If you grew up in a fishing family, you may have memories of rising before the sun, packing your tackle box, launching the family boat, and beaming with pride when you caught even the tiniest fish. For most kids, fishing is not so much about the fish. It’s really about doing something special with someone they love and admire. If you want to pass on (or start) your fishing family tradition, grab your fishing pole and bucket of worms! We’ve made a list of 10 spots for fishing near Birmingham where you can teach your little one to fish and make memories with your family.
1. Aldridge Gardens
Aldridge Gardens is an amazing place to take a long stroll, admire the beautiful flowers, and spot a wide range of animals. People are invited to fish in the Aldridge Gardens lake Monday through Thursday from 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM. Fishing is also restricted during weddings or other special events. Groups may fish only with prior approval by calling 205-739-6554 or emailing [email protected].
Location: 3530 Lorna Road, Hoover
2. Avondale Park
Avondale Park is a 37 acre park that was once Birmingham’s first zoo! Now it is a lovely park with rose gardens, an ampitheater, baseball fields, and a duck pond that is a great fishing spot. The most commonly caught species in the Avondale Park pond are redbreast tilapia, channel catfish, grass carp, and largemouth black bass.
Location: 4101 5th Avenue South, Birmingham
3. Cahaba River
The Cahaba River is Alabama’s longest free-flowing river, and 135 fish species have been identified in its waters, including bream, spotted bass, largemouth bass, sunfish, and crappie. You must purchase an Alabama Fishing License before fishing in the Cahaba River. This can be done online or in person.
Many people choose to fish the Cahaba in a kayak or boat. There are also a few good places to cast your reel from the bank of the Cahaba River.
4. Highway 280 Dam
At the Highway 280 Dam, you will often find families casting their lines to catch crappie, bass, and sunfish.
Location: Just south of the Highway 280 bridge that crosses over the Cahaba River
5. Lake Purdy
Lake Purdy is a 990 acre reservoir that offers a variety of fishing options. Private boats are not allowed on the lake, but anglers can rent boats, as well as buy live bait and other fishing gear, at Lake Purdy Fish and Boat.
Location: Highway 119, Inverness
6. Cahaba National Wildlife Refuge
The Cahaba National Wildlife Refuge in West Blocton covers 3,681 acres and is home to fish species that include largemouth bass, sunfish and catfish. Fishing options include wade and fish or bank fishing, and there is a ramp that allows for canoe or jon boat launching only.
Location: River Trace Road, West Blocton
7. Cahaba River Park
The Cahaba River Park in Helena has three Cahaba River access points that are open to the public. You can find bank fishing and wading opportunities there. Anglers can find largemouth bass, spotted bass, bluegill, longer sunfish, crappie, and several varieties of catfish.
Location: 2793 River Road, Helena
For more information on the fishing the Cahaba River, contact the District III Fisheries Office.
8. East Lake Park
East Lake Park was once an amusement park, but now offers great fishing on the bank and large fishing pier with a gazebo to provide shade. Common fish caught in this beautiful lake include largemouth bass, channel catfish, and bluegill, but you may also find crappie, green sunfish, and creek chub.
Location: 8101 4th Avenue North, Birmingham
9. Georgetown Park
Georgetown Park has a three acre lake with largemouth bass, spotted bass, bluegill, and carp. Boats are not permitted, but it is a good spot for bank fishing or fishing from the park’s pier with a gazebo. Your family can also enjoy the walking trail and playground there.
Location: 2899 Georgetown Dr, Hoover
10. Oak Mountain State Park
Oak Mountain State Park is the ultimate fishing destination nearby, with six lakes to fish in. Your family can find largemouth bass, bream, catfish and crappie here. Gasoline motored boats are not permitted, but there are opportunities to fish from the banks, canoe or kayak, and boats with electric trolling motors. Boats can be launched at all lakes. Fishing licenses can be purchased on site. If you forgot any gear, you can purchase live bait at The Marina on Double Oak Lake, and tackle and fishing supplies are available at Flipside on Beaver Lake.
If you don’t want your day at Oak Mountain to end, your family will enjoy its may trails, water sports, horseback riding, The Alabama Wild Life Center, and more!
Location: 200 Terrace Dr, Pelham
Fishing Checklist
Before you head to the waters, be sure you check off all of the important things you will need.
- Fishing License: An Alabama Fishing License is required for children under the age of 16 and for adults younger than 65. There are a few other exceptions. You can purchase a short term or lifetime fishing license online or in person. The proceeds go toward conservation efforts.
- Safety: If you are bringing or renting a boat, review boat safety with your family and bring life jackets for everyone. Non-swimmers should wear lifejackets when fishing, even in shallow water. When catching fish to eat, it is critical that anglers know where fish are unsafe to eat. The Alabama Department of Public Health issues yearly fish consumption advisories for Alabama Rivers.
- Fishing Tackle and Bait: If you forget any fishing gear, some locations have items available for purchase, but many do not.
