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Lake Information for Lake Tuscaloosa
Located five miles north of the cities of Tuscaloosa and Northport in west central Alabama, Lake Tuscaloosa is a 5,885-acre water supply reservoir with 177 miles of shoreline. The tailwater area (North River) drains into the Black Warrior River basin and is a popular recreational area to many anglers. When the reservoir was impounded by the City of Tuscaloosa in 1971, little material was left behind to serve as fish habitat. Consequently, biologists suspected that the lake would be clear and infertile with relatively low fish production. This has proved to be the case, and water visibilities near the dam often exceed 20 feet. Upper reaches of the lake near Binion and Turkey Creeks are more fertile, have lower water visibilities, and are generally better areas to fish.
Lake Tuscaloosa was constructed to supply domestic and industrial water for the City of Tuscaloosa. However, the lake has become very popular for various types of recreation including boating, swimming and fishing. There are public and private boat ramps located on the lake, as well as several private marinas. Public launches are located at Binion Creek (State), Rock Quarry and Sharps Landing (Municipal). Detailed maps of Lake Tuscaloosa are available at local marinas and sporting goods stores.
The most common sport fish found in Lake Tuscaloosa include the Alabama spotted bass, largemouth bass, bluegill, redear sunfish, and white crappie. Popular non-game fish include blue catfish, channel catfish, freshwater drum, buffalo and carp. Forage species commonly found in the lake include gizzard shad and threadfin shad and various minnows and shiners.
Overall, the status of the fish population in Lake Tuscaloosa remains unchanged from the 1980s. The fishery continues to be forage limited, and growth of important sport fish species such as black bass and crappie range from below average to average. Anglers that fish the lake frequently complain about low catch rates and the small size of fish. During 2000, bass tournament results ranked Lake Tuscaloosa 11th out of 25 major reservoirs in pounds of bass caught per day. Lake Tuscaloosa was the site of the B.A.S.S. Federation Qualifying Tournament in 2001, which was held out of Binion Creek Access Area.
Businesses Located Nearby
Bait & Tackle
- Fast & Easy Food Store
- 3301 Greensboro Ave - Tuscaloosa, AL
- (205) 343-6999
- Fast & Easy Food Store
- 5500 Highway 69 S - Tuscaloosa, AL
- (205) 345-4776
- Fast & Easy Food Stores
- 3800 Joe Mallisham Pky - Tuscaloosa, AL
- (205) 345-8205
Boat Rental
- Hide A Way Harbor Boat Sales
- 5335 Skyland Blvd E - Cottondale, AL
- (205) 507-4993
- International Boat Rentals Incorporated
- 2521 Arbor Cv - Birmingham, AL
- (205) 967-8176
- Smith's Sport Cycles Incorporated
- 2523 Skyland Blvd E - Tuscaloosa, AL
- (205) 553-1000
Vacation Rental
- Motel 6
- 4700 Mcfarland Blvd E - Tuscaloosa, AL
- (205) 759-4942
- Best Western
- 2015 Mcfarland Blvd - Northport, AL
- (205) 339-5200
- Country Inn & Suites by Carlson Tuscaloosa
- 4801 Mcfarland Blvd E - Tuscaloosa, AL
- (205) 345-9999
Bar and Restaurant
- Subs N More
- 4396 Rice Mine Rd Ne - Tuscaloosa, AL
- (205) 345-4500
- Archibald & Woodrow's
- 5900 Watermelon Rd - Northport, AL
- (205) 758-8539
- Golden Rule BBQ Northport
- 824 Mcfarland Blvd - Northport, AL
- (205) 330-4000
