62 public waters in the Central Alabama region — 25 lakes/reservoirs and 37 rivers. Every one is public water fishable on an Alabama licence.
See every public fishing venue in Alabama on the map, with boat ramps, camping, parking and full rules for each one.
Lay Lake (12,000 ac) on the Coosa south of Birmingham — a Bassmaster Classic lake. Spotted and Largemouth Bass on the grass, laydowns and rock, a strong spotted-bass average size, plus Crappie, Bream, Striped Bass and Catfish.
Lake Purdy near Birmingham is a drinking-water reservoir for Birmingham Water Works, but fishing is genuinely popular -- largemouth bass, spotted bass and black crappie are the main species. Private boats are not permitted; an authorized rental center on Hwy 119 offers boats (standard, trolling-motor or 10hp outboard) for hire. A state fishing license is required for residents and non-residents alike.
In Shelby and Jefferson Counties, Alabama, The Narrows Lake is a 962-acre lake, managed by State Department of Natural Resources. An Alabama Power reservoir on the Coosa River — Spotted Bass are the everyday fish, with largemouth in the coves, a strong striped- and hybrid-bass programme, White Bass runs, Crappie in the timber and standing brush, and trophy blue and Flathead Catfish.
Wehapa Lake, a 197-acre Central Alabama lake in Shelby County, punches above its weight with largemouth and spotted bass, channel catfish, and an unusual northern pike population for the region. White crappie and yellow perch round out a diverse small-lake fishery.
Blackridge Lake (99 acres) sits in Shelby County, Alabama, managed by Alabama DCNR / Wildlife & Freshwater Fisheries. Public lakes across the Southeast typically hold largemouth and other black bass species, bream (bluegill and redear/shellcracker sunfish), black and white crappie, and blue, channel and flathead catfish -- species commonly documented across the region's public waters by state wildlife agencies.
Lunker Lake (91 acres) sits in Shelby County, Alabama, managed by Public boat ramp. An Alabama Power reservoir on the Coosa River — Spotted Bass are the everyday fish, with largemouth in the coves, a strong striped- and hybrid-bass programme, White Bass runs, Crappie in the timber and standing brush, and trophy blue and Flathead Catfish.
Shelby County, Alabama — Heather Lake is a 87-acre lake, managed by City Land: An Alabama Power reservoir on the Coosa River — Spotted Bass are the everyday fish, with largemouth in the coves, a strong striped- and hybrid-bass programme, White Bass runs, Crappie in the timber and standing brush, and trophy blue and Flathead Catfish.
Indian Valley Lake (78 acres) sits in Shelby County, Alabama, managed by Alabama DCNR / Wildlife & Freshwater Fisheries. Public lakes across the Southeast typically hold largemouth and other black bass species, bream (bluegill and redear/shellcracker sunfish), black and white crappie, and blue, channel and flathead catfish -- species commonly documented across the region's public waters by state wildlife agencies.
In Shelby County, Alabama, Beaver Lake is a 77-acre lake, managed by Alabama DCNR / Wildlife & Freshwater Fisheries. Public lakes across the Southeast typically hold largemouth and other black bass species, bream (bluegill and redear/shellcracker sunfish), black and white crappie, and blue, channel and flathead catfish -- species commonly documented across the region's public waters by state wildlife agencies.
Shelby County, Alabama — Oak Mountain Lake is a 76-acre lake, managed by Public boat ramp: An Alabama Power reservoir on the Coosa River — Spotted Bass are the everyday fish, with largemouth in the coves, a strong striped- and hybrid-bass programme, White Bass runs, Crappie in the timber and standing brush, and trophy blue and Flathead Catfish.
Shelby County, Alabama — Bounds Lake is a 70-acre lake, managed by Alabama DCNR / Wildlife & Freshwater Fisheries: Public lakes across the Southeast typically hold largemouth and other black bass species, bream (bluegill and redear/shellcracker sunfish), black and white crappie, and blue, channel and flathead catfish -- species commonly documented across the region's public waters by state wildlife agencies.
In Shelby County, Alabama, Double Oak Lake is a 61-acre lake, managed by Public boat ramp. An Alabama Power reservoir on the Coosa River — Spotted Bass are the everyday fish, with largemouth in the coves, a strong striped- and hybrid-bass programme, White Bass runs, Crappie in the timber and standing brush, and trophy blue and Flathead Catfish.
