Fishing

Weiss Lake Crappie Rodeo - 1,000 Tagged Fish released in Weiss Lake  Valued at over $40,000.00

February 15th - May 15th

 

Weiss Lake (pronounced “Wice”) is an Alabama Power Company hydroelectric impoundment covering 30,200 acres in northeast Alabama on the Alabama -Georgia border. The Weiss lake fishery is a major economic influence in Cherokee County, so the locals treat anglers very well. Five free public access areas and many privately run marinas service Weiss Lake. Campgrounds, RV Parks, motels, condos, houses and rental cabins dot the shoreline of the lake. Weiss Dam has a public fishing pier that local anglers say is an ideal spot to catch stripe when the water is being pulled.

More out-of-state fishing licenses are sold at Weiss Lake than at any other lake in the State of Alabama.

Weiss Lake is known as the “Crappie Capital of the World.” Best Seasons: February through May is top months for crappie, with September through November also being good. Limit of three rods and reels, or poles, or any combination thereof on Weiss Reservoir at any time.

Two special fishing regulations apply to Lake Weiss:

1. "It shall be unlawful for any angler to fish with more than three rods and reels, or poles, or any combination thereof on Weiss Reservoir or Neely Henry Lake, at any time."
2. "It is illegal to possess crappie less than 10-inches in total length."

The regulations on striped bass, white bass, yellow bass and hybrids is now the same as other lakes. Several regulations of particular interest to Weiss Lake anglers: "It is a violation of Alabama law for any person to transport more than one day's creel limit of game fish beyond the boundaries of this state." It is a violation of Alabama law for any person to fillet a fish while fishing, or to possess fillets of fish while on public waters except when fish are being prepared for immediate cooking and consumption; provided however, that fish may be drawn or gutted with heads left attached.

The large-mouth bass and striped bass data shows that Weiss Lake is one of the better bass fisheries in the state. In 2009 the population of bass consists of 15-18 inch preferred size bass as well as abundant numbers of young growing bass. The striped bass population primarily consists of 3-7 pound fish, but fish over 25 pounds have been caught as well.