Physical Address
304 North Cardinal St.
Dorchester Center, MA 02124
Alabama offers some of the most diverse and productive fishing opportunities in the United States. With its abundant lakes, flowing rivers, and rich coastal waters, the state attracts anglers from across the country seeking trophy catches and memorable fishing experiences. Whether you’re targeting largemouth bass, crappie, catfish, or saltwater species like redfish and snapper, Alabama’s waters have something for everyone in 2025.
1. Lake Guntersville – A Bass Fishing Paradise
Nestled in the northeast corner of Alabama, Lake Guntersville is often regarded as one of the best bass fishing lakes in the country. This 69,000-acre reservoir on the Tennessee River offers abundant largemouth bass, which is even the freshwater state fish. It also holds crappie, catfish, bluegill, sunfish, sauger, and bream. With 950 miles of shoreline and diverse habitats like grass beds, docks, and bridges, it’s perfect for anglers of all skill levels. Historically, two-thirds of anglers on the lake come specifically for bass fishing and competitions. The best fishing spots are often found in the creeks, such as Siebold Creek, Town Creek, South Sauty, and Brown Creek. A specific regulation here is that it’s illegal to possess any largemouth or smallmouth bass less than 15 inches in total length.
License Tip: All anglers aged 16–64 need a valid Alabama freshwater fishing license.
Regulation: It’s illegal to possess largemouth or smallmouth bass under 15 inches.
Pro Tip: Target grass beds, docks, and bridges in spring for peak bass action.
2. Wheeler Lake – World-Class Fishing Without Crowds
Located just south of Guntersville, Wheeler Lake (67,100 acres) offers amazing fishing without the crowds often found at more famous destinations. This Tennessee River impoundment is a favorite for smallmouth and largemouth bass, especially around rocky points, bluffs, and humps. Smallmouth bass are native to the Tennessee River, thriving near Wheeler Lock and Dam. Anglers should note it is illegal to possess any smallmouth bass less than 15 inches in total length from Wheeler Reservoir.
License Tip: Freshwater license required.
Regulation: All smallmouth bass under 15 inches must be released.
Pro Tip: Fish rocky points with topwater lures from March to June.
3. Lake Eufaula (Walter F. George Reservoir) – An Angler’s Paradise
Lake Eufaula is a fertile 45,000-acre lake known as an angler’s paradise, offering excellent fishing for crappies, white bass, and catfish (flathead, blue, and channel). Fishermen from all over visit the lake specifically to catch enormous specimens of bass using deep-water fishing techniques. It’s illegal to possess any largemouth bass less than 14 inches in total length here. Crappie fishing is also popular.
License Tip: Annual or trip freshwater license needed.
Regulation: Largemouth bass under 14 inches must be released.
Pro Tip: Fish deep creek channels in summer for the largest bass.
4. Mobile-Tensaw Delta – Diverse Inshore Fishery
This 250,000-acre maze of tidal estuaries in southwest Alabama provides a perfect blend of freshwater and saltwater species. Here, the Alabama, Tombigbee, and Mobile Rivers meet the Gulf, creating a unique ecosystem that supports fishing for redfish, speckled trout, flounder, and numerous other species. The diverse environments provide good fishing opportunities year-round.
License Tip: Depending on location, you may need both freshwater and saltwater licenses.
Pro Tip: Use live shrimp near marsh points during falling tide.
5. Lake Martin – Scenic Waters with Great Fishing
Lake Martin is a reservoir known for its clear water, making it ideal for sight fishing, though this clarity can also spook fish easily. It supports healthy populations of sunfish, crappies, stripers, bass, and catfish. Special regulations apply here: it’s illegal to possess more than two saltwater striped bass that exceed 22 inches, and culling striped bass from the creel is unlawful between June 15th and October 15th.
License Tip: Freshwater license required.
Regulation: No more than two saltwater striped bass over 22 inches; no culling June 15–Oct 15.
Pro Tip: Use long casts and light line for wary fish.
6. Weiss Lake – Crappie Capital of the World
Known as the “Crappie Capital of the World,” Weiss Lake offers outstanding crappie fishing, along with opportunities for largemouth bass and catfish. This 30,000-acre reservoir features abundant submerged timber and brush piles perfect for crappie. Anglers targeting panfish will find Weiss Lake highly productive. Note that it is illegal to possess crappie less than 10 inches in total length here.
License Tip: Freshwater license required.
Pro Tip: Target submerged timber with jigs in spring.
7. Smith Lake (Lewis Smith Reservoir) – Trophy Bass Destination
Smith Lake is renowned as a destination for trophy-sized bass (including spotted bass, which were formerly known as Alabama bass in the Mobile drainage) and other large fish like crappie and striped bass. Anglers target monstrous striped bass, sometimes exceeding 50 pounds. Specific regulations include a slot limit making it illegal to possess black bass between 13 and 15 inches, and restrictions on striped bass over 22 inches, plus a no-cull rule from June 15th to October 15th.
License Tip: Freshwater license required.
Regulation: Slot limits for black bass; no culling of striped bass June 15–Oct 15.
Pro Tip: Fish deep points in summer for monster stripers.
