Payne Lake

Boat Ramps: 1
Access Points: 1
Species: 5

Payne Lake is a 110-acre recreational lake located in Hale County, Alabama, situated within the Bankhead National Forest. This scenic impoundment offers year-round fishing opportunities in a tranquil forest setting, making it a popular destination for anglers seeking both solitude and quality fishing experiences. The lake features developed camping facilities with 26 sites along the shoreline, swimming areas, and boat access, providing a complete outdoor recreation experience for visitors.

Alabama licenses and regulations4 to check before you go

Species & education

Learn what type of fish are at Payne Lake and what's needed to catch them.

Find which waters have the species you want to catch

Largemouth Bass

Micropterus salmoides

Bluegill Sunfish

Lepomis macrochirus

Grass Pickerel

Esox americanus

Spotted Bass

Micropterus punctulatus

Warmouth Sunfish

Lepomis gulosus

Fishing spots, boat ramps & amenities

Learn how to get on Payne 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.

Payne Lake Recreation Area Boat Ramp

Boat Ramp

Know where you can legally fish on Payne 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.

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Alabama Fishing License

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

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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.

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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.

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Take Payne 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 Payne Lake to use it offline when coverage drops.
Log your catches here
Keep a private fishing journal for Payne 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.