West Colbert Health Clinic   Cherokee Area Lakes

Cherokee Area Recreation - Fishing and Watersports

The Northwest Alabama area is a haven for outdoors recreation. Fishing on Pickwick Lake is just a 10 minute drive from Cherokee. Pickwick Lake is the site of yearly Bass Tournaments and produces some of the best bass fishing anywhere. Seven area lakes, providing 150,000 acres of fishing, are within an hour's drive.

Pickwick Lake (Tennessee River) Pickwick Lake reaches into portions of three states: Alabama, Mississippi, and Tennessee. A canal links Pickwick to the Tombigbee Waterway, which provides access to the Gulf Coast. Spanned by the historic Natchez Trace Parkway, Pickwick is 55 miles long and has 43,100 acres of surface water. Smallmouth, largemouth and spotted bass, white crappie, and sauger are among the prominent sport fish in the lake.

Wilson Lake (Tennessee River) Historic Wilson Dam was constructed during 1918-1925 as part of the World War I effort. The dam is adjacent to the cities of Florence and Muscle Shoals, Alabama. Wilson Lake contains 15,500 acres of surface water and is 15.5 miles long. The waters below Wilson are known as the "Smallmouth Capital of the World" for the trophy smallmouth bass caught there.

Wheeler Lake(Tennessee River) Wheeler Lake was created in 1936 as one of the first major dam projects on the Tennessee River for flood control, power generation, and navigation. The lake is 74 miles long, has 1,063 miles of shoreline and a surface area of 67,100 acres. Nearby cities include Huntsville, Athens, and Decatur, Alabama. Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge, which encompasses 34,500 acres, is a major feature of Wheeler Lake. White crappie, largemouth bass, and sunfish are among the principal sport fish.

Tenn-Tom Waterway (Tombigbee River) The Tenn-Tom Waterway is an outdoor enthusiasts' paradise. From picnicking to fishing to camping, the Tenn-Tom has it all. The river section of the waterway stretches from Demopolis, Alabama north to Amory, Mississippi and encompasses 149 miles and four locks and dams. The Canal Section of the Tennessee Tombigbee Waterway stretches North from Amory, Mississippi to Jamie L. Whitten Lock and Dam near Dennis, Mississippi. Forty-six miles in length, it has a total of five locks and dams. The Divide Section of the Tennessee Tombigbee Waterway begins at Jamie L. Whitten Lock and Dam and runs North for 39 miles to Yellow Creek on Pickwick Lake near the Tennessee border.

Cedar Creek Lake (Bear Creek Watershed) (Note: Off site link) Cedar Creek Reservoir is the newest and largest of the Bear Creek Watershed group, covering 4,200 acres since 1979. 225 of those acres are in standing timber and the lake thrives with Florida Bass, salt water stripe, crappie, smallmouth bass, channel cat and threadfin shad. Fisherman from all around have landed numerous large bass and crappie with the record largemouth weighing in at 15lbs, 10 oz. It is not uncommon to see fish snared in the lakes in the 10 - 12 pound range.

Big Bear Lake (Bear Creek Watershed)Bear Creek Reservoir (Big Bear) was impounded in 1969 mostly as a flood control reservoir and holds 670 acres at full summer pool. There is no size limit for crappie on this lake. This lake is lightly fished, and has some large bass. Upper Bear Reservoir was impounded in 1978 and covers 1,850 acres. Little Bear Lake (Bear Creek Watershed) Little Bear Reservoir was impounded in 1976 covers 1,560 acres. Beginning October 1, 2001, a 13- to 16-inch slot limit will be in effect for largemouth bass. Anglers are encouraged to harvest largemouth bass shorter than 13-inches. Anglers are required to release unharmed largemouth bass between 13-and 16-inches. Largemouth bass longer than 16-inches may be kept. Area Creeks In addition to the large lakes in the area there are numerous smaller creeks that can provide fishing and outdoor entertainment. Big Bear, Little Bear, Rock Creek, Cane Creek, and Buzzard Roost Creek all are near by. The picture on the right shows Cedar Creek near the Mississippi/Alabama state line.