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Fishing At Lay Lake In 2024

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By AA-Fishing Staff Writers

Fish species to fish for...

Guide to fishing for largemouth bass, spotted bass, black crappie, white crappie, bluegill, redear sunfish, striped bass and hybrid striped bass at Lay Lake in Alabama.

Lay Lake, AL

A favorite destination of boating enthusiasts and fishermen alike, Lay Lake is a popular lake for bass tournaments. Spotted and largemouth bass are favorite targets here on this 12,000-acre lake, located 30 miles south of Birmingham.

The purpose of this page is to deliver an overview of this lake, the fishing options, and area amenities. Our goal is to provide info to first time visitors, as well as beginner and novice anglers. We gathered details from personal experience, numerous trusted websites that each offer select bits of information, and videos of fishing activity on the lake. These websites include the Outdoor Alabama, marinas at the lake, campgrounds, boat rental agencies and others. By consolidating this information to one page it allows visitors to see the entire picture, all in one place.

Lake Video

Lay Lake, located in central Alabama, is a renowned fishing destination known for its diverse fish populations and recreational opportunities. Spanning over 12,000 acres, the lake offers anglers an abundance of fishing options.

Popular fish species found in Lay Lake include largemouth bass and spotted bass. The lake's structure, including submerged vegetation, boat docks, and points, provides excellent habitat for bass. Anglers can target largemouth bass using various techniques such as flipping jigs, crankbaits, and soft plastic baits. Spring and fall are typically the best seasons for bass fishing, as the fish are more active and feeding actively during these times.

Crappie fishing is also highly regarded on Lay Lake, attracting anglers year-round. Both black crappie and white crappie can be found in the lake. Anglers often target crappie around submerged brush piles, bridge pilings, and fallen trees. Live minnows, jigs, and small plastic baits are effective in enticing crappie bites. The spring and fall seasons, particularly during the spawning periods, tend to be the most productive for crappie fishing.

Nearly 300 miles of shoreline, scattered with brush, steep banks and boat docks, are ideal hangouts for bass. The lake also has healthy populations of crappie, sunfish striped bass and hybrid stripers. Several stretches of shoreline are accessible for fishing from the bank, including areas nearby some of the boat launch ramps around the lake. Marinas, fish camps, bait stores, boat rentals, camping and other amenities enhance a stay at Lay Lake. Whether you like to fish from a canoe or kayak, a power boat, or the family pontoon, there are multitudes fish waiting to indulge you here.

Fishing Boats For Rent In Alabama

Primary fish species residing in Lay Lake

Click images for fishing tips and details about each species.

Largemouth bass Spotted bass Black crappie White crappie Bluegill Redear Sunfish Striped bass Hybrid Striped Bass

Lay Lake Amenities

Marina: YES
Boat Rental: YES
Boat Launch Ramp: YES
Campgrounds: YES
RV Hookups: YES
Lodging: YES
Convenience Store: NEARBY
Bait & Tackle: NEARBY
Restaurant: YES

Today's Weather & Forecast

Boating is a popular activity on Lay Lake, allowing anglers to explore different areas and access prime fishing spots. The lake offers several boat ramps for easy launching, accommodating various watercraft such as boats and pontoons.

Fishing Boat Rentals

Trident Marine Lay Lake
Rentals: Pontoon boats
256-286-0050

Public Boat Launch Ramps & Landings

Beeswax Creek Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the northwest section of the lake, off Beeswax Park Road, this is a four-lane, concrete ramp with docks and paved parking.

Cedar Creek Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the northeast section of the lake, off County Road 31, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with docks and gravel parking.

Lacoosa Marina Boat Launch Ramp
Located mid lake, west side, off Lake Shore Drive, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.

Narrows Boat Launch Ramp
Located mid lake, west side, off County Road 400, this is a one-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.

Lay Lake Public Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the southwest section of the lake, off County Road 607, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with docks and paved parking.

Okomo Camp Ground & Boat Launch Ramp
Located mid lake, west side, off County Road 406, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and gravel parking.

Paint Creek Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the southeast section of the lake, off Paint Creek State Ramp Road, this is a one-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and gravel parking.

Paradise Point Boat Launch Ramp
Located mid lake, west side, off Paradise Point Marina Road, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with docks and gravel parking.

Marinas

LaCoosa Marina on Lay Lake
150 Lake Shore Dr
Shelby, AL 35143
205 917-0801

Paradise Point Marina & RV
231 Paradise Point Drive
Columbiana, AL 35051
205 669-1515

Click here for a Alabama Fishing License.

Camping facilities are available around the lake, providing anglers the opportunity to extend their fishing trips and enjoy the natural surroundings.

Campgrounds & RV Parks Nearby

Waxahatchee Marina & Campground - 205 669-0330

Hawks RV Park - 205 670-0016

Okomo Camp Ground And Boat Launch - 205 830-7437

Beeswax Creek Park Campground - 205 991-2015

Wilson Village Campground - 204 541-4600

Yellowleaf Campground & RV Park - 205 420-3896

Peach Queen Campground - 205 688-2573

Lay Lake AL Map - Fishing & Camping Areas

Contact Information

Lay Lake
Waxahatchee Marina On Lay Lake
265 Waxahatchee Rd
Shelby, AL 35143
205 669-0330

 

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Lay Lake in Alabama.

Information about fishing lakes in Alabama

Lay Lake provides some of the best spotted and largemouth bass fishing in east-central Alabama.

Fishing on Lay Lake.