The Alabama Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries Division manages 23 Public Fishing Lakes (PFLs) 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.
PFL Information/Updates:
- Fayette County PFL closed. Reopening date to be announced at a later time.
- Washington County PFL closed due to draining and restocking. Reopening date to be announced at a later time.
- Washington County PFL applications for Caretaker Contract are now being accepted through 2:00 P.M. September 28, 2018. Please visit Washington County PFL Caretaker Contract for further information.
- Lower Clay County Public Fishing Lake to Reopen October 1, 2018
Permit Requirements:
To Fish:
- Valid Fishing License
- Fishing Permit (Anglers 12 Years Old and Older)
To Launch a Personal Boat, Kayak, or Canoe:
- Valid Fishing License
- Fishing Permit
- Launch Permit
- Must be Purposely Fishing
To Rent 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
PFLs 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 the months of December and January, a majority 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 Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries District Office for the current operating schedule.
State Public Fishing Lakes:
Dale County PFL (Ed Lisenby Lake)
Escambia County PFL (Leon Brooks Hines)
Fayette County PFL – Closed for renovation.
Washington County PFL (J. Emmett Wood Lake) Closed for renovation.
Additional information and rules for each lake is available from the lake manager, the Alabama Fisheries Section at (334) 242-3471, or the State Lakes Supervisor, Matthew Marshall.
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