Located five miles north of the cities of Tuscaloosa and Northport in west central Alabama, Lake Tuscaloosa is a 5,885-acre water supply reservoir with 177 miles of shoreline. Created in 1970 by damming the North River, the lake serves as the primary source of drinking water for the Tuscaloosa metropolitan area, holding approximately 40 billion gallons of water. Since its impoundment by the City of Tuscaloosa in 1971, it has become a popular recreational destination for anglers. The lake features clear water with visibility near the dam often exceeding 20 feet, creating a distinctive fishing environment characterized by relatively low fish production.