Lake Martin Fishing

Lake Martin, a 40,000–44,000-acre reservoir in east-central Alabama, was created in 1926 with the completion of the Thomas Wesley Martin Dam on the Tallapoosa River. Initially conceived by Alabama Power Company to meet the growing demand for electricity, the dam construction began in 1923 at Cherokee Bluffs, transforming a scenic gorge into the worlds largest man-made lake at the time. By 1928, heavy rains fully filled the reservoir, submerging communities like Susanna, Benson, and Kowaliga, and creating a 700–880-mile shoreline. Renamed in honor of Alabama Power president, Thomas Martin, the lake quickly became a vital source of hydroelectric power, generating over 154,000 kilowatts to power thousands of homes, while also laying the foundation for a thriving recreational hub.

The clear waters and diverse aquatic habitat, formed by flooded forests and creek channels, fostered a robust fishery from its inception. In the early years, local anglers from nearby Alexander City, Dadeville, and Eclectic fished for native largemouth bass, crappie, bream, and catfish using small boats. The 1960s marked a turning point, as Alabama Power and the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (ADCNR) introduced striped bass to control shad and enhance sportfishing. This, along with the lake’s growing reputation, spurred the development of marinas like Kowaliga and Parker Creek, making fishing more accessible. By the 1970s, Lake Martin was attracting anglers from across the region, drawn to its clear waters and abundant fish populations.

Fishing on Lake Martin evolved into a cultural and economic cornerstone by the 1990s, with major tournaments like the Bassmaster Elite Series and Alabama Bass Trail highlighting its status as a premier destination. The lake became known for trophy-sized largemouth and spotted bass, stripers exceeding 30 pounds, and plentiful crappie around brush piles and bridge pilings. Conservation efforts, including stocking programs and catch-and-release practices, have sustained healthy fish populations despite challenges like seasonal water fluctuations and invasive species like hydrilla. Iconic fishing spots such as Wind Creek, Blue Creek, and the Kowaliga Bridge remain popular, supported by infrastructure like Wind Creek State Park, one of the largest state park campgrounds in the U.S.

Today, Lake Martin is celebrated as Alabama’s “Jewel” for its vibrant fishing culture and $1 billion tourism economy. Annual events like the Crappie World Championship and local derbies draw thousands, while social media showcases catches against scenic backdrops. With year-round fishing peaking in spring and fall, Lake Martin continues to blend its hydroelectric origins with a legacy of angling excellence, making it a cherished destination for anglers and visitors alike.

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*** PLEASE NOTE ***

Please check local, state/province, and federal laws before fishing for any species found on this site. All data is based on historical data found for this area, and in some cases as far back as the year 1600.

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