On Thursday, June 5, 2025, state and local officials announced planned renovations at Walker County Public Fishing Lake. The lake is located at 4227 Walker County Lake Rd. in Jasper, Alabama.
The improvements will include upgrades to the entrance road and parking lot, restrooms and concessions areas, a new entry gate, as well as construction of a new event space.
“The Department manages 23 public fishing lakes throughout the state," said Chris Blankenship, Commissioner of the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (ADCNR). "The improvements here at Walker County Lake show how these community venues can provide outdoor recreation for multiple user groups. While these renovations will certainly improve the experience of those who fish at the lake, the walking trails, birding tower, archery range, meeting facility and other amenities will make this a special place for all residents of this area.”
Several government leaders attended the announcement and voiced support for the project, including Secretary of the Alabama Department of Workforce Greg Reed, State Rep. Matt Woods and Jasper City Council member Jenny Brown Short.
Construction of the new events space is considered the centerpiece of the renovations at the lake. Officials noted it will be available for a variety of community events.
“I am excited about the future of Walker County Lake,” Woods said. “The new facilities will include a great space to host meetings and events that can benefit everyone in our community. This is a wise investment in outdoor recreation for our region, and I appreciate the Department of Conservation committing the necessary resources to bring this project forward. Once completed, we will have modern facilities that are on par with our state parks.”
Council member Short added: “This announcement is the result of years of collaboration, commitment and belief in what Walker County Lake could become. Local groups and volunteers laid the groundwork through countless projects that showed just how much our community values this lake. I’m deeply grateful to Commissioner Chris Blankenship, Deputy Commissioner Ed Poolos and all of our state leaders for recognizing that work and choosing to invest in us. Their support is a powerful reflection of what can happen when communities come together with a shared vision.”
The 163-acre Walker County Public Fishing Lake is located 3 miles southeast of Jasper and is stocked with largemouth bass, bluegill, redear sunfish, channel catfish, crappie and hybrid striped bass. Trout fishing at the facility is scheduled to begin November 28. Learn more at www.outdooralabama.com/public-fishing-lakes/walker-county-pfl.
ADCNR 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. Learn more at www.outdooralabama.com.
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