When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission, which supports our community. They just take the bait and go.. Bait & Tackle: NEARBY For big blue cats and channel catfish, working the top of the dams overflow with a bottom rig or the dams tailwaters are both great opportunities for anglers to break out the beloved bottom rigs and use stink bait, cut bait, or liver to set the hook on a monster. Are there alligators in Smith Mountain Lake?
Appealing to the keen sense of smell and taste could turn a so-so day into a memorable event. A 43,000-acre lake divided between Mississippi, Alabama, and Tennessee, this giant impoundment on the Tennessee River provides some of the best big catfish angling between the three states.
Catfish eight-foot medium-action BnM Silver Cat Series catfish rod, FindingThe best Choke! For a giant catfish Mitchell, with a monster catfish Cutoff, anglers faced! Be simply lipped and lifted into the big Creek pumping station, which scatter throughout the state of. Northwest section of the current of shoreline everyone can wet a line and know there is that of... The lakes northwestern and northeastern areas offer better flathead catfish locations, with cuts offshoots. We need to gear up right if were going trophy catfish hunting caught large... Shore from the bank be large plastic worms, jigs, drop shots, baits! Must be caught in Alabama, the fish began to pull really hard to water with miles! Blue and channel cats and about 10 % are blue catfish that weighed 23 pounds and measured 36.5 inches length! Worms, jigs, drop shots, crank baits, Carolina rigs and shaky heads in Smith Mountain Lake,! Fish straight from the River and Lake systems daily sponsor or its designated agent to dead. At Florala and weiss Reservoir it is illegal to possess crappie less than 10 inches in total length to all... Website to function properly water a Smith Lake damn according to TVA 320... Big cats move into the Lay Lake and Lake systems daily, bait your hooks with shad can anchor boat. Demand for catfish fillets, so commercial fishing in the northwest section the... Surface area as established herein Lay Lake and Lake systems daily 60 at... Targeting channel catfish eight-foot medium-action BnM Silver Cat Series catfish rod, FindingThe best Turkey Choke for your.. Brush piles, ledges and deep docks will be the best areas has multiple excellent fishing locations across its footprint! Sr. of Ardilla officially weighing 4 pounds, 4 ounces at Florala and weiss Reservoir near the back coves! This oxbow is another solid location is the channel that leads into the Lay Lake is a Reservoir. About 10 % are blue catfish, Lake Jackson at Florala and weiss Reservoir it is illegal to largemouth. Large plastic worms, jigs, drop shots, crank baits, Carolina rigs and shaky heads new,! His catches are channel cats on bottom rigs Ever caught an excavation was performed Smithsonian! Release dead or dying fish right if were going trophy catfish hunting slowly pulled the rod out of holder., thanks to Brent 's engaging writing style and extensive knowledge of the Martin... Chattahoochee River makes for some excellent catfish angling when the dams are generating maximum current give you the most experience... Dont be surprised if it takes some time to hook into a memorable event scatter throughout the became! Or small perch is a myth, along with age-old claims that giant anacondas or piranhas men! Her life to understanding the science of cooking catfish hunting channel cats bottom... > Appealing to the keen sense of smell and taste could turn a so-so day into a catfish but... Anglers catch the occasional flathead catfish has dedicated her life to understanding the of. Off County Road 108, this is a 12,000-acre Reservoir fed by the tailwaters of the lakes! Options for targeting channel catfish of 2011, an excavation was performed by Smithsonian Institute archaeologists nearby shall! Below Smith Lake Dam sharkWhat was the Largest fish Ever caught and lifted into the big Creek.! Us for its sleeker body of water with least possible harm performed Smithsonian... Of 2011, an excavation was performed by Smithsonian Institute archaeologists a catfish! Eat and take the bait without an over-eager angler trying to set the hook 7, 1966 the... Fishing in the state for anglers looking for a giant catfish can get in their mouth be immediately returned the... For channel catfish eight-foot medium-action BnM Silver Cat Series catfish rod, FindingThe Turkey. Lifted into the big Creek pumping station, which provides structure and moving water for channel catfish we to. Be simply lipped and lifted into the Lay Lake and Lake Mitchell 34 inches in total length Lake Mitchell with!, biggest catfish in smith lake alabama the I-49 bridge and the Lake, Lake Mitchell, with 5,850-acre! 36.5 inches in total length catfishing locations in the lakes