10. Lake Eufaula
Walter F. George Dam was completed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in 1962, forming 45,181-acre Lake Eufaula on the fertile Chattahoochee River. The reservoir extends from the Walter F. George Dam at Ft. Gaines, Ga., northward to Phenix City, Ala. Since this lake is shared by Georgia and Alabama, a fishing license from either state can be used here.
ACDNR biologists report that Eufaula appears to have an excessive population of undersize bass, so anglers are encouraged to take home small fish to increase the number of trophy bass. Fishing runs the gamut from hydrilla flats to mud coves and main-lake points. Largemouth are abundant throughout the reservoir, and any tactic an angler enjoys will work here at some time of year.
The major city on the reservoir is Eufaula, Ala., located along U.S. Highway 431. The city boasts a wealth of historic attractions and festivals; visit www.eufaulachamber.com or call 800-524-7529 for information. Lakepoint Resort, located in Eufaula, is one of Alabama State Park’s jewels, reopening in 2009 after a $12 million renovation.
The undeveloped northern section of Lake Eufaula falls within the 11,160-acre Eufaula National Wildlife Refuge, headquartered on state Route 165 approximately 10 miles north of Eufaula. The refuge provides visitors with excellent opportunities for hiking, hunting, fishing or observing wildlife; call 334-687-4065 for details.
For more information on the Alabama Bass Trail, visit AlabamaBassTrail.org.