Fishing Lay Lake

Popular Fish Species
Lay Lake Fishing Video
Available Fish Species
Amenities
Today's Weather & Forecast
Fishing Boat Rentals
Boat Launch Ramps
Marinas
Local Fishing Guides
Fishing License
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Lay Lake, AL

Popular Fish Species Lay Lake, AL

Largemouth Bass Fishing

Lay Lake offers good fishing for largemouth bass. Recently, the fishing for bass has been impressing locals and bass tournament anglers alike. Lay Lake is home to some big bass, thanks to excellent fisheries management by the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, as well as the availability of extensive cover for both baitfish and bass. When the bite is good, bass typically move shallow and are quite aggressive. If you find them shallow and they are not tempted to bite, slow down and use smaller, lighter baits. Fishing for largemouth bass is good virtually any time they are shallow - in spring, mornings in summer, and during warm Fall afternoons. Use shallow crankbaits around rip rap. Around grass use worms, jigs, topwater and spinnerbaits. In deeper water, big worms, jigs and spoons are three good weapons. In winter, spend your time fishing Lay Lake on deeper structure where the bass spend much of their time. Spotted bass also reside here in good numbers.

Spotted Bass Fishing

Spotted bass share the spotlight at Lay Lake with largemouth bass. They tend to gather in small schools, and are a favorite of many local anglers. Fishing for spotted bass can be good anytime you can locate them. Their diet consists mainly of crayfish and insects, but they also eat small baitfish, sunfish and bluegill. Most of the time, spots prefer to stage on steep rocky or gravel banks, and may move up and down the water column throughout the day. When shallow, use topwater or shallow crankbaits around rip rap. When they are deep, use worms and jigs. In winter, spend your time on deeper structure with small worms, jigs and spoons. Largemouth bass also reside here in good numbers.

Crappie Fishing

Black and white crappie both reside in Lay Lake, and they do school together. So when you find them you may catch both species. Crappie fishing is on the rise and they can be found in anywhere there is brush, weeds or wood. Using a fish finder can help locate schools of crappie, which tend to stack vertically around cover. Live bait and small jigs are the most common method for crappie here. In spring and fall focus on the 8 to 12 foot range. The best time to catch crappie tends to be at dawn and dusk. As the crappie move deep in summer and winter, follow points out deep, as well as find ledges near channels in deeper water.

Fish species to fish for...

Guide to fishing for largemouth bass, spotted bass, black crappie, white crappie, bluegill, redear sunfish, striped bass and hybrid striped bass at Lay Lake in Alabama.

Lay Lake Fishing Video

Lay Lake, located in central Alabama, is a renowned fishing destination known for its diverse fish populations and recreational opportunities. Spanning over 12,000 acres, the lake offers anglers an abundance of fishing options.

A favorite destination of boating enthusiasts and fishermen alike, Lay Lake is a popular lake for bass tournaments. Spotted and largemouth bass are favorite targets here on this 12,000-acre lake, located 30 miles south of Birmingham.

Popular fish species found in Lay Lake include largemouth bass and spotted bass. The lake's structure, including submerged vegetation, boat docks, and points, provides excellent habitat for bass. Anglers can target largemouth bass using various techniques such as flipping jigs, crankbaits, and soft plastic baits. Spring and fall are typically the best seasons for bass fishing, as the fish are more active and feeding actively during these times.

Crappie fishing is also highly regarded on Lay Lake, attracting anglers year-round. Both black crappie and white crappie can be found in the lake. Anglers often target crappie around submerged brush piles, bridge pilings, and fallen trees. Live minnows, jigs, and small plastic baits are effective in enticing crappie bites. The spring and fall seasons, particularly during the spawning periods, tend to be the most productive for crappie fishing.

Nearly 300 miles of shoreline, scattered with brush, steep banks and boat docks, are ideal hangouts for bass. The lake also has healthy populations of crappie, sunfish striped bass and hybrid stripers. Several stretches of shoreline are accessible for fishing from the bank, including areas nearby some of the boat launch ramps around the lake. Marinas, fish camps, bait stores, boat rentals, camping and other amenities enhance a stay at Lay Lake. Whether you like to fish from a canoe or kayak, a power boat, or the family pontoon, there are multitudes fish waiting to indulge you here.

Primary fish species residing in Lay Lake

Click images for fishing tips and details about each species.

Lay Lake Amenities

Marina: YES
Boat Rental: YES
Boat Launch Ramp: YES
Campgrounds: YES
RV Hookups: YES
Lodging: YES
Convenience Store: NEARBY
Bait & Tackle: NEARBY
Restaurant: YES

Today's Weather & Forecast

Boating is a popular activity on Lay Lake, allowing anglers to explore different areas and access prime fishing spots. The lake offers several boat ramps for easy launching, accommodating various watercraft such as boats and pontoons.

Fishing Boat Rentals

Trident Marine Lay Lake
Rentals: Pontoon boats
256-286-0050

Public Boat Launch Ramps & Landings

Beeswax Creek Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the northwest section of the lake, off Beeswax Park Road, this is a four-lane, concrete ramp with docks and paved parking.

Cedar Creek Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the northeast section of the lake, off County Road 31, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with docks and gravel parking.

Lacoosa Marina Boat Launch Ramp
Located mid lake, west side, off Lake Shore Drive, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.

Narrows Boat Launch Ramp
Located mid lake, west side, off County Road 400, this is a one-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.

Lay Lake Public Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the southwest section of the lake, off County Road 607, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with docks and paved parking.

Okomo Camp Ground & Boat Launch Ramp
Located mid lake, west side, off County Road 406, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and gravel parking.

Paint Creek Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the southeast section of the lake, off Paint Creek State Ramp Road, this is a one-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and gravel parking.

Paradise Point Boat Launch Ramp
Located mid lake, west side, off Paradise Point Marina Road, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with docks and gravel parking.

Marinas

LaCoosa Marina on Lay Lake
150 Lake Shore Dr
Shelby, AL 35143
205 917-0801

Paradise Point Marina & RV
231 Paradise Point Drive
Columbiana, AL 35051
205 669-1515