Guide To The Best Fishing Spots For Catfish In Alabama

All about fishing for flathead, blue, white and channel catfish in AL.

Catfish are found in most waters in Alabama. Major lakes like Bankhead Lake, Bartlett’s Ferry Reservoir, Bear Creek Reservoir, Big Creek Lake, Cedar Creek Reservoir, Gainesville Lake, Jones Bluff Reservoir, Jordan Lake, Lake Eufaula, Lake Guntersville, Lake Harding, Lake Martin, Lake Mitchell, Lake Oliver, Lake Tuscaloosa, Lake Wedowee, Lay Lake, Lewis Smith Lake, Logan Martin Lake, Millers Ferry Reservoir, Neely Henry Lake, Pickensville Lake, Pickwick Lake, R E Bob Woodruff Lake, R L Harris Reservoir, Smith Lake, Walter F. George Lake, Weiss Lake, West Point Lake, Wheeler Lake, William Bill Dannelly Reservoir, Wilson Lake, Yates Lake and other lakes have abundant populations of catfish. Additionally catfish are found in most rivers and streams throughout the state.

Click the images and links above for species details.

What's the best bait for catfish in Alabama?

Choose from the top 5 all-time catfish baits and try them on local waters. Appealing to the keen sense of smell and taste could turn a so-so day into a memorable event.

Alabama State Record Catfish

The state record channel catfish was caught from Inland Lake.

The state record flathead catfish came from the Alabama River.

The state record blue catfish came out of Holt Reservoir.

The state record white catfish came out of Chambers Co. Public Lake.

Best Alabama catfish bait?

Jason Trahan has found shrimp soaked in Anise has been one of the most effective baits for catching catfish in Alabama. 90% of his catches are channel cats and about 10% are blue catfish. This is a blue catfish that weighed 23 pounds and measured 36.5 inches in length. It was caught out of Lake Neely Henry.

There are many species of catfish and even more ways to catch them. Adults range in size from less than a pound to hundreds of pounds. Catfish are found in all types of water including ponds, streams, lakes and rivers throughout Alabama. There are even species which spend a limited amount of time on dry land. Big giant catfish put up a very noble fight once hooked.

Catfish Fishing Video

Most catfish are considered bottom feeders to one extent or another. They will generally eat anything that can get in their mouth. Their strongest sense is smell which they use to locate potential food sources. Capitalizing on this sense is the primary weapon in your search for them. Catfish have been caught on most types of fast moving bass lures so don't under estimate their ability to catch live bait.

Additional catfishing information resources.

Catfish Conservation Group

U.S. Catfish Anglers Tournaments

Planet Catfish

States with catfish.