Kelly Lake, Alabama: Fishing Spots and Seasons

• Overview

  Kelly Lake is one of the Houston County listings for Alabama. The surface lies 282 feet up. The nearest town is Midland City, 3.4 miles away. Then Dothan, 5.7 miles, and Kinsey, 7.1 miles. What else is close: 0.7 miles away is Murphy Millpond, Howell Pond at 2.2 miles, 3.2 miles away is Spann Ponds, Wheelless Lake at 3.8 miles and 5.6 miles away is Coleman Pond. Rules can differ a short way off, since the county line is near.

• Where to Fish on Kelly Lake

  Without a survey to go on, judge depth from how the bank falls away. Inflow corners move water, and moving water gathers fish. Look for where the old bank line still shows under the surface. Public wildlife records from this area list largemouth bass, redbreast sunfish, blackbanded darter, brown darter and choctawhatchee darter. Presence in the area does not guarantee a fish in this exact water on the day. The near bank of Kelly Lake is often the one people ignore.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Climate normals give 81°F for July and 48°F for January. Cold never shuts this water down; heat is the only limit. Season rules are a separate question. The first and last hours carry the summer; the middle is slow. March through May is the strongest run, with October and November a second stretch. Kelly Lake fishes to that pattern most years.

• Tackle & Baits

  Ownership and access are not documented in what we hold. Expect a half a mile walk in from where the car goes. A small crankbait along the drop and a worm in the thick stuff cover the bass. Local rules can differ across the county line, so check where you stand. Fishing rules and camping rules are set separately here. Murphy Millpond at 0.7 miles is the sensible second choice. Check the position on Kelly Lake before loading the car.