Alabama State Public Fishing Lakes

ADCNR lists 20 State Public Fishing Lakes, each with its own posted hours and limits. Anglers 12 and older buy a daily fishing permit at the lake; the daily Public Fishing Lakes license ($7.80 resident) can stand in for a regular license there.

All anglers 12 years old and older must have a valid permit in possession to legally fish. No child younger than 12 years old can legally be left unaccompanied by an adult at a Public Fishing Lake (PFL). All daily creel, possession and size limits are posted at each lake. Fishing time is limited to daylight hours or as specified by the lake manager. No method other than hook and line with natural or artificial bait may be used at a PFL. All anglers must exhibit their catch, fishing permit and fishing license to a Conservation Officer or the Lake Manager upon demand. All fish must be carried to the Lake Manager who must count and weigh them. All PFLs are designated as wildlife sanctuaries. The above is a synopsis of regulations for state-owned Public Fishing Lakes and is intended as a general guide. Please refer to the Alabama Game, Fish, Furbearers, and Other Wildlife Regulation Book for complete regulations.

State-owned public fishing lakes 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 four days a week. During the months of December and January, many lakes are closed or operate on a limited basis. Information and schedules may change without notice, so please visit our website www.OutdoorAlabama.com, call the Lake Manager, or the appropriate Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries District Office for the current operating schedule.