Shelby County, Alabama — SMyer Lake is a 56-acre lake, managed by Alabama DCNR / Wildlife & Freshwater Fisheries: Public lakes across the Southeast typically hold largemouth and other black bass species, bream (bluegill and redear/shellcracker sunfish), black and white crappie, and blue, channel and flathead catfish -- species commonly documented across the region's public waters by state wildlife agencies.
Shelby County, Alabama — Hollybrook Lake is a 51-acre lake, managed by Alabama DCNR / Wildlife & Freshwater Fisheries: Public lakes across the Southeast typically hold largemouth and other black bass species, bream (bluegill and redear/shellcracker sunfish), black and white crappie, and blue, channel and flathead catfish -- species commonly documented across the region's public waters by state wildlife agencies.
College Lake (31 acres) sits in Shelby and Randolph Counties, Alabama, managed by Other or Unknown State Land. An Alabama Power reservoir on the Coosa River — Spotted Bass are the everyday fish, with largemouth in the coves, a strong striped- and hybrid-bass programme, White Bass runs, Crappie in the timber and standing brush, and trophy blue and Flathead Catfish.
Kimberly Clark Lake (31 acres) sits in Shelby County, Alabama, managed by Alabama DCNR / Wildlife & Freshwater Fisheries. Public lakes across the Southeast typically hold largemouth and other black bass species, bream (bluegill and redear/shellcracker sunfish), black and white crappie, and blue, channel and flathead catfish -- species commonly documented across the region's public waters by state wildlife agencies.
In Shelby County, Alabama, Wilborn Lake is a 20-acre lake, managed by Alabama DCNR / Wildlife & Freshwater Fisheries. Public lakes across the Southeast typically hold largemouth and other black bass species, bream (bluegill and redear/shellcracker sunfish), black and white crappie, and blue, channel and flathead catfish -- species commonly documented across the region's public waters by state wildlife agencies.
In Shelby County, Alabama, Blue Water Park is a 20-acre lake, managed by Alabama DCNR / Wildlife & Freshwater Fisheries. Public lakes across the Southeast typically hold largemouth and other black bass species, bream (bluegill and redear/shellcracker sunfish), black and white crappie, and blue, channel and flathead catfish -- species commonly documented across the region's public waters by state wildlife agencies.
Hargis Lake, a 18-acre lake in Shelby County, Alabama, managed by Alabama DCNR / Wildlife & Freshwater Fisheries: Public lakes across the Southeast typically hold largemouth and other black bass species, bream (bluegill and redear/shellcracker sunfish), black and white crappie, and blue, channel and flathead catfish -- species commonly documented across the region's public waters by state wildlife agencies.
In Shelby County, Alabama, Whispering Pines Lake is a 18-acre lake, managed by Alabama DCNR / Wildlife & Freshwater Fisheries. Public lakes across the Southeast typically hold largemouth and other black bass species, bream (bluegill and redear/shellcracker sunfish), black and white crappie, and blue, channel and flathead catfish -- species commonly documented across the region's public waters by state wildlife agencies.
Old Lake, a 17-acre lake in Shelby County, Alabama, managed by State Park and Recreation: An Alabama Power reservoir on the Coosa River — Spotted Bass are the everyday fish, with largemouth in the coves, a strong striped- and hybrid-bass programme, White Bass runs, Crappie in the timber and standing brush, and trophy blue and Flathead Catfish.
Fultons Lake, a 16-acre lake in Shelby County, Alabama, managed by Alabama DCNR / Wildlife & Freshwater Fisheries: Public lakes across the Southeast typically hold largemouth and other black bass species, bream (bluegill and redear/shellcracker sunfish), black and white crappie, and blue, channel and flathead catfish -- species commonly documented across the region's public waters by state wildlife agencies.
Farmhouse Lake (16 acres) sits in Shelby County, Alabama, managed by Alabama DCNR / Wildlife & Freshwater Fisheries. Public lakes across the Southeast typically hold largemouth and other black bass species, bream (bluegill and redear/shellcracker sunfish), black and white crappie, and blue, channel and flathead catfish -- species commonly documented across the region's public waters by state wildlife agencies.
