Chambers County Public Fishing Lake near Lafayette, Alabama, will temporarily reopen on October 15, 2020. The lake will remain open through March 14, 2021. Daily creel and length limits will be waived during this period, and anglers are encouraged to keep all of the fish they catch. Operational hours will be from sunrise to sunset, five days a week. The lake will be closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.
Anglers are encouraged to practice “Leave No Trace” principles when visiting the lake, including packing out any trash associated with their fishing trip. A portable restroom will be available at the lake.
Prior to the 2021 renovation there will be no lake manager onsite. Anglers 12 years and older must have a $3 daily fishing permit or a $30 Seasonal Chambers County Public Fishing Lake Permit (valid through March 14, 2021) when fishing at the lake. Personal fishing boats may be launched with possession of a valid fishing permit. A fishing license is also required for anglers ages 16 to 64. Fishing licenses are available for purchase at various license agents throughout the state, through the Outdoor AL mobile app or online at www.outdooralabama.com.
During the closure, the lake will be drained, and the lake’s drain structure will be repaired by the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources’ (ADCNR) Division of Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries (WFF).
After the renovations in 2021, Chambers County Public Fishing Lake will be restocked with various sport fish species. The lake will remain closed as they grow to a catchable size. This creates a new lake effect in which fish populations experience a rapid increase in abundance and growth due to the improved conditions in the lake. The fish will reach a catchable size in about two years and will be very aggressive when the lake reopens, leading to a better fishing experience for anglers.
Anglers looking for an alternative to Chambers County Lake during the renovation are encouraged to visit Lee County Public Fishing Lake south of Opelika, Alabama (about a 30 minute drive from Chambers County Lake). For more information about Alabama’s State Public Fishing Lakes, visit www.outdooralabama.com/where-fish-alabama/alabama-public-fishing-lakes-… or call the WFF Fisheries Section at (334) 242-3471.
Anglers are encouraged to report hunting and fishing violations by calling Operation GameWatch at (800) 272-GAME.
The Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources promotes wise stewardship, management and enjoyment of Alabama’s natural resources through four divisions: Marine Resources, State Lands, State Parks, and Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries. To learn more about ADCNR, visit www.outdooralabama.com.
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