Smith Lake Fishing

Lewis Smith Lake in Alabama can be very daunting if you typically fish in shallow water. You can watch your depth finder jump to over 200 feet, a common depth on the lake. There is even deeper water close to 500 feet in some places! 500 miles of rocky shoreline surround much of the lake, with water depths dropping as deep as 70 feet just a few yards from shore.

It is a clear emerald–green lake with dozens of different feeder streams, shallow inlets, and sloughs. The water is so clear that the bottom seems within a hands reach and one can see a fish striking a lure many feet down.

The lake offers Anglers over 70 species of fish, the dominant being bass (spotted, largemouth, striped), bream and crappie. Starting in 1982, Gulf Coast striped bass and Florida largemouth bass are stocked annually. An average striped bass is usually in the 30 lbs. range and the 40 lbs. range are present. Year round fly–fishing for Rainbow trout is located below the dam in the lake tail waters.

Lewis Smith Lake is ranked as the #1 lake in Alabama for spotted bass fishing and #3 for crappie. Five world record catches for spotted bass is held by Smith Lake, two of which have come out of the Dismal Creek branch. The current lake record is 45 lbs.

Lewis Smith Lake History

Smith Lake was created by the Alabama Power Company as a result of the impoundment of the Sipsey Fork of the Black Warrior River. Dam construction began in 1957 and was dedicated on May 23, 1961. It was named for the companys president, Lewis M. Smith. The earth and rock-filled dam is 2,200 feet long and 300 feet tall. It is one of the largest dams of its type in the eastern United States. The dam base is a quarter-mile wide.

The 21,200 acre lake stretches along for 35 miles, has over 500 miles of shoreline, and a watershed of 944 square miles. On the west side of the lake is the 180,000 acre William B. Bankhead National Forest, which is the southern edge of the Cumberland Plateau. Known as the "Land of 1,000 Waterfalls," the Sipsey Wilderness Area lies within the Bankhead National Forest.

It's the largest Wilderness Area east of the Mississippi River. The 61 miles of the Sipsey Fork River above Lewis Smith Lake are designated as Alabama's only National Wild and Scenic River for those that canoe and kayak. Sipsey Fork River passes through some of the state's only remaining virgin timber, and home to Alabama’s largest tree, a tulip poplar with a 21 ft. circumference at its base.

Scuba Diving in Smith Lake

People of all ages come to Lewis Smith Lake all because of the crystal clear waters. Waters that run deep throughout the three counties of Winston, Walker and Cullman. It has been rated as one of the cleanest lakes in the United States, behind Lake Tahoe!

There are no manufacturing or industrial plants, barges or ships which can pollute the water. The shoreline, being mainly composed of rock, is also a major contribution to its clear emerald-green waters.

Alabama Power has strict guidelines for the lake, including dock permits, marinas, shoreline gas stations, restaurants, and anything pertaining to the water purity of the reservoir. There are also several preservation organizations that monitor the water and all activities that occur on the lake.

With the purity of the deep water and its clear visibility, Lewis Smith Lake has long been a Mecca to scuba divers. With the construction of the dam, bridges and towns were flooded over. Most of which still remain under its water, making the dives much more interesting.

There are several dive shops located around the area for your diving needs, and have dive tours available for the local tourist.

Scuba Diving in Smith Lake

People of all ages come to Lewis Smith Lake all because of the crystal clear waters. Waters that run deep throughout the three counties of Winston, Walker and Cullman. It has been rated as one of the cleanest lakes in the United States, behind Lake Tahoe!

There are no manufacturing or industrial plants, barges or ships which can pollute the water. The shoreline, being mainly composed of rock, is also a major contribution to its clear emerald-green waters.

Alabama Power has strict guidelines for the lake, including dock permits, marinas, shoreline gas stations, restaurants, and anything pertaining to the water purity of the reservoir. There are also several preservation organizations that monitor the water and all activities that occur on the lake.

With the purity of the deep water and its clear visibility, Lewis Smith Lake has long been a Mecca to scuba divers. With the construction of the dam, bridges and towns were flooded over. Most of which still remain under its water, making the dives much more interesting.

There are several dive shops located around the area for your diving needs, and have dive tours available for the local tourist.

Smith Lake Boating

Smith Lake has many marinas that are open year round. Many offer watercraft rentals and every kind of supplies needed for the water. Some marinas offer fuel docks, dry rack storage and water slips for easy access. There are no size restrictions for boats and houseboats are even allowed.

At this time, there is no speed limit on the water. However, several "no wake" zones are posted meaning that your watercraft must be driven at idle speeds. State law requires all people operating a vessel to obtain a boater's license. Alabama Marine Police patrol the waters and strictly enforce the law by checking for licenses, alcohol and required floatation devices.

