Madison County PFL

Madison County State Public Fishing Lake

Madison County State Public Fishing Lake is located 11 miles east of Huntsville in Gurley, Alabama. This 105-acre lake is stocked with largemouth bass, bluegill, redear sunfish, channel catfish, crappie, and rainbow trout during winter. Amenities include restrooms, concessions, a boat ramp, and a fishing pier. A fishing license and State Public Fishing Lakes permit is required for ages 16 to 64. A daily trout permit is required to fish for rainbow trout during trout season. Licenses and permits are available from license agents located throughout the state, online, through the Outdoor AL mobile app, at county probate offices, or by calling (888) 848-6887. 

Location and Contact Information

2501 County Lake Road
Gurley, AL 35748

The lake is located 11 miles east of Huntsville in Gurley, Alabama. From Huntsville, take U.S. Highway 72 east for 5 miles. Take a left on Ryland Pike Road for 6.5 miles through Maysville to County Lake Road. Take a right on County Lake Road and drive 1 mile to Madison County Lake.

Lake Managers: Chris and Cole Coultas, (256) 776-4905

Hours of Operation

Open sunrise to sunset during the following dates.

• February 1 to mid-November: Open six days each week (closed Wednesdays)
• Mid-November to September 30: Open Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays (closed Monday through Thursday)
• Christmas and New Year's days: Closed
• January: Closed
• Contact the lake manager for information about possible limited night fishing

Fish Species

Largemouth bass, bluegill, redear sunfish, channel catfish, crappie, and rainbow trout (winter only).

Trout fishing at the lake begins near the end of November each year. During trout season, the lake is stocked with approximately 3,000 pounds of rainbow trout ranging in size from 1 to 2 pounds each. An additional Daily Trout Permit is required to fish for trout (see permit requirements below). Trout anglers may also fish for bass, bluegill, catfish, and crappie. The daily limit is 4 trout per angler. Contact the lake managers for specific trout season opening dates.

Facilities

• 105-acre lake
• Boat ramp
• Fishing pier (ADA Compliant)
• Restrooms
• Concessions, including bait, tackle, and snacks

Lake Maps

• Contour maps (PDF 251 KB)
• Open Interactive lake contour map To view the maps, check the “Fishing” box. Then click the plus icon to expand the choices. Check “Lake Contours” and “Lake Depths” and the contour maps will appear.

Licenses and Permits 

• Fishing license required for anglers ages 16 to 64
• $5 Fishing Permit required for anglers ages 12 and up (Includes launch of personal boat)
• Daily Trout Permit required to fish for trout during trout season
• $10 Boat Rental Permit (daily fishing permit also required)
• Fishing Licenses are available for purchase at the lake

Note

This information is subject to change without notice. 

For more information about each lake, please contact the lake manager; WFF's Fisheries Section at (334) 242-3471; or the appropriate District Fisheries Office.