Woodland Lake in Randolph County: How and When to Fish It

• Overview

  The Randolph County entry here is Woodland Lake, in Alabama. What surrounds it is open plain. It covers about 8 acres, so this is small water you can walk round in under an hour. Most waters listed here for Randolph County are larger. The nearest town is Roanoke, 14 miles away. The nearest city of size is South Fulton, 45 miles away. The boundary is close enough to be worth checking before you fish.

• Where to Fish on Woodland Lake

  Depth here is unknown, so count the lead down before committing. Held water runs deepest at the wall and shallows back to the inflow. Inflow corners move water, and moving water gathers fish. Fish reported in the area, according to open records, include tallapoosa darter, muscadine darter, bronze darter and tallapoosa shiner. Records come from public data, not from a stocking programme. On Woodland Lake the first feature you find is usually worth a session.

• Seasonal Patterns

  The seasonal spread runs 42°F to 78°F. Fishing runs all year, with summer the awkward season. Shade and hour of day matter more than month. Late winter often fishes better here than midsummer does. Plan any trip to Woodland Lake around it. Late summer often means an early start or nothing at all.

• Tackle & Baits

  The access position is unclear from public sources. Access points are not mapped for this water, which suits people who like quiet. Keep the gear simple: light line, small hooks, split shot and a couple of proven lures. Where the road in crosses private land, ask first. Keep proof of licence with you rather than in the car. New Hope Lake, 2.7 miles away, makes the obvious fallback. Rules at Woodland Lake are worth checking on the day.