Shelby County, Alabama — Lake Dixie is a 16-acre lake, managed by Alabama DCNR / Wildlife & Freshwater Fisheries: Public lakes across the Southeast typically hold largemouth and other black bass species, bream (bluegill and redear/shellcracker sunfish), black and white crappie, and blue, channel and flathead catfish -- species commonly documented across the region's public waters by state wildlife agencies.
In Shelby County, Alabama, Bowden Lake is a 14-acre lake, managed by Non-Governmental Organization. An Alabama Power reservoir on the Coosa River — Spotted Bass are the everyday fish, with largemouth in the coves, a strong striped- and hybrid-bass programme, White Bass runs, Crappie in the timber and standing brush, and trophy blue and Flathead Catfish.
The Coosa River — mostly a chain of Alabama Power reservoirs, but the free-flowing reaches (below Jordan Dam, the Wetumpka 'Devil's Staircase', the tailwaters) hold redeye and Spotted Bass, a striped-bass run, and trophy Flathead Catfish. The lower Coosa below Jordan Dam is world-class striper water in spring.
Central Alabama's largest native river at nearly 317 km, the Cahaba flows through six counties and supports a diverse warmwater fishery anchored by redeye bass, spotted bass, and largemouth bass. Sunfish (longear and redbreast), bluegill, and both channel and flathead catfish provide year-round opportunity across this free-flowing, publicly navigable waterway.
Jefferson, Bibb and Shelby Counties, Alabama — Shades Creek is a 86 km stream: A warmwater Alabama river or large creek — largemouth and Spotted Bass, redbreast and Bluegill Sunfish, channel and Flathead Catfish, Bowfin and Gar. Access at bridges, county landings and WMA boat ramps.
This 27 km tributary of the Cahaba in Bibb and Shelby counties holds the same bass-and-panfish character as its larger neighbor but in a more intimate setting. Redeye bass thrive in the Little Cahaba's clearer, swifter sections, while spotted and largemouth bass, redbreast sunfish, bluegill, and both catfish species populate slower pools and wider bends.
Kelly Creek (41 km) flows through St. Clair and Shelby Counties, Alabama. A warmwater Alabama river or large creek — largemouth and Spotted Bass, redbreast and Bluegill Sunfish, channel and Flathead Catfish, Bowfin and Gar. Access at bridges, county landings and WMA boat ramps.
Shelby, Chilton and Coosa Counties, Alabama — Buxahatchee Creek is a 8 km stream: A warmwater Alabama river or large creek — largemouth and Spotted Bass, redbreast and Bluegill Sunfish, channel and Flathead Catfish, Bowfin and Gar. Access at bridges, county landings and WMA boat ramps.
In Coosa, Talladega and Shelby Counties, Alabama, Peckerwood Creek is a 24 km river or creek. A warmwater Alabama river or large creek — largemouth and Spotted Bass, redbreast and Bluegill Sunfish, channel and Flathead Catfish, Bowfin and Gar. Access at bridges, county landings and WMA boat ramps.
Yellowleaf Creek (26 km) flows through Shelby and Talladega Counties, Alabama. A warmwater Alabama river or large creek — largemouth and Spotted Bass, redbreast and Bluegill Sunfish, channel and Flathead Catfish, Bowfin and Gar. Access at bridges, county landings and WMA boat ramps.
Muddy Prong (25 km) flows through Shelby County, Alabama. A warmwater Alabama river or large creek — largemouth and Spotted Bass, redbreast and Bluegill Sunfish, channel and Flathead Catfish, Bowfin and Gar. Access at bridges, county landings and WMA boat ramps.
Shelby County, Alabama — South Fork Yellowleaf Creek is a 20 km stream: A warmwater Alabama river or large creek — largemouth and Spotted Bass, redbreast and Bluegill Sunfish, channel and Flathead Catfish, Bowfin and Gar. Access at bridges, county landings and WMA boat ramps.
In Shelby and St. Clair Counties, Alabama, Shoal Creek is a 5 km river or creek. A warmwater Alabama river or large creek — largemouth and Spotted Bass, redbreast and Bluegill Sunfish, channel and Flathead Catfish, Bowfin and Gar. Access at bridges, county landings and WMA boat ramps.
