Alabama's State Public Fishing Lakes
ADCNR's Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries (WFF) Division manages 23 Public Fishing Lakes in 20 counties throughout the state. These lakes range in size from 13 to 184 acres for a total of 1,912 surface acres. Each lake is intensively managed to provide quality fishing on a sustained basis. All lakes were originally stocked with largemouth bass, bluegill (bream), and redear sunfish (shellcracker). Channel catfish are stocked in every lake during the winter. White crappie and black crappie have become established in many lakes. Some lakes also feature walking trails, state archery parks, and are sites within the Alabama Birding Trails system.
Important Updates
- Barbour County Lake is temporarily closed due to draining and restocking. A reopening date will be announced at a later time.
- Crenshaw County Lake is temporarily closed for renovations. A reopening date will be announced when available.
- Escambia County Lake is temporarily closed for restocking and dam inspection. A reopening date will be announced when available.
- Marion County Lake is temporarily closed for renovations. A reopening date will be announced when available.
Permit Requirements and Calendar
Fishing
- Valid Fishing License
- Fishing Permit (Anglers 12 Years Old and Older)
Launching a Personal Boat, Kayak, or Canoe
- Valid Fishing License
- Fishing Permit
- Launch Permit
- Must be Purposely Fishing
Renting a Jon Boat
- Boat Rental Permit
- Valid Fishing License
- Fishing Permit
- If Motorized, Boater Certification or Agree to Alabama PFL Boat Rental Agreement
- 16 Years Old or Older
Operational Calendar
- Alabama's State Public Fishing Lake are typically open six days a week from February 1 through June 30 each year.
- From July 1 until November 30, some lakes are only open five days a week.
- During December and January, most of the lakes are closed or operate on a limited basis. Information and schedules may change without notice, so please call the lake manager or the appropriate WFF Fisheries District Office for the current operating schedule.
