Barksdale Lake in Lee County: How and When to Fish It

• Overview

  In Alabama, Barksdale Lake belongs to Lee County. It sits at 512 feet above sea level. Small at around 6 acres: two anglers spread out cover most of it. Auburn is the closest town at 4.2 miles. For a city, Columbus is 30 miles off. Within a short run: Pam Lake lies 0.2 miles on, Auburn Outing Club Lake near enough 0.4 miles, Greg Lake lies 0.7 miles on, Meadows Lake near enough 1.3 miles and Wards Pond lies 1.7 miles on. A county line runs close by, so local bylaws can differ within a short drive.

• Where to Fish on Barksdale Lake

  We hold no survey for this water; read the slope of the shoreline instead. Built water gives depth close in, which suits a bank angler. The arms fish better than the open middle whenever the water is up. Records collected within a few miles name bluegill, gulf longear sunfish, green sunfish, channel catfish and spotted bass. Take it as evidence of what swims here, not a promise for one session. On Barksdale Lake the first feature you find is usually worth a session.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Climate records put July near 80°F and January near 45°F. It fishes twelve months of the year. Heat pushes fish deep from June onwards, so start early. November and March are the quiet, comfortable months to be out. On Barksdale Lake that shapes the whole year. The first frost of the year slows things for a few days.

• Tackle & Baits

  The rules here are undocumented as far as public sources go. Parking is not close: half a mile from the bank, and no nearer option is mapped. Bass water: a Texas-rigged worm near cover, a spinnerbait when you need to cover ground. Sort the permit out before you load the car. Fishing rules and camping rules are set separately here. The nearest alternative is Pam Lake, 0.2 miles out. Where Barksdale Lake is concerned, a local answer beats a written one.