Billingsley, AL Fishing: A Fishing Haven In Central Alabama

Billingsley is in the north-central corner of Autauga County, in central Alabama, United States. County Road 37 passes through Billingsley in the north-southwest direction, County Road 77 runs south from the center of the Billingsley area, and County Road 24 runs east from Billingsley.

Before it was named Billingsley, the area was known as Cartersville after the W. W. Carter family, the first settlers in the area, founded a grist mill, a lumber company, and a cotton gin in the Billingsley area. As the Billingsley settlement grew, the Carter family was no longer the most prominent clan, having been outranked by the Billingsley family. Clement Billingsley's children received a share of his holdings, which included property, cash, and enslaved African Americans, boosting the family's status in the then-Cartersville community. The Billingsley area was named in recognition of Clement Billingsley, who had served in the Revolutionary War and was one of several war veterans from Virginia who moved west to now Autauga County. Billingsley was incorporated in 1901. 

Billingsley is now a booming town, thanks to the railroad line, a Montgomery branch of the Mobile and Ohio Railroad, that made the economic boom possible. Billingsley is an excellent place for those who want to experience a peaceful, rural atmosphere with amazing nature views. 

Billingsley Fishing

Billingsley fishing is abundant all year round. Many more minor fishing spots, ample with bass, surround the area. A fishing trip to Billingsley should start by visiting the Turnpike Branch. Bass anglers love to fish in the branch due to the number of largemouth bass and bluegill in the branch system.

White Water Lake, Fox Creek, McKensey Creek, Little Creek, Pierce Branch, Bee Branch, Talley Branch, Spring Branch, Beaver Branch, and Indian Creek are the smaller fishing areas surrounding the Billingsley area. These spots are the most sought-after, especially by bass anglers. Bluegill, blue catfish, spotted bass, chain pickerel, smallmouth bass, and black crappie are fish species that anglers can go after in these water branches. 

Traveling further south of Billingsley, anglers can find Whirleys Pond. Anglers visiting the area can catch largemouth bass, spotted bass, pumpkinseed, black crappie, bluegill, smallmouth bass, common roach, and rock bass. This 40-acre spot is a unique slice of heaven in Autauga County, especially for anglers. Aside from fishing, Whirleys Pond's open area would make a great hunting location. A concrete dam in the Whirleys Pond area helps maintain the water in the nearby pond, resulting in stable fishing opportunities. Whirleys Pond is known to anglers who prefer bank fishing and baitcasting.

Less than an hour from central Billingsley, anglers can take a shot fishing at Jordan Lake. Jordan Lake, or Lake Jordan, is a 6,800-acre impoundment and a recreational lake with fishing prospects for largemouth bass, spotted bass, bluegill and other sunfish species, crappie, catfish, freshwater drum, longnose gar, striped bass, hybrid, and white bass. Lake Jordan is very productive and sustains high viscosity of sport fish and forage species. Public and private boat ramps and several private marinas provide entry to the lake. Two general public boating access areas include Bonner’s Point and Rotary Landing. There are also available parking spots in the lake area, picnic areas, and hiking trails for anglers who want to tour Jordan Lake. Anglers can use the boat ramps and go drift fishing. Jordan Lake was initially constructed to help flood control and supply hydroelectricity. Yet, the lake has become very favored for various types of recreation, including canoeing, kayaking, boating, swimming, and fishing.

When visiting Billingsley, anglers should never let the chance to see and fish in the Coosa River pass. Billingsley is near public access to the Coosa River from Elmore County. The river is a tributary of the Alabama River in Alabama and Georgia. Some fish species anglers can catch in the river include blue catfish, spotted bass, largemouth bass, flathead catfish, channel catfish, white crappie, striped bass, and black crappie. Lake Jordan is an impoundment of the Coosa River. The Coosa River basin contains 147 fish species, including several fish found only in the Coosa River basin, such as pygmy sculpin, holiday darter, Coosa darter, coldwater darter, Etowah Darter, Cherokee darter, trispot darter, amber darter, and Conasauga logperch. The Coosa River is also a well-loved swimming hole and boating spot in Alabama.

Anglers interested in fishing in the water bodies within the Billingsley wider area should consult with local resources and the Alabama Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries Division before heading out to fish.

Top 10 Fish Species in Billingsley, AL

The top ten fish species caught in Billingsley, AL, are bluegill, largemouth bass, spotted bass, striped bass, crappie, channel catfish, blue catfish, flathead catfish, freshwater drum,  and longnose gar.

Seasonal Fishing

Alabama has a priceless legacy of bass fishing. Although Alabama's environment and fishing locations permit year-round bass fishing, particular months are optimum for catching different species of bass in some of the state's best fishing locations. Bass fishing is at its peak every spring and late winter season. Although February is the finest month for catching largemouth bass, a devoted angler seeking out enormous bass should also consider fishing in March and early April. Anglers pursue spotted and striped bass in the same season as largemouth bass. These bass species begin their breeding journey in April and continue through late May. The most significant months for catfish fishing are March, April, and May, when spring arrives and the weather begins to warm up. Although flathead catfishing is allowed year-round, the best time to hook them is from late summer to mid-fall.

Meanwhile, the best time to catch blue catfish is in the early spring. Channel catfish spawn happens in May and continues throughout the summer until August. It is also the best period to catch them. Anglers can catch crappie at any time of the year, but they are best captured during winter and spring. Bluegill fishing is open year-round, but its peak season is April through September. It is best to go after freshwater drum during spawning every spring. July and August are the top months for longnose gar fishing in Alabama.

Spend A Day in Billingsley

A trip to Billingsley in Alabama will surely make your heart skip a beat, all because of its fantastic sceneries and exceptional establishments.

1. Book a Fishing Charter

Hiring fishing charters is a simple and convenient answer to enjoy a fun day out on fishing tours and experience Alabama inshore fishing. From the best fishing gear to well-maintained boats and the best advice, the fishing charter and fishing guide will handle everything an angler needs to accomplish their fishing mission. Sunrise Charters, Water Walker Fishing, Reel Fishin' Charters, and Killin Time Fishing Charters are some saltwater and freshwater charters that anglers can hire in the wider Alabama area, offering fantastic freshwater fishing trips.

2. Nature Tour in Tallageda

Billingsley is about 10 miles from the great Talladega National Forest at the southern edge of the Appalachian Mountains. Visitors will surely enjoy a nature trip to Talladega National Forest, as it offers many hiking trails and fantastic views. The Talladega National Forest is physically divided into two areas and separated into three Ranger Districts. The forest has many recreational options for visitors to enjoy. For the best daytime tours, the Talladega Scenic Byway is a relaxing way to catch some breathtaking forest views. Tourists can drive this two-lane paved road through the mountains and valleys at their own pace and stop to take pictures and enjoy the views. The byway is 26 miles long and continues up Cheaha Mountain, the highest mountain in the state. Travelers can also visit the Cheaha Resort State Park, Pinhoti Trail, and Lake Chinnabee Recreational Area for more fantastic day trips. 

3. A Trip To The Baseball Field

The Billingsley Dixie Youth Field in Billingsley is open for visitors who want some physical sporting activities. It is a nice park to spend a day with family and friends.