Family Fishing Areas Reopen – Visit Alabama’s State Public Fishing Lakes

Families can again enjoy quality time together fishing. Childhood memories of fishing with parents and grandparents are an important part of the fishing experience to many anglers. Families can create new fishing memories as State Public Fishing Lakes, which have returned to their fishing season schedule and are open six or seven days each week. Alabama has 23 State Public Fishing Lakes scattered in 20 counties throughout Alabama.

State Public Fishing Lakes, also known as county lakes, are popular with families because of the abundance of bank access, on-site concessions and restrooms, fishing piers, and good fishing. Anglers in the family can enjoy fishing, while others can play on the grassy areas, or grill at the picnic areas.

Families wanting to go boating can launch their own boat. Fishing boats are welcome at the lakes, but most lakes do not allow the use of outboard motors. Families without a boat can enjoy fishing from a rented boat for $2 a day. Additional charges are added for anglers who need to rent lifejackets or who want to enjoy additional accessories such as a trolling motor or anchors.

State Public Fishing Lakes have excellent fishing. Although the highest numbers of fish are caught at these lakes during May and early June, many large bass are often caught in the early spring. Some of these lakes have crappie, another favorite with early season anglers. Smaller lakes like State Public Fishing Lakes and ponds warm up earlier in spring than Alabama's larger reservoirs, so a few warm days can make the fish more active in small lakes.

State Public Fishing Lakes are owned and managed by the Alabama Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries Division of the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. Lake managers operate these lakes by renting fishing boats and other equipment, and by selling snacks, bait, fishing equipment, fishing licenses, and daily permits. Daily permits cost $2 a day ($2.50 at Pike County Lake), and are needed for anglers 12 and older. Normal fishing license requirements also apply to state lake anglers.

Anglers wanting to fish a State Public Fishing Lake are encouraged to call the lake manager to determine which days of the week the lake is open.

The Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources promotes wise stewardship, management and enjoyment of Alabama’s natural resources through five divisions: Marine Police, Marine Resources, State Parks, State Lands, and Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries.

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