry Park, Mitchell Dam, Hatchet Creek and the Lay Dam tailrace.

• Lake Mitchell fishing guide →

Lake Wedowee — Tallapoosa River

Not small — 10,660 acres, 24 miles long, 367 miles of shoreline and 135 ft at its deepest — but it lives in Lake Martin’s shadow. A clear Alabama Power reservoir impounded in 1983 in Randolph and Clay counties, with spotted bass and slot-limit largemouth, plus crappie, striped bass, catfish, bluegill and redear on the Atlas lake page. Five public ramps are listed.

• Lake Wedowee fishing guide →