Lewis Smith Lake (Smith Lake)
An Alabama Power reservoir on the Sipsey Fork about an hour north of Birmingham, bordered on the west by Bankhead National Forest. It is the deepest, clearest lake in the state and is known for big striped bass and spotted bass.
Species
Fishery rating out of 5.
Striped Bass
Trophy potential, with fish over 40 pounds present. Live shad is the preferred bait; fish deep in summer, often near the dam.
Spotted Bass
Abundant in the clear water. Rocky points, bluff walls and brush in deep water.
Largemouth Bass
Cast to big rocks and fallen trees along the shoreline, especially in the creek arms.
Crappie
Fallen trees and brush along the banks, shallower in spring.
Bluegill
Shoreline rocks and fallen trees with crickets or worms in late spring and summer.
Boat launches
3 launch sites. Fees and hours change, so confirm before you go.
- Smith Lake Park Boat LandingFreeADCNR landing on Ryan Creek, Cullman County. Free, six lanes, large trailer lotDirections ↗
- Clear Creek Recreation AreaFeeU.S. Forest Service, Bankhead NF. Year-round launch; day-use feeDirections ↗
- Corinth Recreation AreaFeeU.S. Forest Service, upper lake in Winston County. Year-round day-use launchDirections ↗
Size & creel limits
Special rules for this lake, confirmed from official state regulations. Minimum size and daily limit.
| Species | Min size | Daily limit |
|---|---|---|
| Largemouth, Alabama & Spotted Bass Protected slot: may not possess any between 13 and 15 in | See Alabama rules book ↗ | 10 / day (black bass) |
| Striped Bass No more than 2 over 22 in; no culling June 15 to Oct 15 | See Alabama rules book ↗ | 15 / day |
Other species in this lake: look up the limits at Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (Outdoor Alabama) ↗
Bait & tackle nearby
No shops listed yet for this lake. Use the search link below.
Search more bait shops near Lewis Smith Lake (Smith Lake) ↗Local tips
- The lake is very deep and clear; many fish suspend deep in summer, so use electronics.
- Alabama Power lowers the lake in winter, so check levels before launching at smaller ramps.
- The Sipsey Fork below the dam is a separate cold-water trout fishery with its own rules.
View on interactive map
Zoom and pan on a street, satellite or terrain map. Red pins are boat launches.
More Alabama lakes
Walter F. George Lake (Lake Eufaula) Pickwick Lake Lake Martin Weiss Lake William "Bill" Dannelly Reservoir (Millers Ferry) Wilson Lake Logan Martin Lake Woodruff Reservoir (Jones Bluff) All Alabama lakes →
Always wear a life jacket and check your state's current regulations before you fish.