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Free fishing day in AL, plus a Family Fishing Rodeo and great fishing spots near Birmingham
Calling all anglers! This week marks National Fishing and Boating Week, and on Sat., June 9, you’ll have the chance to reel in some fish – for free!
National Fishing and Boating Week is a national celebration that highlights the importance of recreational boating and fishing. During this time, most states offer free fishing days where you can grab your pole and fish on public bodies of water without a fishing license. For the state of AL, that day lands on Sat., June 9.
Head to the Rodeo
Put your cowboy hat away… it’s not that sort of rodeo, sorry! Instead, grab your fishing gear and lots of bait and attend the Family Fishing Rodeo. Hosted by the City of Birmingham Park and Rec, this is the 20th Annual celebration of this fun event.
Held at East Lake Park, the Family Fishing Rodeo is the largest, free community fishing event in the state of Alabama with over 3,000 pounds of catfish just waiting to be caught!
Plus, during the event, there will also be lots of great food, contests, giveaways and more.
No fishing license required on this day (Thank you, National Fishing and Boating Week!).
Gear and bait is not supplied, so be sure to bring your own!
When: Sat. June 9, 2018
Where: East Lake Park. 8101 4th Ave N., Birmingham, AL 35206
Hours: 7am-1pm
Cost: Free
Ages: All
Hot Fishing Spots
Where else can you fish near Birmingham for free this June 9? Here are three spots to check out:
Cosby Lake Park
Located in the geographic center of Clay, you’ll enjoy beautiful views and great fishing at Cosby Lake Park. Catch a range of fish from bass and brim to catfish and crappie.
No motors (except electric trolling motors) allowed on the lake.
Address: 6248 Old Springville Rd., Pinson, AL 35216
Contact: 205.680.1223
Hours: Daily – 6am-10pm
Oak Mountain State Park
Oak Mountain State Park is a favorite spot of many in the greater Birmingham area. From incredible scenery to hiking trails, it’s the place to be if you’re the outdoorsy type. Fishing is excellent, too, with two 85-acre lakes and one 60-acre lake stocked with largemouth bass, bream, catfish and crappie.
Electric trolling motors and private boats only. No gasoline motors allowed.
Tackle, bait and other supplies are for sale at Flipside.
Address: 1100 Terrace Dr., Pelham, AL 35124
Contact: 205.620.2524
Hours: Daily – 7am-7pm
Lake Purdy
Fly fishing, spinning or baitcasting, your chances of getting a bite at Lake Purdy are pretty good. There’s a lengthy list of different fish to catch this spot, including: bluegill, crappie, yellowperch, striped bass, largemouth bass, bullhead, carp and channel catfish.
No private boats allowed. Boat rentals are available at lakeside store on AL Hwy. 119.
Address: 3780 Boast Launch Rd., Birmingham, AL 35242
Contact: 205.991.9107
Hours: Daily from 6am-7pm (6am-8pm during summer)
Fishing on Other Dates
If you love to fish whether or not it’s free, be sure to purchase your Alabama Fishing License before fishing on public bodies of water. You’ll need it on every date besides June 9.
Do you have a favorite fishing spot near Birmingham? Let us know!
