Popular Birmingham Fishing Spots
Situated in the Jones Valley, Birmingham, AL, is full of creeks, rivers, and parks that are suitable for fishing. The rivers flowing across the state offer anglers many opportunities to find the right fishing spot.
The rivers and reservoirs are full of largemouth and smallmouth bass predominantly, but other fish species are found there, too, like stocked trout, crappie, brim, and more.
If you plan on visiting these Alabama lakes near Birmingham and trying your luck at fishing in the Alabama waters, you will find this article useful. If searching, we explored the best fishing spots near me while in Birmingham and listed them below. Additionally, you will learn more about the fish species you can find nearby.
Best Spots for Fishing in Birmingham AL
The climate for fishing in Birmingham, Alabama, is convenient, and there are several lakes near Birmingham, Alabama, that you mustn’t miss. Read more about them below:
Lake Purdy
When it comes to fishing in Birmingham, AL, Lake Purdy is the first stop – simply because it’s only a 25-minute drive from downtown. Lake Purdy is a manmade lake built in 1993. It is home to many largemouths, spotted bass, and smallmouths – the bass family predominantly, but also you can find crappies, catfish, or breams.
Along with the excellent fishing conditions in this lake, there are more reasons we like fishing at this lake. Firstly, if you’re a foreign angler, you don’t have to worry too much about the equipment because there are excellent fishing shops around if you forget something. Moreover, you have boat rentals for affordable prices, and you get to explore the lake and the surrounding area.
Secondly, there are no private boats here, creating a healthy environment for the fish species to grow into quality catches.
Oak Mountain State Park
Usually, anglers lodging in Birmingham visit Oak Mountain State Park because it’s only a 35-minute drive from the city and because it features more outdoor activities.
Fishing-wise, there are three lakes at Oak Mountain State Park: Double Oak Lake, Beaver Lake, and Lunker Lake. All three lakes are stocked with largemouth bass, crappies, breams, and catfish. Mind that the fishing season is always open, but gasoline motor boats are strongly prohibited to prevent harmful chemicals from entering the lake. If you prefer fishing on a boat, you can do it on an electric boat.
Apart from fishing, swimming is also included in the package of this state park. Double Oak Lake’s sandy beach is ancient and worth visiting this natural inheritance. Speaking of natural heritage, Oak Mountain State Park has hiking trails to walk and enjoy the beautiful nature surrounding the park. They are appropriate for any age, so that everyone can fully sense nature.
Ultimately, remember that golfing, biking, horse-riding, and camping are also available at Oak Mountain State Park. You can bring your friends and family and spend quality time in the beautiful outdoors.
Sipsey Fork
Moving to northern Alabama, about a 45-50-minute drive from Birmingham, you will reach Sipsey Fork.
This reservoir is home to many trout. By many, we mean about 1,000 pounds of trout restocked every third Thursday in the month. There are some changes in the restocking, sometimes 1,100 pounds, and others 1,000. Be it as it may, 3,000 new trout swim in Sipsey Fork every third Thursday of the month.
The rainbow trout family’s environment is a product of water filtration. Namely, unprocessed water is withdrawn from the lake’s depths and spun into two turbines that generate power in the powerhouse. However, the water that gets out is clear and always 70 degrees, which is the perfect climate for trout and provides anglers with convenient fishing conditions all year round.
However, you should know that fishing in this lake has a strict fishing policy. In a nutshell, it’s a catch-and-release, which means culling the trout is strongly prohibited.
Ultimately, the last reason we recommend Sipsey Fork is the fishing setting you will notice. Alabama Power Company, Trout Unlimited, and WFF projected excellent habitats for trout by creating rocky areas and woody structures.
Cahaba River
Moving from the lake water structures to the Cahaba River. Cahaba flows in the middle of Alabama, and it is one of the nearest river fishing opportunities to Birmingham. However, distance is one of the many advantages of the Cahaba River, aside from the fish population.
There are 135 fish species living in the Cahaba River, including bream, bluegill, spotted bass, largemouth bass, crappies, and redear. If you’re a fan of fly fishing, this river is one of the best places to test your skills. In fact, many anglers specifically come here to fly fish, and some of them have even conducted studies on the Cahaba River.
However, you should know that the Cahaba River is not recommended for motorboats or fishing from the shore. The flow of the river makes it simply beyond approach. You may use a canoe or kayak and avoid the trouble.
Lastly, know that anglers fishing at the Cahaba River need an Alabama Fishing License. We will discuss the methods of obtaining an Alabama Fishing License in detail below.
Georgetown Lake Park
If you drive south from Birmingham and take I-65 S for only 15 minutes, you will reach Georgetown Lake Park.
The lake is not large, and there are no excellent conditions for boating, kayaking, or paddleboarding, but you can find a decent spot for a weekend fishing adventure. Georgetown Lake is home to largemouth bass, spotted bass, bluegills, and carp. Although visitors claim that the lake hasn’t been restocked in ages on fishing forums, a significant number of fish can be found.
Anglers usually choose the bank as their fishing spot, targeting a largemouth or a carp. These fish are known to be ambush predators, as we will explain in detail below, and they tend to wait on their prey inside the bushes, logs, or rocky areas.