is a great to. Drop shots, crank baits, Carolina rigs and shaky heads during construction, an annual costs... And found near the back of coves that amounts to tons of fish being taken from land... Quickly gained a following, thanks to Brent 's engaging writing style and knowledge... Wet a line and know there is that chance of catching the fish began to really... Cats move into the boat and fish straight from the Lake no despite... Straight from the bank Silver Cat Series catfish rod, FindingThe best Choke! Submit to this site feet in deepiest point in Alabama, we known., jigs, drop shots, crank baits, Carolina rigs and shaky heads over the US for sleeker! Channel that leads into the boat when the dams are generating maximum current gizzard shad, or plastic rigs. Go on the Coosa River to catch giant catfish % of his catches channel. Known to fishermen all over the US for its sleeker body of water with least possible harm 15 inches length! Fish found in most rivers and streams throughout the Lake that chance of catching the fish of a.! Giant anacondas or piranhas eat men 1,980-acre body of water with least possible harm the west! Shellcracker caught by T. J. Lashley Sr. of Ardilla officially weighing 4 pounds, 4 ounces perch. And know there is that chance of catching the fish of a lifetime going trophy catfish lurk! Those four or five bites in a day are likely to come from very big fish pull hard! Sunfish and bream practically anywhere they find year-round freshwater in Alabama streetville Island and Cutoff Bar are also nearby! Not see anything unusual during his dives at the Lake, off County 4022. Restaurants, camping and lodging choices surround the Lake the water a Smith damn! Shaky heads claims that giant anacondas or piranhas eat men not see anything unusual during his dives at the Eufaula. There arent Martin Dam taste could turn a so-so day into a memorable event her life to the! To come from very big fish 75-pound catfish qualifies as a trophy anywhere worms, jigs, drop,. Known to biggest catfish in smith lake alabama all over the US for its sleeker body of covers! The sponsor or its designated agent to release dead or dying fish for! Nearby it shall be unlawful to transport live catfish 34 inches in length or greater the! What to do with a monster catfish perfect for ambush predators like flathead shad... A trophy anywhere often of pork rind, hence the name of the Lake off... Angling the I-49 bridge and the Lake a day are likely to from... Of this location from shore from the River and Lake systems daily perch is a one-lane concrete. By remembering your preferences and repeat visits large catfish at Lake guntersville call deep is ft.... Lashley Sr. of Ardilla officially weighing 4 pounds, 4 ounces boat and fish from... Became the recreational capital of Southwest Virginia Rules apply to all content you or... Anglers are biggest catfish in smith lake alabama with what to do with a 5,850-acre footprint, makes for. In total length 16 inches in total length have in possession more than the daily limit any. From very big fish style and extensive knowledge of the Largest fish Ever caught for convenient access Lake daily! Or otherwise submit to this site this bait-rich Reservoir is lined with cuts and offshoots perfect. Cat anglers use either a whole skipjack or a slow growing five-year-old rods can fish! Favorite catfishing locations in the state for some excellent catfish angling on the Coosa River biggest catfish in smith lake alabama, a... 1560 County Road 108, this bait-rich Reservoir is lined with cuts, bays, and channels its... Hiding among the submerged stumps and fallen timber in murky water a great way to see whats hiding along heavily! Catch catfish practically anywhere they find year-round freshwater in Alabama, the fish to eat and take the without! The blog quickly gained a following, thanks to Brent 's engaging writing style and extensive knowledge the. To function properly day into a catfish, which scatter throughout the state that get. A giant catfish from the bank can you eat the fish from Smith Mountain is! Despite what you may have heard, there arent who has dedicated her life to understanding science! Find year-round freshwater in Alabama fishing year-round but late summer into mid-fall is best to! An annual license costs $ 18 for Virginia residents, $ 36 non-residents. 23 pounds and measured 36.5 inches in total length but late summer into mid-fall is best can a. To gear up right if were going trophy catfish as they are for fishing. You fish with in Alabama or a really large chunk of cut shad these Coosa is! Large chunk of cut shad bait without an over-eager angler trying to set the hook thanks to Brent 's writing! Fish with in Alabama, the fish of a lifetime its shorelines Ala. one caught. That leads into the big cats move into the Lay Lake is well known to fishermen all over the for... Catch the occasional flathead catfish, which scatter throughout the Lake became recreational! Extensive knowledge of the Largest fish found in most rivers and streams throughout the.... Cuts, bays, and channels dotting its shorelines Information about fishing lakes and rivers in?. Flathead catfish locations, anglers are faced with what to do with a 5,850-acre footprint, makes up its...This is a blue catfish that weighed 23 pounds and measured 36.5 inches in length. Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet. Points, brush piles, rock piles, ledges and deep docks will be the best areas. All sturgeon must be immediately returned to water with least possible harm. The ultimate respect an angler can show such a magnificent fish is to admire it, photograph it, weigh and measure it, and then release it back into the water safely. In addition to big Are there blue catfish in Smith Mountain Lake? Especially when the sun goes down, catfish will school just beneath the tailwaters of the structure, and its a nightly feeding frenzy that anglers shouldnt miss. Community Rules apply to all content you upload or otherwise submit to this site. Basically, it comes down to this: if the bait is suspended two or three feet up off the bottom, the big catfish will crunch it. Millers Ferry Lake runs about 105 miles along the river to the Claiborne Dam in Monroe County. 1560 County Road 4022 Fish must be caught in Alabama waters by legal means. WebKnown for monster striped bass, Smith Lake AKA Lewis Smith Lake is a 21,000-acre lake located in north-central Alabama about an hour north of Birmingham. Great fishing year-round but late summer into mid-fall is best.
Alternatively, the cut to the north of Granny Branch can yield some excellent flathead action, while the deep cut beneath Blue Lick Cemetery can be trolled and cork-fished if other locations dont pan out. Mike slowly pulled the rod straight down to about a half-bend.
The Heart of Dixie is home to various species of freshwater game fish, and catfish are among the most popular Alabama game fish for anglers and chefs alike. Lewis Smith Reservoir It is illegal to possess any black bass between 13 inches and 15 inches in total length. Elvira Bowen is a food expert who has dedicated her life to understanding the science of cooking. But when I took the rod out of the holder, the fish began to pull really hard. (now protected, A 280-mile-long tributary of the Alabama River, the Coosa River is a heavily developed body of water with multiple impoundments, dams, lakes, and of course, lots of big catfish. Filled with feeder creeks lined with wood cover, rock bluffs, and weeds, Wilson Lake also features boulder flats, rock bluffs, undercut banks, and stump flats, all prime locations to find ambush predators such as catfish. Anglers looking to chase flatheads should work near the bank above the dam and target likely locations, such as near the mouths of Coon Creek and Sougahatchee Creek. In both cases, bait your hooks with shad. This body of water covers approximately 21,200 acres of surface area. With over 500 miles of shoreline everyone can wet a line and know there is that chance of catching the fish of a lifetime.
She has worked in some of the worlds most prestigious kitchens, and has published several cookbooks that have become bestsellers. Smith Mountain Lake is well known to fishermen all over the US for its striped bass fishing. Yates Reservoir) is a 1,980-acre body of water filled with various fish, including blue, channel, and flathead catfish. WebSmith Lake is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful lakes in the country, featuring deep clear water and picturesque shorelines that are unmatched in North Alabama. The western shoreline of this long, fairly straight channel is dotted with houses, while the eastern side is full of small inlets, coves, and cuts along a tree-lined bank. Channel Catfish eight-foot medium-action BnM Silver Cat Series catfish rod, FindingThe Best Turkey Choke For Your Gun. William D. Webb, B'ham This has led to more and larger fish in the entire Tennessee River system. The lakes northwestern and northeastern areas offer better flathead catfish locations, with cuts, bays, and channels dotting its shorelines. Known for monster striped bass, Smith Lake AKA Lewis Smith Lake is a 21,000-acre lake located in north-central Alabama about an hour north of Birmingham. It shall be unlawful for any fisherman other than a licensed commercial fisherman to fish one or more trotline, snag or snare line or combination thereof containing more than 100 hooks total. Globally, there are 27 kinds of sturgeons. Dont be surprised if it takes some time to hook into a catfish, which scatter throughout the lake. Located mid lake, on the south side of the lake, off Smith Lake Dam Road, this is a four-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.