In Shelby County, Alabama, Buck Creek is a 20 km river or creek. A warmwater Alabama river or large creek — largemouth and Spotted Bass, redbreast and Bluegill Sunfish, channel and Flathead Catfish, Bowfin and Gar. Access at bridges, county landings and WMA boat ramps.
In Shelby County, Alabama, North Fork Yellowleaf Creek is a 19 km river or creek. A warmwater Alabama river or large creek — largemouth and Spotted Bass, redbreast and Bluegill Sunfish, channel and Flathead Catfish, Bowfin and Gar. Access at bridges, county landings and WMA boat ramps.
Cahaba Valley Creek runs 0 km through Shelby County, Alabama: A warmwater Alabama river or large creek — largemouth and Spotted Bass, redbreast and Bluegill Sunfish, channel and Flathead Catfish, Bowfin and Gar. Access at bridges, county landings and WMA boat ramps.
Waxahatchee Creek runs 17 km through Shelby and Chilton Counties, Alabama: A warmwater Alabama river or large creek — largemouth and Spotted Bass, redbreast and Bluegill Sunfish, channel and Flathead Catfish, Bowfin and Gar. Access at bridges, county landings and WMA boat ramps.
Camp Branch runs 17 km through Shelby County, Alabama: A warmwater Alabama river or large creek — largemouth and Spotted Bass, redbreast and Bluegill Sunfish, channel and Flathead Catfish, Bowfin and Gar. Access at bridges, county landings and WMA boat ramps.
Chilton and Shelby Counties, Alabama — Watson Creek is a 10 km stream: A warmwater Alabama river or large creek — largemouth and Spotted Bass, redbreast and Bluegill Sunfish, channel and Flathead Catfish, Bowfin and Gar. Access at bridges, county landings and WMA boat ramps.
In Shelby County, Alabama, Beeswax Creek is a 14 km river or creek. A warmwater Alabama river or large creek — largemouth and Spotted Bass, redbreast and Bluegill Sunfish, channel and Flathead Catfish, Bowfin and Gar. Access at bridges, county landings and WMA boat ramps.
Fourmile Creek runs 4 km through Shelby County, Alabama: A warmwater Alabama river or large creek — largemouth and Spotted Bass, redbreast and Bluegill Sunfish, channel and Flathead Catfish, Bowfin and Gar. Access at bridges, county landings and WMA boat ramps.
Peavine Creek (12 km) flows through Shelby County, Alabama. A warmwater Alabama river or large creek — largemouth and Spotted Bass, redbreast and Bluegill Sunfish, channel and Flathead Catfish, Bowfin and Gar. Access at bridges, county landings and WMA boat ramps.
Talladega and Shelby Counties, Alabama — Kahatchee Creek is a 11 km stream: A warmwater Alabama river or large creek — largemouth and Spotted Bass, redbreast and Bluegill Sunfish, channel and Flathead Catfish, Bowfin and Gar. Access at bridges, county landings and WMA boat ramps.
Wash Creek (12 km) flows through Chilton and Shelby Counties, Alabama. A warmwater Alabama river or large creek — largemouth and Spotted Bass, redbreast and Bluegill Sunfish, channel and Flathead Catfish, Bowfin and Gar. Access at bridges, county landings and WMA boat ramps.
Mayberry Creek runs 5 km through Shelby and Bibb Counties, Alabama: A warmwater Alabama river or large creek — largemouth and Spotted Bass, redbreast and Bluegill Sunfish, channel and Flathead Catfish, Bowfin and Gar. Access at bridges, county landings and WMA boat ramps.
Little Creek runs 9 km through Shelby County, Alabama: A warmwater Alabama river or large creek — largemouth and Spotted Bass, redbreast and Bluegill Sunfish, channel and Flathead Catfish, Bowfin and Gar. Access at bridges, county landings and WMA boat ramps.
In Shelby County, Alabama, Morgan Creek is a 2 km river or creek. A warmwater Alabama river or large creek — largemouth and Spotted Bass, redbreast and Bluegill Sunfish, channel and Flathead Catfish, Bowfin and Gar. Access at bridges, county landings and WMA boat ramps.
