Fishing Lake Martin

AKA: Martin Reservoir

Most Popular Fish
Lake Martin Fishing Video
Available Fish Species
Amenities
Today's Weather & Forecast
Boat Launch Ramps
Fishing Boat Rentals
Marinas
Local Fishing Guides
Fishing License
Campgrounds & RV Parks
Map
Contact Info

Lake Martin, AL

Popular Fish Species Lake Martin

Spotted Bass Fishing

Spotted bass are often found in small schools around rocky or sandy shorelines, points and ledges. They prefer hanging out in slightly deeper water than largemouths. Here at Lake Martin, they are a favorite of many local anglers, as they are plentiful and put up a good tussle when hooked. 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, small sunfish and small 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 drop-shot worms and jigs. Throughout winter, spend your time on deeper structure with small worms, jigs and spoons. Shoal bass and largemouth bass also reside here in decent numbers.

Crappie Fishing

Both black crappie and white crappie make their home in Lake Martin, with white crappie often out-weighing black crappie. Both species provide great fishing entertainment and are desired "slabs". 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.

Wilson Lake Popular Fish - Largemouth Bass

Largemouth Bass Fishing

As one of the top bass fishing lakes in Alabama, and a favorite lake for bass tournaments, Lake Martin continues to deliver great results. Recent success by locals, and many bass fishing tournament organizations, attest that fishing for largemouth bass has been very good. A significant number of large bass also roam these waters for the added bonus of a potential lunker. Excellent fisheries management by the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources has maintained a quality bass fishery for some time now. Generally speaking, when the bite is good bass often move shallow and become fairly aggressive. Any time you find them shallow and they seem disinterested in your presentations, try slowing down and use smaller, lighter baits. 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 Lake Martin on deeper structure where the bass spend much of their time. Fishing for largemouth bass is good here is year round.

Fish species to fish for...

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

Lake Martin Fishing Video

The most popular boating and fishing lake in Alabama, Lake Martin is an angling paradise with 40,000 surface acres. Located directly south of Alexander City in Central Alabama on the Talapoosa River, there is both public and private access for boat launching and marina facilities.

Lake Martin, located in central Alabama, is a premier fishing destination known for its pristine waters and abundant fish populations. Spanning over 44,000 acres, the lake offers anglers a wide range of fishing opportunities.

One of the popular fish species found in Lake Martin is largemouth bass. Smallmouth bass and spotted bass also reside here. The lake's structure, including submerged vegetation, boat docks, and rocky areas, provides excellent habitat for bass. Anglers can target bass using various techniques such as topwater lures, plastic worms, and crankbaits. Spring and fall are typically the best seasons to fish for bass, as the fish are more active and feeding aggressively.

Crappie fishing is also highly regarded in Lake Martin, attracting anglers year-round. 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.

Lake Martin is also known for its striped bass fishery. The lake boasts a healthy population of striped bass, providing exciting fishing opportunities. Anglers target striped bass using live bait such as shad or artificial lures. Striped bass can be found in the deeper parts of the lake, particularly near points, ledges, and channels.

Before fishing at Lake Martin, 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.

Over 750 miles of shoreline with bluffs and tree-lined banks provide untold amounts of targets for casting. The lake has healthy populations of bass, catfish, crappie, sunfish and stripers. Due to the relatively clear water, fish can be spooked easily. Long casts and lighter lines are a good approach here. The lake is used for watersport activities as well as fishing so boat traffic may include pleasure boats, canoes, sailboats, kayaks, pontoons and a wide variety of fishing boats. Spring and fall are the best times for fishing here, but winter also produces some really nice stringers of spotted bass. Area campgrounds provide close-by access to fishing areas.

Primary fish species residing in Lake Martin

Click images for fishing tips and details about each species.

Lake Martin Amenities

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

Today's Weather & Forecast

Boating is a popular activity on Lake Martin, with its expansive waters and numerous coves to explore. The lake offers several boat ramps for easy launching, accommodating various watercraft such as boats, pontoons, and jet skis.

Fishing Boat Rentals

Harbor Pointe Marina
Rentals: Pontoon boats
256 825-0600

Lakeside Marina
Rentals: Pontoon boats
256 825-9286

Russell Marine
Rentals: Pontoon boats
256 257-8635

Southern Boat Rentals Lake Martin
Rentals: Pontoon boats
678-744-7449

Public Boat Launch Ramps & Landings

Alex City Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the northwest section of the lake, off Stowe Ferry Road, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.

Elkahatchee Creek Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the northwest section of the lake, off Colley Road, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.

Highway 34 Boat Launch Ramp
Located mid lake, on the north side of the lake, off Ramp Road, this is a one-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.

Lake Martin Public Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the southwest arm of the lake, north side, at the north end of the Our Children's Highway Bridge, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.

New Hope Baptist Church Public Boat Ramp
Located in the northwest section of the lake, off New Hope Church Road, this is a one-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and gravel parking.

Wind Creek State Park Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the northwest section of the lake, off Marina Road, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.

Marinas

Harbor Pointe Marina
397 Marina Pointe Road
Dadeville, Alabama 36853
256 825-0600

Lakeside Marina
7361 Hwy 49 South
Dadeville, AL 36853
256 825-9286

Lakeside Marina at Bay Pines
3455 Bay Pine Road
Jackson's Gap, AL 36861
256 825-0999

Smith Marina on Lake Martin
1590 Pine Point Rd.
Alexander City, AL 35010
256 444-8793