Skip to main content

Lewis Smith Lake

Boat Ramps
5
Access Points
5
Species
39

Lewis Smith Lake, commonly known as Smith Lake, is a 21,200-acre reservoir located in north-central Alabama about an hour north of Birmingham. Created in 1961 by damming the Sipsey Fork of the Black Warrior River, this deep, clear-water lake spans three counties - Walker, Winston, and Cullman. With over 500 miles of shoreline, much of which is dotted with boat docks, rocks and trees, Smith Lake offers exceptional fishing opportunities. The lake is renowned for its exceptional water clarity, with visibility reaching 15-20 feet in some areas, particularly in the western arm. Smith Lake reaches depths of up to 264 feet, making it one of Alabama's deepest reservoirs and providing diverse fishing environments from shallow coves to deep, open water.

Fishing spots, boat ramps & amenities

Learn how to get on Lewis Smith Lake. Uncover great fishing access points, boat ramps, and all the facilities you need for an unforgettable day on the water. Some locations shown may border or include private property. Always check property boundaries and applicable regulations before visiting. onWater's Public & Private Land layer can help you plan your access with confidence.

Trident Marina

Trident Marina

Shop

Know where you can legally fish on Lewis Smith Lake

See public and private land boundaries along the water, turn on private parcels with owner details to know where permission is required, and find land-trust parcels that offer permitted fishing access.

Alabama licenses and regulations

Alabama Boating Regulations

When using any type of watercraft to access a body of water, it is important to follow all federal, state, and local rules and regulations. These rules and regulations include boat permitting and licensing, invasive species inspections and stamps, life jacket and PFD rules, motor size and horsepower restrictions, noise limitations, restrictions on personal watercraft, and many more. Visit the web link below for the most current rules and regulations for this body of water.

Learn more, opens in new tab

Alabama Fishing License 

A License Information Packet can be viewed for each license for information, laws and regulations. 

Learn more, opens in new tab

Alabama Fishing Regulations

This river has a variety of species and regulations, including potential floating and/or watercraft restrictions. Because this river is specially managed for species, seasons, angling methods, and watercraft, it is strongly encouraged you check all federal, state, and local regulations before fishing. Visit any of the links below, inquire locally, or contact a local fly shop to learn current regulations and restrictions.

Learn more, opens in new tab

Alabama Stream Access Laws

The public can float waterways that meet various standards, but generally include all those capable of floating commercial logs outside of flood seasons. Boaters may not walk on private streambeds or access navigable waters through private lands, unless there is no posted signage stating the land is private. Portage is only permitted in an emergency. 

Learn more, opens in new tab

Take Lewis Smith Lake with you

The onWater Fish app keeps this water's access points, species and conditions in your pocket, with the tools you use once you're there.

  • Use the map without signal

    Download the map around Lewis Smith Lake to use it offline when coverage drops.

  • Log your catches here

    Keep a private fishing journal for Lewis Smith Lake to find where and when fish are biting for you.

  • HD depth charts from Garmin

    Find drop offs, ledges, channels, points and shallow flats with Garmin depth charts in the app.

Get the onWater Fish app

Free on iOS and Android

Water and weather conditions (10 day forecast)

See the best times to fish Lewis Smith Lake and check the forecast before you go.

No forecast data available.

Explore Alabama waters

Top fishing waters

Popular Cities

Loading popular cities...

Explore near Lewis Smith Lake

Fish species
Fishing spots
Nearby waters
More in Alabama

Smarter Fishing Starts in the App.

onWater Fish gives you everything you need to plan smarter, fish better, and own every trip from first cast to last.