In Jefferson and Shelby Counties, Alabama, Patton Creek is a 10 km river or creek. A warmwater Alabama river or large creek — largemouth and Spotted Bass, redbreast and Bluegill Sunfish, channel and Flathead Catfish, Bowfin and Gar. Access at bridges, county landings and WMA boat ramps.
Piney Woods Creek (8 km) flows through Shelby County, Alabama. A warmwater Alabama river or large creek — largemouth and Spotted Bass, redbreast and Bluegill Sunfish, channel and Flathead Catfish, Bowfin and Gar. Access at bridges, county landings and WMA boat ramps.
Cooper Branch (10 km) flows through Shelby County, Alabama. A warmwater Alabama river or large creek — largemouth and Spotted Bass, redbreast and Bluegill Sunfish, channel and Flathead Catfish, Bowfin and Gar. Access at bridges, county landings and WMA boat ramps.
Crawford Branch runs 6 km through Chilton and Shelby Counties, Alabama: A warmwater Alabama river or large creek — largemouth and Spotted Bass, redbreast and Bluegill Sunfish, channel and Flathead Catfish, Bowfin and Gar. Access at bridges, county landings and WMA boat ramps.
Shelby County, Alabama — Little Beeswax Creek is a 9 km stream: A warmwater Alabama river or large creek — largemouth and Spotted Bass, redbreast and Bluegill Sunfish, channel and Flathead Catfish, Bowfin and Gar. Access at bridges, county landings and WMA boat ramps.
In Shelby County, Alabama, Murry Creek is a 6 km river or creek. A warmwater Alabama river or large creek — largemouth and Spotted Bass, redbreast and Bluegill Sunfish, channel and Flathead Catfish, Bowfin and Gar. Access at bridges, county landings and WMA boat ramps.
Shelby County, Alabama — Double Mountain Branch is a 6 km stream: A warmwater Alabama river or large creek — largemouth and Spotted Bass, redbreast and Bluegill Sunfish, channel and Flathead Catfish, Bowfin and Gar. Access at bridges, county landings and WMA boat ramps.
Clear Prong (9 km) flows through Shelby County, Alabama. A warmwater Alabama river or large creek — largemouth and Spotted Bass, redbreast and Bluegill Sunfish, channel and Flathead Catfish, Bowfin and Gar. Access at bridges, county landings and WMA boat ramps.
Shelby County, Alabama — Jesse Creek is a 8 km stream: A warmwater Alabama river or large creek — largemouth and Spotted Bass, redbreast and Bluegill Sunfish, channel and Flathead Catfish, Bowfin and Gar. Access at bridges, county landings and WMA boat ramps.
Savage Creek runs 7 km through Shelby and Bibb Counties, Alabama: A warmwater Alabama river or large creek — largemouth and Spotted Bass, redbreast and Bluegill Sunfish, channel and Flathead Catfish, Bowfin and Gar. Access at bridges, county landings and WMA boat ramps.
Poplar Branch runs 8 km through Shelby County, Alabama: A warmwater Alabama river or large creek — largemouth and Spotted Bass, redbreast and Bluegill Sunfish, channel and Flathead Catfish, Bowfin and Gar. Access at bridges, county landings and WMA boat ramps.
Bob Hood Branch (8 km) flows through Shelby County, Alabama. A warmwater Alabama river or large creek — largemouth and Spotted Bass, redbreast and Bluegill Sunfish, channel and Flathead Catfish, Bowfin and Gar. Access at bridges, county landings and WMA boat ramps.
Across its mapped waters, Shelby County holds 24 species on PiscaMaps, including Largemouth Bass, Bluegill, Channel Catfish, Flathead Catfish, Spotted Bass, Redbreast Sunfish, Bowfin and Longnose Gar.
Ramps, put-ins and species for every water — plus the carp layer no other US app has.
Open the Alabama map Join PiscaMapsOne Alabama fishing licence covers every public water in the state, the Sipsey Fork trout tailrace included (no trout stamp) — resident annual about $14, non-resident annual about $56, with non-resident 1-day and 7-day options. ADCNR State Public Fishing Lakes charge a small daily permit at the gate, and WMA waters need a WMA licence. Alabama residents 65+ fish free. Buy at OutdoorAlabama.com.