Fishing Regulations in Alabama
Last updated: 2025-01-01
Regulations shown are approximate and may be outdated. Always check the official Alabama fish and game agency for current regulations.
Visit Official AgencyFishing License
Alabama requires a fishing license for anglers 16 and older. Resident annual licenses are affordable, while non-resident options include annual and 7-day trip licenses. A separate saltwater endorsement is required for coastal fishing.
Get Your LicenseSpecies Regulations
| Species | Bag Limit | Size Limit | Season | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| largemouth-bass | 5 per day | 14 inches minimum (varies by water body) | Year-round | Regulations vary by specific water body. Always check current Alabama DCNR regulations before fishing, as rules are subject to change. |
| spotted-bass | 5 per day (combined with largemouth) | 12 inches minimum | Year-round | |
| crappie | 30 per day | No minimum (varies by water body) | Year-round | |
| channel-catfish | 10 per day | No minimum | Year-round | |
| blue-catfish | 10 per day | No minimum | Year-round | |
| striped-bass | 2 per day (varies by water body) | 20 inches minimum | Year-round | |
| redfish | 3 per day | 16-26 inches slot limit | Year-round | |
| speckled-trout | 6 per day | 14 inches minimum | Year-round |
Bag Limit: 5 per day
Size Limit: 14 inches minimum (varies by water body)
Season: Year-round
Notes: Regulations vary by specific water body. Always check current Alabama DCNR regulations before fishing, as rules are subject to change.
Bag Limit: 5 per day (combined with largemouth)
Size Limit: 12 inches minimum
Season: Year-round
Bag Limit: 30 per day
Size Limit: No minimum (varies by water body)
Season: Year-round
Bag Limit: 10 per day
Size Limit: No minimum
Season: Year-round
Bag Limit: 10 per day
Size Limit: No minimum
Season: Year-round
Bag Limit: 2 per day (varies by water body)
Size Limit: 20 inches minimum
Season: Year-round
Bag Limit: 3 per day
Size Limit: 16-26 inches slot limit
Season: Year-round
Bag Limit: 6 per day
Size Limit: 14 inches minimum
Season: Year-round
Top Fishing Waters
Lake Guntersville
reservoirSpecies: largemouth-bass, crappie, bluegill, channel-catfish, striped-bass
Wheeler Lake
reservoirSpecies: largemouth-bass, spotted-bass, crappie, blue-catfish, striped-bass
Pickwick Lake
reservoirSpecies: largemouth-bass, spotted-bass, blue-catfish, crappie, striped-bass
Lake Eufaula
reservoirSpecies: largemouth-bass, crappie, bluegill, channel-catfish
Mobile Delta
baySpecies: redfish, speckled-trout, flounder, blue-catfish
Weiss Lake
reservoirSpecies: largemouth-bass, spotted-bass, crappie, bluegill
State Records
| Species | Weight | Year | Water |
|---|---|---|---|
| largemouth-bass | 16 lbs 8 oz | 1987 | Mountain View Lake |
| spotted-bass | 8 lbs 15 oz | 1978 | Smith Lake |
| blue-catfish | 120 lbs | 2020 | Holt Reservoir |
| channel-catfish | 40 lbs | 1975 | Inland Lake |
| striped-bass | 69 lbs 9 oz | 2013 | Bankhead Lock and Dam |
| crappie | 4 lbs 4 oz | 1985 | Weiss Lake |
| bluegill | 4 lbs 12 oz | 1962 | Ketona Lake |
| redfish | 44 lbs | 1986 | Dauphin Island |