Handicap access is available at Smith Lake Park thanks to Cullman County and has a new ADA compliant dock with a 40-foot walkway. Smith Lake Park also has a Rod & Reel Loaner Program, picnic areas, RV hookups, tent campsites, swimming pool with a water slide, carpet golf, and private lakeside cabins. There is also a Public Access boat ramp at the Smith Lake Dam courtesy of Alabama Power Company.

Smith Lake Communities

Historical Houston Jail

In 1858, Houston was the location of the 1st Winston (originally Hancock) County seat, located next to Brushy Creek. It remained the county seat until 1884 when it was moved to Double Springs. The log jail built at this time burned during the Civil War, but commissioners immediately began rebuilding it in 1865. Tradition tells of prisoners awaiting court trials were tied to surrounding trees while the jail was being rebuilt. Recently, preservationists have restored the old hand-hewed log jail which shows the square-head nails and iron bars in the windows. For dinner and a lake tour, tourists visit Looney's Riverboat next to Lakeshore Inn Marina & Lodge.

Old Arley Post Office

No longer a community but now a quaint little town, Arley was named after a local minister’s son, Robert Arley Gibson. The first original land entries were dated in 1832, but white settlers and Native Americans had been living in this area for some time. Native American artifacts and ancient campgrounds can be found all through the area. Arley being surrounded by the Sipsey Fork of the Black Warrior River, it was only logical for Natives and settlers to locate themselves next to the natural water source.

Old Arley School

Even though the first Post Office was established in 1891, rural delivery did not begin for another 25 years and was delivered by horse and wagon. Arley School was built in 1903 housing all 12 grade levels. Arley got their first paved road leading to Jasper in 1953 and became incorporated in 1965. Lewis Smith Lake almost surrounds Arley on all sides and is on the edge of William B. Bankhead National Forest.

Curry is a large community and is the closest community to the Lewis Smith Lake dam. There are several bed and breakfast establishments in Crane Hill and among them is a very unique Lighthouse bed and breakfast. Bremen was founded in 1860 to honor the city of Bremen, Germany. Dodge City is located right next to I-65, and offers quick access to Lewis Smith Lake. Trimble boasts a marina, park, campground and the notorious Goat Island. Yes, goats are there...

Wherever you go, we are sure that the surrounding Smith Lake Communities will meet your expectations. You will find an array of attractions. From a historical covered bridge and Civil War museums, to antique shops for every eclectic taste. There is something for everyone here.

Smith Lake Marinas

• Arrowhead Park—761 County Road 941, Crane Hill, AL 35053            
• Duncan Bridge Marina—55 Marina Drive, Arley, AL 35541           
• Duskin Point Marina—198 Duskin Point Road, Jasper, AL 35504         
• Hames Marina—850 County Road 248, Cullman, AL 35057                 
• Lakeshore Inn Marina—364 Lakeshore Lane, Double Springs, AL 35553           
• Mallard Point Marina—850 County Road 225, Cullman, AL 35057             
• Misty Harbor Marina—750 County Road 234, Cullman, AL 35057                 
• Rock Creek Marina—288 County Road 4010, Crane Hill, AL 35057           
• Ryan Creek Boating Center—21680 County Road 222, Crane Hill, AL 35053             
• Smith Lake Marina & Resort—175 County Road 312, Cullman, AL 35057                   
• Speegle's Marina & Campground—7146 County Road 310, Crane Hill, AL 35053               

=Tackle/Bait =Gas/Oil =Handicap Accessible =Groceries/Concessions =Boat Launch =Watercraft Rental =Boat Storage =Lodging =Camping
=Food/Deli/Restaurant =Swimming/Beach =RV/Trailer Hookup =Bike Paths =Hiking Trails/Walking Paths =Picnic/Grill =Activity Areas/Playgrounds

Smith Lake Parks and Campgrounds

• Arrowhead Park—761 County Road 941, Crane Hill, AL 35053            
• Clear Creek Recreation Area—8079 Fall City Road, Jasper, AL 35503                  
• Corinth Recreation Area—2540 County Road 57, Double Springs, AL 35553               
• Houston Recreation Area—1033 County Road 3124, Houston AL 35572                 
• Smith Lake Park—416 County Road 385, Cullman, AL 35057                   

=Tackle/Bait =Gas/Oil =Handicap Accessible =Groceries/Concessions =Boat Launch =Watercraft Rental =Boat Storage =Lodging =Camping
=Food/Deli/Restaurant =Swimming/Beach =RV/Trailer Hookup =Bike Paths =Hiking Trails/Walking Paths =Picnic/Grill =Activity Areas/Playgrounds

Smith Lake Lodging and Resorts

From Bed and Breakfast retreats to cozy resort rooms in a serene cove, the lake offers many amenities nestled along its waters. Also there are many homes, cabins, and condos for rent listed by their owners. Choices from luxurious private estates to rustic camping sites, Lewis Smith Lake offers a variety of lodging choices for your vacation stay.

