All Locations: Alabama > Lewis Smith Lake Lake Vacation Rentals (1)

Smith Lake contains over 70 species of fish. The dominant species are spotted bass, large mouth bass, crappie and blue gill. Gulf Coast striped bass and Florida large mouth bass have been stocked annually in the lake since 1980. It is very common for the striped bass to be in the 30 pound range. Striped bass in the 40 plus pound range are present. Seth Lucas and Amy Sorenson set World Record catches in Smith Lake.

The Lewis Smith Lake is ranked as the number one lake in Alabama for spotted bass fishing and number three for crappie. Five world record catches for spotted bass is held by Smith Lake; a state record was set by a 32.8 stripped bass catch. Holder of five previous World Record spotted bass catches and highly rated in the state as a trophy saltwater striped bass fishery. The current lake record is 45 lbs. A deep, clear lake with feeder streams, bays and sloughs. Rainbow trout fishery is located on the Sipsey Fork. It is a deep, clear lake with dozens of different feeder streams, winding bays, and sloughs. Steep bluffs cradle much of the lake, with water depths dropping as deep as 60 or 70 feet just a few yards offshore. The water often appears emerald green, and a bass that strikes a lure 10 feet down can be seen as it hits. Access to the lake is easy from Cullman via Alabama Highway 69.

Anglers begin their search for spotted bass on Smith Lake by fishing points, and because there are hundreds of coves along the shoreline, there is no shortage of points. Smith Lake is a difficult lake on which to pattern the bass because the fish are frequently moving as they follow their main food source, crawfish. The big bass months on Smith Lake are February, March and early April with October and November being excellent times. Action continues through the summer, but is best very early and late, or at night. Crappie action is best in April or May with striped bass hunting good year-round.

There are several well-known fishing areas on Smith Lake, with Dismal Creek being the most famous with two world spotted bass having been caught here. Other good spots are Brushy Creek and Rock Creek. There is no a great deal of standing timber in this impoundment, so crappie anglers concentrate in the backs of coves, along some of the shallow shorelines, at feeder streams and near piers and boathouses. The Gulf Coast strain of striped bass that has been stocked in Smith Lake since 1982 are at maturity with weights of over 20 lbs. Commonly being recorded. Trolling with a three-way swivel lure produces the best results during the summer with the Red Fin lures being popular in late October and early November.

Seymore Fish & Game 256-747-7320, 34 County Road 137, Cullman, AL

Online Fishing Guide Service 205-706-5658

The best online resource for Alabama bass anglers. Get the latest fishing reports, read about local news headlines, find tournament dates and locations, educate yourself with articles, and much more to help you catch more and bigger bass.

Alabama Boat Lifts Arley, AL 205-302-0788 or 1-866-504-LIFT

FSI Aluminum Boat Docks 1-800-711-1785, 2700 Alabama Hwy. 69 S, Cullman, AL 35057

Speegle's Marina & Campground 256-739-0364, 7146 County Road 310, Crane Hill, AL 35053-4303

Duskin Point Marina 205-384-6942, 196 Duskin Point Rd, Jasper, AL 35504-3808

Richard's Clearwater Marina 205-387-2952, 65 Marina Dr, Jasper, AL 35504-3840

Ram Docks Inc 256-287-2227, 850 County Road 225, Cullman, AL

Castle Rock Marina 200 Co Rd 96, Crane Hill, AL 35053, (256) 287-1117