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SYLVANIA

DEKALB COUNTY LAKE

DEKALB COUNTY
STATE PUBLIC FISHING LAKE,
Sylvania, Alabama
Mr. Lee Biddle, Manager
720 Michael Road
Sylvania, AL 35988
(256) 657-1300

For current and upcoming lake events click here.

DeKalb County Lake is 120-acre located on Sand Mountain within Sylvania, Alabama.

Directions: From Rainsville take Sylvania Ave S. (AL HWY 75) heading north for 6 miles, then turn left on Blue Pond Blvd W.  for 3/4 mile, then turn right on Michael Rd to DeKalb County Lake.

INFORMATION SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE.
DeKalb County Lake is open Sunrise to Sunset, though night fishing may be available at the fishing pier (call the lake manager) as follows:
February 1 - May 30: DeKalb County Lake is open 6 days a week (closed Wednesday's);
June 1 - November 30: DeKalb County Lake is open 6 days a week (closed Wednesday's).
December 1 – February 1: the lake is open 6 days a week (closed Wednesday's).
Call the manager at (256) 657-1300 to verify the schedule before making the trip.

Fishing: Bass fishing good year-round, with the biggest usually caught from February through April when they are near the bank. Bluegill and red-ear sunfish are caught by bank and boat anglers from spring through summer. Catfish are caught year-round, but the summer months are best. Crappie fishing is best in February and April.

Facilities: Facilities: Campground with hookups (no showers), clean public restrooms, and concessions are available, including a wide variety of fishing tackle, live and artificial baits, and other fishing supplies, as well as drinks and refreshments. An accessible fishing pier makes it easy to reach deeper water without using a boat. Fish attractors have been added around the lake. Boats are also available for rent; a launching ramp is available for anglers with their own boats. Boats may have an outboard motor attached, but anglers may not use the outboard motor, only the trolling motor. Picnic pavilions are available; contact the lake manager.

Licenses and Permit Requirements

Resident Alabama State Rod and Reel License (annual)                                              $12.00

Alabama (Resident) Wildlife Heritage License (annual)                                              $10.00

Non-Resident Alabama Fishing License (7-Day Trip and Annual Available)               varies

Daily Fishing Permit in addition to license (age 12 and older)                                 $3.00

Boat Rental Permit (Daily fishing permit also required.)                                            $5.00

Launch Permit for Personal Boat                                                                                      $3.00

Rental Equipment

Life Preserver (PFD) (Boater required to have own PFD or rent PFD.)                  $1.00

Anchor                                                                                                                                   $1.00

Paddle                                                                                                                                   $0.50

BAIT

Worms (red worms, jumpers, night crawlers, wax worms and meal worms)         $2.50

Crickets (half tube - approximately 50)                                                                        $1.75

Crickets (full tube - approximately 100)                                                                      $3.00

Toughie Minnows (fathead minnows) (dozen)                                                           $1.00

Licenses and Permit Requirements

Regulations (partial list; complete regulations are available in the current regulation book and the "Alabama Game, Fish, and Wildlife Law Book"):

(1) Any person 12 years old or older must have a valid daily fishing permit in possession to fish. No child younger than 12 years old can legally be left unaccompanied by an adult.

(2) The daily creel, possession and size limits for each species are posted at the lake.

(3) Fishing is limited to daylight hours, or as specified by the lake manager.

(4) Swimming and wading are not allowed.

(5) Fish taken from the lake must be carried to the lake manager, who will count and weigh them.

(6) No method other than hook and line with natural or artificial bait may be used to take fish from a State Lake. Taking, or attempting to take, fish by any other means is not allowed, including but not limited to: snagging, snatching, trot lines, set hooks, limb lines, jug fishing, spear, or bow and arrow.

(7) Anyone launching a boat at a State Lake must have a valid launch permit and fishing permit.

(8) State fishing license requirements are in effect and fishing licenses may be purchased at State Public Fishing Lakes.

(9) A person fishing shall upon demand exhibit his catch, fishing permit, and fishing license to any Conservation Officer, concessionaire, or other agent or employee of the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources for inspection.

(10) No species of fish shall be stocked in the state-owned public fishing lakes. Live minnows used for bait shall be limited to goldfish minnows (Indiana minnows); golden shiners (shiners) and fathead minnows (toughies or tuffies) and no minnow, either dead or alive, shall be released from a minnow bucket or other method.