Fishing Pickwick Lake
AKA: Pickwick Reservoir
Popular Fish Species Pickwick 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 Pickwick 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.
Crappie Fishing
Crappie anglers can fish for both black crappie and white crappie at Pickwick Lake. These two species tend to school separately. However, once located around cover, you may catch both species, as they often use the same cover. For best results when fishing for crappie, light line and small hooks are key, especially when fishing live or prepared baits. Crappie jigs are also productive her in a wide variety of colors. This is a good place to catch quantities of nice, fat slabs. Crappie fishing can be found in varying size schools, hanging around brush, vegetation, wood or other cover. Using a fish finder any time of year can help locate these crappie schools, 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. As the crappie move deep in summer and winter, follow points out deep, as well as find ledges near channels, especially areas with brush or timber in deeper water. The best time to catch crappie tends to be at dawn and dusk.
Channel Catfish Fishing
To fish for catfish on Pickwick Lake, most any rod and reel will work, as long as the line is strong enough. Flathead catfish and blue catfish also reside in the lake and fishing for them is often good as well. For serious catfish enthusiasts, using the right equipment improves success. A medium action, to medium-heavy action rod is ideal, in the 6' to 7' range. Use a slip sinker or Carolina rig with popular catfish baits on at least 10-pound line. Use sharp hooks with bait holders on the shank, or circle hooks for live bait. Pickwick Lake has a decent population of channel catfish, and they are eager to bite. The typical fish are about 2 pounds, with larger ones caught frequently. Night fishing for catfish often delivers better results than daytime fishing. Fishing for channel catfish is often most productive around any kind of structure in the area. In Spring channel catfish migrate toward incoming water, so stay up river away from the main lake. In early summer look for rocky banks, the bigger the rocks the better. In summer and winter deeper structure is where to look. The river end of the lake is often the area where the bigger catfish are caught. Road beds, creek channels and rocky points are all good places to begin.
Fish species to fish for...
Guide to fishing for largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, spotted bass, channel catfish, flathead catfish, blue catfish, black crappie, white crappie, walleye, bluegill, longear sunfish, redear sunfish, striped bass, hybrid striped bass and sauger at Pickwick Lake in Alabama.
Pickwick Lake Fishing Video
Largemouth and smallmouth bass are angler favorites at Pickwick Lake, a 43,000-acre reservoir located in the extreme northwest corner Alabama on the Tennessee River. At full pool 490 miles of shoreline await anglers in pursuit of the many species of fish which swim these waters.
Pickwick Lake, located on the Tennessee River in Alabama, is a renowned fishing destination known for its excellent fishing opportunities and picturesque surroundings. Spanning over 47,500 acres, the lake offers anglers a wide variety of fish species to target.
One of the popular fish species found in Pickwick Lake is smallmouth bass. Spotted bass also get a lot of attention here. The lake's structure, including rocky points, ledges, and submerged structure, provides ideal habitat for smallmouth bass. Anglers can target smallmouth bass using various techniques such as crankbaits, jigs, and soft plastic baits. Spring and fall are typically the best seasons for smallmouth bass fishing, as they become more active and aggressive during these times.
Largemouth bass is another sought-after species in Pickwick Lake. The lake's abundant cover, such as vegetation, boat docks, and fallen trees, provides excellent hiding spots for largemouth bass. Anglers can target largemouth bass using topwater lures, spinnerbaits, and plastic worms. Spring and fall are prime seasons for largemouth bass fishing, as the fish are more active and feeding actively during these periods.
Crappie fishing is excellent at times in Pickwick Lake, attracting anglers throughout the year. 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, especially during the spawning periods, tend to be the most productive for crappie fishing.
Catfish anglers will find opportunities in Pickwick Lake as well. Flathead catfish, channel catfish and blue catfish all populate 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.
Crappie, catfish, walleye, stripers, hybrid striped bass, sauger, spotted bass and numerous sunfish all call Pickwick home. There is limited access to shoreline for fishing from the bank, but canoes, kayaks, pontoons, pleasure boats and all types of fishing boats can provide access to this popular fishing destination. Rocky banks, boat docks, brush and creek channels are good places to locate fish. The Shoals area is well known as a great area for smallmouth bass. There are plenty of choices for camping, boat rentals, lodging, restaurants, fishing gear and other local services, many available at the marinas on the lake.
Primary fish species residing in Pickwick Lake
Click images for fishing tips and details about each species.
Pickwick Lake Amenities
Marina: YES
Boat Rental: YES
Boat Launch Ramp: YES
Campgrounds: YES
RV Hookups: YES
Lodging: YES
Convenience Store: NEARBY
Bait & Tackle: YES
Restaurant: NEARBY
Today's Weather & Forecast
Boating is a popular activity on Pickwick 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
Brush Creek Park Boat Launch Ramp
Located mid lake, on the north side of the lake, off Brush Creek Park Entrance Road, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.
Cane Creek Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the southeast section of the lake, south side, off Cane Creek Road, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.
Hayes Landing Boat Launch Ramp
Located mid lake, on the south side of the lake, off Margerum Road, this is a one-lane, concrete ramp with paved parking.
Natchez Trace Boat Launch Ramp
Located mid lake, on the south side of the lake, at the west end of the Natchez Trace Parkway Bridge, this is a four-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.
Waterloo Boat Launch Ramp
Located mid lake, on the north side of the lake, off Lauderdale County Road 14, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.
Fishing Guides On Pickwick Lake
Alabama Bass Guide - bass, crappie, stripers
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
Hart's RV Park Campground - 256 768-1555
Brush Creek Park Campground - 256 764-4043
Colbert County Rose Trail Park Campground - 256 360-2764
Buzzard Roost Campground - 256 810-2856
Tuscumbia RV Park - 866 930-7275
Heritage Acres RV Park - 256 383-7368
Pickwick Dam Campground - 865 361-9492
Pickwick Lake AL Map - Fishing & Camping Areas
Contact Information
Pickwick Lake
Florence Harbor Marina
1050 Clayborn Liles Dr
Florence, AL 35630
256 768-1299
Fishing lakes in each state.
101724
Pickwick Lake in Alabama.
ALABAMA
Information about fishing lakes in Alabama
Pickwick Lake provides some of the finest largemouth and smallmouth bass fishing in northwest AL.