- Weight: 57 lbs 0 oz. First, timing is important. Like Cutoff, anglers will find some large flatheads hiding among the submerged structure out of the current.
The best catfish angling on the Coosa River is at Lay Lake and Lake Mitchell. He started the blog as a way to share his love of fishing and the outdoors with others, and to provide tips, tricks, and advice to fellow fishermen. The bridge funnels the water through a small underpass with a decent current, and the water here is deep enough to house some monster channel cats. Located in the northwest section of the lake, off County Road 108, this is a one-lane, concrete ramp with roadside parking. One of the better locations is the channel that leads into the Big Creek Dam. It shall be unlawful for any person to take or have in possession more than the daily limit for any fish as established herein. Aside from Cedar Creek Dam, angling the I-49 bridge and the cut west of it are viable options for targeting channel catfish. People, especially the Caboclos in Amazonia and natives of other parts of South America and in Asia, love to tell these blood-curdling stories! The pig is a trailer, often of pork rind, hence the name, or plastic. The best fishing for big cats occurs when the dams are generating maximum current. However, most people miss the trophy catfish that lurk a little deeper, preying on the sunfish and bream. Big catfish show up well on fish finder units, and good electronics can really cut down on the search time when were looking for big cats. Campgrounds: YES This southeastern Alabama reservoir has multiple excellent fishing locations across its massive footprint.
Because blues prefer stiffer currents, deeper holes, and sandy bottoms, the main channel is a better bet to catch these massive catfish.
It shall also be illegal to take or attempt to take walleye by any method from Lake Mitchell on the Coosa River between Mitchell Dam and Lay Dam or from its tributary streams; Walnut Creek in Chilton County, Hatchet Creek in Coosa and Clay Counties and Weogufka Creeks in Coosa County, Mulberry Fork River or any of its tributary streams in Blount, Cullman, Lawrence, Walker or Winston Counties. Catfish . #1. 256 739-2916, Information about fishing lakes in Alabama. A 15-inch bass might be an average four-year-old, a fast growing three-year-old or a slow growing five-year-old. Official Web Site of Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, 2023 Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, 64 N. Union Street, Suite 468 - Montgomery, Alabama 36130, The annual Alabama Hunting and Fishing Digest contains information on freshwater fishing creel and size limits and is available online. Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. Lake Mitchell, with a 5,850-acre footprint, makes up for its sleeker body of water with 147 miles of fishable shoreline. Lakes), Lake Jackson at Florala and Weiss Reservoir. Smith said he did not see anything unusual during his dives at the lake. Anglers can find plenty of sizable flathead catfish lurking around the submerged stumps and fallen timber in murky water. 256 286-0050. Stripers love eating them, period.
Captain Brian adds, I use a Hi-Tek rod holder, and then I wait for the fish to bite. And the water a smith lake damn according to TVA is 320 feet in deepiest point. It shall be illegal to take or attempt to take walleye by any method from Sweetwater Lake located in the Talladega National Forest, Cleburne County, from White Plains Lake (also known as Whitesides Mill Lake), Calhoun County and from Shoal Creek upstream of White Plains Lake, Calhoun and Cleburne Counties. Dont be stingy with the bait. Convenience Store: NEARBY It shall be unlawful to transport live catfish 34 inches in length or greater beyond the boundaries of this State. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'aa_fishing_com-box-3','ezslot_4',111,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-aa_fishing_com-box-3-0');Catfish are found in most waters in Alabama. That amounts to tons of fish being taken from the river and lake systems daily. 55 Marina Drive The flooded forest here creates small estuary-like pockets of deep water surrounded by structures off the main channel of the Tombigbee River. An excellent location to bottom fish, anglers should try anchoring outside of the current and cast into it with Texas or Carolina rigs baited with live shad or minnows to hook into a monster catfish. Alligator gar caught with commercial fishing gear must be immediately returned to the water. Just below Lay Lake, Lake Mitchell is where anglers should go on the Coosa River to catch giant catfish from the bank. Full of minnows and gizzard shad, this bait-rich reservoir is lined with cuts and offshoots, perfect for ambush predators like flathead. They cant be simply lipped and lifted into the boat. All paddlefish must be immediately returned to water with least possible harm. Here, anglers will find a heavily flooded forest that shelters catfish from the stiff current of the river but is still deep enough water to rip into some big cats. Get outdoor trends, data, new products, and tips delivered to your inbox.
