Ashland, AL Fishing: An Extraordinary Lake Fishing Experience in the City of Friends

Ashland was dubbed the "City of Friends" due to its welcoming populace and ability to provide the image of a small town while providing many of the same amenities found in bigger urban centers. Ashland, Alabama, a city in the geographic center of the state of Alabama, United States, was formally established in 1871. The city snowballed in its early years. Because the first graphite mine in Alabama did not open until 1899, the community did not begin to flourish until then.

The chicken industry was one of the newest draws to Clay County in the 1920s. Lots and lots of birds, countless eggs, and massive coops. Around 1921, Reverend Secelar Claxton Ray brought one hundred day-old chicks and an oil-burning brooder to the Clay County Fair to highlight the benefits of raising chickens as a cash crop on farms in addition to cotton. Although the local farmers initially paid little attention to this novel idea, they soon caught on. By the turn of the millennium, timber, poultry, and cabinet building had emerged as the most important economic pillars.

Well-respected public schools, a newly renovated library, a hospital, a wellness center, a nursing home, and a senior center are just a few of the numerous Ashland institutions that attest to the city's strong sense of community. Ashland contains churches representing a wide range of religions, and the metropolis also has a thriving Arts League open to people from all over the county. Ashland is a haven for anglers, families, educators, and learners, and it is also home to a wealth of outstanding venues and services.

Ashland Fishing

Alabama is home to many exceptional fishing spots, such as the Mississippi River, Lake Guntersville, and Smith Lake. On the other hand, the abundance of fantastic places to go freshwater fishing in the surrounding region makes Ashland an excellent destination for anglers.

Clay County Lakes consists of three lakes with respective sizes of 13 acres, 23 acres, and 38 acres. It is possible to reach the Clay County Lakes by traveling westward from Delta, a town in east-central Alabama, for only one mile along State Lake Road. The best thing is that there are clean public bathrooms and concessions where you may purchase beverages and snacks in addition to a vast selection of fishing gear, live and artificial baits, and other related items. They also have an easily accessible fishing pier that allows anglers to explore deeper water without needing a boat. Fish species like largemouth bass, bluegill, smallmouth bass, redear sunfish, flathead catfish, and crappie attractor floats have been placed strategically throughout the lake. Anglers may hire boats. However, they also offer a boat ramp if you bring your watercraft. If you're concerned about outboard motors on boats, you're lucky because they're allowed; however, fishers can only use trolling motors. You may inquire of the lake manager about the availability of picnic pavilions.

An estimated 23-minute drive from Clay county lakes is the Cheaha State Park. The park is the apex of natural beauty and amazement in Alabama. Surrounded by the Talladega National Forest, this foothill of the Appalachian Mountains maintains the reputation of being the highest point in Alabama. Lake Cheaha was hand excavated by the Civilian Conservation Corps. This six-acre lake provides some of the greatest recreational bass and bluegill fishing nearby. It is about three miles from the Mountain Top Resort and across the street from the rustic and lower campsites.

Located south of Alexander City along Alabama State Route 128, Wind Creek State Park is one of the largest state-owned campgrounds in the United States. But there isn't a single thing about Wind Creek that makes it unique. From Wind Creek State Park, there are many routes to Lake Martin.

With its closeness to the beaches of Lake Martin and its 1,444 beautiful acres, Wind Creek is a paradise for fishermen of all levels of experience. The marina shop is open around the clock, sells live bait and gear, and has a 210-foot fishing pier. Spotted bass, crappie, largemouth bass, bluegill, and striped bass are some fish species that call this lake home. A fishing license may be purchased at the marina shop or online. In addition, multiple fishing tournaments take place in the park every year.

If you're looking for a location to put your bravery to the test, go to Chimney Rock on Lake Martin. It may be only one of many valuable secrets the lake has. If you want to unwind after a day of visiting Wind Creek State Park, head to the North Picnic Area, which is conveniently located near the park's campgrounds and provides direct access to Lake Martin for water sports like swimming and fishing.

Top 10 Fish Species in Ashland, LA

The top 10 fish species found in Ashland, LA, are largemouth bass, bluegill, smallmouth bass, walleye, flathead catfish, spotted bass, crappie, striped bass, king mackerel, and rainbow trout.

Seasonal Fishing

Some of the greatest fishing conditions in Alabama occur in the spring. Bluegills, crappie, and largemouth bass may all be easily caught as the water temperature rises. Successfully landing one of these species is more likely for seasoned anglers who know the optimal times and places. While anglers may expect to catch quality fish at any time of the year, the best bass fishing occurs between February and April. As for catching bluegill and redear sunfish, the greatest times of the year, according to both shore and boat anglers, are in the spring and summer. Catfish may be caught at any time of year. However, the peak season is summer. Fish species like crappie are most catchable in February and March. The location of the regulations that govern what may and cannot be taken from the lakes varies. So, it’s best that before heading out on a fishing trip, make sure you have read up on any regulations regarding minimum sizes or prohibited species. 

Let Adventure and Curiosity Meet in the City of Ashland 

1. Go Rock Climbing and Rappelling to Get in Touch with Nature.

In addition to being a fun and rewarding way to test one's physical and mental limits, rock climbing and rappelling also foster a strong sense of community among their participants. Cheaha State Park provides a fantastic opportunity for families, friends, and solo adventurers to enjoy this pastime. Each year, teams of thrill-seekers in search of Rock Gardens and Pulpit Rock trail go out in search of rock climbing and rappelling.

2. Know the Culture of Ashland by Visiting its Historical Places

Because of its various museums and historical landmarks, Ashland is a wonderful holiday destination for history buffs, architectural admirers, and curious anglers. Swayne Hall, the Avondale Historic District, and the South Central Historic District are all close and are accessible destinations for anyone with an adventurous spirit.

3. Visit Ashland City Park and See the Wildlife

The park is 27 acres in size and has a creek, walking routes, and hardwood and pine trees. The land to the left (east) of the entrance road is suitable for an old-field habitat evaluation. The Eastern meadowlark, Northern bobwhite, and Field sparrow are all birds to look out for all year long. Great horned owls and red-tailed hawks both use this region as a hunting habitat, and both find success in it. Wild turkeys like to congregate along the field edges in the early morning and late evening, so keep your eyes out for them then.