Bakerhill, AL Fishing: Instant Access to Southeast Alabama’s Bass Fishing Capital

Bakerhill is a small residential community in the southern region of Barbour County in southeast Alabama. It is a fairly young incorporated community, though it has existed as an unincorporated village even before 1860. When it was first settled, it was known as Chestnuttville, named after a local merchant named Alpheus R. Chestnutt. It then started to carry the name Bakerhill (or Baker Hill in some other early documents) in the mid-nineteenth century after the Baker family, who were originally from South Carolina. Some of its early industries were turpentine production and bauxite mining. It was officially incorporated in 1997 after establishing a poultry-processing plant nearby.

Bakerhill is not a tourist spot in its own right but is located near many worthwhile attractions in the Barbour County area. Mere miles away from the site is Lake Eufaula, a vast bass fishing haven running along the border of Alabama and Georgia. The lush Eufaula National Wildlife Refuge, situated on the eastern and western Chattahoochee River, and the beautiful Blue Springs State Park are a quick drive away from Bakerhill.

Barbour County itself is a natural fishing wonderland. It is part of the state’s East Gulf Coastal Plain section and has two major rivers, the Chattahoochee River on the east and the Choctawhatchee River on the southwest. Anglers seeking to fish in the remarkable waterbodies of southeastern Alabama will find Bakerhill an ideal central base for fishing tours in the region.

Bakerhill Fishing

Barbour County fishing occurs mainly in freshwater and brackish water bodies running along the region. Start your Alabama inshore fishing trip in the county by heading straight to Lake Eufaula. Officially named Walter F. George Lake, this 45,000-acre US Army Corps of Engineers reservoir was completed in 1963. It’s built on the Chattahoochee River, which runs along the borders of Alabama and Georgia.

When it first opened in the 60s and 70s, Lake Eufaula garnered a reputation as the “Bass Fishing Capital of the World.” While many other waterbodies have since staked their claim to the title, Lake Eufaula remains an excellent and highly sought-after fishing spot, hosting several fishing tournaments every year, a testament to its productivity and trophy fish.

While Lake Eufaula is primarily known for its spotted bass and largemouth bass fisheries, it supports healthy populations of other fish species, including hybrid striped bass, crappie, bluegill, redear sunfish, channel catfish, flathead catfish, and blue catfish. The lake has over 600 miles of shoreline open for fishing and is likewise surrounded by a range of fishing facilities, including boat ramps, parks, and campgrounds. It also has marinas, where you’ll likely find striped bass charters or other charter businesses specializing in your target catch.

The structure makes this lake a unique spot that attracts a lot of fish. It has humps, flats, and channels that fish love. Anglers new to the lake might find its vastness intimidating, so a great way to fish in it is by staying in a rut.

There are various spots all over the county where anglers can access Lake Eufaula. The northern section of the lake is situated within the Eufaula National Wildlife Refuge, 10 miles north of the namesake place. Anglers are permitted to fish within the NWR and may use the boat ramp within the premises. South of the refuge is Lakepoint State Park. It offers three boat access sites and a marina.

Aside from the public boat ramp at Lakepoint, there are plenty more public boat ramps and landings with access to Lake Eufaula. On the Alabama side, anglers can use the boat ramps at Cheneyhatchee Creek, White Oak Creek, Hardridge Park, and Highland Park. The Old Creek Town and Barbour Creek boat ramps are free to use as the city owns them. Thomas Mill Creek is likewise free to use as it is owned by the state’s Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries Division. Fishing piers are available at Old Creek Town Park and Highland Park.

Lake Eufaula is still a popular bass fishing hotspot, so every spring, expect plenty of tournament anglers crowding in during weekends. If you’re not joining the tournaments, your best bet is to get here during the weekday to avoid the crowd and competition.

For a more quaint fishing experience, anglers can head to nearby Blue Springs State Park situated east of Clio, also in the southeastern part of Barbour County. The small state park is a local favorite because of its swimming facility. It has a small stocked pond filled with catfish, bass, and bluegill or bream. It’s not open for boat fishing, and fish must be harvested from the pond only with a pole or rod and reel. 

The park likewise has access to the rich waters of the Choctawhatchee River. Considered one of the state’s 10 Natural Wonders, the river starts in Barbour County and empties into the Gulf of Mexico. It is a typical coastal river rich in cypress, oak, and other hardwood trees. It is home to angler favorites, including largemouth bass, channel catfish, flathead catfish, spotted bass, hybrid white and striped bass known as sunshine bass, warmouth, and different sunfish species. 

Top 10 Fish Species in Bakerhill, AL

The top 10 fish species found in Bakerhill, AL, are largemouth bass, striped bass, spotted bass, hybrid striped bass, warmouth, channel catfish, flathead catfish, crappie, redear sunfish, and bluegill.

Seasonal Fishing

Bass fishing typically reaches its peak in the spring, and it’s no different in Bakerhill and Barbour County. If you’re exclusively targeting bass in Lake Eufaula during spring, go to the shorelines where there are docks and brushes — prime hiding spots for bass and sunfish. Move along with the bass as they seek cover in the shallows for spawning and feeding before moving to the other structures: creek channels, islands, and ledges. If you’re keen to catch some hybrid striped bass, look for schools of baitfish; this predatory fish is most likely on their tail. If you arrive around winter and summer, you can expect the striped bass to move along the channels’ deeper parts.

Catfish are abundant in the region all year round, but you can expect them to be more active in the warmer months. Channel cats are the most plentiful, but the blues also catch up in large sizes. For crappie fishing trips in the lake, spring is your season. Crappie over 13 inches are fairly common in the lake, and many anglers have been catching the limits of the fish in spring.

Family-Friendly Enjoyment Awaits in Bakerhill

Bakerhill is a quaint residential area with easy access to beautiful Barbour County attractions. The entire county is a restful destination with lots of natural sights and historical landmarks that the whole family can enjoy.

1. Book a Fishing Charter

Get to know the water bodies and fishing opportunities in an area by booking a fishing charter. It’s the best way to enjoy a productive fishing trip in a new place, especially if you want to target a particular fish species or try a fishing technique. If you’re bringing your entire family, make sure your charter can accommodate them on the boat.

To find the perfect charter, search for ones specializing in your target catch in the region. Killin Time Fishing Charters in Orange Beach offers inshore fishing for redfish, red snapper, and sea trout. Launching off the same beach, Reel Fishin’ Charters offers both inshore fishing for the same species and offshore fishing for deep sea favorites like cobia and common dolphinfish. You can likewise choose a charter based on your location. If you’re near the Gulf Shores area, you should book Sunrise Charters or Water Walker Fishing, which both offer inshore fishing. 

2. Walk Amidst History

Curious about Alabama’s origin story. Go on a walking tour of the Seth Lore and Irwinton Historic District in nearby Eufaula. It is the largest historic district in East Alabama and is the second biggest in the entire state. It has more than 700 structures within its territory, all listed on the National Register of Historic Places. A highlight is Governor’s Park, a beautiful park overlooking Lake Eufaula that honors six governors of Alabama who were Barbour County residents.

3. Swim in a Natural Spring

Blue Springs State Park nearby Clio has a unique swimming pool that many locals love. Its waters are known to be crystal clear that stay cool at 58 degrees all year round, fed from an underground spring. Fishing is not allowed in this natural spring, so swimmers can have it all to themselves. Besides its fishing and swimming facilities, Blue Springs State Park hosts Chitlin’ Jamboree. This annual summer festival features a parade and a cooking contest and is a staple in the county.