Little Bear Creek Reservoir

Description: Little Bear Creek Reservoir (LBCR) was impounded in 1976 as a flood control reservoir and contains 1,560 surface acres of water at full pool. It is one of four Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) reservoirs operated by the Bear Creek Development Authority (BCDA).

Location: Located in Franklin County in northwest Alabama. Take State Highway 24 west from Russellville approximately 13 miles, then turn south on Franklin County Road 88 and you will cross the Little Bear Creek Dam. The BCDA headquarters can be found on the right after crossing the dam. Elliot Branch access area, campground, and cabins will be located on your left just a short distance past the BCDA headquarters.

Status of Fish Populations: LBCR is known for its largemouth bass, spotted bass, and crappie fishing, but catfishing and bream fishing are good too.

• Largemouth bass sampling in spring of 2014 revealed a population with a high percentage of 12-15 inch fish, an average population of 15-20 inch bass, but below average for fish over 20 inches in length.
• From 2009 to 2012, 51,055 smallmouth bass have been stocked in an effort to reestablish the fishery for this highly desirable species of fish.
• Spotted bass are abundant and anglers are encouraged to harvest them.
• The crappie population on LBCR is characterized as a moderately low population of fast growing fish. Crappie reach harvestable size (9") early in their second growing season (1.18 years). The majority of crappie in the population are 10 1/2 to 12 inches in length.

Additional Recreation Opportunities: Camping, swimming, boating, and fishing provide the main recreational opportunities in and around this reservoir.

Public Access: There are three public boat ramps on LBCR (Elliot Branch, McAffee Landing, and Williams Hollow). All ramps are constructed of high traction paving, and plenty of parking is provided. For convenience, there are courtesy piers located at each of these ramps.

Contact the Fisheries Section's District I office for specific questions about Little Bear Creek Reservoir or the BCDA office at 256-332-4392.