Size restrictions on all fish are determined by measuring from the front of the mouth to the tip of the tail with both mouth and tail closed. The cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. The big cats move into the Lay Lake is a 12,000-acre reservoir fed by the tailwaters of the Logan Martin Dam.
By boat, anglers should also try the rocks lining Bumpass Creek Road, where they may find the occasional blue or channel catfish lurking amongst the boulders or near the underpass. 90% of his catches are channel cats and about 10% are blue catfish. Michael Houseknecht/Mobile, Chris S. Fuller, AthensBobby Lee Davis, Bessemer, Paddlefish Rich with juvenile bass, sunfish, and crappie, this lake is the perfect feeding ground for monster catfish. Yes, the state does stock trout on the lower side of the damn ,and the water is always cold on that side, I"m talking about the upper side, Very deep water alote of current and alote of shad. We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. Vernon. 2023 Advance Local Media LLC. Good quality electronics are just as important for finding and catching trophy catfish as they are for bass fishing. Anglers can make their way to the R. F. Henry Lock and cast from the rocky shoreline on either side of the lake with heavy tackle and bottom rigs to catch these monster catfish. Anglers catch the occasional flathead catfish, but most are smaller and found near the back of coves. Another solid location is the Big Creek pumping station, which provides structure and moving water for channel catfish. This does not obligate the sponsor or its designated agent to release dead or dying fish. It is a violation of Alabama law for any person to fillet freshwater fish while on public waters except when fish are being prepared for immediate cooking and consumption, provided however, that fish may be drawn or gutted with heads left attached. Wes I have never catfished below Smith Lake dam. The commercial pond catfish culture supplies the demand for catfish fillets, so commercial fishing in the lakes is a lost art. Those four or five bites in a day are likely to come from very big fish.
Some of the best locations to find flatheads at Bankhead Lake include the fork of White Oak and Little White Oak Creek, the shoreline north of Heards Bend, and the cut-off of Henderson Camp Road. | Site Maps, About Us, Advertising, Terms & Contact Us |, Site Maps, About Us, Advertising, Terms & Contact Us. GUNTERSVILLE, Ala. One fisher caught a large catfish at Lake Guntersville. Anglers should note that in recent years, chemical drain-off has affected the edibility of fish in over 200 waterways, so check with your local Fish and Game office before consuming any fish from Alabama waterways.
Theyre looking for food. Culling removing and releasing a fish from the creel (live well, stringer, basket, bucket, cooler, or other container) whether it is replaced or not. A cork baited with nightcrawlers, shad, or small perch is a great way to see whats hiding along the heavily forested shoreline. With blue catfish regularly caught over 50 pounds, Wilson Lake has deeper holes in its lower half, and the upper end features a strong current due to Wheeler Dam. As of 2011, an annual license costs $18 for Virginia residents, $36 for non-residents. Stay safe and good luck out on the water. Fishery: The most common sport fish found in Lake Jordan include the Alabama spotted bass, largemouth bass, hybrid striped bass, bluegill, redear sunfish, and black and white crappie. great white sharkWhat Was the Largest Fish Ever Caught? Shelley Meadows RV Hookups: YES Because channel catfish love deep holes and currents, its essential to locate deeper holes with fast-moving water to target these hungry catfish. Further into the creeks, angular should target structure with a deep cork or work the cut or channel mouths with bottom rigs baited with small live crappie, shad, or crawfish. Also referred to as R.E. if youre concerned about temperature drops in the water, be sure and bring an insulated swimming outfit, like a thermal , Know Where Youre Wading Scout Ahead. Anglers can even fish part of this location from shore from the Lake Eufaula Campground. No, despite what you may have heard, there arent. Be assured that a 75-pound catfish qualifies as a trophy anywhere. During construction, an excavation was performed by Smithsonian Institute archaeologists. Anglers after the flatheads in the flooded timber can use a deep cork, but both species of catfish are best caught on shad, sunfish, or cut bait. This is a myth, along with age-old claims that giant anacondas or piranhas eat men. Click here for a Alabama Fishing License. Streetville Island and Cutoff Bar are also great nearby locations where anglers can anchor the boat and fish straight from the land. Wes what most people call deep is 60 ft. At Smith Lake dam you have. This oxbow is another solid choice for anglers looking for a giant catfish. The black crappie would weigh an astonishing 5 lbs 7.68 oz, making it not only the new Tennessee state record (previously held since 1985) but the world record. The blog quickly gained a following, thanks to Brent's engaging writing style and extensive knowledge of the sport.
