Fishing Lake Tuscaloosa
AKA: Tuscaloosa Reservoir
Popular Fish Species Lake Tuscaloosa, AL
Spotted Bass Fishing
Throughout Lake Tuscaloosa, 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 Lake Tuscaloosa, 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.
White Crappie Fishing
A healthy population of white crappie reside in Lake Tuscaloosa, in part due to length limits over the past years. 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.
Bluegill Fishing
Fishing for bluegill is a time-honored tradition at Lake Tuscaloosa. Young and old, beginners and seasoned anglers alike, all enjoy catching a bunch of fat bluegill. This year, much like recent years, the bluegill population is healthy and always looking for something to eat. Bluegill fishing is as basic as fishing gets. Any pole, reasonably small line and small hooks baited with anything edible, creates the ideal setup. Add a bobber and you can set the depth you prefer the bait to position. Bluegill hang around brush, rocks, vegetation or any cover available.
Fish species to fish for...
Guide to fishing for largemouth bass, spotted bass, channel catfish, blue catfish, black crappie, white crappie, bluegill and redear sunfish at Lake Tuscaloosa in Alabama.
Lake Tuscaloosa Fishing Video
Considered on of the tougher lakes for catching bass, Lake Tuscaloosa can also surprise you with some excellent days on the water. Alabama spotted bass are a treat here and often run in packs.
Lake Tuscaloosa, located in western Alabama, is a popular fishing destination known for its diverse fish populations and recreational opportunities. Spanning over 5,885 acres, the lake offers anglers a variety of fishing experiences.
Bass fishing is a major draw at Lake Tuscaloosa, with both largemouth bass and spotted bass being popular targets. 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, jigs, and crankbaits. Spring and fall are typically the best seasons for bass fishing, as the fish are more active and feeding aggressively.
Catfish are another popular species in Lake Tuscaloosa, with both channel catfish and blue catfish present. Anglers can target catfish using a variety of baits such as live bait, stinkbaits, or cut bait. 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 fishing is also prevalent in Lake Tuscaloosa, 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, tend to be the most productive for crappie fishing.
Sunfish, including bluegill and redear sunfish (shellcracker), are abundant in Lake Tuscaloosa. These panfish provide excellent opportunities for both adults and children to enjoy fishing. Anglers can target sunfish using small hooks and live bait, such as worms or crickets. Sunfish are often found near shallow areas, submerged vegetation, or around structure.
This 5,900-acre reservoir located 5 miles north of Tuscaloosa in west-central Alabama has 177 miles of shoreline to explore. Marinas, as well as public and private boat ramps, provide boating access and services to anglers and pleasure boaters alike. Canoes and kayaks can be launched at several locations around the lake from areas where shoreline fishing is also available. Catfish, crappie bluegill and sunfish also make Tuscaloosa Reservoir their home, and are available for catching.
Primary fish species residing in Lake Tuscaloosa
Click images for fishing tips and details about each species.
Lake Tuscaloosa Amenities
Marina: YES
Boat Rental: YES
Boat Launch Ramp: YES
Campgrounds: YES
RV Hookups: YES
Lodging: YES
Convenience Store: YES
Bait & Tackle: NEARBY
Restaurant: YES
Today's Weather & Forecast
Boating is a popular activity on Lake Tuscaloosa, 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.
Fishing Boat Rentals
Pier 43 on Lake Tuscaloosa
Rentals: Pontoon boats
205 339-4415
Public Boat Launch Ramps & Landings
Binion Creek Landing Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the northwest section of the lake, northeast side, at the north end of the US Highway 43 Bridge, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with docks and paved parking.
Sharpes Landing Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the southwest section of the lake, off Sharpes Lake Road, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking
Fishing Guides On Lake Tuscaloosa
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.
Nice camping facilities and picnic areas are available around the lake, allowing anglers to extend their fishing trips and enjoy the natural surroundings.
Campgrounds & RV Parks Nearby
Bob's Campground & Marina - 205 333-1397
Mount Olive RV Park - 205 534-9591
Lakewood RV & Mobile Home Park - 205 339-9555
Lake Tuscaloosa AL Map - Fishing & Camping Areas
Contact Information
Lake Tuscaloosa
Blue Heron Marina of Tuscaloosa
13458 N River Farm Dr
Northport, AL 35473
205 366-9400
Fishing lakes in each state.
082624
Lake Tuscaloosa in Alabama.
ALABAMA
Information about fishing lakes in Alabama
Lake Tuscaloosa provides quality fishing for Alabama spotted bass in west-central Alabama.