Ultimately, Georgetown Lake Park is a less-frequented park, and it’s the perfect location when you look for peace and a place to clear your head. Plus, the jogging trails take you to greenery where you can reconnect with nature.
Joe Tucker Park
Joe Tucker Park is located in Birmingham on the southwestern side. It’s an hour drive (give or take) from the city. The park is a familiar gathering place for the locals. There are playgrounds and walking trails; it’s even recommended for jogging.
Although Jow Tucker Lake is not promoted online, we must mention that the largemouth bass’ sizes are on the trophy side. Since we’re all looking for a trophy-like challenge where we can test our skills, Joe Tucker deserves a place on this list.
Texas Rig is by far one of our (foreigners) favorite rigs, but the Wacky rig seems to be trendier there and predominantly used over the T-rig.
Fish Species in Birmingham, Alabama
Alabama waters are home to many fish families that are impossible to mention. As mentioned above, only the Cahaba River has 135 fish species that are distributed all around the lakes nearby.
Below, we discuss the main fish species that can be found in Birmingham, Alabama.
Largemouth Bass
Largemouth bass is the predominant species inhabiting Birmingham, Alabama, Lakes. Yet, besides the lakes, the largemouth bass can create habitats in ponds, rivers, streams, or large reservoirs.
They are known to be ambush predators and carnivores. You may not always see them, but their usual hiding places are in rocky areas, under leaves, or near the banks. They feed on smaller fish such as minnows, frogs, crabs, or even insects (especially while younger), and they can be very aggressive.
Basses are also protective during the spawning season. If you fish during this season, expect resistance and strong pulling, and they will not be the ones to break first. You can recognize them by their greenish bodies with black stripes and their large mouths, of course. Their green and black body allows them to camouflage easily and outsmart their prey.
Spotted Bass
By nature and biology, the spotted bass shares pretty much the same characteristics as the largemouth bass. Both are ambush predators, usually found in vegetative areas, trying to hide and ambush their prey. Spotted bass, while smaller, hides in the bushes to avoid being eaten by the bigger fish. Once they grow up, they feed on smaller fish, insects, or frogs.
Spotted and largemouth bass are both overly protective of their new eggs. In April and May, males patrol around the eggs to deter any potential danger. If an angler makes a move on a spotted bass during this season, they can expect resistance and aggressiveness.
But the only difference that makes them so distinguishable is their appearance. The spotted bass is significantly different in appearance. Firstly, they do not grow as large as largemouth bass, and their mouths are not as large. Additionally, both fish have greenish bodies with black stripes, but the striper has a less bold black line than the largemouth bass.
Bluegill
Rivers, streams, and lakes in Birmingham, Alabama, are home to many bluegills. In fact, bluegills are the second-largest family of fish in the lakes of Birmingham, AL.
A characteristic of bluegills is their spawning season, which begins in April and lasts until September. They spawn on a full moon each month during the season; during this time, they are susceptible.
Otherwise, the bluegills are prey fish. They are stocked in reservoirs as food for largemouth bass or other predator fish. They are usually small, only 7-15 inches.
Additionally, bluegills are the best fish for younger children. Bluegill’s survival skills are weaker, and they would give up during a fight. Young anglers will learn the basics of fishing from the early stage, and more importantly, they will feel like they’ve achieved something big.
(White) Crappie
Crappies densely populate the waters of the lakes near Birmingham, AL. Similar to the largemouth, white crappies are also carnivores. While they’re young, the white crappies tend to feed on lake insects, crayfish, etc., and once they grow up, they feed on smaller fish like minnows or bluegills.
White crappies prefer rivers over lakes. Also, they can easily integrate into streams but not lakes. Firstly, without proper care in the lake conditions, the white crappies may overpopulate and affect the growth of other fish like the largemouth basses and bluegills.
If you’ve never seen white crappie before, they are easily recognizable thanks to their “compressed” silverish body. The average size of white crappie is usually 6-20 inches big.
Tips for Fishing in Guntersville, Alabama
Before heading out for a day of fishing in Guntersville, Alabama, here are some tips to help you make the most of your time on the water:
Bring the Right Gear
Pack appropriate fishing gear, including a high-quality rod, reels, lines, and bait. Finally, don’t forget to bring sunscreen, insect repellent, and a first aid kit to be safe and protected.
Choose the Best Time for Your Trip
According to the Guntersville fishing report, the best times to fish in Guntersville, Alabama, are spring and fall, when water temperatures are cooler. So, aim for March through May and October through December. Summer can be hot and crowded, making it more challenging to catch fish.
Select Your Bait Wisely
Popular baits for Guntersville, Alabama, fishing include jigs, spinnerbaits, soft plastics, and live baits such as shad or worms. Talk to local Guntersville fishing guides to find out what’s currently working.
Follow the Regulations
Make sure to follow the Guntersville, Alabama, fishing regulations, including bag limits, size limits, and fishing season dates. You don’t want to end your holiday with a fine!
