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Fishing in Alabama
Alabama Fishing at a Glance
Alabama has over 77,000 miles of rivers and streams with more freshwater biodiversity than any other US state. Some 38% of North America’s fish species are native to Alabama’s rivers, and they are some of the most biologically diverse waterways in the world.
Regulations for freshwater fishing in Alabama are relatively simple. A fishing license is required for residents and non-residents 16 years of age and older, and can be obtained online or at any licensed retailer. There is no closed season for freshwater fishing in Alabama, so you can fish year-round!
There are countless great places to fish in Alabama, but some of the best include Pickwick Lake, Wheeler Lake, Guntersville Lake, and Lay Lake. These lakes are all home to large populations of bass, crappie, catfish, and trout, and offer anglers a great opportunity to catch a variety of fish.
In addition to being a great place to fish, Alabama is also home to a number of different fishing tournaments, attracting some of the best anglers in the world. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just getting started, Alabama has something to offer every fisherman.
Alabama ranks #21 in the U.S. for fishing licenses per capita and has a good number of local fishing enthusiasts with over 11.8% of the population having fishing licenses.
Key Insights
- Alabama has over 77,000 miles of rivers and streams, with 38% of North American fish species native to the state’s waterways.
- A fishing license is required for residents and non-residents 16 years of age and older in Alabama.
- There is no closed season for freshwater fishing in Alabama, and popular places to fish include Pickwick Lake, Wheeler Lake, Guntersville Lake, and Lay Lake.
- Private land makes up 96.19% of Alabama’s land, with just 3.8% considered public land.
- The most popular fish to catch in Alabama are bass, crappie, catfish, and trout.
Table of Contents
Estimated Fishing Enthusiasts
| Population: | 5,024,279 |
|---|---|
| Fishing Enthusiasts | 591,060 |
| Fishing License % | 11.76% |
| Hunters Rank | 21 |
The state of Alabama is mostly private land with just 3.8% of acres considered public land -ranking #41 amongst all states. The state of Alabama is mostly private land with just 3.8% of acres considered public land -ranking #41 amongst all states.
Land Types (Acres)
| Acres | % | Rank | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total | 32,480,000 | ||
| Public | 1,235,910 | 3.81% | 41 |
| Private | 31,243,890 | 96.19% | 9 |
| Tribal | 200 | 0.00% | 26 |
Alabama ranks #9 for the percentage of private land vs total acres and doesn’t have any tribal land.
Alabama Fishing Licenses & Requirements
For the most accurate and updated information on fishing licenses and requirements, it’s always a good idea to check the Alabama DNR. We’ve provided their contact information and other helpful information for your convenience here.
Alabama DNR
64 N. Union Street
Montgomery, AL 36130
- (334) 242-3469
What are the most popular freshwater fish to catch Alabama?
The most popular fish to catch in Alabama are bass, crappie, catfish, and trout. Alabama is home to some of the best bass fishing in the country, and many anglers come here specifically to target largemouth bass. Crappie, catfish, and trout are also popular game fish in Alabama, and can be found in lakes, ponds, rivers, and streams all across the state.
Bass are perhaps the most sought-after fish in Alabama, due to their large size and fight. Catfish are also popular, as they put up a good fight and can grow to be quite large. Crappie are a favorite among panfish enthusiasts, as they are relatively easy to catch and make for a delicious meal. Sunfish are another popular choice, as they can be found in nearly every body of water in the state. Lastly, trout are prized for their beauty and culinary value.
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What are the best public areas to fish in Alabama?
Some of the most popular spots for freshwater fishing in Alabama include Lake Guntersville, Wheeler Lake, Pickwick Lake, Lake Martin, and Lake Eufaula. Each of these spots offers something unique for anglers to enjoy, and all are great places to catch a variety of fish.
Lake Guntersville is known for its large population of largemouth bass, making it a favorite spot for bass fishermen. Wheeler Lake is home to a number of different species of fish, including catfish, crappie, and trout. Pickwick Lake is another great spot for bass fishing, as well as fishing for striped bass and catfish. Lake Martin is a beautiful lake that is perfect for swimming and boating in addition to fishing, and it is home to largemouth bass, bream, and catfish. Finally, Lake Eufaula is one of the largest lakes in Alabama and offers excellent opportunities for fishing for a variety of species including crappie, catfish, and bass.
1. Lake Guntersville
2. Wheeler Lake
3. Pickwick Lake
4. Lake Martin
5. Lake Eufaula
Fishing private lakes, ponds, rivers, and streams in Alabama
Fishing on private land in Ohio has some real advantages over public lakes, rivers, streams, and ponds *if you can get access. For instance, there’s nothing like having a quiet lake all to yourself and oftentimes there are simply more fish available to catch, because they haven’t been fished out. There are generally more processes for access private land for hunting than fishing, though some similar methods exist. For instance, you can sometimes join a fishing club in Alabama or if you have the money, it may be possible to rent some private land for fishing. Another option is to knock on doors or work your contacts in an area to see if a landowner would let you fish for the day or possibly be open to a longer term arrangement.
Fortunately Wing It is simplifying land access for fishing, hunting, camping, and more. We’re adding new land every day and if we have some in your area, you’ll see some great options below.