Alabaster, AL Fishing: Fantastic Freshwater Fishing South of Birmingham

Alabaster is one of Alabama’s fastest-growing cities. It is considered a suburb of Birmingham, occupying the valleys of Cahaba and Opossum. These valleys are drained by Buck and Beaverdam Creeks, which stream into the Cahaba River.

The city originated as two communities, built for the workers of a mining company and a textile manufacturing plant. Siluria, the community of the textile plant, was incorporated in 1954, while the mining company employees' village was incorporated in 1953. In 1971, the residents of Silurian petitioned to merge with Alabaster, forming the city we know today.

Just as a relatively young city, it doesn’t have many employers in the town proper. Most of its residents commute less than 30 minutes to Birmingham for work. Its biggest employer is Shelby Baptist Medical Center, the county’s only hospital which serves Shelby, Bibb, and Chilton. 

What makes Alabaster such a great city to live in and visit is that it has the best features of a youthful city and a rural community combined. The city is quite close to the Alabama Wine Trail, which is a fantastic way to see the region’s vineyards while partaking in good wine. It places high value on its green spaces — which is why you can expect some of Alabama’s best mountain parks, wildlife trails, and reservoirs in this district.

Alabaster Fishing

Alabama has always been known as a sport fishing destination due to its location on the Gulf Coast. But its fresh waterbodies are not to be ignored. Alabaster, and Shelby County, in particular, offer some of the most productive lakes and reservoirs just south of Birmingham. 

One of the most noteworthy fishing hotspots in Alabaster is Oak Mountain State Park. Anglers can fish in three lakes within the park itself. They are all stocked with largemouth bass, bluegill, catfish, green sunfish, and crappie and are open all year round. You can launch your private boat from any lake and launch in the park, as long as it’s not gasoline-motored. You can use your electric trolling motor, though. Inside the park, you can rent canoes and purchase everything you need — fishing licenses, tackle, and bait. You will find the Oak Mountain Fishing Center at the Back Gate, ironically at the north end of the park. 

One of the lakes you can expect to fish in Oak Mountain State Park is Double Oak Lake. It’s a popular spot for drift fishing, fly fishing, and trolling. The best fish areas in this lake are near the cliffs and shore banks and on the inlets and outlets. 

Lay Lake is a 12,000-acre reservoir that is primarily used for hydroelectric generation. It is quite well known for its sheer size and for hosting many fishing tournaments. Its most popular catch are largemouth bass and spotted bass, but you can also spot a moderate number of crappie and bluegill in the lake. 

You can access Lay Lake from two different parks. One is Beeswax Creek Park. This park offers a public boat launch with four lanes, an ADA-accessible pavilion for fish weigh-ins, and a parking area to accommodate 155 trailers and trucks. It likewise has two fishing piers, one of which is handicap-accessible. Other amenities you can enjoy within this lovely park are walking nature trails, picnic pavilions, benches along the lakefront where you can grill your catch, and restroom facilities. The park hosts many fishing tournaments, including the Alabama Bass Trail Series and BASS High School Southern Open. It has even hosted the 40th Annual Bassmaster Classic.

Logan Martin Dam is upstream of Lay Lake. If you want to fish for some striped bass, hybrid striped bass, and catfish, it’s the perfect spot to cast a line. Its tailwater area is brimming with largemouth bass and spotted bass. Just follow the shad along the banks, and you’ll find the bass on its tails. 

Buck Creek is one of Cahaba River’s tributaries. It used to be a power source for the manufacturing industry in the county during the 1800s. Today, it is more of a recreational area, but it does serve as a discharge point for water treatment facilities in the municipality. It’s a great place to catch some bluegill, redeye, and spotted bass. 

Being in Alabaster gives you easy access to Birmingham, where you can find Lake Purdy, one of the cleanest state waters you can find. It does not allow outside boat fishing to maintain its pristine water quality. You can rent a boat on the lake or enjoy bank fishing for free. The lake hosts a weekly fishing tournament and is regularly stocked with crappie, largemouth bass, and channel catfish. You’ll find the most success fishing in the channel.

Top 10 Fish Species in Alabaster, AL

The top 10 fish species to target in Alabaster, AL, are largemouth bass, spotted bass, bluegill, crappie, channel catfish, redeye bass, striped bass, hybrid striped bass, shad, and green sunfish.

Seasonal Fishing

Spring is the best season to fish in Alabaster, especially if you’re targeting crappie and largemouth bass. The most suitable time to target them is early in the season, a few days after a cold front and before the warmth sets in. Fish for them in the late afternoon or early evening when they feed more actively. Crappie, in particular, can be seen in shallow water around February. Largemouth bass are best caught two weeks after their spawning season as they can be quite hard to catch on their spawning beds. If you’re aiming for bluegill, catch them from May to October during their spawning season. You will find them in the shallow areas with cover. Bluegill rely on their sight to feed so that you may catch them during the midday.

Enjoy Greenery in the City of Alabaster

Alabaster may be an up-and-coming urban area, but it still retains much of its rural roots, which you can enjoy in different ways.

1. Book a Fishing Guide

Practice safe and productive fishing when you visit Alabaster by booking an expert guide who knows the area’s waters.

2. Wander Around Buck Creek Trail

Bike and hike on the Buck Creek Trail, a 3-mile trail that connects  Alabaster’s Buck Creek Park and Warrior Park. The trail is a fantastic way to immerse in rich flora and fauna. The trail also hosts different events throughout the year, including a Trick-or-Treat Trail and even a live music festival.

3. Go on a Picnic at Veterans Park

For a family-friendly day out, head to Veterans Park. This spacious park has many walking and biking trails and even has batting cages for the baseball enthusiast. One of the best ways to enjoy the park is by joining the Nature Walk.