The lake bed in 3-D: deep basin, drop-offs and shoreline. Shape estimated, not for navigation. Spot 1 (back of a cove) is open for everyone; the other 6 come with LakeScope PRO. Full screen
Smith Lake
Winston County, Alabama · 21,200 acres (33.1 sq mi)
58°F water, calm this morning.
About Smith Lake
Smith Lake spreads over 21,200 acres in Winston County, Alabama. Lewis Smith Dam holds it back on the Sipsey Fork of the Black Warrior River. Smith Lake is the deepest lake in Alabama and is known for its clear water.
From end to end it runs about 24.3 miles with roughly 245 miles of shoreline. Its surface is about 500 ft above sea level. The deepest water is about 264 ft. Double Springs lies about 4.7 miles to the west. The closest city is Birmingham, about 34 miles away.
- Size
- 21,200 acres (33.1 sq mi)
- Deepest
- About 264 ft
- Shoreline
- About 245 miles
- End to end
- About 24.3 miles
- Elevation
- About 500 ft
- Type
- Reservoir
- Dam
- Lewis Smith Dam, Sipsey Fork of the Black Warrior River
- County
- Winston County
- Water
- Known for clear water
The lake from above
Best fishing times
Saturday Good
- 5:45 am – 8:00 amsunrise · wind 0 mph
- 3:00 pm – 5:15 pm bestsunset, moon overhead · wind 5 mph
Sunday Good
- 5:45 am – 8:00 amsunrise · wind 0 mph
- 3:45 pm – 5:15 pm bestsunset, moon overhead · wind 5 mph
Based on sun and moon times and the wind forecast. A guide, not a promise. The app shows the whole week.
Fish in Smith Lake
Smith Lake holds largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, spotted bass, bluegill and sunfish, crappie and striped bass. With the surface at 58°F, the notes below say which of them should be biting.
- GoodLargemouth bass
Fall feed. They chase baitfish into creeks and coves.
- FairSmallmouth bass
Picking up. Look on rocky points and gravel.
- GoodSpotted bass
Fall feed. They chase baitfish into creeks and coves.
- FairBluegill and sunfish
Warming. Shallow, sunny pockets in the afternoon.
- GoodCrappie
Active. Brush piles and docks in 8 to 15 ft.
From today's water temperature and the season. A guide, not a promise.
Fishing spots
- 1Back of a cove
Sheltered, shallower water where baitfish gather.
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5
- 6
- 7
6 more spots with LakeScope PRO: fish, depth band, water temperature, best time and bait for each.
Picked from the shape of the lake bed. A guide, not a promise.
Water temperature
At the surface, seen .
Water level
No daily level reading for this lake.
Weather and wind
Sunrise 6:19 am · sunset 4:45 pm · waxing crescent moon (lake time).
Towns and places to stay near Smith Lake
- Double Springsabout 4.7 mi west
- Good Hopeabout 5.5 mi northeast
- Hancevilleabout 8.4 mi east
- Cullmanabout 8.8 mi northeast
- Birminghamnearest city, about 34 mi south
Prices and availability come from booking partners; we may earn a commission at no cost to you.
Questions about Smith Lake
What fish are in Smith Lake?
Smith Lake holds largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, spotted bass, bluegill and sunfish, crappie and striped bass. Check the state fish and wildlife agency for stocking and limits.
How deep is Smith Lake?
About 264 ft at the deepest point. The 3-D view shows where the deep water is.
How big is Smith Lake?
21,200 acres, with about 245 miles of shoreline.
What town is near Smith Lake?
Double Springs is about 4.7 miles west; Good Hope is about 5.5 miles northeast.
What is the water temperature at Smith Lake today?
The surface was about 58°F on the latest clear reading. The page updates every day.
Smith Lake on your phone
The whole week of bite times, lake alerts and the 3-D view, every morning.
