Bankhead Lake Fishing Spot
- Acreage: 9100
- Public Fishing: Yes
- Last Modified By: vinny60 on 02/25/11 05:54 PM
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Better opportunities for anglers to catch spotted bass are found in lower sections of the reservoir. Hybrids in the 3-8 pound range are commonly caught in swift tailrace and headwaters in spring and fall.
Bankhead Lake Description
Bankhead Lake is the most northern project on the Black Warrior-Tombigbee river system. The lake's clear waters stretch for 65 miles and encompass 9,100 surface acres. This includes the Locust and Mulberry forks to the head of navigation. The shoreline of Bankhead Lake is privately owned. Because of this, there is extensive shoreline developement. A major portion of this development is privately owned homes. There are several marinas and fish camps along the lake that provide boat docking and storage, fueling facilities, boat repairs, launching ramps, food and supplies. The Corps of Engineers does not have developed recreation areas on Bankhead Lake. Located approximately 15 miles west of Birmingham and 30 miles northeast of Tuscaloosa, Bankhead Reservoir flows through Walker, Jefferson and Tuscaloosa Counties. Bankhead Lake is best known for catches of largemouth bass and spotted bass. Largemouth bass up to 16 inches are abundant with lower numbers of larger bass. Trophy potential exists in backwater areas.The crappie growth in this reservoir is excellent, and the fish caught are usually large.Another popular sport fish in Bankhead Lake are hybrid striped bass. In addition to hybrid striped bass, the Bankhead Reservoir headwaters (Smith Lake tailwaters) are excellent fisheries for rainbow trout, catfish, various sunfish, largemouth bass and spotted bass. Beginning several years ago, the stocking rate for trout was increased to seven stockings annually. Each stocking usually consists of 3,000 rainbow trout. Seasonally, the skipjack herring fishery is tremendous.