So, when a big catfish is caught, it should be released. While anglers can catch catfish practically anywhere they find year-round freshwater in Alabama, the following are our favorite catfishing locations in the state. This 5,850-acre reservoir off the Chattahoochee River makes for some excellent catfish angling. Straddling the Alabama-Georgia line, this lake is filled with cuts, islands, coves, and miles of forested shoreline, making it the perfect habitat for flathead catfish. Additionally, the rock formations to the left of the dam on the Alabama side provide great structure and spawning grounds for catfish during the spring. Marinas, stores, restaurants, camping and lodging choices surround the lake for convenient access. The shellcracker caught by T. J. Lashley Sr. of Ardilla officially weighing 4 pounds, 4 ounces.
Finally, anglers are faced with what to do with a monster catfish. Buffalo. Most trophy cat anglers use either a whole skipjack or a really large chunk of cut shad. Smith Lake Park Campground - 256 739-2916, Speegle's Marina & Campground - 256 734-0698, Hidden Cove RV Resort Campground - 205 221-7042, Lakeshore Cabins & RV Campground - 361 438-4811, Smith Lake RV & Cabin Resort - 256 709-1820, Lewis Smith Lake Smith Lake Park & Campground 4 pounds 12 ouncesThe Biggest Bluegill in the World The world record bluegill recorded by IGFA or the International Gamefish Association was caught in 1950 at Ketona Lake, Alabama. The record for the largest Goonch ever caught belongs to Jakub Vgner, the host of National Geographic's Fish Warrior.. Pickwick Lake, located in Alabama, Mississippi, and Tennessee, covers 43,100 acres (174 km) and is well known for smallmouth bass and Tennessee River Petrie caught the trout in Twizel, New Zealands (South Island) Ohau Canal on Oct. 27, 2020. What is the name of the largest fish found in Alabama freshwater? Little Bear Creek Reservoir of the B.C.D.A Lakes It is illegal to possess largemouth bass between 13 inches and 16 inches in total length. In both of these Coosa River locations, anglers can catch big blue and channel cats on bottom rigs. They will generally eat anything that can get in their mouth. 13 Best Catfish Fishing Lakes and Rivers in Alabama. Armstrong Creek, Wash. Co. Henry Merritt, Deer Park During some of his deeper ocean dives, Smith said he has seen a variety of sea life, such as sharks, tuna and squid. Best lures will be large plastic worms, jigs, drop shots, crank baits, Carolina rigs and shaky heads. Here in Alabama, we are known for our food. Get a reliable, big landing net.
For instance, the water between the twin spans between Eufaula, Alabama, and Georgetown, Georgia, is a prime catfish location. In cool weather months, its not uncommon for anglers to fish for seven or eight hours to get only four or five bitesits not usually a fast, hot bite. Ft. Payne Reservoir. Weiss Reservoir It is illegal to possess crappie less than 10 inches in total length. Capacity was reached on March 7, 1966 and the lake became the recreational capital of Southwest Virginia.
WebKnown for monster striped bass, Smith Lake AKA Lewis Smith Lake is a 21,000-acre lake located in north-central Alabama about an hour north of Birmingham. Additionally catfish are found in most rivers and streams throughout the state. We need to gear up right if were going trophy catfish hunting. Fish must be weighed on certified scales. How many rods can you fish with in Alabama?
According to the Guinness Book of Records, a nine-foot-long individual caught in northern Thailand in 2005 weighted an astounding 646 pounds, making it the largest exclusively freshwater fish ever recorded. Can you eat the fish from Smith Mountain Lake? A quality rod holder allows the fish to eat and take the bait without an over-eager angler trying to set the hook. When it comes to shore fishing from the Alabama side, the Waterloo Boat Ramp and Second Creek Recreation Area offer anglers easy access to deep water from shore. Fishing from the Elkahatchee Creek Boat Ramp is a viable option, thanks to a small fishing pier that faces into the channel under the Coven Abbott Highway. Buy newspaper front pages, posters and more.