Striped Bass

Targeting striped bass near Cullman, Alabama means heading to Lewis Smith Lake. While not as widely known as some other striper destinations, Smith Lake holds a healthy population of these hard-fighting fish. The cooler months, from late fall through early spring, are prime time for targeting stripers as they chase baitfish in the main lake and near the dam. Trolling with large swimbaits or crankbaits is a popular and effective technique. You can also try casting topwater lures early in the morning or late in the evening when stripers are actively feeding on the surface. A good launch point is the Smith Lake Dam access area, providing easy access to the deeper sections of the lake. Keep an eye on your electronics to locate schools of baitfish, as the stripers won't be far behind. Smith Lake stripers can reach impressive sizes, so be sure to use heavy tackle and be prepared for a long fight.