Fishing Neely Henry Lake
AKA: Neely Henry Reservoir
Popular Fish Species Neely Henry Lake, AL
Spotted Bass Fishing
Spotted bass are often found in small schools on steep banks, around rocky or sandy shorelines, points and ledges. They often prefer hanging out in slightly deeper water than largemouths. Here at Neely Henry Lake, 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. Smallmouth bass and largemouth bass also reside here in decent numbers.
Largemouth Bass Fishing
As a popular bass fishing tournament lake, Neely Henry Lake is well known to locals and anglers in the region as a good bass lake. Both weekend and tournament anglers have been catching bass in good numbers, and fish over 4 pounds are not uncommon. Decades of careful fisheries management by the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources has helped to maintain a thriving bass fishery here. Fishing for largemouth bass can be quite rewarding, with an occasional bass over 6 pounds being caught. In Neely Henry Lake, bass often move shallow and become fairly aggressive when they are in a feeding mood. Use shallow crankbaits around rip rap. Around grass, use worms, jigs, topwater and spinnerbaits. In deeper water, drop shot rigs, big worms, jigs and spoons are good options. In winter, spend your time fishing deeper structure where the bass spend much of their time.
White Crappie Fishing
Plenty of healthy white crappie reside in Neely Henry Lake, as they are making a nice comeback this year. The fish population is healthy and crappie fishing is excellent. The best time to catch crappie tends to be at dawn and dusk. Crappie always like cover and structure, so locate shallow brush and vegetation in Spring and Fall focusing on the 8 to 12 foot range. As the crappie move deep in summer and winter, follow points out to as deep as 30 to 35 feet, as well as ledges near channels at these depths. Live bait and small jigs are the most common method for crappie here.
Fish species to fish for...
Guide to fishing for largemouth bass, spotted bass, channel catfish, flathead catfish, white crappie, bluegill, redear sunfish, white bass, striped bass and hybrid striped bass at Neely Henry Lake in Alabama.
Neely Henry Lake Fishing Video
An area favorite for largemouth and spotted bass, Neely Henry Lake is a bass tournament mecca. This 11,000-acre, lake is located on the Coosa River in the northeast part of the state directly south of Gadsden.
Neely Henry Lake, located in northeastern Alabama, is a popular fishing destination known for its excellent fishing opportunities and beautiful scenery. Spanning over 11,200 acres, the lake offers anglers a variety of fish species to target.
Popular fish species found in Neely Henry Lake include spotted bass and largemouth 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 topwater lures, crankbaits, and soft plastic baits. Spring and fall are typically the best seasons for bass fishing, as the fish are more active and feeding aggressively.
Crappie fishing is also popular in Neely Henry Lake, 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, bridge pilings, and fallen trees. Live minnows, jigs, and small plastic baits are effective in enticing crappie bites. The spring and fall seasons, especially during the spawning periods, tend to be the most productive for crappie fishing.
Catfish anglers will find opportunities in Neely Henry Lake as well. Channel catfish and flathead catfish are commonly caught in the lake. Anglers can target catfish using a variety of baits such as cut bait, chicken liver, or stinkbaits. The lake's deep channels, drop-offs, and areas with structure are prime spots for catfish fishing. Night fishing can be particularly productive for catfish, as they are more active during this time.
There are 339 miles of shoreline, much of which is dotted with boat docks which offer cover for bass and sunfish. Gravel points and laydowns are also magnets for bass. Crappie are a second favorite here, and the lake also sports healthy populations of catfish, white bass, striped bass, hybrid stripers, bluegill and other sunfish. There is limited access to the shoreline for bank fishing, but two fishing piers are available to the public. The public boat launch ramps allows launching of power boats, pleasure boats and all types of fishing boats. Ten Islands Historic Park has a boat ramp, parking and shoreline accessible for fishing or launch of a canoe or kayak.
Primary fish species residing in Neely Henry Lake
Click images for fishing tips and details about each species.
Neely Henry Lake Amenities
Marina: YES
Boat Rental: NO
Boat Launch Ramp: YES
Campgrounds: YES
RV Hookups: YES
Lodging: NEARBY
Convenience Store: NEARBY
Bait & Tackle: NO
Restaurant: YES
Today's Weather & Forecast
Boating is a popular activity on Neely Henry Lake, providing anglers with the opportunity to explore different areas and access prime fishing spots. The lake offers several boat ramps for easy launching, accommodating various watercraft such as boats, pontoons, and kayaks.
Public Boat Launch Ramps & Landings
Canoe Creek Boat Launch Ramp
Located mid lake, west side, off Byrd Lane, this is a four-lane, concrete ramp with docks and paved parking.
Coosa Landing Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the northeast section of the lake, off at the east end of the E Broad Street Bridge, this is a six-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.
Greensport Marina and General Store Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the southwest section of the lake, off Greensport Road, this is a three-lane, concrete ramp with docks and gravel parking.
Rainbow Landing Boat Launch Ramp
Located mid lake, west side, off State Route 77, this is a one-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.
Tillisons Bend Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the northeast section of the lake, south side, off Lonz Street, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.
Fishing Guides On Neely Henry Lake
Neely Henry Guides - 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.
Camping facilities and RV parks are available around the lake, allowing anglers to extend their fishing trips and immerse themselves in the natural surroundings.
Campgrounds & RV Parks Nearby
River Country Campground - 256 543-7111
Pineview RV & Mobile Home Park - 256 328-5270
Neely Henry Lake AL Map - Fishing & Camping Areas
Contact Information
Neely Henry Lake
River Country Campground
1 River Rd
Gadsden, AL 35901
256 543-7111
Fishing lakes in each state.
082624
Neely Henry Lake in Alabama.
ALABAMA
Information about fishing lakes in Alabama
Neely Henry Lake is a favorite for largemouth and spotted bass fishing in northeast Alabama.