Listed below are just a few locations offering private rooms, apartments or condos for rent.

• Smith Lake Bed & Breakfast—994 County Road 4230, Crane Hill, AL 35053: Private luxury rooms
• AnchorLight Bed & Breakfast—251 County Road 881, Crane Hill, Al 35053: Private luxury rooms
• Lakeshore Inn & Marina—364 Lakeshore Lane, Double Springs, AL 35553: Condo Suites
• Smith Lake Marina & Resort—175 County Road 312, Cullman, AL 35057: Waterfront Apartments
• Smith Lake Park—416 County Road 385, Cullman, AL 35057: Private Cabins
• Hidden Cove Resort—687 County Road 3916, Arley, Alabama 35541: Private Cabins w/Clubhouse

Community Airports

CULLMAN AIRPORT—Folsom Field, 231 County Road 1360, Vinemont, AL 35179

Described by pilots as the best airport for its size in Alabama. Cullman Airport is a state-of-the-art small airport, open 24 hours a day and seven days a week. The lighted runway is 5,500 feet long and is capable of handling aircraft up to the Boeing 737. The 10,000 square-foot terminal offers a variety of amenities.

• Car Rental
• Plane & Helicopter Rental
• Courtesy Car
• Snack Bar
• Pilot Lounge with shower

The airport also is home to the Wallace State College Flight School and the skydiving group Skydive Alabama, who have office space in the airport's main hangar. The main hangar houses up to 15 aircraft, has three corporate hangars, eight T-Hangar units, 56 tie-down spaces on the ramp and in the process of building 16 new T-hangars. Folsom Field has GPS & NDB approaches and an Aviation Weather Observation System.

WINSTON COUNTY AIRPORT—Hwy. 278, Double Springs, AL 35553

Double Springs Airport is open Monday through Saturday, from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The lighted runway is 3,403 feet long and offers tie-downs.

ADDISON MUNICIPAL AIRPORT—Sardis-Airport Road, Addison, AL 35540

Addison Municipal Airport covers an area of 37 acres and has one runway 2,631 feet long by 112 feet wide turf surface.

WALKER COUNTY AIRPORT—Bevill Field, 20 Ellis Haynes Drive, Jasper, AL 35503

Open 7 days a week from 8:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. The lighted runway is 5,003 feet long and offers a variety of amenities, including Shoreline Aviation Flight School featuring seaplane training, Airline Transport Professionals Flight School, Vulcan Aero Services and Sanders Aviation.

• Air Freight
• Avionics
• Cargo Handling
• Charter
• Flight Instruction
• Aircraft Rental
• Aircraft Sales
• Annual Surveying

The airport offers multiple hangar sizes and tie-down spaces. It is a perfect uncongested place for training with multiple approaches on the field. This is the best way to train for your training dollars.

Smith Lake Events

• Renew Our Rivers Clean-Up—April 21-22, 2010  Contact: Laverne Matheson@256-747-4422
• RCBC 5th Annual Fishing Tournament—April 24, 2010  Smith Lake Park Starting at 6:00 a.m. Contact: Tony Byrd@256-736-4862 or Wayne Vintson@256-590-6841
• Countywide Yard Sale—April 24, 2010  Smith Lake Park Open at 7:00 a.m.
• NBT Tournament—May 1-2, 2010  Duncan Bridge Marina  Contact: Byron Terry@256-462-1008
• Renew Our Rivers Clean-Up—May 10-12, 2010  Contact: John Kulbitskas@205-384-5415
• BASSMASTER Southern Open 2—May 13-15, 2010  Smith Lake Dam  For more info: www.bassmaster.com
• Memorial Day Festival—May 28-30, 2010  Smith Lake Park
• Renew Our Rivers Clean-Up—June 17-19, 2010  Contact: Tom Counts or Allison Cochran@205-489-5111
• Native American Festival  Smith Lake Park—Details to come...
• Annual 4th of July Festival—July 2-4, 2010  Smith Lake Park—$5.00 Gate fee on July 4th
• Labor Day Festival—September 3-5, 2010  Smith Lake Park
• Renew Our Rivers Clean-Up—October 4-6, 2010  Contact: John Kulbitskas@205-384-5415

Events and their details change constantly. So please check back again for new information. If you have any events to add to the list, please contact us with the details.