Alabama Fishing License & Smith Lake Regulations
What you need to know before you wet a line at Lewis Smith Lake.
Do I Need a Fishing License in Alabama?
Yes. Any person age 16 or older fishing in Alabama public waters must have a valid Alabama freshwater fishing license. This applies to residents and non-residents alike. Children under 16 are exempt from the license requirement.
Alabama Freshwater Fishing License — Fees
The following represent approximate 2024 license fees. Exact rates may change — verify at outdooralabama.com/licenses:
| License Type | Resident | Non-Resident |
|---|---|---|
| Annual Freshwater Fishing | ~$9.50 | ~$47.00 |
| 7-Day Fishing (Non-Resident) | N/A | ~$25.00 |
| Daily Fishing (Non-Resident) | N/A | ~$9.50 |
| Senior (65+, Resident) | Free or reduced | N/A |
| Hunting & Fishing (Combo) | ~$32.85 | ~$159.00 |
Where to Buy a Fishing License
- Online at outdooralabama.com
- Any Walmart sporting goods department in Alabama
- Most bait shops and marinas near Smith Lake
- Alabama DCNR field offices
- Phone: through the Alabama DCNR license system
Smith Lake Bass Regulations
Lewis Smith Lake has specific regulations for bass species that differ from statewide defaults. Key points (verify current rules):
- Spotted bass: Alabama has no statewide minimum length limit for spotted bass on most public waters, but daily creel limits apply. Smith Lake may have specific bag limits — check ADCNR regulations for the Sipsey Fork/Smith Lake zone.
- Largemouth bass: The statewide minimum size limit applies where largemouth are present.
- Bass (tournament): Tournaments on Smith Lake must be registered with ADCNR. Anglers participating in tournaments are still bound by all applicable size and bag limits.
Striped Bass Regulations
Striped bass on Smith Lake are subject to specific regulations that have historically included minimum size limits (often 18 inches) and daily creel limits (typically 5 fish per day). These regulations can change based on fish population surveys. Always check the current ADCNR regulation summary before targeting stripers.
Crappie and Catfish
Crappie and catfish regulations on Smith Lake follow the general statewide guidelines for most of the lake. Crappie minimums are typically 9–10 inches with a daily creel of 30 fish. Catfish have no minimum size on most Alabama public waters, with creel limits of 10 fish for flatheads. Verify current rules at outdooralabama.com.
Boat Registration
All motorized boats must be registered with the Alabama Department of Revenue. Non-resident boats may operate in Alabama for up to 90 consecutive days on their home state registration. All boats must carry required safety equipment: life jackets for each occupant, a fire extinguisher, a throwable device, and required lights for nighttime operation.
Alabama Power Shoreline Regulations
Smith Lake's shoreline is controlled by Alabama Power under a FERC license. Docks, boathouses, and other structures require permits from Alabama Power. Shoreline clearing and modification have specific rules. If you're buying or building on Smith Lake, understanding Alabama Power's shoreline management rules is essential — contact apcshorelines.com for details.
For help understanding what you can do with lakefront property, local expert Justin Dyar at justindyar.com has guided hundreds of buyers and sellers through the process. He understands the dock permitting and shoreline rules as well as anyone in the area.