Claiborne Reservoir

Fishing in Claiborne Reservoir

Claiborne Lake is a river-run reservoir with 5,930 surface acres of water which courses 60.5 miles through Wilcox, Clarke, and Monroe counties in southwest Alabama.  This reservoir was constructed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and impounded in 1970. Claiborne Lake has a large watershed, 21,473 square miles, and its primary function is navigation. This reservoir is the lowermost within the Alabama River System with the dam at river mile 72.5 and the pool ending at river mile 133, the Millers Ferry Lock and Dam. Downstream of Claiborne Dam, the Alabama River is essentially free-flowing and ultimately joins the Tombigbee River to form the Mobile River near the Mt. Vernon community.

Recreational opportunities in Claiborne Lake are quite varied, and the Corps of Engineers and various municipalities operate approximately ten public boat access areas throughout the reservoir. Anglers will find good fishing throughout the reservoir for largemouth bass, crappie, bluegill, and catfish. The tailwaters of Millers Ferry (Dannelly) Reservoir also provide excellent seasonal fishing for striped bass, spotted bass, crappie, and large catfish.

For anglers who wish to make a long weekend trip, there are excellent camping facilities at Isaac Creek Campground, just upstream of the dam.  For U.S. Army Corps of Engineers camping and recreational facilities, call the Resource Managers Office at 334-682-4244. Primitive camping is available at Bells Landing, Haines Island, and Silver Creek access areas. 

Claiborne Lake is home to over 125 species of native freshwater fish.  This reservoir is also home to numerous species of mussels, snails, crayfish, amphibians, and reptiles. Some animals may be unique, or even very rare, so please be aware that collecting them may be unlawful.

Contact the Fisheries Section's District V office for specific questions about Claiborne Reservoir.