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280 area fishing guide

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Photos by Ben Thomson.

Alabama’s National Fishing and Boating Week is from June 1 to 8. 

With the cooperation of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Services, there will be a free fishing day on June 7, where even adults who do not have an Alabama fishing license may fish in public bodies of water. Children under 15 do not need a license. 

The weeklong holiday is only days away from another holiday: Father’s Day. What better way to spend National Fishing and Boating Week and Father’s Day than out on the water with dad? We have compiled a list of public places that allow fishing in the community so you — and your dad — can make the most out of your summer.

Oak Mountain

877 Findlay Drive

Pelham, AL 35124

620-2524

Located in Pelham, Oak Mountain State Park is Alabama’s largest state park. Oak Mountain has three lakes, totaling 230-acres, that are home to largemouth bass, bream, catfish and crappie. While Oak Mountain State Park welcomes private boats, john-boats are available for rent. Additionally, tackle, supplies and bait are available for purchase on the premises at the back gate. Although no gasoline motors are allowed, boats with electric trolling motors are permitted. Fishing licenses are required for all participants outside of free fishing day on June 7.

Oak Mountain also has a picnic area near the tackle and supply shop.

Lake Purdy

3780 Boat Launch Road

Birmingham, AL 35242

991-9107

Lake Purdy is 4 miles northeast of Highway 280 off Highway 119 and offers free fishing seven days a week. The lake is surrounded by 7,800 acres of  open green space and houses a full bait and tackle shop. Boat rentals are available and no previous experience or boating license is necessary to rent. Prices vary from $15 to $22 dollars, depending on the size and time of rental. Here, you may use a gas or trolling motor, or even paddle yourself.

If you have never been fishing before, Lake Purdy also offers fishing guides. For $250, you and a guest of your choice will receive tackle, food, refreshments and six hours with one of Lake Purdy’s guides.

Cahaba River 

With 131 different fish species, the Cahaba River is home the most diverse fish population of any other temperate river of its size. Since the Cahaba River stretches through five counties, there is  no specific area in direct coordination with the river that rents boats or gear. There are, however, boat rentals at nearby Alabama Small Boats Inc. Several tributaries and basins off the Cahaba River may be fished out of as well. Visit the Cahaba River Society’s website, cahabariversociety.org, to view a complete list and to decide which one is closer for you.

Public access points: 

Lay Lake

Lay Lake, a 12,000-acre reservoir on the Coosa River, borders St. Clair, Talladega, Shelby, Coosa and Chilton counties. Although it is used by Alabama Power Co. for hydroelectricity, it is also a popular destination for fishing and boating recreation. With a large population of spotted and largemouth bass, Lay Lake is home to several different species of fish including bream, catfish and crappie. There are seven public access points to the lake, and multiple locations targeted to what type of fish you are trying to catch. For more information about different areas of the lake, please visit laylake.info. 

Public access points:

Additional areas

The U.S. 280 corridor is also home to private lakes that are stocked regularly and offer exceptional fishing opportunities.

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