Alabama Bass Fishing - Hidden Destination

Lake Purdy, nestled just outside Birmingham, Alabama, is a premier destination for bass fishing enthusiasts. 

Whether you're a seasoned angler or new to the sport, understanding effective techniques and prime locations can significantly enhance your fishing experience at this hidden gem.​

(David M.) Largemouth from the Friday Night Bass Tournament At Lake Purdy.

Effective Bass Fishing Techniques at Lake Purdy

To maximize your success, consider employing the following strategies:​

1. Topwater Fishing: During early mornings and late evenings, bass often feed near the surface.

   Utilizing topwater lures like poppers or frogs can entice explosive strikes.​

2. Crankbait Fishing: As the sun rises, bass may move to deeper waters. Medium to deep-diving crankbaits can effectively target these fish.​

3. Carolina Rigging: For bass located on long, sloping points, Carolina-rigged soft plastics can be particularly effective.

   This technique allows you to cover more ground and maintain contact with the bottom, where bass often feed.​

4. Shaky Head Worms: Utilizing a floating worm on a shaky head setup can be particularly effective during the spawn. This approach allows for a subtle presentation that can entice cautious bass. ​

Prime Fishing Spots at Lake Purdy

Identifying the right locations is crucial for a successful outing. Key areas to focus on include:​

• Shoreline Areas: Bass often feed ferociously on shad around the shoreline, making it an excellent spot for topwater baits. 

• Bridges HWY 119 & Grants Mill: Bridges and structures provide shade and attract baitfish, which brings in the bass and other fish. The Little Cahaba River channel runs right under Grants Mill bridge. That creek channel is like a highway fish use to move around the lake.

• Submerged Structures: Places with submerged trees, rock piles, or sunken structures offer excellent habitats for Bass & Crappie.

  Using sonar equipment can help locate these brush piles and rocky underwater humps where the big ones hang out.

Seasonal Considerations

Understanding seasonal patterns enhances your fishing strategy:​

• Spring (March-May): Bass move to shallow waters for spawning. Targeting shallow coves and flats with soft plastics or spinnerbaits can be effective.​

• Summer (June-August): As temperatures rise, bass often retreat to deeper, cooler waters. Deep-diving crankbaits and Carolina rigs work well during this period.​

• Fall (September-November): Bass become more active, feeding aggressively to prepare for winter. This season offers excellent opportunities for various techniques, including topwater and crankbait fishing.​

This beautiful Bass at Lake Purdy 119 Bridge caught by Hunter K. on a Spinnerbait in the shallow creek channel.

Upcoming Fishing Tournaments at Lake Purdy

For those interested in competitive fishing, Alabama hosts numerous tournaments throughout the year. Notable events include:​

• Lake Purdy Big Bass Contest - Monthly Big Bass Contests at Lake Purdy

• Best 5 Crappie - Lake Purdy Crappie Contest - Monthly Crappie contest for the best 5 Crappie ( Max 2 per day weighed in)

• Annual Lake Purdy Friday Night Classic - Friday Night Bass Tournament- 22 Week Long Friday Night Bass Tournament from 6pm to Midnight starting the 1st Friday in April 6pm.

Lake Purdy in Birmingham is Alabama's hidden gem for Bass & Crappie anglers looking for a different body of water than most Alabama lakes.

The rocky humps and points all the way to the backs of the creeks holds fish but sometimes it can be a challenge unless you find what the fish are doing that time of year. Are they up shallow around the banks or are they chasing shad out on the surface or hanging out deep in 10+ foot of water?

Call the Bait Shop find out what the lake is doing and go rip some lips at Lake Purdy!