8. Gulf Shores and Orange Beach – Saltwater Fishing Excellence
The Gulf Coast near Gulf Shores and Orange Beach offers some of Alabama’s best saltwater fishing. These areas provide access to both inshore fishing for species like speckled trout, redfish, flounder, and sheepshead, as well as offshore adventures targeting red snapper, grouper, amberjack, king mackerel, and cobia. Numerous artificial reefs and oil rigs attract game fish.
License Tip: Saltwater license required for all anglers 16–64.
Regulation: Red snapper season opens May 23, 2025.
Pro Tip: Book a charter for red snapper and target brackish bays for inshore species.
9. Pickwick Lake – Premier Bass Fishery
Pickwick Lake consistently ranks among Alabama’s top fisheries for bass. This Tennessee River impoundment offers excellent fishing for smallmouth and largemouth bass. Anglers should be aware that it is illegal to possess any smallmouth or largemouth bass less than 15 inches in total length from Pickwick Reservoir. It is also illegal to possess crappie less than nine inches here.
License Tip: Freshwater license required.
Regulation: All bass under 15 inches and crappie under 9 inches must be released.
Pro Tip: Fish current breaks and rocky points with swimbaits.
10. Alabama Public Fishing Lakes (PFLs) – Accessible Quality Fishing
The Alabama Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries Division manages 23 public fishing lakes across 20 counties. These lakes are stocked with largemouth bass, bluegill, redear sunfish, and channel catfish, making them perfect for anglers of all skill levels. They provide quality fishing opportunities close to home for many residents and visitors.
License Tip: Daily or annual freshwater license required.
Pro Tip: Visit in early spring for bream and bass as these lakes warm up quickly.
Who needs a fishing license in Alabama?
All residents and visitors aged 16–64, unless exempt (e.g., residents 65+, fishing on private land).
What types of licenses are available?
Freshwater, saltwater, trip, annual, and lifetime licenses. Reef fish endorsements are required for certain Gulf species.
Where can I buy a license?
Online at Outdoor Alabama, at probate offices, or sporting goods stores.
Alabama Fishing Regulations for 2025
Before heading out, understanding Alabama’s fishing regulations is crucial. These rules help protect fish populations and ensure sustainable fishing. A saltwater fishing license is required for all persons fishing or possessing fish in saltwater areas, with exemptions for those under 16 and residents 65 or older (though registration may still be required).
| Species/Area | Season/Limit Highlights |
|---|---|
| Red Snapper | May 23–June 30 (7 days/week), then weekends |
| Bass & Crappie | Best in spring and early summer |
| Inshore Saltwater | Year-round for redfish, trout, flounder |
| Black Bass | 10/day, size limits vary by lake |
| Crappie | 30/day, 9–10″ minimum (check local rules) |
| Red Drum (Redfish) | 16–26″ slot, 3/day + 1 oversized |
| Spotted Seatrout | 15″ min, 6/day + 1 oversized |
| Flounder | 14″ min, 5/day |
Freshwater Limits
Key daily creel limits for public waters (exceptions may apply to specific lakes):
| Species | Daily Limit | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Black Bass (combination) | 10 | No more than 5 may be smallmouth bass. See specific lake size limits. |
| Crappie | 30 | Generally 9-inch minimum length, exceptions apply (e.g., Weiss Lake). |
| Catfish (22″) | ||
| Red Snapper | 16″ min TL | 2 per person |
| Flounder | 14″ min TL | 5 per person |
| Sheepshead | 12″ min Fork Length (FL) | 10 per person |
| King Mackerel | 24″ min FL | 3 per person |
| Spanish Mackerel | None | 15 per person |
| Greater Amberjack | 34″ min FL | 1 per person |
| Gray Triggerfish | 15″ min FL | 1 per person |
| Gag Grouper | 24″ min TL | 2 per person (within 4 grouper aggregate) |
| Red Grouper | 20″ min TL | 2 per person (within 4 grouper aggregate) |
| Source:,, |
Fishing Seasons in Alabama for 2025
Alabama offers year-round fishing for many species. Public streams and lakes are generally open throughout the year.
- Inshore Species: Redfish, trout, drum, and flounder are available year-round.
- Red Snapper: The 2025 season for private anglers and state-licensed charters opens Friday, May 23. Fishing is allowed 7 days a week through Monday, June 30. Starting July 4, the season transitions to four-day weekends (Friday-Monday) until the private angler quota (anticipated at 664,552 pounds) is met. Federal for-hire vessels have separate seasons determined by NOAA Fisheries.
- Amberjack: Peaks often occur in May and August, subject to federal and state regulations.
- Bass & Crappie: Spring (spawning) and summer are typically peak times for bass. Crappie fishing is often best in spring.
Always check the latest updates from the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (ADCNR) and NOAA Fisheries, as seasons and regulations can change.
Conclusion
Alabama’s lakes, rivers, and Gulf Coast deliver world-class fishing in 2025. Secure your fishing license, check the latest regulations, and plan your trip to one of these top 10 spots. For updates and license purchases, visit Outdoor Alabama. Tight lines and happy fishing!
