Lake Tholocco

Fishing in Lake Tholocco

Background – Lake Tholocco is a 640-acre lake that offers numerous recreational activities. As part of Fort Rucker, special permits from the Fort Rucker Outdoor Recreation Center are needed in addition to an Alabama fishing license. Both permits run from September 1 through August 31.

To hunt or fish on Fort Rucker, each individual 16 years or older is required to have an Alabama state license and a Fort Rucker post permit, both available for purchase at the Outdoor Recreation Center. Military personnel and certain family members may purchase an Alabama license at resident prices if they provide a copy of orders of assignment to Alabama, along with their military identification card, driver license, and hunter safety education card (if hunting). Without an Alabama driver license or copy of orders of assignment to Alabama, patrons will be subjected to non-resident prices. Alabama residents age 65 or older are not required to have an Alabama state license, but they must have a Fort Rucker post permit. Ages 15 years and younger do not need a state license or a post permit. Please see the Fort Rucker page on fishing and hunting and fishing. Post permits are valid from September 1st – August 31st, which corresponds with Alabama"s fishing/hunting license year.

Fort Rucker Post Fishing Permit Fees (September 1 - August 31):
Civilian: $15.00
Seniors 65 years and older, Disabled: $0.00
E-4 and Below, Including Retired: $0.00
E-5 and Above, Including Retired, Military Dependents,
DoD Personnel: $12.00

Fishing – Sport fish include largemouth bass, catfish, crappie and bream. 

Youth & Challenged Sportsmen Program: This program provides special events for youth and challenged sportsmen. In the fall of each year, before deer season opens, ODR provides a special deer hunt for youth and challenged sportsmen. Youth fishing tournaments are held once a year in the spring. Just before turkey season, the installation works with the local community to host a youth and challenged sportsmen turkey hunt.

Three boat launches service Lake Tholocco: West Beach Marina, East Beach, and Engineer Beach RV Campground. The daily fee to launch your vessel is $3.00, paid at the ramp. Monthly passes are available for $12.00 and Annual passes are available for $72.00 at the Outdoor Recreation Pro Shop office.

In addition to fishing, boating, skiing and swimming are favorite sports at the lake. Swimming is only permited in specified areas when a life guard is present (afternoons in the summer), fees apply. Facilities include four fishing piers, beaches, adult and chilren's water slides, pavilions, clean restrooms and a snack bar (during peak periods).  On the menu are American fare from hamburgers and hot dogs to chili cheese nachos, buffalo wings, chicken tenders and popcorn shrimp, ice cream and assorted beverages.

The fisheries of Lake Tholocco are handled by Fort Rucker staff with assistance from the Alabama Wildlife and Fisheries Division's Fisheries Section's District IV biologists.