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WEISS LAKE: The Crappie Capital of the World

Weiss Lake is known as the "Crappie Capital Of the World". There are also large mouth bass and striped bass. Data shows that Lake Weiss is one of the better bass fisheries in the state.[citation needed] In 2009 the population of bass consists of 15-18 inch preferred size bass as well as abundant numbers of young growing bass. The striped bass population primarily consist of 3-7 pound fish, but fish over 25 pounds have been caught as well. The best seasons for fishing crappie are March through May, yet September through November months are good as well. The best bass months are February through May, and in October and November.

More out-of-state fishing licenses are sold at this lake than at any other lake in the State of Alabama.

Lake Weiss (pronounced "Wice") is an Alabama Power Company hydroelectric impoundment covering 30,200 acres in northeast Alabama on the Alabama -Georgia border. The Weiss lake fishery is the major economic influence in Cherokee County, so the locals treat anglers very well. Four free public access areas and 37 privately run marinas service Lake Weiss. Campgrounds, motels and rental cabins dot the shoreline of the lake.

The lake known as the "Crappie Fishing Capital of the World" has other fish to boast about these days; largemouth bass and striped bass are making a name for themselves. The largemouth bass fishery has been a best-kept secret for several years. Data collected from tournament anglers and state fisheries personnel has shown that Weiss Lake is one of the better bass fisheries in the state. Right now, the population primarily consists of 15-18 inch preferred-size bass as well as abundant numbers of young growing bass. The striped bass population is dominated by 3-7 pound fish, but fish over 25 pounds have been caught. With a creel limit of 30, one can have a lot of fun getting into a school of these bruisers!! Crappie fishing was good this past spring, but there are many crappie just under the legal size of 10 inches. The upcoming fall season and next year spring crappie fishing should be excellent as these fish grow to legal size.

Best Seasons: March through May are top months for crappie, with September, October and November also being good. Best bass months are February through May, and in October and November.

Mean temperature: annually, 60o F; January, February, 37o F. In March and April, 45-50o F; July, 79o F.

Baits and Lures: For crappie, take some 1/8-ounce plastic or hair jigs, or use minnows under a float. For bass, crank baits, spinner baits and
plastic works are top choices.

Three special fishing regulations apply to Lake Weiss:

"It shall be unlawful for any angler to fish with more than three rods and reels, or poles, or any combination thereof on Weiss Reservoir or Neely Henry Lake, at any time;"

"It is illegal to possess crappie less than 10-inches in total length;"

"It is legal to possess 30 white bass, yellow bass, saltwater striped bass and hybrid (striped) bass or combinations of any size."

Several regulations of particular interest to Weiss Lake anglers:
"It is a violation of Alabama law for any person to transport more than one day's creel limit of game fish beyond the boundaries of this state."
It is a violation of Alabama law for any person to fillet a fish while fishing, or to possess fillets of fish while on public waters except when fish are being prepared for immediate cooking and consumption; provided however, that fish may be drawn or gutted with heads left attached.

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