Fishing Lewis Smith Lake

AKA: Smith Lake

By AA-Fishing Staff Writers

Popular Fish Species Lewis Smith Lake, AL

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Spotted Bass Fishing

Spotted bass are more popular here than largemouth bass or smallmouth. They tend to gather in small schools in search of food. Here at Lewis Smith Lake, they are a favorite of many local anglers, as they are plentiful and put up a very strong battle. 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. Smallmouth bass and largemouth bass also reside here in good numbers.

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Crappie Fishing

Black and white crappie both reside in Lewis Smith Lake, with black crappie typically providing the bigger "slabs". 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 sizeable schools. Crappie always like cover and structure, so locate brush and vegetation. 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.

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Striped Bass Fishing

Due to their large size, striped bass are a favorite of many locals and fishing guides at Lewis Smith Lake. They are plentiful, run in schools and can grow to bragging size. The most productive way to catch stripers here is using live blueback herring or shad legally caught in the lake for bait. At times, artificial lures work with top-water being the most exciting. In Spring and Fall work the upper end of the lake where water is flowing into the lake. Look for deeper water in the river channel, as a holding place for stripers. In Summer and Winter, stripers hang out in deeper water during the day Morning often draws the stripers to much shallower water, look for them from the surface down to around the 20-foot range as they feed on shallow-running schools of bait. The lake is filled with plenty of baitfish and sunfish to to keep the fishery thriving. Being successful at fishing for stripers is a matter of locating schools of bait, and the wolf packs of stripers which are likely to be nearby. Fish finders, and forward facing sonar, are a big help in locating these roaming schools. Live bait is very effective here, and stripers can be caught year round.

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Fish species to fish for...

Guide to fishing for largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, spotted bass, channel catfish, black crappie, white crappie, bluegill, redear sunfish, white bass and striped bass at Smith Lake in Alabama.

Smith Lake Fishing Video

Lewis Smith Lake, located in north-central Alabama, is a renowned fishing destination known for its clear waters and abundant fish populations. Spanning over 21,000 acres, the lake offers anglers a variety of fishing opportunities.

Known for monster striped bass, Smith Lake AKA Lewis Smith Lake is a 21,000-acre lake located in north-central Alabama about an hour north of Birmingham. In addition to big stripers, catfish, crappie, bluegill, white bass, sunfish and largemouth, spotted and smallmouth bass all thrive here.

One of the popular fish species found in Lewis Smith Lake is spotted bass, also known as Alabama spotted bass. The lake is known for its exceptional spotted bass, largemouth bass and smallmouth bass fishing, attracting anglers from far and wide. Spotted bass thrive in the lake's clear waters and rocky shorelines. Anglers can target spotted bass using various techniques such as finesse fishing with soft plastic baits, crankbaits, and topwater lures. Spring and fall are considered prime seasons for bass fishing on Lewis Smith Lake, as the fish are more active and feed aggressively.

Crappie fishing is also prevalent in Lewis Smith Lake, attracting anglers throughout the year. Both black crappie and white crappie can be found in the lake. Anglers often have success targeting crappie around submerged brush piles, fallen trees, and bridge pilings. Live minnows, jigs, and small plastic baits are effective in enticing crappie bites. The spring and fall seasons, especially during the spawning periods, are particularly productive for crappie fishing.

Striped bass, commonly known as stripers, are another sought-after species in Lewis Smith Lake. The lake is known for its trophy-sized striped bass, providing anglers with exciting fishing opportunities. Anglers target stripers using live bait such as shad, herring, or large artificial lures. Striped bass can be found in the deeper parts of the lake, particularly near points, ledges, and drop-offs.

Before fishing at Lewis Smith Lake, anglers should familiarize themselves with Alabama fishing regulations and obtain the necessary licenses. This ensures compliance with size and bag limits, as well as any specific regulations for the targeted fish species.

With over 500 miles of shoreline everyone can wet a line and know there is that chance of catching the fish of a lifetime. Much of the shoreline is dotted with boat docks, rocks and trees which all hold fish from time to time. Multiple boat ramps and marinas serve the public with gas, launching, fishing tackle, sundries, ice, food and a host of other items to enhance boating, fishing and camping trips at the lake. Bring your pleasure or fishing boat or find boat rentals locally. Choose from multiple campgrounds around the lake as headquarters for a family vacation or a weekend fishing trip.

Primary fish species residing in Lewis Smith Lake

Click images for fishing tips and details about each species.

Smith 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 Lewis Smith Lake, with its clear and expansive waters. Anglers can enjoy cruising the lake, exploring different fishing spots, and accessing prime fishing areas. The lake provides ample space for boats, pontoons, and other watercraft.

Fishing Boat Rentals

Cappy's Boats
Rentals: Pontoon boats
256 756-7946

Duskin Point Marina Boat Rentals
Rentals: Pontoon boats
205 384-6942

Grace's Retreat
Rentals: Pontoon boats
256 338-1741

Trident Marina
Rentals: Pontoon boats
256 286-0050

Public Boat Launch Ramps & Landings

Duncan Bridge Marina Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the southwest section of the lake, at the east end of the State Route 41 Bridge, this is a three-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.

Hidden Cove Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the northwest section of the lake, off County Road 3919, this is a one-lane, concrete ramp with gravel parking.

Lewis Smith Lake Public Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the northwest section of the lake, off County Road 108, this is a one-lane, concrete ramp with roadside parking.

Lick Creek Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the southeast section of the lake, off County Road 41, this is a one-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.

Smith Lake Public Boat Launch Ramp
Located mid lake, on the south side of the lake, off Smith Lake Dam Road, this is a four-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.

Smith Park Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the northeast section of the lake, off County Road 386, this is a six-lane, concrete ramp with docks and massive, paved parking.

Marinas

Duncan Bridge Marina
55 Marina Drive
Arley, Alabama 35541
205 387-1208

Smith Lake Marina & Resort
175 County Road 312
Cullman, Alabama 35057
256 737-7131

Trident Marine - Lay Lake
16229 HWY 42
Shelby, AL 35143
205 669-0077

Triple Creek Marina
1560 County Road 4022
Arley, AL 35541
205 388-0662

Fishing Guides On Lewis Smith Lake

Smith Lake Fishing Adventures - striped bass

If you offer fishing guide services on this lake, please contact us for a free listing, to be posted here.

Fishing License

Click here for a Alabama Fishing License.

Numerous campgrounds and RV spaces are available around the lake, allowing anglers to extend their fishing trips and immerse themselves in the natural beauty of the area.

Campgrounds & RV Parks Nearby

Smith Lake Park Campground - 256 739-2916

Speegle's Marina & Campground - 256 734-0698

Hidden Cove RV Resort Campground - 205 221-7042

Clear Creek Campground - 205 384-4792

Lakeshore Cabins & RV Campground - 361 438-4811

Smith Lake RV & Cabin Resort - 256 709-1820

Good Hope Campground - 256 739-1319

Smith Lake AL Map - Fishing & Camping Areas

Contact Information

Lewis Smith Lake
Smith Lake Park & Campground
403 Co Rd 386
Cullman, AL 35057
256 739-2916

Fishing lakes in each state.

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