Lake Mitchell - Site of The 2007
Women's Bassmaster Tour Championship

Public boat ramps, private boat ramps, and several private marinas provide access to Mitchell Lake. Two popular boating access areas include Higgins Ferry on the west side of the lake and Barrett’s Fish Camp (launch fee) to the east, although several private marinas located on the lake also include boat ramps. Topographic maps of Lake Mitchell are available at local marinas and sporting goods stores.

The most common sport fish found in Lake Mitchell include the Alabama spotted bass, largemouth bass, bluegill, redear sunfish, and black and white crappie. Primary forage species include both threadfin and gizzard shad. Most anglers are very satisfied with the fishing on Lake Mitchell because it has remained very consistent during the last 20 years and usually ranks among the top ten reservoirs in the state for bass fishing.

The most productive times to fish are during spring and fall; however, during the summer months, nighttime bass fishing can also be very good. Largemouth bass are more cover oriented and are usually caught by fishing in or near dense water willow stands that grow near the shoreline. Spotted bass are more structure oriented and can be caught from various habitat-types including, points, humps, ledges, rock-piles, and vegetation.

Popular bass lures include willow-leaf spinnerbaits in white or shad color patterns, topwater chuggers and walking baits in shad colors, hard and soft plastic jerk-baits, and Carolina-rigged centipedes or finesse worms in various shades of green. Numerous bass tournaments are held at Higgins Ferry, with night tournaments generally held during the week and daytime tournaments taking place on weekends.

A tournament weigh-in station is now available to bass clubs at the Higgins Ferry Access Area. For information or reservations for free use of this facility contact Mr. Frank Atkinson, Chilton County Park Ranger at 1-205-755-5952.

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