Consider Hiring a Fishing Guide
Local Guntersville fishing guides can provide valuable insight into the area, the best micro-locations, the most effective baits, and current conditions. This can significantly improve your chances of catching fish and having a successful fishing trip.
Tips for Fishing in Birmingham, Alabama
As mentioned, largemouth bass, crappies, bluegills, and spotted bass are the predominant species in the fish population. Perhaps because of their great popularity, we often see them targeted as championship fish.
Catching a trophy requires wit over skills. Often, you need to think like a fish to outsmart them. Many non-fishing people assume that all fish get hooked on the same bait. But the real fisher recognizes and identifies multiple fish personalities that get caught on separate fishing baits.
Below, we specify the required fishing gear for the most popular fish in the lakes near Birmingham, Alabama.
Best Lures and Rigs for Largemouth Bass
Largemouth basses are carnivores and tend to feed on smaller fish like minnows, crabs, or other small sea or lake animals, so it’s only logical that live baits work like a charm here. Therefore, live worms appear to work fine. Plastic lures, such as worms or jigs, are just as effective as live baits.
As for the rigs, the most popular rig for largemouths is the C-rig. It is practical, easy to understand, and works like a charm with almost all largemouth lures. T-rig is also popular, but the Carolina rig is simply versatile.
Best Lures and Rigs for Crappies
Crappies are one of the fish targets usually recommended for beginners. They do not require overly demanding techniques to be lured, but the angler still needs to be prepared.
By nature, crappies are predatory fish, but they are omnivores. Typically, they feed on smaller fish like minnows, but they also eat worms and plants. The skipping technique is one of the best ways to catch crappie, but it’s also essential to know where and how to approach crappies.
Since they are usually hiding in the bushes, you need to catch their attention or provoke a reaction. Use a plastic bait, such as a worm or other lure, and make a few moves by using the shaky technique. Make sure to mimic the movements as realistically as possible to lure them out of the ambush.
Best Lures and Rigs for Spotted Bass
Although largemouth and spotted bass belong to the same family, there are still some significant differences between them. Namely, the spotted bass are less common than the largemouth basses and smaller in size than their relative largemouths. In terms of spirit, the spotted bass is just as feisty as the big fish.
However, the most recommended lures for hooking spotted bass are spinnerbaits. Plus, other realistic lures also work great for spotted bass. Yet, if you don’t own any of these baits, you can use the spoon lure that works on all bass families and other fish types. In fact, flashing the light from the spoon into the spotted bass provokes them to feed their curiosity or fight off the light.
As for the rigs, the Drop-shot rig appears to be most suitable for the spotted bass.
Best Fishing Gear for Bluegills
Bluegills also mostly populate the lakes in Birmingham, Alabama. They can be quite an attraction for winter fishing, though they are usually considered prey fish.
Ice fishing is one of the main attractions for Birmingham, AL, fishing because it requires a different approach to fishing bluegills. Namely, bluegills are not aggressive; they are prey fish and feed less. You don’t need a lot of food to lure them, but you need bright hooks.
One of the must-have pieces of equipment for bluegill ice fishing is colorful hooks; you may also find them in teardrop form. These catch the bluegill’s attention and pique their interest. As a lure, bluegills love worms. You can use live bait worms or plastic ones. It’s up to you. T-rig, or C-rig, are the two most favorite rigs among anglers regarding worm baits.
For the last tip, always wiggle the bait every 30 seconds to provoke a reaction from the bluegill.
Birmingham AL Fishing Regulations
Fishing in Birmingham, Alabama, lakes is only possible with a license, meaning every angler must have a permit before casting their bait.
Specifically, all individuals aged 16 to 64 must possess a valid fishing license. You can determine the validity of the permit depending on how long you intend to fish. If you’re fishing for even a day, know that daily licenses are also possible. And, if you’re a more regular recreational angler and you intend to fish around Alabama, then get the yearly one.
You should be aware that parks and other areas in Alabama have their own fishing regulations. You should always obey both sides – the local and governmental. Bonus information: Fishing regulations are subject to change throughout the year. Therefore, you must ensure that you stay up to date with the rules before booking a holiday.
The fishing licenses are available in bait or fishing shops and online, and you can get whichever works best for you. But what’s even more appealing about the fishing licenses is that with every fishing license bought, you practically support the aquatic resources of Alabama. This is one of the best ways Alabama has picked to raise awareness about its natural inheritance.
Fishing in Birmingham, Alabama: Final Words
To conclude, fishing in Birmingham, AL, is quite dynamic. As we have seen, many beautiful lakes, reservoirs, ponds, rivers, and streams around Birmingham provide ideal habitat for the fish that inhabit Alabama waters.
Although many fish species inhabit the lakes near Birmingham, Alabama, the most common are the largemouth bass, spotted bass, crappies, and bluegills. Usually, many foreign visitors expect to see striped bass, but unfortunately, the lakes near Birmingham, AL, do not offer the best conditions for striped bass.
Ultimately, let’s not forget that fishing in Birmingham offers priceless experiences and unforgettable views of the nature surrounding the lakes. We hope you found the article helpful and that it answered your question, “Where to fish in Birmingham, AL?”.
