Big Creek Lake or Converse Reservoir, Mobile Co.

Fish and Fishing for Big Creek Reservoir

Big Creek Lake, also called Converse Reservoir, is a 3,600-acre reservoir in west Mobile County which serves as the public water supply for the Mobile metropolitan area. This reservoir was formed by impounding Big Creek, which flows into the Escatawpa River drainage.

Bass and crappie fishing have been reported to be the best in recent years especially during the spring, following a drought in 2007. During the spring, bass are easily caught from the shallow grass beds on soft plastics, spinner baits, and top water baits and crappie are caught off the woody debris with live minnows or jigs. This lake has become more popular to bass anglers as tournament activity has increased in recent years.

Fox Landing which is located at the end of Howell’s Ferry Road is the only boating access point for Big Creek Lake. Botters Bait Farm, (251) 649-8140, on Wulff Road, is the closest live bait vendor to the lake. Bank fishing access is available at Fox Landing and at the US Hwy 98 Bridge. Bank fishing is not allowed on the dam or spillway areas. Despite limited access, this lake offers angling opportunities for largemouth bass, crappie, bluegill, redear sunfish, and channel catfish.

Maps of Big Creek Lake are available at Keith’s Map Service on Schillinger Rd. in Mobile. For more information on Big Creek Lake, please see Mobile Area Water and Sewer System web page at www.mawss.com/environmentalPrograms.html, the Big Creek Lake Alliance web page at www.bigcreeklake.org/, or contact the District V Fisheries Office at (215) 626-5153.

A fish consumption advisory has been issued by the Alabama Department of Public Health for Big Creek Reservoir in Mobile County. Consult with the Alabama Department of Public Health for specific information before consuming fish from Big Creek Reservoir.  State regulation prohibits commercial fishing on Big Creek Reservoir because of this advisory.