As summer heats up, so does the fishing on Logan Martin Lake, one of the premier spots on the Alabama Bass Trail. Created in 1965, Logan Martin is one of the six Coosa River chain of lakes created by Alabama Power Company. The lake covers more than 15,000 acres in Talladega and St. Clair counties. It is very popular because of its location on I-20 between Birmingham and Atlanta and because of its outstanding reputation for Alabama spotted bass and largemouth bass fishing. Striped bass, white bass and hybrids are also caught in Logan Martin.

The lake has 275 miles of shoreline along its banks between Neely Henry Dam at its northern end and Logan Martin Dam to the south. Logan Martin has two distinct types of habitat, making it home to both spotted and largemouth bass. The lake’s upper end has riverine characteristics, great largemouth habitat, and its lower area is filled with numerous creeks and sloughs, where spotted bass are likely to be found.

The lake has a diverse underwater terrain ranging from grassy shallows and dock and boathouse cover to deep water structure. In the heat of summer, most anglers head to deeper, cooler water or fish the creek mouth and channels, where flowing waters create oxygenated currents. And summer fishing typically calls for deep-diving crankbaits and Carolina-rigging plastic worms.

Lodging options near Logan Martin include hotels in Pell City and a variety of campgrounds and RV resorts,  including Oak Mountain State Park and the Talladega National Forest. And don’t forget, the attractions of nearby Birmingham make extending your stay worthwhile for those who want to add some on-land fun to their trip.